Giving Hope to the Hopeless

I can’t believe it has already been one week since I landed in Ohio with Camellia. Last week passed by so fast, most of it was a blur! Many things occurred last week. A lot of triumphs and very few setbacks. First, I wanted to illustrate how gaining the knowledge of a loving family changes the life of a child. I have been completely amazed how Camellia has changed in the 3 short weeks that I've been with her. The picture below was taken just moments after I met her for the first time as we were leaving the Guangzhou adoption center.

Mommy took this next picture just yesterday. Aside from the boo boo on her nose look at her eyes, cheeks, and her smile. Her whole face is smiling!



 

Her face has changed already. She no longer has that lost look in her eyes, her face is filling in, her smile is showing and a glimpse of a happy little personality is starting to appear out of her shell.

 

 

 

So it is amazing to see such a change in a little girl in such a short time. We still have a lot to work with as far as getting her to understand we are coming back when we leave a room, go to work, or run to the store. Having her understand that Jack, Ian, and Chloe want to play with her and help her instead of take things has been another challenge. Food is interesting too. Even though she is done and pushes her plate away, she does not want you to clear your plate. She doesn't understand that she can eat whenever she wants so hording food is a minor issue we are working through. Plus, as Nicki mentioned, how can a girl so malnourished be so picky! She really knows what she wants to try and what she doesn't. Generally, if it’s green or consists of vegetables, she won't eat it (she must get that from her Ba Ba).

Within 72 hours of being home, she had exposure to weaponry. And she has quickly learned that she can hold her own with her brothers in Nerf combat.

  

At the same time, she loves being a girl. Dressing in pretty things and just being cute.

We had a nice first Thanksgiving together and the kids even had some time to let Camellia explore outside.

 

 

Nicki and I are amazed at how far she has come in just 3 weeks. We are also amazed and pleased by how well that Jack, Ian, and Chloe have done adjusting to their new sister. There is no doubt that God is working in the lives of our family and Nicki and I are trusting the Lord while "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:6