Instead of sharing about day 2 with our little Ellie we want to ask for prayers. We know we have many that are covering us in prayer and we are asking that you continue to cover every ounce of our little Ellie.
When you begin this journey of adoption you have no idea where it will take you. We started our paperwork at the end of January (9 months ago) as we felt God leading us back to China to bring home a little girl. We watched as our paperwork flew through every approval in record time. We knew God's hand was moving that paperwork at mock speeds for a reason. We kept asking ourselves "What is God up to?" and in hindsight we can see that our paperwork was logged into China the day before our little Ellie's paperwork was released. Coincidence? Hardly! Eric and I felt more certain that God had moved our paperwork so quickly because he had handpicked our little Ellie just for us. Today we are overwhelmed knowing that God moved our paperwork because little Ellie needed to be in our arms but the big question on our hearts is "What is going on inside her little body that made this paper need to go so quickly?"
It didn't take long to feel how teeny tiny Ellie’s little body was. As she was handed to me it was obvious that she didn't have much strength, she struggled to hold her head up. She would let her little head fall into us. We got back to the room and as we began to take her clothes off we began to see how tiny our little Ellie was. She has no muscle tone in her little body. Her ribs stuck out with unbelievable clarity. When the orphanage director gave her to us she said over and over that she needs better nutrition and is delayed. What we didn't realize was that our 12 month old Ellie was really wearing newborn diapers. What we didn't realize is that Ellie doesn't even know how to hold or grab a toy. When you touch her hands or feet she pulls away. When we asked why she pulls away the orphanage director told us it was because she wasn’t touched very often and she is not used to the sense of touch. When I hold her I feel her entire body tremble but then I realize that she isn’t trembling this is her heart racing away. Is her heart really racing that fast or does it just seem that way because there is nothing to her?
The little girl pictured with Ellie on our Forever Ellie Day is exactly the same age and from the same orphanage yet she is almost twice her size. We know many little girls have come out of Ellie's orphanage well taken care of with chubby little cheeks and legs. We have heard over and over that these little girls are well cared for. So why is little Ellie so tiny, why did the other girls look so healthy. Is it because of her heart? What is going on inside that little body?
We aren’t sure what’ going on but what we do know is that God has created this little girl with His very own hands, He knows every ounce of her and created each and every one of those precious little eye lashes. He has a plan for her little life and we feel honored that we are part of that plan. Are we worried? Worried about her little body yes but we also know deep down that he has us here at this very minute for a reason. God has given us a huge peace in the midst of uncertainty. We have over a week before we journey back home to doctors. There is a lot her body will experience in the days ahead. We are asking that you cover her tiny, little frail body in prayer in the days to come.
Tomorrow we journey to her orphanage and we are praying that God opens our eyes to a tiny piece of her days before she was in our arms. God knit our hearts with hers in an amazing way just minutes after having her in our arms. The love God has given us for this little girl in such a short time is overwhelming.
We stand in awe of God's goodness and faithfulness. We are richly blessed!
29 comments:
We continue to pray!!! It makes me sad to hear she is struggling and you both have so many unknowns. However seeing God provide Ellie with your family is a testament of His goodness and faithfulness! We we all love you Ellie!!!
Oh sweet baby! Covering your princess in prayers and your hearts with peace. The road may look scary and full of unknowns but HE knows and his inheritance for Ellie is BEAUTIFUL!!! (you taught me that, miss Julie :) Praying for answers and healing xoxo
Julie, Of course I will continue to pray for Ellie's health and for God's peace to continue to be with you and Eric as you wait to come home. I can only imagine a feeling of urgency is starting to grow in you....I'm in awe at how Ellie's story has unfolded and what happens when we listen to God's nudging. Take care, my friend. These things aren't easy on a mother's heart. Thinking of you....
I cried as I read this -- poor sweet baby girl. We KNOW God brought you together and will lead you, give you strength, wisdom and courage as you face this. I just lifted you up in prayer and will continue to do so. She is right where she belongs to thrive: with her mom and dad. God Bless you all!
