The Gift of a Pearl

Two years ago, Chris and I signed up with a few other Xuwen SWI (Tori's orphanage) families to hire a Chinese researcher to visit the city of Xuwen, the surrounding fishing communities, and the orphanage. Since then, we have received three packages containing information that we certainly treasure, but that Tori will want when she is older. On Friday, we received the last package containing maps, pictures, and DVDs. Among the most important of the DVDs was a video shot by the researcher of Tori's finding spot...very emotional to watch. But, I think the most treasured of items was a Xuwen pearl and Tori's footprint made by the orphanage staff when she was brought there as an infant. If you recall, when I would refer to her back during our wait, I would often refer to her as my "China pearl." Little did I know that she would come from one of the main provinces that exports pearls. I am so excited to have that so that we can have it made into a pendant or ring for her. And the footprint, well, that is something I thought I would never see or have for that matter. It is just overwhelming to have that for her...With JJ, that is something that I just took for granted.

You know I really consider these small little reminders from God that he sent us our "China pearl," and she was always meant to be a part of our family. Chris and I will forever be grateful to our researcher and the adoptive mom who orchestrated this whole project. There was a great deal of work that went into this overwhelming task for families of Xuwen. Yes, I consider this one of those "God things" where we were at the "right place at the right time" in order to be a part of this.

This has been a special Easter weekend for the Whaley family...A special time to celebrate our daughter's beginning and a time to celebrate our risen Savior!

Happy Easter to all of you!
Cindy