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8.30.2013

creating memories

We knew that Daniel had been loved, and loved well, during his time here.

And today that was confirmed in our minds even more.

We went for a quick tour of campus...so wonderful to see some little faces again...and then spent the rest of the morning hours in the "big-kid" preschool.  At the end, my crew pitched in with clean up and then were invited to sit at the table along with the children for snack.

A birthday cake box was placed upon the table and Daniel began asking whose birthday was going to be celebrated.  Just check out his face when the crown was placed upon the guest of honor's head...


...he nearly couldn't believe his eyes and ears that the birthday celebration was solely for him.


The August birthdays had already been celebrated, but time was taken today to celebrate my little guy.



It was kind of like a celebrity was walking around on the campus.  Nearly every door we passed by had someone popping out to get a closer look at their former charge.  They wanted to say hello to him, tousle his hair, and comment on how much he's grown.  From the nannies to the staff to even the drivers, there were smiles all around.

We spent some time enjoying the amazing blue sky, sunshine and refreshingly breezy weather in the backyard...


...before enjoying a delicious lunch in the cafeteria and returning to the guest house for an hour of quiet time.


Then, the moment we'd been waiting for, the main reason we made a stop through the capital city.


They had arrived for a visit...to see to hear and to put their arms around the little boy they loved so well when he was here.  They marveled at how much he had grown.

They were amazed by how agile he has become as he ran by them.

They delighted in listening to him ramble on, even if it was in a language they didn't comprehend.


But mostly, they smiled as they hugged him.


And then his nanny from the time he spent in the home came by on her day off to visit.  This is the woman who spent weeks with him in the hospital when he had his open heart surgery.  She stood and watched him play for the longest time, snapping pictures and smiling.

She shared with me audio recordings she had of him when he was first learning to talk.
More than ever before, it was evident that he had been loved...and had been loved BIG!

I'm not sure how to fully express the warmth and happiness in my heart.  I am SO GLAD we made the decision to come.  Yes, it made my big kids miss two more days of school, yes, it added extra expense to the trip, but it gave him some concrete memories of his time of part of his past.  He may not have full memories from his time here before he was part of our family, but we he created new ones today.  

He will indeed know as he grows up that this is a special place and, as their blog states, love grows here.

15 comments:

PC said...

Daniel is a little treasure! Great story & pics!

Anonymous said...

You know New Day has a special place in my heart. :) It was so neat to see you guys there!

Di said...

I love that you were able to offer this to Daniel and to the people that cared for him. Lovely day indeed!!

likeschocolate said...

What a blessing that you were able to take this opportunity for him to do this and what a blessing he was placed in such a great facility. Can't wait to see what the next few days bring.

Gwen said...

Beautiful post, I'm in tears. Would love to take Sarah back to New Day some day. :)

Emily said...

Tears.

Pam

Laurie said...

I'm feeling jealous. Is that okay? I just wish my kids had this kind of experience. It is truly amazing and wonderful and special!!! LOVED the pictures and so glad you made the choice to go!!

Glenda said...

So wonderful! Another prayer answered. God was taking care of Daniel before his mom and dad could come and get him!

Sandy said...

Oh, i love this! I know that our little guy that we fostered in China was so loved by us. Now he is being loved by his ayi until his forever family gets there in a few months. It's wonderful to see love to love to love!

Glenda said...

And he did get one of those fancy Chinese cakes!

Traci said...

I love that he got to see A and J! What a blessing that is!

Andrea said...

Oh what a gift for Daniel and all those caregivers! So glad your family can be together for this trip!

Our Journey to China said...

What an amazing blessing and time for everyone. So glad you all had this time together.

Melissa said...

I simply have no words Kristi......what a blessed time for all of you.

Amanda said...

Although I don't envy the plane flight, it looks like you guys are having an amazing trip and creating some lifelong memories for your kids! You are in our prayers tonight! I hope Natalie adjusts quickly and the rest of your trip goes well!