Sunday, May 31, 2009

Not your typical baby nursery

Perhaps you have come here from this very fun linky from Kelly's Korner thinking you will see a beautifully adorned nursery for a newborn after waiting 9 months for the blessing of placing that tiny baby in its crib for the first time... or seeing a beautifully slipcovered rocker in the corner of a freshly painted room especially prepared for this new life... or a mural on the wall painted by a talented local artist... or the mobile from Pottery Barn dancing above the custom bumper pads...

no. this isn't what our daughter had. It would have been my dream for her, but it wasn't to be. What she did have was a blessing beyond measure though. Our daughter was found when she was 4 days old at the entrance gate to a Nursing home in central China. It was a chilly late November morning and she was wrapped in a white blanket with blue animal prints on it. There was no note according to the gentleman that found her. From her finding spot, she was taken to a local orphanage and almost immediately placed into the arms of a loving Chinese foster family.



We will be eternally grateful to this precious family for taking in a tiny baby who had no one to love her, hold her when she cried, feed her, rock her, and care for her needs. This family took her into their home - and their hearts. When Elizabeth was placed in our arms 11 months later, it was obvious she had been very well cared for and loved dearly. She was immaculate and the clothes she came to us in looked like they were brand new and picked out for this special occasion. They were anything but fancy, but they were clean and neat. Her tiny fingernails were freshly painted and sure enough, when we took off her socks-- so were her toenails.

She had a tiny yellow bottle that her foster family had tied a simple blue string around and slipped over her neck to keep it with her. We soon learned why. This was the ONLY bottle she would drink out of and it was a lifesaver those early days in China with her.

After returning home, we were able to obtain some images of her very early life. These few pictures are precious and offer a tiny glimpse of early roots she would never remember. Her "nursery" consisted of what looked to be a family heirloom antique Chinese Cradle. She had one tiny yellow stuffed toy puppy that she carried everywhere. Here, she would spend the first months of her life. It could have been so much worse. Praise God for his divine intervention and mercy on our daughter. We are forever thankful for this simple cradle and the hands that rocked her while in it.






16 comments:

Jessica K. said...

WOW.. She had to go through more than most ppl do in their entire life! I am so glad the foster family took good care of her and that she has a loving family now.
Gods plan for her might seem odd but I know he visioned her right where she is now!
She is a beautiful little girl!!

God bless your family!

Lori at JOY Unspeakable said...

What a sweet post. How wonderful that your daughter was so well cared for...right down to her painted nails (I just love that!).

I'm so thankful for foster families...our daughter was also in foster care and never spend a day in the orphanage (according to her FM) and it is obvious in the way she has thrived in our home and attached so easily to us.

It is God's plan for ALL children to be in a home and have a FAMILY.

Becky said...

Ah. My son and his wife lived in China for 2 years as underground missionaries. Someday they will return. My oldest daughter would like to adopt, her only way to add to their family. China has a special place in our hearts and I would love to hold a Chinese grand-daughter in my arms.

Kelly said...

Well - I think this is the most beautiful nursery on the tour! You have a beautiful daughter! I have always dreamed of adopting a daughter from china.
May God richly bless your family!

Patricia said...

Susan, this made me cry...I too thank God every day that our daughters were cared for & kept safe.

Angie said...

Precious...I am thankful she was so very loved. These pictures are priceless...a link to her first months. Makes me want to hold her even tighter!

Anonymous said...

謝謝 (thank you)。 The world is a better place because of people like you and her former foster family in China. Being accepted by your family was fortuitous for her. She has certainly bloomed and blossomed under your care.

manda said...

My goodness, the story of how your daughter came to your family has me all teared up. She's beautiful!

Anonymous said...

This entry is proof that love is the most important nursery necessity. I wish every orphan in China could start out in a nursery just like this one. One that is filled with love. The love Ebeth has experienced in China and here with you is very evident in her glowing face!

laurensmommy said...

oh, this post was so touching! I am so glad that God picked you out to be her mother even as she was being left outside that cold day! She is absolutely beautiful and this definately makes me remember that it doesn't matter what a child has, love is the most important thing to give them!

Blessed Beyond said...

What a beautiful post! And I'm glad I was led here! That family is a blessing! I can relate in some ways, my sweet littlest one, was in foster care for awhile before we got her. We have since become friends with this family, but they took such great care of her! We are forever greatful to them as well! And something I never say on my blogs is my kiddos names, but My oldest and your daughter share a name. May God Bless you and your family! Elizabeth is beautiful!
Hugs and Blessings,

Coco said...

This post gave me chills. Of all the nurserys to look at I am so glad I came across yours.

She is a beautiful child and what a beautiful story. It would be so special if somehow you were able to locate that cradle to keep in your home.

Thanks for sharing.

Kristine said...

Funny, I found your link on the Lettered Cottage. Anyway, our daughter too had wonderful foster parents and we have photos of her first nursery too. Very emotional to read your story and thank you for posting it where you did.

Lisa said...

Isn't it wonderful how God had a plan for your precious little girl right from the beginning? He knew who her mommy and daddy would be and was preparing you for her. She is a beautiful little girl!

The Painted Home said...

beautiful, you are blessed. she looks like a very happy girl!

Classy Clutter said...

Wow! God bless your family. She is adorable!