19 Mar 2009
Meeting the Foster Parents – A Glimpse of Maya’s First Love (part 2)
(Continued from Meeting the Foster Parents Part 1)
…decided that Maya’s heart is too young to understand the dramatic changes that are going in her life. As her parents, we decided to protect her from any further confusion and that it would be best for us to spend time talking to the foster parents privately. We were comforted to learn that the foster couple didn’t come to try to see Maya again, but in hopes to meet or see us.
With our guide as a translator, Shane was able to meet the couple first. He hugged them, thanked them and asked some questions about the care Maya received. Then, I was able to meet them and talk to them as well. I can tell you this…I bawled like a baby…I felt as though I was meeting Maya’s biological parents, after all they were the only family she has known. From our brief talks with the couple, we learned that Maya is a very bright and intelligent girl (of course we already knew this!), she loves to listen and dance to music, she is very healthy and plays like a normal child, and her favorite foods are vegetables and meat.
We also found out that Maya hasn’t known a crib. This family let her sleep in their bed. They also confirmed that she loves pretty things – Maya has already made it clear to us that she is a fashionista. She brings me hair bows and wants them in at all times (this is true – I have not forced a bow in her hair once!). Maya also likes to be involved in picking out her clothes each day. And, of course we all know that she is a shoe girl to the core!
So, meeting the foster family made for a very emotional day for all of us. Even though I have tons of questions about my little girl’s past, one thing is for sure. She was truly loved and I am deeply grateful for the love and care she received from this family. We are so glad that some day when she is older we will be able to share the video and pictures we took of our time with her foster family allowing her to know more about her past.
Do any of you have any ideas of how we can get a 3 foot stuffed bear home from China???
Tears, Hug, Closure and New Beginnings
Rehabilitation Room at Orphanage
Split Pants Save A Lot of Money on Diapers
Baby Room
Potty Time
Lots of Children With Special Needs
Wow, I’m really admiring her foster parents right now. That is some serious sacrificial love.
My suggestion on the stuffed bear is to remove all of the stuffing in China, and restuff it when you get home.
Ryan Ryals
March 20th, 2009 at 12:17 pmpermalink
I just happened upon your blog this evening. We have a daughter waiting for us at this same orphanage that your sweet little girl is from. Her name is Zhu Xiao Jie. She is 6 years old with a repaired cleft lip and palette. Did you see any of the older children while you were there? Do you have any pics???
Blessings to you and your new daughter!
Amy Arnold
April 17th, 2009 at 8:43 pmpermalink