Zhu Xiao Chuan

This was the little face that drew us to adopt again. A little boy who has waited too long for a family. A family who has room for another son. A firm conviction that God has had all of this planned from the beginning of time.

Our journey to Xiao Chuan began in April when we received an e-mail from a friend in China. Pam Williams and her husband Clay work in Henan Province teaching university students. They also have a foster home called Swallow's Nest. Moriah lived at Swallow's Nest for about three months before we brought her home, so we have enjoyed keeping in touch with them. She sent an email asking if we were considering adopting again. She mentioned that she was advocating for this little boy who is eight years old. He does not live in her home, but she became aware of him through a friend who volunteers in his home. He had been listed for adoption as far back as 2007! Amazing to think how terribly long he has waited for a family. She thought us of because his special need is scoliosis. She knew we have been down that road to some degree with Moriah.

Andy and I have found ourselves looking at children listed on adoption websites during the two and a half years that we have had Moriah home. We would talk about adopting again from time to time, but never really felt compelled to move ahead. We had said if God put a child "in our laps" so to speak that we would be glad to add to our family. So the day that we got the e-mail from Pam, we were really interested. We talked about it for awhile and decided that we would like to see his picture and get more information. We wrote Pam back. When we saw his pictures we just looked at each other and knew. Our son.

So here we are...moving as quickly as we can through the dossier process. It's easier this time, but seems agonizingly slow as we are so eager to get him home. We have spoken with the orthopedic surgeon who takes care of Moriah and he feels confident that he can help Xiao Chuan with his spinal issues.

So we are stepping ahead in faith...trusting that the Lord has planned this for us and for him.