Daddy's thoughts

Dear Emily and Olivia,

I have been thinking about what to write to you for quite a while, mostly trying to get my feelings together.  Years from now, I hope you read this and get an idea of what was going through your daddy's head while he was waiting to take a trip across the world.  Mommy and I are looking forward to seeing as many of the exciting sights as we can while we're there (like the Great Wall) and speaking in my broken Mandarin to the people there.  Even though those things will be fun and interesting, we are really going for one reason:  to bring you home.

I have been telling everyone who will listen about you two - showing the pictures and videos we have of you.  They all tell me how cute you are and say other well-meaning things like, "What an undertaking.  Those babies are lucky."  I have heard that a lot from very nice people who wish us the best.  One thing I haven't heard much is how blessed I am . . . blessed that God has entrusted your care to me.  I believe that He places each one of us with a family.  Most of us are placed with the parents we are born to, and some babies He places with another family.  We all belong to Him though, and He is behind it all.  I feel unworthy of that trust, but I am going to give it all I have!

I cannot imagine what your little lives have been like so far, though now I am sure you are being cared for by good people who are doing their best.  I wonder how you are doing every day.  Do you have anyone to play with or if you have ever heard, "I love you."  Anyway, you will be hearing that A LOT very soon!

People say that adopted children are "chosen" by their parents.  I feel like it is different for Mommy and me.  When we saw each one of you, we talked and prayed about you and we knew their was no choice on our part.  You two are OURS and you always have been.  Now it is just a matter of bringing you home.  I imagine you both will be scared at first with two people you don't know taking you far away from the only home you have known, but that will be the last time your world will be turned upside down.

We have waited a LONG time for you, you know.  You were both Taylor-made for us!

I love you both so much,

Daddy