It has come as a wonderful surprise. A rich, emotional connection to a country that many of my family will never visit. We are a farm family. We are a family with deep roots in the Midwestern soil.
When I was young, around 19, a great blessing occurred in my life. The tour of Asia through a class at Taylor University opened my eyes. The different cultures we saw were awesome, colorful, and thousands of years in the making. I especially loved China. The people were warm and inviting, funny and friendly. Elderly ladies would come up and stroke my hair, touching my skin, even calling me "movie star". What young woman wouldn't enjoy that? haha We learned of the plight of orphaned girls, many of whom would not even make it to an orphanage alive.
Many years later, our daughter Annabelle came into our lives. She is a bright and shining star, so full of life and laughter, intelligence and joy. EVERY day she fills my heart.
Through my mom's work, she and my dad have "adopted" a Chinese college student named Boxin. He has been to my parents' home, and my brother's farm, for holidays. I call Boxin my little brother. I have not met him, but I will. He is a man of faith and a blessing to my family.
And now, another wonderful China connection has come into our lives!! My eldest brother and friend has a special friend from China. Esther will become my sister-in-law in May, in an intimate ceremony on my parent's farm. I can't even put into words right now what that means to me. She is the answer to so many prayers! We love her and count her as a huge blessing!
I know that 2011 will hold many special connections to people, new friends and old. I thank God for all the people who make my life so much richer! If you are reading this, you are one of them. God bless you in 2011!
6 comments:
Congrats to your family and Esther couldn't have found a better family to become a part of!! That was my grandma's name so anyone with that name is automatically fabulous in my book!! The China connection is truly amazing with your family. So happy for all of you!!
So happy for Troy and Esther!!!
Wait until you meet her. I told Mark she is just as sweet as you and he agreed. You two will hit it off, you just wait. So happy for Troy. What a blessing she will be to him.
Thank you, girls, and thank you my dear Amee. God blessed me with three amazing sisters-in-law, each one perfect for my brothers. How many women can say that? We are so lucky !!!!
wonderful post filled with wonderful news! (goosebumps)
It is ALL SO wonderful! There's gonna be a weddin alright! Pa's goats might even get to attend. smile. I think it will be so beautiful out there!
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