A Joyful Reunion!

In May 2007, 16 families met up in various locations, some in the airports and some in Beijing.  In gathering together, we had one common goal.  To receive the children that we had been praying for and thinking about for 2 years.  But with that, something funny happened, we became very close friends.  The families gathered in that little conference room at the Fuling SWI in Chongqing, China and shared a very intimate moment with the other families that were there, the "birth" of our children.  We watched as those before us were handed their children and didn't see another thing once they called our name, except that beautiful child that was just placed in our arms.  What a joyous time it was.

It was time for us to gather together again.  This time, a little over one year later, 12 of those families met in Sevierville and picked up just where we left off.  It was the strangest thing and felt as if we had never been apart, like old friends that had know each other all their life. Not much change, except there were smiles on those little Chinese faces this time and not tears. And yes, their hair was a little longer. Over the last year, as parents, we watched these children blossom into little people with their own personalities and charm.  What a joyous reunion it was to share in that change with almost everyone. The families that were unable to be there were deeply missed.

We left here on Sunday morning and met up with the families at Hidden Mtn. Resort.  Our cabins were joined together by a breezeway and the two cabins shared our own pool.  It was a blast.  The girls and Jordan(our only little boy that every Mom wants to arrange a marriage to their daughter) played and swam and "reconnected".  I don't know if they have a clue, but their parents sure did.  We realized how important it is to keep this bond strong with this group of children.  They will forever be connected as children from Fuling SWI who were placed in the arms of their parents on May 13, 2007.   Their parents are extremely proud of their own and of everyone elses.

Mostly, we just hung out.  We did attend the Cirque de Chine at the Music Mansion on Tuesday.  It was great, what memories it brought back.  The children were so well behaved for the 2 hour show.  Some watched intently, some napped.  Jadyn was mesmerized and kept waving at the acts when they would come to the front of the stage.  After the show, we gathered at a Chinese restaurant and had dinner together.  It was a great day.  

We feel so blessed to be friends with these people. Thank you, Fuling Families, for what you mean to the Hoods.  We share a common bond and we genuinely enjoy being with you.  

We are already talking about making plans for next year!  We are so grateful to God for bringing us together as a group and as Him to continue to strengthen the bond between these children of Fuling.  Here are a few pictures from our time together.   Enjoy!