Harder Family

Harder Family

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Shan Chen'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."

After months of work and prayers, I was reunited today with Shan Chen. before Shan Chen went back to China, Wayne and I told him that every time he saw the moon, he was to remember that we were in America praying for him. We were not able to tell DJ that, but we were praying for him as well. God has continually been gracious and merciful to us throughout this entire process. Today was no exception. I was blown away once again by God's grace and compassion. He truly loves these children.

I had so much trouble sleeping last night. I was so excited for today that I felt like a kid going to Disneyland. Even DJ woke up and the first thing he asked was, "Shan Chen?" We ate an amazing breakfast and then piled into the van to drive to Shan Chen as orphanage. Originally we were going to have the family day at the Civil Affairs Office, but it got moved to the orphanage. What a blessing that was! It was amazing to see where Shan Chen has lived the last 10 years. The orphanage was beautiful and colorful. You could tell that the workers genuinely love the children.

We were ushered into an office after meeting one of the chaperones from the summer hosting. DJ loved seeing her again. We did some paperwork for temporary guardianship (adoption is finalized tomorrow). I was blessed with another photo album book with baby pictures and pictures of Shan Chen as childhood. We even have a note from his birth parents that they left with him and he was abandoned! After a few minutes, Shan Chen finally arrived.

It was so wonderful to see his sweet smile and to hug him again. We were able to catch up and talk a little with all the workers. We then all proceeded to walk through the orphanage to Shan Chen's foster parent's home, which was on the same property.

Shan Chen got to show me his bedroom, his awards from school, introduced me to his foster parents, and even played the piano for us. It was such an amazing opportunity. I feel so blessed to have seen and experienced this part of his life. At one point his foster mom started crying. She has cares for Shan Chen for 6 years and helped him when he had surgery on his foot. She also just lost another foster daughter last week. She was adopted as well. I was able to hug his foster mom and tell her how much we appreciate all that she has done for Shan Chen. It was beautiful, heart breaking, and surreal all at the same time. So many emotions in the room.

Shan Chen has been non-stop smiles. DJ and him are getting along as though they are long lost brothers and best friends. We spent the afternoon playing Legos, transformers, and we also took a little walk. One cannot forget food. Both of these boys can eat!! Shan Chen shared his snacks from his foster parents with DJ in the car. It was so sweet. He also brought out a bag of cookies and said it was for Baba and his sisters. He is so thoughtful!!

This evening we went to a Chengdu Opera where they have the famous mask changing show. Both of the boys had a blast. I have a ton of pictures to post from today, but my internet isn't working (I am typing this on my phone). These few photos will have to hold you over until I can get the internet to work.










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