Dayu (Wren) and Shi Toa (Ella) were in many pictures together at the orphanage. We all wondered how this unlikely pair communicated...Wren is totally deaf, and Ella is visually impaired, but not totally blind.
Ella has been asking her mom and dad repeatedly to see Dayu. They said she is the only child from China that she asks to see or talks about. Ella's family made a special trip to spend about 24 hours with us. We waited anxiously for their arrival with MUCH anticipation! Wondering what their reaction to each other would be? I got out the photo albums, and brought up the pictures of them on the computer and explained to Wren that her friend was coming to see her! Coming to HER house. She seemed to understand. Her squeal of delight was so fun to hear:)
Thanks Mike and Margaret for making that huge effort to make this happen. Iley is already asking if you guys can come back next week.
Getting to know each other again and checking out all the toys:)
Wren copying the hand signs on Mike's t-shirt. She would notice:)
Our 3 Zhongshan babies:)
This little doll baby is Grace, she is Ella's younger sister, she is 5. Her and Iley hit it off and talked about being the mei mei's....Little sisters. Iley would lead her around, and Grace trustingly let her! Grace is completely blind, only seeing light, and maybe some shapes. So sweet! We were constantly amazed at their bravery, and trusting, and resilience. What two special, amazing little girls!
Look at our net full of beauties:) I'd call that a Great Catch!
Grace and Wren.
We all headed down to Castle rock to show them a little more of Kansas. It was beautiful and green.....good thing they weren't here in August.....then it's dusty and brown...and HOT.
The girls all wanted to hike a bit. We were greeted by a large friendly pup....two of the girls immediately climbed the nearest person!
These girls were amazing! It was such a treat to "see" hiking by description. On your left is a big wall...we are going up a steep hill, feel the rocks under your feet....Mommy how high up are we.....if you take two steps to the left you would fall a looong looong way......we are going in a tunnel now, feel with both hands along the walls.......lifting them up, setting them down..........such total amazing trust! If we trusted our heavenly father like this.........we would be free indeed.
Climbing and feeling......collecting rocks "to remember my trip to Kansas" say's Grace:)
through the tunnel, calling out to see if it echos
"This is MY daddy."
Sad goodbyes:( with promises to meet again, Lord Willing:)
Thanks again Mike and Margaret, Ella and Grace for some awesome memories! God be with you till we meet again!
I've been following your blog in the background for a long while without once needing a handkerchief.
ReplyDeleteThe caption that "got" me: "This is MY daddy."
God bless,
Phil
She does love her daddy! They both do. We were praying for the orphans and children with no mommy's and daddy's the other night and Iley was asking about that. So I told her, some kids don't have a mommy and daddy, they are waiting and waiting. She piped right up and said "I have a mommy and daddy!" Proud as a little peacock:) We are blessed.
DeleteJudy, what a precious meeting! Ella was still at the orphanage when I visited and I remember meeting her. Precious! I loved the photos of all four girls together! I didn't realize that Iley was from Zhongshan. The photos of Castle Rock were breath taking!
ReplyDeleteYep Iley and Wren have always known each other. Iley was in foster care for 8 months before coming to us. That might be what threw you off:)
ReplyDeleteOH Judy......when I heard Wren's laugh on the video, it was just like hearing Hannah laugh!!! Amazing! Good to see Ella again too! Margaret and I met in China at The Garden Hotel:) We were adopting Reese and Hannah at the same time they were there for Ella. LOVE seeing the reunion!
ReplyDeleteIt would be fun to get them together sometime and see if they relate to each other differently than hearing peers. If you are ever out our way, let me know! Are you on the way to Ohio? We go there occasionally to see family. straight across I- 70.
DeleteJudy, I was impressed seeing you 'sign', I hadn't figured out yet if you were learning that or not. I took ASL in college and so wished I would have had a way to use it and keep it up. GOD bless you!
ReplyDeleteYes we sign. We don't use ASL though, we use SEE signed exact english. Lots of controversy over the best method, but this works for us and we just want to get as much language into her and as fast as we can whether it;s signed or spoken. I can't imagine having a totally deaf child and not knowing some sign language! When her implants are off.....she is totally deaf. But you are right.....if you don't use it you lose it!
DeleteLove this post about our visit. We were blessed beyond belief to share with you and your family. Flying back to Florida yesterday Ella was drawing pictures of her and Wren for about an hour. Their reunion was a very special moment I have watched the video again and again. Mike.
ReplyDeleteWe loved having you here:) Glad you made it back home safely! Blessings
DeleteI met Mike and Margaret in China when they were adopting Grace and we adopted our daughter. It is wonderful to see the girls all together! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOur Gemma was in many pictures with Wren and Ella. I wonder if they'd remember each other? Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAmy Miller
Wren seems to remember all the kids. Iley not as much. If you are ever coming through Kansas let me know!
DeleteJudy, we all had the most amazing time with you all. Thank you for your hospitality and opening your beautiful home to us. I have just been showing the pictures to Ella and she was giggling and smiling the whole time. When Grace was asked what her favorite thing about Kansas was, she replied Iley!!! God Bless you all, Margaret
ReplyDeleteAwww:) That is so sweet:) The girls are still talking about it as well. Iley talks about the "mei mei's" and has started saying "yes please" and "no thank you" LOL your girls were a great influence on her:) SO thankful this visit was possible. The invitation is an open one:)
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing! What a special time that they got to see each other again!!
ReplyDeleteLove you all. What a special post.
ReplyDelete