We saw Katie Starr's face for the first time. I will never forget it. We were supposed to receive our referral on February 27, 2006 but unfortunately DHL lost 64 of the 90 referrals expected that day between Beijing and Austin, Texas where GWCA is located. When we received word that they had been lost I felt such a sense of sorrow. It had been such a build up to that moment and I wondered how I could even wait another day to see her little face. Little did I know that those referrals would never be found and still have not been found to this day. The CCAA had to go back to the SWI's and obtain new photos for us. They were able to give us some minimal info on each child but all of the referral info would have to wait.
When Brian Stuy from Research China heard our plight he called many of the families to offer his services in locating our children's finding ad based on the info that we had received. We received a phone call from him at 2:00 am from China to see if we would like him to send a copy of Katie Starr's finding ad via e-mail immediately. He said the photo would be poor quality but we jumped at the chance. In the meantime DHL found 32 more referrals at a depot in NYC and we would know the next day if we were one of those families. Marc and I made an agreement that if we were not among the group of found referrals that we would then open the photo. Well, again we waited for the e-mail that would say whether we were in this group of found referrals but alas we were not to see our sweet girl that day either. Through tears we decided to open up the finding ad picture that Brian sent us. We could barely see the outline of her face but at least it helped a bit with the wait we still had to endure.
Finally, three weeks later our time had really come and it was so amazingly sweet. Unfortunately, Marc and I were not able to be together to see her for the first time. I sat next to my Mom and when the e-mail came through we took a second to take a deep breath and then I clicked and it was the stuff that dreams are made of. I collapsed into my moms arms crying tears of joy. All I could see was the beautiful and smiling eyes of my daughter looking back at me. I fell in love with those eyes and that sweet soul immediately and the rest as they say is history. Katie Starr is a dream come true. We adore this child and cannot imagine our life without her. I know in my heart that she is the perfect fit for us and for her brother, Ethan.
To all the waiting families; please take heart. Your patience will pay off because in the end your precious child will be revealed to you and you will feel the special joy that is like no other.
When Brian Stuy from Research China heard our plight he called many of the families to offer his services in locating our children's finding ad based on the info that we had received. We received a phone call from him at 2:00 am from China to see if we would like him to send a copy of Katie Starr's finding ad via e-mail immediately. He said the photo would be poor quality but we jumped at the chance. In the meantime DHL found 32 more referrals at a depot in NYC and we would know the next day if we were one of those families. Marc and I made an agreement that if we were not among the group of found referrals that we would then open the photo. Well, again we waited for the e-mail that would say whether we were in this group of found referrals but alas we were not to see our sweet girl that day either. Through tears we decided to open up the finding ad picture that Brian sent us. We could barely see the outline of her face but at least it helped a bit with the wait we still had to endure.
Finally, three weeks later our time had really come and it was so amazingly sweet. Unfortunately, Marc and I were not able to be together to see her for the first time. I sat next to my Mom and when the e-mail came through we took a second to take a deep breath and then I clicked and it was the stuff that dreams are made of. I collapsed into my moms arms crying tears of joy. All I could see was the beautiful and smiling eyes of my daughter looking back at me. I fell in love with those eyes and that sweet soul immediately and the rest as they say is history. Katie Starr is a dream come true. We adore this child and cannot imagine our life without her. I know in my heart that she is the perfect fit for us and for her brother, Ethan.
To all the waiting families; please take heart. Your patience will pay off because in the end your precious child will be revealed to you and you will feel the special joy that is like no other.
13 comments:
Congratulations Katie Starr. You have brightened all our lives.
You were a beautiful little girl the first time we saw you, but you as we have gotten to know you over the past two years, your inner beauty has continued to shine.
Much love, The Chois
Wow! Is it really 2 years since your referral of Katie Starr!? I remember thinking back then that I'd never heard of DHL/FedEx losing a package of referrals. You guys really had a tough time. All this time later, you have the sweetest little girl who brings a smile to everyone's face!
I can't believe it's 2 years. I first followed your journey on the Story of You, and now look at these 2 amazing children you have, what a blessing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait for my turn.
Hard to believe it has been two years since your referral- almost two years since ours. It just goes by so fast. I love following your blog- and reading your stories. Katie Starr is a true blessing and such a great sister.
Your a blessed!!!!!
Thanks for sharing your family with us.
Tamara
I remember vividly all that happened those two years ago! Look how wonderful everything is now! Congratulations on two years down and a lifetime to go.
I can't believe it has been two years. I remember seeing Katie Starr, and thinking what a great name!!! Congratulations !!! You have a beautiful family. God bless and keep each of you in his safe arms.
Love, Kristy
LID 4/21/06
This is just what I needed to read today... the long wait is getting unbearable. Thanks for your words of encouragement... :)
It is easier to say than to do " Patience is a Virtue". The wait is worth the reward a thousands times over and the appreciation is stupendous. Katie you have made these past two years fly by with admoration, grace and extreme joy and love.
your
What a beautiful post....these memories are just the best! ;)
Oh my gosh I remember that day so well and then when we were all able to see Katies face for the first time I was stunned by her smile.
Love the new header.
Wow, I can't believe it's been two years. I remember how tough that time was for everyone & how you handled it so well. Still get chills reading about it.
You have made a beautiful family!
Happy anniversary....and what a difference a few years makes!
Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary of loving Katie. And in her recent photo she is wearing a Gymboree dress I've been wanting to buy for a year now. Do we have good taste, or what! Love ya. sherri
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