It's Gotcha Day!

Dear Mia,

It's Gotcha Day, and about 3 hours until we are to meet you. Mommy and I actually slept pretty well last night, all considering. We got up, had a nice breakfast at the hotel, and when we got back, housekeeping had placed the crib where you'll be sleeping while we're here. And guess what, it's a MICKEY MOUSE crib!!! 

In a strange way, Disney has played a major role in our decision and follow-through in this process. Every time we go, we see many families that look like ours will, and our hearts swell. Then last January (2014), your Uncle Greg and Aunt Jenn went to Disney with us, thanks to a generous gift from one of my favorite people, Jubal. It was then, while visiting the China pavilion at Epcot, that we said, "yes."

We occasionally get teased about how much we love Disney, but it is one of those things that our family enjoys doing together. We love getting away and being in a world of creativity, imagination, and fun. For us, it isn't about silly rides and overpriced food or souvenirs, but a time for us to be able to get away from the high demands of the ministry and be family. We can't wait to share that experience with you...as family!

Before we can do that, though, we have a lot to share with you. Yes, it will be quite a while before you're ready for a trip to Disney World, but that's ok, because we have plenty of Disney stuff for you as we begin sharing our lives together. And in a strange way, it will begin in a Mickey Mouse crib placed next to our bed in a hotel room in Wuhan, China. 

Mommy and I are in that room right this minute waiting for the time to come meet you. Mommy is ironing clothes. I am working on my iPad, journaling about this experience to chronicle it for you and our whole family. We are both listening to some of our favorite worship music as the prayers of hundreds, if not thousands, of people clear across the globe are being directed our way. I am even aware that some of our dearest friends will be waking up around 3am at home in order to be in prayer for our union. That's how much our family is loved and your place in it is cherished. 

And right now, my dear Mia, you are in a car making your way from the city where you spent the first three years of your life to the city where we are anxiously and eagerly awaiting our union. You probably have no idea whatsoever about what is about to transpire, but that's ok. Mommy and I have been well trained, and we are ready to greet you and begin working to establish the trust that will be essential for building the bonds that will carry us through the rest of our lives here on earth and into eternity. 

As your journey to Wuhan will end one chapter of your life, it is also the beginning of a brand new one that we all pray will be filled with fun, creativity, imagination, hope, and faith. And it will start in a small hotel room, some 8,000 miles away from home, appointed with a Mickey Mouse crib. It might be hard for you to rest for a while, and it might be even harder waking up with people who you quite possibly have never seen before, but let me assure you of this — mommy and I are right here, and we will be, to let you know that you have a place...a place in this room, a place in our home, a place in our family, a place in our hearts, and a place in eternity. 

God made that place, and He made that place just for you. So may all the wonder, creativity, imagination, love, and fun begin when you are ready. We are here to walk you through it and remind you of this eternal truth: you have a place. 

Love, 

Dad