Our Stanlee

This time a year ago, we were planning a trip to China to adopt our son, Stanlee Ming Hong Grindean! He is a precious, affectionate little boy with a infectious smile... Here is the story of how we came to bring him into our family:
-Jan. 2007- We feel called to adopt from China, encouraged by our host daughter, Yiwen Zou.
-September 2007- We begin looking at names and files of special needs children. They all need homes so badly! We know we are called to adopt an older child- there are LOTS of boys available. Our agency, World Association for Children and Parents (WACAP) says that American families mostly want Chinese girls, even with special needs. So, the boys wait and wait...
-October 2007- We are narrowing our list- looking at 2 boys and 2 girls. One of the boys, Yu Minghong, gets a family. We are getting our homestudy completed and paperwork filled out, so we are just waiting.
-Jan. 2008- Our homestudy is complete. We can now put a child on hold... Looking at more children, and I notice that Yu Minghong is back on the list. I called the agency to see if it was the boy we were looking at with the original group- HE IS! It is rare to happen, but the family couldn't continue the adoption process, so they had to drop him. We decide to put him on hold (after many prayers and unsure thoughts about a boy- there are NO UNSURE THOUGHTS now, though!).
-April 2008- Still waiting on our consulate appointment. Waiting is the hardest part. Beginning to raise money for our adoption...
-May 2008- Have to update our homestudy. Still waiting on appointment... God works out our flights through the generosity of neighbors. WOW!!!!
-June 2008- Nearing the end of our wait. Trying to get consulate dates to work out... Send a care package to our "son" in China. We love him already!
-July 2008- Consulate date works out for July 29. We have to get ready, and fast! God is bringing in funds every day- we are hoping and trusting. We know we simply can't go if everything is not there. We are surprised (but shouldn't be) by God's provision through family, friends, and even strangers. EVERY PENNY we need is raised, and we are set to go!
-July 2008- We journey to China. We first meet our little guy as he is screaming and trying to get away from us. My heart just breaks for him as he not only is thrown into the arms of strangers, but he is crying out for his "Hao Pou" (his foster mother). Over the next two weeks we will have some smiles, lots of tears, and immediate bonding. We had to leave Adia at home with loved ones, so we are missing her as well. We can't wait to get home!
-August 2008- We arrive home to a whirlwind of loved ones and well-wishers. Ming Hong is so overwhelmed that he clings to us for several weeks. Adi just can't understand why her brother doesn't "love" her as much as she loves him. He eventually warms up to her, though, and they become inseparable. Two peas in a pod.

There is much more to Stanlee's journey, but we will post that later. Now he is a strong-minded, independent little guy who lets everyone know what he thinks! He is definitely a gift from God and is a beautiful part of our family picture!