What We Think We Know

Discovering the treasures we brought for her. One by one.

By US standards, our girl might be considered neglected.

By the world's standards, probably better than most. She certainly had food, shelter, and caregivers.

But the roof over her head turned into more than a haven. The walls prevented her from experiencing enough life to grow her mind and stretch her body.

There is beauty in this lack. We've been given the privilege of introducing the world and experiencing the thrill of discovery right along with her.

We are learning hour by hour and day by day how to best meet our daughter's needs and wants. It is fun and exhausting because the pressure is on to do it right. A five year old who does not understand a word you say requires a different sort of finesse than say a two year old who can be re-directed.

We are slowly getting the hang of what makes our girl tick. Not sure she ever wore shoes. She has a hard time walking with shoes on but zips around the room barefoot. She can put on her own shoes but socks seem difficult to manage. She is clearly uncomfortable with the different floor textures and walks gingerly from the carpet onto the bathroom tiles.

She seems pretty serious most of the time. We haven't had a full belly laugh yet but a few giggles have escaped here and there.

The goofball side might be emerging. Although it is hard to say whether she even knew these were not on quite right.

Honestly we are guessing that Joy is operating developmentally at about a two to three year old level. Though not because she cannot learn. We simply don't think she was taught much.

She willingly tries everything we ask. She wants to taste every food that is on my plate. She may spit it out but the trying wins big in my book.

Joy will mimic our words. So far she seems to understand "potty", "all done", and "shoes" in English.

The first bath was fun. She stood there and looked at me.

"You want me to do what?"

Sit down honey. I promise you will love it.

Mr. B saved the day. Because bubbles are irresistible aren't they?

She got the hang of things and poured water right over her head. They told us she had only experienced showers and a bath consisted of some water in a bucket.

Water is magic, isn't it? Doesn't she look happy and relaxed?

Seeing as the bath was a hit, the next day we headed for deeper waters. We all enjoyed several hours in the pool. Joy didn't seem to get cold and even tried to put her face in the water when she saw other kids swimming over and under and all around.

I believe this was a case of, "Mom, the picture taking thing is getting O-L-D!"

Wednesday morning we were able to meet four other families who are basically on the same adoption track and timeline as we are, although we are all with different agencies. It was nice to share stories and find out how God brought us all to China for such a time as this.

Off to the police station. Don't worry. It's all good. That is where we will apply for Joy's passport. Although she will have a mugshot taken!

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