But we still have not been chosen to proceed

On May 26, Jiang Yi Hua's second birthday, we were interviewed for 90 minutes. We were physically and emotionally drained when it was over and had no idea what kind of impression we had made. We knew the results of this interview would now be reviewed by a team of social workers to decide which family would proceed. We were 48 years old at the time, we already had 7 children, and while two had special needs, none had the same need as Yi Hua. Who were we kidding?

My journal asked, " Do not let the agency say yes if China will say no. Do not let the agency say yes if it is not your will."

Two days later, May 28th, our 26th wedding anniversary, the agency called to say they had chosen us. I did a u turn on a 5 lane road to go back to tell one of my children in person. Of course, I lit up the cell phone with calls. We were in breathless shock.

Now came the grinding paperwork, home study, dossier prep, and the knowledge that it would take at least a year to get her.