ISAAC: "laughter - son of promise"

Three years ago today Courtney, Rachel, and I walked into the very dingy Civil Affairs Office in Xi'an, China, to await the arrival of Isaac, who we had been waiting for for 18 long months.  Surprising to us.........he was already there.  My first impressions were, "He is SOOO tiny!" and "He is SOOO cute!"  I went right up to him and as he looked soulfully into my eyes I started to cry. 

Once we got back to the hotel room, my first order was to begin attachment.  The girls left to go post pictures and I just rocked, sang, and talked to this quiet little boy.  I had a box of animal crackers that he was entranced with - a smile started not too long afterwards!

Isaac had a hard adjustment.  He had giardia and scabies which didn't help matters any.  He woke up whimpering many times at night and I spent hours rocking and snuggling this scared little boy.  He was terrified of potatoes and the only thing we were told by others was that they resembled rats.  We have no idea what experiences, good or bad, he had in the 32 months before he came to us.  But God is faithful and slowly, oh so slowly, this little boy started to blossom before our very eyes!  We were encouraged by the following verse:

Joel 2:25  "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten....."

No matter what Isaac had gone through previously, we were here for him from now on - HIS FOREVER FAMILY!  It's amazing what love, attention, and physical touch will do for a child!

Isaac is so funny and keeps us laughing most of the day.  He gets so excited over the simplest things and his joy is contagious!  He loves preschool, being a big brother, helping around the house, playing Duplos, reading books, and helping the ladies.  He pulls out my chair at every meal - what a gentleman!

It's hard to believe it has been three years, little man.....we love you beyond belief and can't wait to see what the future holds for you!