How we embarked on this journey

Brock and I have considered adoption off & on for probably 5 or 6 years, and in fact, briefly pursued the idea of adopting a baby that was to be born to a teenage mother. We also offered our home to a couple of local young children whose mother had died, but they went to live with out of town family members.

In early January, we heard about a 12-year-old girl from the Philippines who had been adopted, but things weren't working out between her and her new family, so the adoption agency was on the hunt for a new home. We inquired about getting her, but we were told we weren't good candidates, because we had never had a Home Study. They wanted to place her quickly.

However, our inquiry led to a phone call from a local adoption outreach group, In His Hands Orphans. We were asked if we would consider taking an 8-year-old girl from China that had minor medical health issues. We agreed to do so.

Initially we thought her name was Catherine, because that was at the top of her file. However, we quickly came to realize that no, her name was Shaling, and she had no idea that anyone associated the name Catherine with her. It was simply an American name put on her adoption placement file.

Shaling's health issue is rickets in her thighs, which is weak bone structure, usually due to a Vitamin D deficiency. After receiving advice from a doctor friend, we are optimistic that the condition is reversible. We plan to get her immediate medical care and ease her into a well-balanced diet with plenty of Vitamin D and calcium.

So, here we are!