As many of you open this post to read, we will be preparing for our 12 hour flight to Los Angeles. Our last stop tomorrow is the Chinese Consulate where we have to take an oath to love and care for this child (like anyone would go through this process and not do so). This has been such a lifechanging experience for a precious abandoned child and two grown adults. As Olivia was napping today I went and sat by the pool and reflected back on what has taken place the last three weeks we've been here and tears just streamed down my face. If I could only describe the pain all three of us experienced those first five days, you would have a better understanding of just how this whole experience has changed us. Then, I would take you from the valley to the mountain top so you could clearly see how God has answered prayer. I've seen God give Tyler such patience with Olivia and believe me, she loves her daddy!!!! It was such a blessing that Olivia was from Guangdon province and we had to stay three weeks. We can see where God took those weeks to refine Tyler and myself. Our feet were held to the fire many days, but God used it for our good. Olivia still has so much fear and uncertainties locked inside her heart, but we have seen God at work, chipping away that fear and replacing it with trust. We have definitely learned that God will act in His own timing, in His own way. After being in China we realize why Olivia's birth mother probably gave her up. The poverty level here is unimaginable. But, thank God that His word says, "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." Thank God that He brought this child to us!!!! We came to China as two ordinary people and will return with three hearts and lives that have been totally changed forever. We have experienced the true miracle of adoption. This is crazy, but we felt a little sad today knowing we would be leaving. Not that we didn't want to, but that we would be leaving such a very special place that will remain in our hearts forever!!! To God alone be the glory forever for His mercies and neverending love!!!! Thank you all so much for the comments you left, they were food for the soul. We love you and can't wait to get back to the States on Saturday. See you all soon.
Tyler, Steph, and Olivia Ji'Lan Scales
7 comments:
Oh Stephanie and Tyler. We just love seeing the pictures and reading all the posts. I try not to check it at school because I ALWAYS cry (tears of amazing joy.) God is truly so good to us. Praise His Name! We can not wait to see all 3 of you Saturday. You remain in our prayers. Love, The Dixons
Dear Stephanie,
It is nearing 12:30 AM in China. Oh how I remember how hard it was when I just wanted to "chat" with someone from home and the 12 hour time difference made it impossible during Josiah's nap time! You have almost made it! I know what it is like to have mixed feelings about leaving your child's birth country and yet LONGING to go home where everything is comfortable. My mistake was wanting to go back to where everything was "normal" but then "normal" has changed since coming home, and there is just nothing I can do about it! God is most definitely at work in the very center of adoption. Sometimes it is so very painful that you just want to hide your face and turn away, and yet, when you endure and allow HIM to be your strength, the sweet joys make every uncomfortable step worthwhile. When you hurt, remember that He never allows suffering to happen fruitlessly. Romans 8:28- and we know in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose.
I am praying for His favor over your flights home. Your labor will be worth it because HE who called you is faithful! Thank you for sharing your journey.
In His love,
Holly McDaneld
(Waiting China Families)
Dear Stephanie and Tyler, I have so enjoyed following your journey to your precious baby. Our first few days with our Lily Mei were also very hard. I so understand your joy when the shell was finally broken! I will pray for smooth travels and no delays on your trip home! Enjoy your sweet gift from God! There will be so many happy days to come! Love, Monica Carter, Athens, AL
We have learned so much through you all being in a different place with new people, new surroundings, new life events, a new daughter. I can't imagine how your lives have been forever changed. David and I are so excited to see you come off that plane on Saturday. We are praying you have a good and safe trip home. We love you all very much!
The Wiggs
I know you won't read this in China, and probably not at home for, like, a year, but I wanted to say how much I've loved following you, Tyler and Little Olivia through China!
When you read this next year (ha, ha) you won't believe how much your life has changed. What your friend, Holly, said is so true. You have a new "normal" now. Soon enough you won't even remember the old normal and will wonder how you ever got along without Olivia around to stir things up a bit!
Welcome to the wonderful, rewarding, frustrating, exhausting, surprising world of being a mom!
I can't wait to meet Olivia. And don't let Cooper ask her out first...we've already got dibs! Hey Caacie.
Love you,
Christy
Tyler/Stephanie, I am so blesed by the work the Lord has done in all three of you and there is so much morem to come !!!
Miss you guys being here but cant wait to see you as family!! it will be a wonderful day for the entire family and of friends also! i could just eat her up she is sooooo beautiful!!!
vince.
dying for some updated pics around here!
Post a Comment