Our Sweet Aiden

Three years ago today, I paced nervously around the
lobby of the Chongqing Civil Affairs Office waiting on

the arrival of a little 20 month old baby boy that I

loved dearly but had never met. How is that even

possible? To love someone that you've never seen

seems impossible, right? But I did! The love I

had for this little guy, far before he was ever declared

legally mine, is hard to explain. The love was nothing

short of simply miraculous and God-given. You see,

I did not seek out this adoption (like I did with my daughter)

to help feel the void left by years of infertility. I had

already experienced the joy of Motherhood and had

experienced nearly every "first" that a biological

mother would experience. My desire for a child had

been satisfied.....so why? Why was I pacing nervously

in the lobby of an adoption center in China? Simple.....

I did not think of this adoption on my own,

so God thought of it for me!! He CALLED me to

take this journey, not for myself but for a precious

little boy who so needed a Mommy! Funny thing is...

God knew all along that not only did Aiden need this

family but this family desperately needed Aiden!

The void that I thought was so full really wasn't filled

to capacity until this little guy came into my life! NOW

I feel complete. When God calls....He equips! He equipped

me with such a love for this little boy that I would have

given my life for him without a moments hesitation, before

I even had met him. THAT is a God-given love!!

When Aiden finally arrived at the civil affairs office,

he was escorted into the lobby by one of the caregivers

at the orphanage where he had spent 20 months of his

life. There was no emotion by the caregiver as she

pointed at us and gently pushed Aiden towards us. I

was expecting an outburst of tears and intense separation

anxiety and was pleasantly surprised that there was

none! God was in control of the entire process and

the peace that I felt was like none other! I did not want

to scare Aiden so I did not swoop him up into a giant

bear hug like I so wanted to do. Instead, I sat down

on the floor and played with him for several minutes,

occasionally stroking his back and hair. When I felt

like he had warmed up to me, I then embraced him!

My love overflowed for this little boy, not biologically

mine, but make no mistake.....HE WAS MINE!

I do not know every detail of Aiden's story or what

he experienced in that orphanage for 20 months.

I do know that Aiden has permanent scares on his

little body that tell a story of trauma, pain and fear.

Aiden's life may not have had a happy beginning, but

it will have a happy and beautiful future. Thanks to a

God who knew exactly what Aiden AND our family

needed!!   Happy Gotcha Day Aiden!!  We love you
so much!!!!!