Connections 51/365

Here are three pals on the other side of the world.  They at this time were all three orphans.  Hope had been chosen when this picture was taken, and she knew that a family would soon be coming for her, but for the two little boys, the future was uncertain.  When Hope left China, she left part of her heart behind, and a big part of that was left with these two.  She loved them, they were her friends, her "brothers", and her classmates.  The connection was strong, and it was one that we knew we would never want to lose.  

For the first four months after we got her, Hope called back to China and spoke to these little guys and they shared stories.  She told them about us, and what life was like in America.  They told her about their day to day lives, and she listened.  They always ended by asking if a family was coming for them.  During this time, we knew a family had chosen the little fellow on the left, but we couldn't tell him yet.  Then Hope lost her Chinese, and the phone calls came to an end.  It was a sad day.

Fast forward a year, and now both little boys are home safe in the arms of their own families. They are wanted, loved, and cherished.  They are just where they are supposed to be.  I am thankful that they both found Christian homes, they will all be raised similar, and will be able to keep their connections that started in China.  Now that they can speak the same language again, their connections can continue.

So today, thanks to the wonderful technology of skype, Hope was able to see one of her dear friends for the first time.  He is the precious friend on the left up above.  He is younger, so his memory of Hope had started to fade, but as they talked and shared pictures, he seemed to remember her.  She was so excited to see him.  Her heart aches for them, and about once a week, she cries and asks for them.  So, her wish came true today.

Hope ended her conversation with precious Jonah by asking him to come here for her birthday.  That will be a little difficult since her birthday is this week, but I do hope to one day have these precious children reunited on this side of the world.