Well, as you can see, our world hasbeen turned upside down...Sorry for the delayed postings! We’re having a hard time with the internet here in Chongqing and we can’t read these postings so if they look a bit strange, sorry, but we can’t edit…we’ve gone through such an emotional time these last few days! We received Liberty on Monday at 4PM. She is a darling little girl and she is adjusting AMAZINGLY!! She is very fair skinned, and has tiny eyes and a tiny little mouth. She has delicate features. She was a bit quiet the first day, but so far she has bonded with all of us, and now she is talking up a storm! Although we only know a tiny bit of what she’s saying, we already know she will fit into our “Gabby Family” quite well... She is very independent and not shy AT ALL! Her first words were “mamma” and “baba” (Which means daddy and poo poo…HA! We weren’t sure which she meant!)
Hannah and Tiffany fell in love with her INSTANTLY , but Chad and I have had A LOT to work through. As many of you know, Liberty has a perforated anus. To actually see this and work with her has been very scary. Yesterday, we took her back to the same hospital where she had her surgery just to get her checked out. She screamed and pinched the Dr. and hit him as hard as she could. She obviously has horrible memories from her past experience there. It was heartbreaking to see her go through this. We’re glad we did this though because the Dr. said she is ALMOST perfectly healthy “ down there” and she’ll just need some potty training and A LOT of patience. She potties at the orphanage but hasn’t since we received her, probably due to her being nervous.(It might take her a few years to develop control).This was a relief to us. All this has been so scary and these last few days we have clung to Christ more than any other time in our lives. “ Can we TRULY love this little girl who isn’t perfect in the world’s eyes?” There is so much about her that we don’t know, and never will know. Plus, we thought to ask everyone to pray that SHE would bond with US, we never thought to pray that WE would bond with HER! So, we delight ourselves in the Lord, so HE will give us the desires of our hearts…
Please continue to pray for us. Although this has been terrifying, we have learned SOOO much and HIS word has penetrated our hearts like never before. We have learned how shallow we actually are and how the enemy paralyzes us by fear. So we walk in obedience to HIM, by faith…We couldn’t have gone through this without your faithful prayers, and we have been so blessed by so many of you in your love for us and our family. We miss you...we leave for Guagnzhou on Saturday!
To God be the glory, forever, and ever!
32 comments:
We are so thrilled to see the pics. "Hello, Liberty!" We will continue to pray and trust our awesome God to work out each and every detail. Take heart, shallow people don't answer the call to adoption. I would say "human." Your feelings are so normal for any parent in your situation, not just adoptive parents. The cool things is that we can say from experience that God is bigger than our wildest fears and His joy overcomes all.
Lots of Love,
The Varnells
YIPPEE!I am so glad that you were able to post an update. i was going to start making things up and posting them:) she is absolutely glorious! what a doll! she fits perfectly with the other two beautiful wood girls! thank for the pics and the transparency. your vulnerablilty and honesty make me think maybe our family could undertake an adventure in faith like yours! you are inspiring, sweet family! holding down the fort til you return with precious liberty. love, the fitzpatrick family
She is soooo adorable! The Lord is GOOD! I am so glad she is adjusting quickly and her health is good. Don't spoil her to much. Just kidding. She needs lots of spoiling!
Your feelings are very normal. A lot of strangers make comments about Annie's special need, a birthmark on her arm. The Lord just has us grow even closer to Him having a 'special need' child.
I am praying a lot for you guys. Your traveling schedule brings up a lot of wonderful memories for us. Our schedules look the same! I can't wait to see the zoo pictures.
In HIS Grip, 'The Paynes' Julie, Don and Anna-Stasia
P.S. Don't eat to much McDonalds.
How exciting to log in, for the billionth time, and find pictures of all four lovely Woods ladies together. (And you too Chad!) We are so thrilled for you all. May the glory of Christ, and all He has done be continued to be made manifest through this glorious adventure. We are praying for each of you, that you might see His hand in every step, knowing of His great love for all of you.
