From Carl, September 30th...

Hey friends, this is Carl writing today. Two days ago I took Collins to the swimming pool. There were several families from another group out there that day. One of the other adoptive dads and I began sharing our stories. They were here for their third adoption from China. As Jill has said earlier, most of the kids going out of China through adoption right now are special needs. Collins was considered special needs because she was born with a cleft lip, but it had already been repaired when she was left at the gate of the orphanage three years ago. This man at the pool was so excited about their latest adoption of a three year old girl. I asked him what her special need was and he said if I would look really close on the back of her neck I would be able to see a sack about 2-3" in diameter. He said the lower part of her brain was slipping, actually moving into the sack where her upper spinal cord was as well. She will be having surgery as soon as they get back to the States. She's blind in one eye, but there she was with her new family, playing and swimming. This guy told me that he was a believer, and he looked me in the eye and said, "It is OUR responsibility to take care of the 'least of these'". I know that plays out in a lot of different ways, and it was really refreshing to hear that from this guy and see this little girl with a family. Jill and I have noticed such a change in some of the orphans in our group. At first, some of them just looked sort of lifeless in their eyes. It's been so cool to see them change. When you go from an orphanage to loving parents, good medical care and nutrition, some big things happen. We've seen these children blossom before our eyes. Yesterday we went to the U.S. Consulate and took an oath. There we all were in the same room together-55 families with our new children. One by one names were called, and each family had to go up and sign a document. Jill cried just watching it, 55 less orphans in the world! Tonight we received Collins' passport and visa, so tomorrow we start our journey back. We cannot wait to get home and start our new normal. Thus far everyday has been filled with surprises, joys and challenges. Thanks to all of you for walking this road with us!