Wednesday, December 30, 2009

An Early Christmas Surprise!





Hi All,
Yes it has been a few weeks, but with the sickness that has desended on our household and our whirlwind Christmas, I am surprised that I am even posting today! To make a long story short and with two ER visits behind us, Tori has RSV and an ear infection and Chris and I are congested, coughing, and just generally not feeling well at all. Plus I have suffered from a painful ear infection since before Christmas. We don't know how, but so far JJ is in the clear. Let's just pray that it stays that way! Tori and her big "A" for attitude and grouchy dispostition is all that I can handle right now. Yes, I do feel sorry for my baby and wish she were feeling better, but she can really dish out Oscar the Grouch moments to anyone who is in the firing line.

Well, onto the main reason for this post. I have been promising pics of our treasures and details that came from XiXi's research of Xuwen and the SWI. She sent the following to us: a copy of the police report detailing Tori's finding and placement in the SWI; a copy of Tori's first medical exam; pictures of Tori's finding spot; her "finding" clothes; a CD with pictures of the orphange and the area of Xuwen; a DVD highlighting the orphange, city, and rural life of Xuwen; professional pics that are laminated that highlight life in Xuwen; a personal note to Tori from the SWI director; and some treasures of Xuwen including a traditional baby carrier, wedding hair ornaments, and a shell from the shores of Xuwen. We have yet to get the police report, medical exam, and note from the director translated, but we hope to do that soon.

XiXi mentioned over and over how postitive her experience was with the SWI staff. They were very willing to work with her as much as possible. As part of the project, it was suggested that we send updated photos of Tori and her forever family. I am so glad we did! The staff was overjoyed to see them, as they don't receive many updates. In fact, since this SWI started doing international adoptions, they have only placed about 100 children. Our group represents about 10% of the international placements. We will forever be grateful to them for sending us Tori's clothes that she was found in. As you can see by the photo, she had a humble beginning. It is hard for me to look at them long without shedding tears. But, the Lord had her future all worked out, so I try to linger on that thought instead of contemplating the "what ifs."

As you can imagine, there will be several Christmas posts to come. Or since I have this new blog, there may just be one long one! Anyway, check back soon for our great Christmas despite feeling under the weather.

Happy eve before New Year's Eve,
Cindy

2 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm sorry the germ fairy has taken over your house. That's no fun over Christmas break. I'm amazed at the connection you've been able to have with Tori's SWI. What a blessing to share with her someday. May 2010 bring joy and continued happiness to your family!!

Mahmee said...

These are so great! What a treasure trove.
R's paperwork stated that they didn't keep the clothes she was wearing. I would love to have those clothes for her.
Happy New Year!
M.