China
Guatemala
Russia
Vietnam
India
Ethiopia
It is
noon, you are in your new Graco chair for lunch, and you just sneezed. It is
amazing to me that such a little amount of Number 2 Gerber Vegetable Chicken
Dinner can become so many microdrops and spread over so many objects in a
three-foot range. The door, the floor, the
table, and my new blouse now hold evidence of the power of the respiratory
system.
We have been home almost three months at this writing. Each day, often each hour, is filled with wonder and joy. Of course there are those "other" moments like waking at 4:00 am, but who cares about those. You bring smiles to us constantly. You are our miracle.
People ask why at our ages (44 and 45, with a 12-year-old son, Benjamin). I say why not?
Our journey began in early 1996 when we suffered the loss of a son, Luke, who was stillborn. We were determined to do the work of grief in an effective and healthy manner. We have emerged whole and emotionally healthy. Do not misunderstand. The grief and loss will always remain; however, we have learned that good things can still happen and that gain can come from pain. We did not want to waste the opportunity for growth.
A Christian counselor who is a dear friend told us about FTIA in 1996. We waited. You can never replace. We knew time had to pass, and the work of grief had to be faced. There was "nowhere to run", as the song says.
After many, many months of prayer, thought, and growth we contacted FTIA in November of 1998. All the staff at FTIA was a pleasure to work with, especially our coordinator, Megan McGinn. Home-study friend, Gary May, was very helpful also.
In what we believe was God's perfect timing, we traveled to Vietnam to receive seven month old Nhung Hong Thi Nguyen in May of 1999.
I had begun the journey of paperwork, notaries, fees, government forms, immigration papers, and home study requirements with eagerness. Were there moments of frustration? Of course. But I always looked upon these tasks as my labor. It was just a different type of labor.
That attitude and determination carried me through long plane flights, soaring temperatures, long lines, long waits, and long days. When frustration levels rose and personality conflicts arose during the trip, I was calm. "This is my labor. It is worth every second and I will stand more if necessary. This is nothing compared to what so many others have endured", I told myself. One cannot visit Vietnam without confronting the war issue. So, Kimberly is home, and we are filled with awe and joy. I sometimes look at you and cannot believe you are ours. You have brought such happiness. People stop us and say how lucky she is. I tactfully reply that luck played no part. We are blessed.
Kathy, Indiana
