Christmas Eve

Unlike most of the millions of people in China, I had Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off work. It was such a treat to have a little break in this very busy season. For the second time since I arrived here in China I parted with Abbey for a few hours and left her in the care of my friend Emily, where she got to play hide and seek with her friend Helen and bake Christmas cookies. I went to the orphanage to help with their Christmas party. The children acted out the Christmas story and sang Away in A Manger. I was so happy to see them doing that. They played games at little stations like pin the star on the Christmas tree, face painting, the fishing game, all with "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy" playing as the backdrop. Finally they got to break and eat all the Gingerbread Houses that were donated from our school. They were really excited to do that. I got to give and receive many hugs with these little ones. Later we snuck upstairs to say hi to the babies. I have to tell you that part of my heart is still in that room. The little faces that were peeking out from under those bundles of blankets have been in my mind ever since. Several of the children had serious clefts, but their eyes locked with mine and they cooed and drank up the little bit of affection we could give. There was one baby whose cleft and facial deformities were so severe that I don't think any number of surgeries could ever really repair things...and yet that little heart of humanity was just longing for some love. What life for them? What hope for that one? Thank goodness I know Someone who will make all things new, who says that the last shall be first and the least shall be greatest...one day.
If you are a waiting or prospective adoptive parent I just have to say, let nothing stop you. It's such an incredible heartbreak to see these children with no parents. Don't give up, COME! Is there someone out there thinking you might have room for one more child? DO IT!