I always dreamed that I would have a houseful of girls.
When I was a teenager, I read Little Women over and over again. I loved the stories of the March sisters growing up together.
I used to long for that kind of life.
My childhood was very difficult. My parents loved me, but life was hard for me.
I went to public school in my early years. I struggled to feel confident in school, and spent much of my time there longing to be at home. Sunday nights brought a dread I can still feel.
Then, when I was in fourth grade, I was bullied by two girls.
I was terrified.
There are just no words to explain the fear I felt.
In fifth grade, I came down with a rare muscle disease that kept me home bound for most of my adolescent years.
It was tough, but by the time I left my parents home for college, I knew my Heavenly Father. We had been through a lot together, and I knew He answered prayer.
As I began to have babies, I dreamed that many girls would come close together. I prayed for twins.
But God had another plan. He gave me six sons and three girls spread far apart in years.
Today I was overwhelmingly aware that I am living my dream.
Our home is full of boys and girls.
My girls are all around me, cooking with me, learning with me, laughing with me, dreaming with me.
Our home is filled with happy sounds of children who are safe and loved.
And we are so incredibly blessed.
I took these pictures on the weekend.
I already have my next post written in my head. It’s called, Rocking Eliza. I have so much to share about our flourishing girl, but that is for another day.
Tonight I must share these words from Evangeline.
“Mommy, I’m not hungry anymore.”
“You mean, you’re full?” I asked her incredulously because she wasn’t eating.
“No, Mommy, I mean I’m not hungry anymore. In China, me hungry.”
“Oh.” I said as tears welled up in my eyes. “You didn’t have enough to eat when you were in the orphanage?”
“No, Mommy. I was never full. On Saturdays and Sundays, no lunch.”
“Oh Evangeline. I’m so sorry you were hungry,” was all I could say.
“It’s okay, Mommy. I love you. I really do.”
Yes, sweet Evangeline, dreams do come true, for little girls and for mommies too.
Blessings!
I too, loved Little Women growing up, one of my favorite books….so happy to see everyone settling down and just being happy….the girls just glow with smiles and happiness in your photo’s…what you are doing seems to be working….
God is working, sweet Heather. 🙂
I am glad they are not hungry for anything anymore. I enjoy seeing the smiles. What a great family…I loved the clothing from China. Of course Evangeline is in Pink LOL. What is Eliza’s favorite color?
Rhonda, Eliza likes blue and black. And yes, for Evangeline, there is no other color than pink. <3
pfew… that brought tears to my eyes… wouldn’t you just want to give every orphan a family and a safe life with no worries? About anything?…
warm regards, Claudia from The Netherlands
Yes, I would!!!
Sayla my 14 year old told me again the other day that, she was not allowed to eat when she was working. They would not feed her. I know she was often hungry. She is now sensitive about her stomach. I’m constanty trying to reassure her that she is okay. Last night she said that they always just had rice. She came to us not being very fond of rice. She is crazy about noodles though and I believe it was because it was such a rare treat for them to have noodles. She said they got noodles when it rained. I’m always left questioning the things she says. Through the eyes of a child there is honesty, but it is often distorted too. I’m wondering how the stories will adjust when they are adults. Sayla came wanting to sugar-coat her life there, but gradually little bits of information come out. The other 2 only remember a little as they were 5 and 6. The 5 year old now age 7, says they ate the same thing every single day and some fish with bones. So glad these girls are here now.
It breaks my heart to hear about their lives before us. And when I think I was living my life unaware, I feel even sadder.
awww… sweet diane… i never knew! you’ve come so far. you are a blessing to all of us. evangeline and eliza are so lucky that God brought you all together. and i know you know you are lucky, too. love and hugs to you all. stay strong. God will guide and provide!!! <3
Yes, He will!
“On Saturdays and Sundays, no lunch.” Just those six stark words speak volumes…..
Thank G-d that for these two at least, those days are over.
Diane,
We have a mutual friend (Steph) who told me about your two girls from China, and said I must meet you. Since I don’t live in S. Jersey anymore, I’ll take the second best and get to know you a bit on your blog.
I remember when my adopted son was first able to genuinely express that he loved me. It was a very special, dream-come-true day for me, too!