Adoption Reunion

2 1/2 years ago, we embarked on a journey to bring Ivy home from China.  Actually, the journey began 14 months before that, but in March of 2016, we had finally received travel authorization to bring this precious little girl home. At that time 17 families traveled at the same time as we did.  What we didn't know when we departed was that not only would we gain a new family member, but we also gained a new family of friends.  Those who have never gone through this process probably can never understand how in 18 days we could all become so close, but that is exactly what happened.  As one dad over the weekend expressed through his tears and his laughter he can still hear the sound bites in his head.  We shared laughter and tears and while some may believe it was just coincidence that we all traveled at the same time, we like to believe that it was God who put us into each other's lives. What is also amazing is that while many of us have not seen each other for a year or in some cases 2 it is like we have never been apart.  Even more, a miracle is that the children over the 2 days played beautifully with one another.   No one was left out and no tears were shed.  Sadly, a few families could not make the trip, but we hope as we continue to meet over the years that they will be able to join us in the future.

We met a year and 1/2 ago in Chattanooga, Tennessee and this time around we met in Nashville.  The first day we met at Angela's house just before lunch where the dads went off to play golf and the moms talked while the children played.  The children had a blast riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline, painting rocks, blowing bubbles, running through the sprinklers, cracking open the pinata, playing in the jumpy house, playing kickball against the dads, and even a good old fashing potato sack race.  We enjoyed a wonderful dinner catered by Moe's and who doesn't love a good old taco bar.  Yummy!  On the second day, we met at Kings Chapel which is this almost 200-year-old chapel where we worshiped together. Traci was the officiant, I gave the opening prayer, Carson played a couple of religious songs followed by talks by Laura and Elizabeth and Brandon concluded by the children singing Jesus loves me.  So precious!  Then we moved the program over to Traci's pool where the children enjoyed the day in the pool and Traci's family made pulled pork sandwiches and a huge spread of food for us all to enjoy.  We concluded our trip at the Winery down the street where the children played on the lawn while we enjoyed listening to Blue Grass music.  The week was simply magical.

Below is just a glimpse into the weekend.  Sorry in advance for the photo dump.