A Million Times YES...LiHua

It is with an extremely heavy heart, and eyes that have been streaming tears all weekend that I share this news with you. Our adoption agency called on Friday night at 9:30pm to tell us that our sweet baby LiHua passed away. Yes, you read that correctly...Jacques and I have been expeditiously working behind the scenes to bring this sweet angel home. Her death was sudden and unexpected, and I ask that you pray for the people who loved and cared for her until she took her last breath. This must be so very difficult for them.

We find comfort in knowing that this precious child is now free from pain and broken flesh, and she is resting in the arms of our Savior.

Redeemed. Adopted. Safe.

Although our hearts physically hurt, we are still thankful. Li Hua's short life impacted our family in a huge way. She made me aware that within 10 seconds of reading an advocate's plea for a family to step out on faith to bring home a dying child who needed a liver transplant that Jacques and I would say "Yes Lord, send us!" I am thankful that Chinese officials read our letter of intent to adopt this ailing baby, and then suddenly realized that she was wanted, treasured, and worthy. I am thankful that when I came to all of you with a need of expensive, specialized formula and vitamins to help sustain her life, you all rallied and a provision beyond my wildest dream was collected (I assure you that the formula will still be delivered and used for other babies in need).

HOPE is never in vain because it originates with Him, and He never fails. I am thankful tonight even through this hard eucharisteo. We would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Every life is precious.  Every single last one. Our family will continue to say yes. A million times YES!