A Sweet Reunion

A little over a year ago, when we were in the middle of waiting to go and get our Kate, I made a really cool connection through the internet.  There was a family from Iowa, in China, getting their daughter from Kate's orphanage.  That little girl just happened to be Kate's best friend.  They had been together in the same orphanage since they were nearly newborns.  After connecting with her mom, she sent me pictures of Kate (which while you are waiting is such a God-send) and we developed a relationship.  They had gone to visit the orphanage about a week after adopting their Leah.  The nannies had come out with Kate saying that she wanted to see Leah, she had been asking about her and missing her.  They took several pictures of them together and that was the last time they saw each other.... until now!

Kate and I went to Iowa for a visit a couple of weeks ago and had a wonderful time.  Kate said that she remembered Leah and they hugged each other right away.  (Disclaimer:  Kate also says that she had a pink horse in China, but I'd like to believe her anyway...)  Within minutes of arriving at Leah's house, they were in the floor wrestling, like they'd never been apart. 

Leah's mom, Anne Marie, and I totally hit it off, and I'm sure we'll be friends forever.  Leah has 3 siblings and Kate thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a big family.  She seemed to bond with each of the children.  Leah's family was entertained by Kate's southern accent, and we all were amazed at how similar Kate and Leah's facial expressions are. 

Many people have asked me if they spoke English or Chinese to each other.  English.  I don't think either of them speak, or understand Mandarin anymore.

Another amazing connection happened while in Iowa.  Anne Marie and I were looking on the internet for other kids that have been adopted from the same orphanage.  It is pretty small, as far as Chinese orphanages go, about 70 kids.  I found a picture of a 13 year old girl who was adopted by a family from Indiana in December.  When I saw her, I immediately recognized her as the girl who handed Kate over to me on our adoption day.  I emailed her mom, and said, "I'm almost positive your daughter is the girl who gave me my daughter.  Can you ask her about a 3 year old girl with albinism, who's name was Mao Mao?"  (BTW, Kate was not named for Chairman Mao.  Mao Mao is a nickname that can mean fair-haired.)  The mom responded back and said, yes, her daughter was the one!  She had been chosen to come with Kate on adoption day because they had a special relationship and she loved Kate very much.  As you can imagine, we are thrilled to have another connection to Kate's past.  Especially one who knows what their life was like in the orphanage and can fill in some of their past that has been totally unknown to us.

A few months back I started a yahoo group for families who have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, from Huizhou, China.  It is a neat way to learn about the orphanage, keep up with our children's friends and especially for those who are waiting, a link to their child.  There are now 15 families in this group!  I am so encouraged that so many of these waiting children are finding their forever families.