Chinese Siblings

This past Thursday we were able to do something we've wanted to do for a long time. Peter was able to reconnect with one of his closest friends, Caleb, who was adopted 3 months ago. From what we can piece together from pictures and what Peter has shared, he and Caleb have shared a room for as long as he can remember and so many of our pictures have Caleb in them. Peter would not even say Caleb's (Chinese) name until he talked with his friend Carlee while she was in China because he missed him so much. We've prayed since last summer for Caleb to find a family and God answered in a mighty way!

We've only been able to connect with one family from Yantai that has a boy. The rest are girls. While Peter misses his Chinese sisters, it's not the same. I wish you could have all seen his face when he saw Caleb. The pure joy on his face was something I will never forget. And when he got to see Caleb, he was able to visit with Mercy, one of his Chinese sisters. How awesome is God? He placed them both in Little Rock, Arkansas which is not that far at all.

Why is this such a big deal? If you have siblings, you should be able to understand it. Imagine growing up in a large family. This family is dysfunctional but it's the only family you know. You do life with these siblings. As times goes on, some of the siblings leave and join this mysterious thing called a 'forever family' through 'adoption.' You aren't sure what those words mean really. You just know that your sibling is never going to return. You're a bit a jealous because the family you're in is a bit messed up but how scary to leave the only think you have ever known. One day you are chosen for 'adoption' and a 'forever family.' You say goodbye to the only family you have ever known, pack only what they allow you to, leaving your siblings and some of your favorite possessions behind. You meet this 'forever family' and your auntie leaves you with them. They speak a different language, look different, eat different things but promise a better life. You leave and life isn't too bad. But you still miss your siblings. You find out that some of your siblings will never be able to be adopted because they are too old. You find out the harsh realities of the aged out orphan. You are thankful that you are not part of it but your aged out siblings are never too far from your mind. And then you find out that some of your siblings are here. And miracles upon miracles, you are going to get to see them! After 2 years of separation, you will finally get to see each other again. But you've changed so much. You are not the sibling they knew for 10 years. You've gotten taller, talk a new language, eat new foods, you have a new family and siblings, and best of all, you love Jesus. Will you and this sibling still get along? You're so nervous as drive us to the driveway. You're not quiet sure how to greet each other because it's been 2 years, everyone is looking and your crazy new mom is taking pictures. Soon the two years melt away and you're able to visit. The crazy mom takes her camera inside, your new siblings start talking to the other siblings, and you can connect. You are able to call each other by your Chinese names for a minute, knowing that your newnames are great but you have missed that name a bit because it's the only name you had until you were 10 (or 14). You can try to communicate in your home language. You're together again.

Peter has siblings in our home. We are a family in every sense of the word. But we are also not going to forget the Chinese siblings he has. Having a new family doesn't erase the old one. Adoption isn't meant to erase the past, it's meant to give the child a hope, a future, and Love. We hope he stays connected with his Chinese siblings as he continues on in life. They are a huge part of him and who he is. Only they know the past they shared together. It's amazing to see so many of them come to Christ and become true Brothers and Sisters. God is slowly healing each of them of their pasts and hurts, helping them work through the pain and sorrow. He's there and these siblings now have the best bond of all: the healing power of Jesus Christ and eternity together.