“Let’s
Light This Candle!”
During the summer of 2003, we began to discuss adding to our family. We already
had two beautiful girls, one then 9 year-old biological daughter, and our then
little 2 year-old, adopted from China. We knew we wanted to adopt again from
China. We also knew that there was still an “older” little girl waiting in
China for us. We knew this because for our first adoption, we had stated that
we would accept referral of a child up to the age of 5 years. We were surprised
- and ultimately delighted - with a much younger referral.
During the time that had lapsed since our first adoption, we came
to learn about China’s Waiting Child Program. We also came to learn that this
was one sure way to “find” our daughter! So, in early September 2003, we began
to look in earnest for a little girl somewhere between the ages of our two
daughters. I had reviewed many agencies’ lists, joined various support groups,
arming myself with information and steeling myself for a long wait. Then, just
after Labor Day weekend, I discovered Heritage Adoption Services’ Waiting Child
China Program, and learned of a little girl on their list who was then 5
years-old. Her special need was a difference in limb length, causing her to
walk with a slight limp. I thought, “We can do this!” and emailed Vicki. Vicki
very promptly contacted me, providing me several pictures and more detailed
medical information. I was smitten.
Next, I emailed my husband, who was in Geneva, Switzerland, on a
business trip. I remember sitting impatiently on the phone with him, waiting
for the photo of our daughter-to-be to arrive in his in-box! There was silence,
and then, my husband said, “Let’s light this candle!” Well, now just 7 months
later to the day, we are home with our newest daughter, now age 6, and we could
not be happier! She is a bright, funny child, who fits in perfectly with our
other two girls!
Adopting an older child can pose special concerns, as can adopting
a child with a particular medical need, and adopting out of birth order. Vicki
and Kathy guided us gracefully through these concerns. We were able to send
letters, photos, and packages to our daughter, helping to prepare her to meet
us. Vicki and Kathy also arranged English tutoring for our daughter several
months in advance of traveling to meet her. We were provided updated medical
and developmental information during our wait. At every stage of the process,
it was evident to us that both Vicki and Kathy have all of these wonderful
children’s best interests in their hearts and minds. Should we be lucky enough
to find ourselves in the position to adopt again, my first phone call would be
to Vicki to ask her about Heritage’s beautiful waiting children!!!
Beth
and Dan
