Third year with Elijah in our family!!!!!

John 14:18


I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

It is so hard to believe that three years ago today we met our son Elijah Chongli aka Wu, Chong Li.  Our times in China were exciting as well as very trying.  He had never seen blue eyed people and our eyes scared him.  He had lived with a wonderful foster family since he was an infant so two weeks before our arrival he went back to the orphanage to prepare for his new family.  His world had been turned upside down and he was grieving the life and family that he lost.  He tried to run away from us constantly.  At six years of age his heart was broken, but I can saying that he is finally mending and he is becoming happier and more secure in his new life.  A different boy today than three years ago. 

Elijah has accomplished so much in three years. 
1.He has learned English and now is at a 3rd grade reading level-no more ESL
2.He is learning about the Bible and how it impact on  every aspect of life
3.Learning to embrace a life of opportunity in America
4. He has recovered from major skull reconstruction surgery,been without seizure meds for 6 months, and is in the process of recovery from hand surgery.
5.Learning that he is not alone in his special needs-CP and  massive stroke as an infant and that there  are others in the world with similar needs and they are successful people.  He has been able to meet children with similar needs at Shriner's Hospital
6.He is learning to trust that we are his forever family and we will stick by and love him in the good and bad.

We love you Elijah and are so thankful that God brought you into our lives!!!!



Psalm 68:6



God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.