to China for Clementine: sisters

Today was a shopping day. Something I’m usually pretty good at.

Sophie, too.

We looked at pearls and jade. Silk purses and chopsticks.

But we wanted to be sure we didn’t overdo it. And with Clementine in tow, we were all a little distracted.

In a very good way.

So we opted out of the rest of the day’s activities.

And got an ice cream instead.

A short cab ride back to the hotel, and Clementine was happy to be back to the familiar. She ate a banana, some rice cereal and downed half a bottle.

Then she was ready to play with her big sister.

Clementine digs her big sister.

What a blessing it has been to have Sophie along on this trip.

In more ways than I can count.

It’s been wonderful for Sophie as well. She has loved being in her birth country again, especially visiting the Great Wall. That was a favorite.

When I asked her what else she’s enjoyed she said, “The food is really good, too.”

“And meeting Clementine.”

When we were considering taking Sophie along on this trip, we wondered how she might respond to being back in China.

We contemplated how returning to China might cause some latent feelings to surface.

We worried that we might not respond as well to her needs as we would hope, considering Clementine’s fragile condition.

Our concerns were for naught. Sophie has taken it all in, asked questions, learned about her birth country and has had an unbelievably mature and healthy attitude every step of the way.

She has a new understanding for the need for adoption for children with special needs.

Especially in a country like China, where medical care is cost-prohibitive and special needs are culturally unacceptable.

And she has a special connection with her littlest sister.

She has witnessed – from the first moments – Clementine becoming part of our family.

Forever.

And, having witnessed a child going from orphan to beloved daughter, it helps her make sense of her own story. As our daughter, and as His daughter.

Once again, He knew best.

“Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

Many prayers answered for Clementine – she is eating and drinking well, and hasn’t vomited all day. Her rash has also improved. We are hopeful all will go smoothly tomorrow at our Consulate appointment and her visa will be issued with no problems. So thankful for your prayers, friends!