19 Mar 2009
Meeting the Foster Parents – A Glimpse of Maya’s First Love
Xin Xiang Orphanage
Yesterday we traveled to Xin Xiang to see the orphanage that Maya came from. The good news is the orphanage meant nothing to her. Like us, Maya was visiting this strange place for what seemed to be her first time.
Maya’s lack of orphanage connection is linked to the love of her foster parents. We enjoyed the orphanage tour and to be honest, the care that I witnessed was better than I had imagined.
Then it happened. The moment I secretly longed for and simultaneously dreaded. An orphanage worker gave Cathy a stuffed teddy bear that was bigger than Maya. Then she pointed past the 2nd story balcony and below us stood a set of weeping and waving foster parents.
Cathy and I didn’t know what to do. Of course we longed to sit with the foster parents and hear stories of Maya’s life, likes and terms of endearment. And yet, we have witnessed Maya’s grief. At times Maya’s eyes pan the room in search of the only people she has known as parents. She is old enough to know how to give and receive love. It is our understanding that Maya was the only child in her foster care home. She has been the recipient of generous helpings of love. Since she has loved much, she knows what she has lost.
From the balcony Cathy and I looked to one another for direction. Do we let Maya see them? Do we hide Maya back? Is it rude if we don’t give her foster parents one more chance to say goodbye? Is Maya too young to go through this emotional roller coaster again? If we let Maya meet with her “Ba Ba” and “Ma Ma” again will it take her grief deeper?
It was happening so fast. Cathy was in tears. Foster parents were crying. Maya caught a glimpse of them. Suddenly Maya was crying out for her mom and dad and it wasn’t us.
If you want to know more. . . you will have to stay tuned. I will let Cathy tell you the rest. In the meanwhile, I will tell you that it was a tough call to make. We were torn between letting love be wrecker ball with everyone’s emotions or letting love be a stance that always protects. A decision had to be made, so we. . .
Maya's Foster Parents
Oh, I am weeping as I read this!! I wonder what choice you made?? Whatever is was, I KNOW it was right…you are the parents God chose for Maya and you have the insight needed to do what’s best for her. I am thanking God that Maya was so loved while she waited to go home!! She won’t remember them when she big…but she will remember the love! It has helped shape her and make her heart fertile ground for hope, protection & Jesus. God bless you all so much! We are so excited for the updates!! David and Kymi can’t wait until Dawson & Owen get to finally meet their sister!! They both think Maya is the “cutest baby they have ever seen” too!!
Tammy Zydonis
March 19th, 2009 at 8:55 ampermalink
Oh – my heart aches for all of you. What a painful and difficult choice to have to make. Whatever the outcome, I remember the other verses in that beautiful chapter- love always hopes. Love always perseveres. Love will win Maya’s heart and she will be bound to yours in time. Thanks for sharing. Praying for all of you!
Hope Parker
March 19th, 2009 at 9:16 ampermalink
Oh my word… praise God for selfless loving foster parents! May God bless their home with more children! I can only imagine the happiness and grief that they feel for Maya. I know you made the right choice for Maya! *Hugs*
Charlene Hormann
March 19th, 2009 at 11:15 ampermalink
It has to do your heart good to know that Maya was not scared of them, that had to have told you that she was loved very much. I would worry more if she had no positive response to these people. In a country where baby girls are so unwanted, that these people could have given so much of themselves is wonderful. Maya is little and may not remember them for more than a few weeks, because her little heart will be full of what you all can give her to fill her up again…Good for you, and thank god they loved her and took good care of her, it makes for a strong woman.
Christine Denham-Matlock
March 19th, 2009 at 4:23 pmpermalink