Metamorphosis

Dear Mia,

Two months have now passed since we went to China to bring you home. In some ways it seems like just yesterday, yet in others, we feel you have always been a part of our lives. It is hard to explain, but I think it has something to do with the Bible's promise of God giving us the spirit of adoption so we all can know we are part of His forever family. (Romans 8:15)

I am astonished as I think about how far you have come in two short months. Even taking into account the difficulties we had early on with all the fighting, the sleep deprivation, illnesses, and your hospitalization, there is a new and passionate zeal for life emerging in your deep brown eyes. I just cannot get over the transformation we see in you. From learning to sleep, speaking new words, and finding joy in the universal language of music, you are discovering your place and thriving. The transformation is astounding, which is why as we mark this milestone, I dressed you in the adorable little butterfly blouse your mommy bought for you.

A while back I wrote you a letter about how caterpillars go into the cocoon, but beautiful butterflies emerge. An amazing transformation, known as a chrysalis, changes the caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. But it isn't without struggle, because the effort that is required to break free from the cocoon is what strengthens the butterfly so it can survive. It's really beautiful in nature and serves as a perfect metaphor for the metamorphosis we've enjoyed these past two months. 

I am amazed at the transformation in you, Mia! The fear, anger, and grief has subsided. The creature that is emerging from our cocoon is funny, sweet, and loving. We struggled at times through what it meant to be in that cocoon together, but all four of us are emerging as a new entity, infinitely stronger than that which entered in the first place. 

From sleeplessness to restfulness. 

From anger to serenity. 

From grief to grace. 

These are just a few of the changes I see in you. But not just you, Mia...in mommy and me, too. We all have gone through this metamorphosis thanks to a crash course in grace and mercy in the face of grief; in peace and patience in the midst of turmoil; and in the transformative power of love that makes us all a new creation. We also got a refresher course in relying on God and the people He's placed in our lives when we were at the end of our proverbial rope. 

Early on we didn't think we needed a lot of help. After all, we chose this path – or accepted that it was chosen for us – and we did not want to come across as though we weren't up for the task. But we were wrong. Very wrong. And that became a beautiful part of the opening pages in our new story together. We are all called to "defend the fatherless," but not everyone is called to take an orphan into their home. For others, the call manifests in providing aid and assistance to help the family during its time of hyper-speed adjustments. As you joined our family, you joined our lives. And our lives are filled with such sweet and supportive people who yearned to fulfill the call God was giving them to help "defend the fatherless." The help the loved ones in our lives provided was so wonderful, because it enabled them to take a few steps of our journey, and help mommy and me focus on what was needed in the cocoon.

Our entire world has changed in these two months, and you inspire this beautiful revelation, Mia. Like the sun eclipsing the horizon, the new light you bring illuminates us in new and surprising ways. The excitement in the discoveries you are experiencing helps to reignite joy within us for things that seem so ordinary: the purr of a kitty cat, the tickle of a puppy's kiss, the flavors of new foods, the soothing sound of a lullaby, and the protective embrace from your mommy and daddy. 

Mommy and I had a chat during lunch the other day about how it's time to begin breaking out of the cocoon. You are ready to start going more places, meeting more people, and taking in more of what life is like as a Jordan. We have ventured a bit farther from the house this week and you're loving it. Like I said, the metamorphosis you are experiencing is quite something to behold! 

But as we break forth from the cocoon, it is time for me to resume work duties. There is a part of me that's ready to get back to the church, but there's another part of me – a sizable part – that's going to miss the coziness of our cocoon. I admit I'm going to miss the weird stains on my clothes, singing "Row Row Row Your Boat" on a loop, and reading "Goodnight Moon" over and over and over and over again. I know some who think of that kind of life as cruel and unusual punishment, but I love it, and it will help me cherish our evenings and weekends even more. It's essential. You need it. I do, too. 

But as for today, while we mark two-months since your Gotcha Day, I am reminded of a reflection I had back on that steamy August afternoon in Wuhan, China: I got you, but you've got me. We're in this together, and as we emerge from the cocoon, I can't wait to see you spread your wings, take flight, and impact the world with your smile and story. I'll be right here with you, taking it all in, helping as you need it, and cherishing every beat of your stunning wings and beautiful heart. 

Love,

Dad