Praying, Julie, praying! So glad that the Lord knew she quickly needed parents who would do everything they can for her! He knows...and He will guide you...
Julie & Eric,
We will pray for Ellie, TRUSTING that God will give you the wisdom you need to care for Ellie... She is fearfully and wonderfully made, and oh so very precious... We are so thankful that God rushed things along for this very moment.. When you could reach out and ask all of us to Stand In The Gap for you... Praying for God's protection and peace beyond all understanding as you count down the days to get Ellie the medical attention she may need. Until then please continue to allow us all to cover you.. As we have seen with Ivy Joy, GOD does hear our prayers!!!
"The One Who Calls you IS faithful, and HE WILL do IT!!!!"
1Thessalonians 5:24
Love,
Diana & Jeff
We experienced something very similar with our Isabelle who also had a heart condition... it turns out that she was simply "left alone" for fear that her heart would be negatively affected by playtime, holding her, etc. She was fed in a bottle hung on her crib and was painfully sensory deprived - she would even gag at things touching her hands.
Her orphanage mates were clearly stronger and more developed than Isabelle - even the director acknowledged the obvious differences. I just think she never got out of her crib. She could only arch her back... she couldn't even sit up on her own or make an effort to crawl when we met her at 11 months. But God had a plan for her and I know He has a plan for your precious Ellie as well! Will keep her in our prayers!
I will keep praying for you and for her and her body to keep strong.
Our 12 month old was 14 lbs on the day we got her, still had a gag reflex, never had any solid foods, couldn't sit or bare weight on her legs... She was about a 4-5 month old. She's now 5 1/2 and a very little spit fire and beautiful inside and out. Your mama luv is so so very strong because you were chosen to be her mama forever.
Nancy
Lifting you up to the King of Kings whose healing power goes beyond what we could ever ask or imagine. Praying for peace to flood your hearts and for direction as you seek medical care in the days ahead. God knew she needed the loving arms of a family to give her the "love therapy" she needs to thrive. Your light shines bright and God is using your story to impact others. "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Praying for you all and your precious Ellie. God knows exactly what he is doing and obviously hand picked you both for your sweet girl.
Praying for your sweet daughter and your family, Gwen
Yep, God definitely knew that little Ellie needed her family to hurry! I pray for your family and little Ellie daily, but I will continue to pray for her healing and growth. It must be difficult to have so many unknowns right now, but God placed the two of you in this position because he knew you would love and care for this beautiful little girl and provide her with all she needs.
Praying for little Ellie and her loving parents!!
You are all in my prayers as God watches over all of you. Teri
As the mother to a beautiful inside and outside bio daughter who is nonverbal with autism, the prayer that I prayed when I received her official diagnosis (and still pray on occasion) is for God to give me strength and guidance to be the mother that my daughter deserves me to be, and that he teach me what he wants me to know through the experience of parenting her. That our family continue to be a happy one, no matter what struggles we face in this world.
I am not sure what, if anything beyond orphanage delays, may or may not be going on with ur beautiful little Ellie, but I will tell u that parenting a child with special needs that u may have never considered 'raising ur hand for' ultimately is the most beautiful of blessings!! A real change in perspective of what is and isn't important in this life. It's impossible to explain the extent of stretching and growing that occur when u parent a child with needs that cannot be 'fixed'. Ellie is beautiful, sweet and emotionally connected to u (seems to me through her smiles). I am thrilled to see her in your loving care and soon she will have the medical evaluation and you will know more. Regardless, be strong and keep the faith!! She's so pretty and sweet...love her sweet smiles.
Sorry, meant to clarify that soon she will have a medical evaluation in the states and then you will know more.
Blessings!!
This sweet baby girl is finally in the arms of her parents and the rest will come in time with medical care and love. Know our prayers are with you and Ellie, you will gain tremendous insights from the SWI visit. Delays can be overcome and improvements are seen weekly. Some 12 month old babies don't seem to be affected by life in an orphanage at the time of adoption and others like ours, seem in a fog on so many levels. There is also the classic post gotcha day shutdown that usually lasts a few days to further cloud our need for answers and understanding. You are learning her needs and the rest will come, she has missed so much intimacy and attachment these months, it will take time and your unconditional acceptance of her needs. Our prayers are with you and Ellie today.
