by Danielle Zinn

Created on: February 27, 2009

A Bundle of Joy

Tuesday morning seemed like any other day, but in my heart, I knew it was not. I sat in my hotel bed as I journaled and prayed. I prayed for God's peace to fill me instead of the worry that continually crept into my heart. Worry that she would not adjust into our family. Worry that I would not be a good older sister or have a good influence on her. As my mind kept filling up with many fears, I prayed, and handed them one at a time into God's hands. In my heart, I knew I did not have the courage or strength to go with my family to pick Deanna up that day, but the God I serve does, and He lets me lean on him and draw from his source of strength, courage, and peace. After I finished writing, I put on my shoes and walked down the hallway to meet my family, though in my heart, I continued praying.

My family and our guide walked out of the hotel and along the street in the humid air of Zhen Zhou. I simply followed everyone else, not knowing which building held my little sister. We all tried to make small talk, but everyone in my family was deep in thought and had their own thoughts running through their minds. In my head and heart thoughts of anticipation and nervousness both rushed throughout me. Along the way, our guide received a phone call and told us our new little sister was now waiting with her aunties from the orphanage inside the government building we were walking to. Finally, after working up a small sweat from the humidity, we turned to go inside a tall building. All the fear I had before struck my heart, yet there was also excitement, joy and love for the little girl upstairs. I felt connected to her already, because my family had been praying for her so long by then. As we climbed up the stairs, I prayed all the way up and thanked Him for giving us the day we had all been waiting for.

When we finally reached the fifth floor, the long journey down the hallway awaited us. I walked right behind our guide, so I was the first person in my family to look upon my new little sister. As soon as I saw her I stopped walking for a couple seconds and just stood there. She's beautiful and she's my sister! Wow, I couldn't believe it! Tears of joys threatened to flow down my face, but never did. That day was absolutely amazing; we all took turns holding her as we continued to walk from place to place, finishing up all the documents for the adoption process. God truly placed a blessing in my life, and I will choose to thank Him for my bundle of joy the rest of my life!

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