Foster Sisters Reunited!

This past weekend Matt and I went to the "Believe Tour" with our youth group. We are mentors to the 6th grade boys and girls. The Believe Tour (which has nothing to do with Justin Bieber BTW) is a great event for middle schoolers that travels across the country, encouraging teens in their personal relationship with the Lord. It's lively and very entertaining, but it also challenges the kids to grow spiritually. Alex couldn't wait to get there, which really excited me that he was so amped up about it. Ashlyn had a BLAST. She even went down front with the other girls during worship... They all stormed the stage and danced around and clapped and had a blast. Ashlyn LOVES music. I know I've mentioned it before, but she really does and it melts my heart. Music is so soothing to the soul, and even though she doesn't understand the words, I trust that the Lord is doing a work in her heart. She knows it's all for Him.

The highlight of our weekend though, was meeting the Halloran family in person. In case you don't know who they are, I'll tell you:) Veronica (the mom) is the adoptive mother to Basha, who just so happens to be Abby's foster sister. When Scott and Veronica adopted Basha and Shiana a year ago, Basha came home asking them to adopt a little girl in her foster home. Veronica told her they couldn't afford to do that, but that they'd pray for the little girl to find a home. 4 months later we saw Abby on Reeces Rainbow, decided to move forward to adopt her, and joined the Shenzhen Yahoo group. The next day I got an email from a lady (Veronica) who happened to be a member of the yahoo group. She wanted to know if I could email her a picture of Abby to see if it was the little girl they'd been praying for. Sure enough it was! She sent me her phone number, I called her immediately, and we became instant family. Veronica is one of those people that you meet for the first time and feel like you've known her your entire life. She's a sweetheart and a Jesus lover and a kindred spirit for sure. She sent me gobs of pictures of pictures of Abby and Basha with their foster family and was able to offer a bit of insight to their lives in China. She also told me that they would be making a trip to Disney World and would love meet us. How amazing is that?! I tell you, there are NO coincidences when it comes to the mountains God moves and blessings He provides through adoption.

Abby is in the pink jacket and Basha is in the orange.

So last week was their week at Disney and they came to hang out with us Saturday night and all day Sunday. On Saturday evening, when the doorbell rang, I was in the kitchen with Abby. Someone let the Halloran's in and they were all hovering in the foyer. I walked Abby over to them and she immediately went to Basha with her arms up. I wish I'd have taken a video... It was precious. Basha was all smiles and Abby seemed to recognize her. It was precious. Of course Veronica & I were both choking back the tears as we watched these precious sisters have their moment. It was priceless.

Our God is just so very, very good!!!

Abby & Basha... Together Again

Me & Veronica

The whole gang: Our six and their four:)

When we walked them out to their car on Sunday evening, Basha was in tears. It literally broke my heart. I'm not sure if she was sad because she was leaving Abby or just sad because goodbyes are hard for her (which they are), but I promised her that goodbyes in America are not forever and that we'd be seeing them down the road to Canada this summer. They live up east and we will make a way to veer over to see them. She seemed content (but not fully recovered) with that promise.

Oh the pains these children have had to endure... And how they have overcome so much...

But our God is so very good. He gives His children such wonderful gifts.

We will forever be grateful for this precious family. I know Scott & Veronica would never admit this, but they are 2 of the most generous people we've ever met. In a time a of their own great financial need they sowed seed into our adoption fund. I'll not anger them by announcing how much, but it was a radical sacrifice.

We love you Hallorans!!!

Can't wait for summer!!!

XO,
Rebecca