Dear Lord,
Please touch Ellie. Give her strength and heal her body. Praise you Lord for this baby. Give her Mom and Daddy strength and divine knowledge. Praise you Lord for your perfect timing and for healing. Please heal Ellie!
Prayers going out to you. We had little girls in similar condition in our group when I brought Amelia home. Lots of love, patience, prayers, nutrition, and great doctors helped them catch up.
We are praying for this sweet baby girl and for your strength. God is good and will see you through your journey until you return home. Our daughter is in an orphanage in Datong and we are waiting to travel. I met your blog from Molly Wilson and Tania Kocmic. Thank you for sharing your special time, I too share our story with the hopes that it will touch at least one person to adopt. Again, my boys and I are praying for Ellie and you and Eric.
Have a blessed day and night.
Addie Sanchez
Addie
www.sanchezadoption.com
Deepest prayers for your Ellie. Your family was handpicked for this special girl!
Praying for Ellie and you both.
Melissa Bundt
I sent you a comment from my phone but I don't know if it worked. I just wanted to offer a little bit of encouragement to you. We just picked up our daughter in Henan China 4 weeks ago. We have been home for 2 weeks. Our little girl just turned 2 yesterday and was very much like you describe your little Ellie when we got her. I have never been so scared as when they gave us our little girl and she was just like a newborn. She was so severely delayed. 4 weeks later, our little girl can hold up her head, roll over, bear weight on her legs, and she sits up!! Love and nutrition can do soooo much!! You have a beautiful family. Congratulations on your little Ellie. We will keep you in our prayers
We experienced similar with our daughter who had no known SN. She just basically laid in her crib and had no stimulation. She also had ear infection, which I believe caused her weakness. She acted like her entire left side had cerebral palsy. We have been through a lot over the years dealing with her sensory issues. I have many tips if you are interested. Just email me.
For now, rub lotion on her daily as she will tolerate it. It will build up her resistance to touch. Also, instead of a hole, cut an X in her bottle. This will allow the larger amount, but she will still need to use some sucking to get the formula. We had no luck with solid food while in China. Keep offering though. Once home, I urge you to get her in Early Intervention as early as possible and get feeding therapy. We had a wonderful therapist. Took us about six months to eat table food, but she finally did. It will all happen, she is just going to need time.
Sweetiee1@gmail.com
Prayers going your way. Ellie is gorgeous.
Odemaris and Gabriela, her "sister" from Jianxin
Praying for Ellie, everytime I think of you guys!
We are praying for your sweet Ellie...such a beautiful baby girl she is!!
Janice
What a precious little princess! Praying for strength in her tiny little boy. (Found your blog from Diana's.)
I know you are super busy and have more important things to deal with, but if you get a chance, I would love to ask a few questions about your agency. You can email me at teraknepp at yahoo. I completely understand though if you do not have time in the near future. :) We also stayed at Galactic Peace and I noticed Claire in one of your photos. :)
Saw this when Lisa linked to it on our frame it photo group; there is no doubt that you were meant to be her family! I will pray for this beautiful little girl God has brought you.
Trina
Hi Julie!
I'm in your "frame this" class and I wanted you to know I'm keeping you and your sweet Ellie in my prayers. Eight years ago, I was in China bringing home my sweet Lucy and had many of the same concerns/issues. Lucy was just over 1 and couldn't roll over and couldn't even lift her head while laying down. She was so weak and we were completely overwhelmed with the thoughts of what was ahead for us...the delays scared us that something more was going on....and our hearts broke.
We brought Lucy home and found out she had severe developmental delays. I made it my full-time job to get her strong and healthy. She was a completely different child within 6 months!
Fast forward 8 years and Lucy is doing great! She's in the 3rd grade and skips and sings everywhere she goes. All of her teachers have said she is the hardest worker they have ever seen. Lucy doesn't know "I can't"
Hang in there and watch the prayers, love and nutrition take over.
Hugs from the NW!!!!
www.ojldays.blogspot.com
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