With much love and rejoicing,
The Calvi Family
Oh my goodness, she looks like a precious doll. Look how beautiful she is. God created her specifically for your family...you are blessed. I am so glad to see these pictures. We can't wait to hold her...and love her up. Love Kellie
Wow, gorgeous, beautiful, a perfect family .... I'm overwhelmed by your obedience and sacrafice. My dear friends, YOU of all people can love this precious girl ... look how you love your buck tooth baby dog!!! I know in time all will be well. I trust in God that He placed Libby with the perfect family to give her what He desires her to have. So far it looks fabulous even when it is hard. I can't wait to see you all. And we are here to help serve you in serving Jesus and this precious daughter of yours. PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD!!!! Our love and prayers, Teresa,Nevil, Blake and Nathaniel
I had to have another look at all the pictures. I so love how you have not lost your creative touch. Love Tiffy upside down!! You guys are so great! Miss you!!! Come over soon so Nevil can make you ..... (laugh)!!!! Three sisters together, an amazing site.
What a blessed family! God is at work!!! I hope she bonds with your dogs like she has with you all. Otherwise that will be real trouble. Love ya,
Teresa
I can't stop looking at the pictures. She is gorgeous. I love her little face...precious! To think she is with her family and will get to the hear the Gospel, she will see her parents emulate Deut 6...I am in awe of God and His mighty plan. Praise God!
What beautiful daughters you have, happy to get to see sweet Libby with her family. Emma had the biggest grin on her face. She is on the count down to play with her new friend. My sweet friends, your feelings are not shallow, they are normal. And you will be blessed beyond your what you can imagine because you are trusting and depending in God only to get you through this time. We are here to walk every step of they way with you. We love you,
Don and Tami
Libby is so adorable. What an angel. We are in such awe of you guys and to call yourself shallow is for sure not the right words. You have stepped out in faith and obedience and there can be nothing better than to be in the center of God's perfect will for y'all's lives. Love you and praying for you.
Dear Chad and Kristy,
I can't even imagine how God is working in your lives right now. He is and will continue to be glorified through your family. He is faithful and will only allow into our lives what we "need". I love you and continue to pray for you. Remember, not only did God NOT give us a spirit of fear, but His perfect love casts out all fear.(1 John 4:18) Submit to God, RESIST the devil (the father of lies, i.e fear) and he will flee.(James 4:7) PRAISE GOD!!!
By His grace alone,
Simone Laffin
Libby is beautiful and just imagine how much God will transform her and all of you. You are being transformed and it can be quite uncomfortable and challenging however you are going all the way through. Kristy I admire your transparency and ability to be vulnerable. God is using you mightily and imagine how he will use your testimony to affect millions of lives. You are beautiful on the outside and even more beauitful on the inside. Remember it is one day at a time and you will discover something new each day. I am so proud of you and I am honored to call you my friend.
Blessings,
Mandy
Oh my goodness, she is absoultely lovely... We are praying for your continued strength.. I know Charles is smiling from above.. We can't wait to see you all..
Love and prayers...
Deanna
Dear Wood Family,
You have been on my mind and in my heart since Carri told me that you were going to China to adopt. You are truly a special family to open your own hearts and home to this little girl. I am so thrilled that the girls bonded quickly; sometimes it takes us adults a little longer. I am sure that God will help you in this regard. Please know that you are in my prayers and I cannot wait to meet your newest daughter.
God never gives us more than we can bear and he will help you with your transition. I have faith that all will be well.
God bless you. We know that Jesus loves the little children but remember He loves their parents as well.
My very best you,
Barbara Ganley
(Jesse, Matthew, and Daniel's gramma; Carri's mom; Eddie's friend and biggest fan!) (-:
Be safe - come home soon.
Gotcha Day!
Beautiful girl... Beautiful family... Beautiful moment! Cherish it all. God teaches us so much through adoption. Hide it in your heart and keep remembering it in the days ahead.
Praying for you all.
Kellie Henderson
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!
