Harder Family

Harder Family

Sunday, March 5, 2017

DJ's Family Day

1 Samuel 1:27 "For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to Him."

We had an early morning today. We had to leave our hotel by 8:30 to catch our bullet train to Jinan. Before we left the hotel, we met up with Mackenzie for breakfast. Mackenzie was DJ's translator this summer when he was in North Carolina. I have seen videos of her interviewing DJ and other pictures from her time with him this summer. When I found out that she was living in Beijing, I knew that we had to try to see her while we were here. God is so good to provide so many connections through this whole process. Mackenzie even made me a short video to show DJ when I brought him to the hotel.


Riding the bullet train was an experience. America could take some notes from China with their trains! The seats were comfortable and the ride was super fast. We met some cute kids that kept us busy on the train too, which was a bonus.





Once we arrived in Jinan, we headed to our hotel to check in and drop off our bags. As we were on our way to DJ's hotel, here is what I wrote 7 hours ago on Facebook: "On my way from the hotel to meet DJ at his hotel!! A whole range of emotions right now. I can't imagine what he is going through since he will be leaving everything he knows to come to America as our son. Praying that his precious heart is protected during this time of excitement, but also grief. It's crazy that after all these months of paperwork and prayers, that I am finally picking up our son!!"

God is so good and has answered so many specific prayer requests. The transition has been amazing so far with DJ. When we arrived at the hotel, both of us were a little unsure of what was going on. The orphanage staff told me that he had been asking every few minutes when I was arriving because he was ready to go. So much for less luggage, he came home with 2 backpacks and another bag full of toys. I need to buy another suitcase already. He had a whole backpack of just snacks for me. He told the staff all morning that no one else could eat the snacks but his mom! When we first started talking between us and the translators, he started to cry. He quickly told my guide that they were happy tears because he was so glad to finally have a family. He said that he has wanted a mom and dad of his own forever. He has totally won my heart and already has me wrapped around his finger. 









Showing me a book full of pictures from his childhood. What a HUGE blessing this is. They also gave me the outfit he came to the orphanage in as a baby. Both of these are invaluable gifts!!






After leaving the hotel meeting where we signed paperwork for guardianship for the night (our adoption will be official tomorrow), we headed to get our family photo. As we walked, I held DJ's hand. At one point I had to let go, he quickly grabbed my hand again as we started walking. When we got back to the hotel, I gave him his Lego set and that kept him busy for over an hour. He is very inquisitive and asks a lot of questions, which has been difficult with the language barrier. We are slowly figuring things out though as we go. He is already working on English words and I'm learning more Chinese. 






When I get home, I will post videos of our first meeting, but it is too hard to upload everything here in China. Thank you for your continued prayers. I cannot wait for Wayne and the girls to meet DJ. He is seriously the best!!


6 comments:

  1. It sounds like a wonderful day!! So happy to hear that he is so ready to be a son and brother. He looks happy! And what treasures you got from the orphanage! Wow!

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  2. Praising God for such a joyful transition!

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  3. Love, love, love! Prayers continue. Such a sweet reunion and now he finally has forever family that he has dreamed of and so deserves! ~ Dorris Family in TN

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  4. I love how you are documenting it all. Such a special day for you both!

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  5. I have a brother yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Grace

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  6. There are not enough heart emojis in the entire WORLD! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

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