Introducing Rose Jia Ning Hadsell
It has been an incredible two weeks here in China, to say the least! Once we are home, and have had some time to process all that has taken place here, I will share more of our journey. But for now, I will let a few photos tell the story. (I only have internet on my phone, the computer can't connect, so this post is coming to you via cell phone, with limited capabilities).
The above photo was taken on our "Gotcha Day"--the day I got Rose from the orphanage. For some reason this is the only photo from that day that my phone is letting me upload to blogger. But in it you can see the fear written all over her face. This little girl had spent the vast part of her 32 months on this earth laying in a crib. Simply being picked up, held, moved from one position to another was overwhelming and frightening for her. She would cry every single time someone went to pick her up, even the nannies who had been with her for her entire life. So, they picked her up as little as they could. I will share more of that story, and pictures from gotcha day when I get back to my computer.
Fast forward to five days later, and this is what God had already done.
Those are some of Rosie's first real smiles and giggles. When she first started to smile, it would be a very quick little grin, which would immediately disappear back into a blank stare. When she first started to laugh, it scared her. She laughed and then cried. But by day 5, when these pictures were taken, JOY had begun filling this sweet girl. On day 5, she allowed me to pick her up without crying. She smiled and laughed without hesitation. Love had already begun healing her tender heart.
Fast forward to day 10, and this is Rose laughing while blowing kisses (a new trick she has learned), all while SNUGGLING!!! As in, voluntary physical contact, that she sought out, and was happy about!!!
Today is day 12, and instead of crying when I pick her up, she now stops crying when I pick her up. She gets so excited when she sees me put on the front carrier, and starts flapping her little arms in anticipation of getting in and snuggling. We have gone three whole days without any inconsolable crying fits. She has learned to blow kisses and clap her hands. She makes eye contact when I talk to her. And she smiles and laughs so very much!
I don't completely have the words to describe what is has been like to watch her come alive. It has been like seeing the tangible glory of God right in front of my very eyes. She still guards her heart fiercely, but Love is making its way in.
Rose and I begin our trek home tomorrow morning, leaving our hotel at 4:50am, and arriving in Austin, TX about 24 hours later. Prayers for safe travels, and for Rose's ability to handle a massive amount of over-stimulation would be so appreciated! We have felt the power of prayer holding us up during these past two weeks, and we thank each of you for lifting us up, and coming alongside us as we get our little Rosie girl home. And a huge shout out to our Mimi and Nana, who have stepped in and helped David with the kiddos at home in my absence. You have truly been God's hands and feet in our lives, and we thank you!!!
With much love from China,
Ashley and Rose