So glad to hear the Doctor's positive report. Alittle time and patience is all that is needed - how awesome! The pictures are far beyond what my words can express...I wish I could show you the joy in my heart. We will continue to pray for you unceasingly! AND we can not wait for your return!!!!
Donna
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO PLEASED. Sounds like she is fisty....with the dr :). Can't wait to meet her.
Can't wait to see you guys. WOW...GOD IS SO GOOD!
The Romans
O HAPPY DAY!!! She is so beautiful, a real cutie pie. We can't wait to see her in person and when we do we'll welcome her with open hearts and open arms. We are so proud of you and send our love. God is good all the time!
Love,
Pop Pop and Grammy Sue
What a blessing to wake up and see all of you together! I can't wait to meet her- she's adorable, and her personality sounds like a lot of fun. You're in our prayers!
Love,
Kathy and Family
Congratulations wood family! She is just BEAUTIFUL OMGosh! So amazing. Hang in there you guys and keep God in your sites - your fears and feelings of discomfort are to totally be expected - anyone would feel that way. Just because of who you all are, we know the bonding will come. She was meant for your family, it's God's plan. That is undeniable........
What a beautiful little girl she is!!! I sat here with tears, just looking at the pictures. This is so amazing, all of it. You have wonderful hearts, and the bonding will come, without a doubt. God put this whole thing together and HE will knit you together as He has pre-ordained. He is faithful, as you know well. Will and I are overwhelmed at the love your family has and your obedience to the Lord. Praise the Lord for the Wood family. We love you guys!!
Marney and Will, Zane, Titus, Levi and Sullivan
I saw the pictures of her and just smiled then cried.... I'm such a wuss! God has blessed all of you.
Love Eric
I have tears rolling down my face and Savanna is screaming in my ear with joy. Rest in Him, and everything will unfold in God's time, not ours. She is precious. We can't wait to meet her. Neighbor, Jenn
Checking your blog is a great way to put a smile on my face and heart!!! We are praying. Love you all. Big hugs to you all.
Teresa, Nevil, Blake and Nathaniel
I have been gone and couldn't wait to get on here!! She is BEAUTIFUL!! What an answer to prayer regarding her heatlh!! We are praising the Lord with you and can't wait to see her. thank you for letting all of us share in this journey of faith. we love you!!! The Dodsons
Wood Family!
Liberty is so beautiful. She looks so precious with your daughters. How blessed you all are. Thank you for sharing this on your blog! I can't wait to meet Liberty!
Love,
Michelle West and Family
She is absolutely precious! What a beautiful family! We will be praying for all of you. God is so good and will work out all the details. May God bless you with His peace and give you continued strength. Can't wait to see the newest addition! She couldn't get a better family.
Love,
Debbie, Bryce and Tawni
We're so encouraged for you. to see you being so bless by your new addition. we're looking forward to meeting Liberty Wood
the Roberts family
Hello
Hello Wood Family of FIVE!
As soon as I clicked on your web site I began to cry. There is such an amazing anointing on it and what you are doing! Just as the Word when it is planted in our hearts goes in as a seed and grows as we spend time with the Lord, and as the seed of life is planted in a woman which grows, so will the love for your precious Little Liberty; with time and nurturing.
God is so good and gracious!
We are absolutely elated for you all! Our prayers of faith will continue to be released along with all of the others. Know that you are all so loved and have a huge support system waiting for you all when you return home. May God's richest blessings, favor and protection be upon you all throughout the rest of your journey.
Looking forward to meeting Little Liberty!
The McClintock Family
WOW
I wish I could say something to build you guys up and help you through this transition... yet all I can think of is gratitude... gratitude for the perspective and inspiration that this provides in my life... gratitude for the positive effect you are having on the world (that my sons will grow up in)... gratitude for the simple grace of kindness and love.
Thanks and God bless
js
YOU bless me, all the people who have left comments bless me. The family of God is so glorious and now a little Chinese girl named Liberty has been appointed by God to be a part of it, for, of course, we are all confident she will come to know her heavenly father through your earthly family. Wow, so amazing. Love you Kristy, Sharon Rice
Post a Comment