Chatty Girls Reunion in Florida

This past weekend was a memorable weekend for two of the Minot girls and all I can say is WOW WOW WOW! Emily and I traveled to Disney where we joined 8 of our "chatty sisters" for a reunion of "The Chatty Girls". It was just a little over a year ago that a group of women who were awaiting the blessing of receiving their Chinese daughters connected via an online group. We chatted our way through all of the different waiting periods of the adoption process and during that time grew to know and love each other like sisters. Our chatting has continued as we have each returned from China with our daughters and the bonds that we have have grown deeper through time and we love and support each other through the mountains and valleys of being wives and mothers. What a treat it was for me and Emily to finally meet these incredible women and their daughters whom until this weekend I only knew through the computer. As we shared time throughout the weekend I was in awe of just how precious we are to the Lord. He loves us so much that He would so orchestrate not only the beautiful gift of a child through adoption but in the process grant the added blessing of incredible friends. I delighted in each moment spent with "my chatty girlfriends" and seeing Emily enjoy other little girls who have a common beginning to their life was absolutely beautiful.

We began our weekend at the home of one of the chatty girls where Emily was somewhat apprehensive of all the new faces. Her clingliness continued throughout the weekend but she as well as all of the other little girls did amazingly well for being in an over-stimulating environment, on the go constantly and very little sleep. Not to mention lots of aunties loving on them constantly. By the end of the weekend she had relaxed somewhat and enjoyed a final afternoon of tossing acorns in a park fountain with a new friend from North Carolina. One of the highlights of the weekend was sharing dinner with all of the girls and one dad in Cinderella's castle. What a joy it was to see some of the girls one of which included my Emily bask in the Disney magic of the Cinderella story as she met Cinderella along with a couple of mice and the fairy godmother. Emily was eager to engage the characters and was quite the princess all dolled up in her Snow White costume. Despite our frequent trips to Disney, I continue to have new and exciting experiences as I see the parks through the eyes of my children and what a joy it was to experience it through the eyes of 8 precious little girls who just one year ago were a world away without the knowledge of these families who love and adore them. It was such a treat to see how unique each little girl is and how perfect she was for the family with whom God created her to be. There were many similarities between the girls yet each had a specialness that made them so beautiful.

I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving that I have been blessed with these wonderful women. My life is richer simply because I know them. I am confident that the relationship with these women and their daughters will follow me ALL the days of my life.

And now we enter into a season of Thanksgiving I am filled with excitment. I just LOVE Thanksgiving. I find that Thanksgiving has not fallen victim to the commercialism that has taken over other holidays and for that reason I love to soak up the beauty of the holiday. We will be spending a few days at the beach and then have the pleasure of a visit from my best friend and her husband. I can't wait for Emily to experience an American Thanksgiving for the first time. I wish for you a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope that you are surrounded by all those special people who make your holiday's special.