I’m not sure how to start this post. THE post. If you know me, you know I’ve been waiting to write these words since childhood. Adoption was spoken into my heart in middle school. Around the same age, a family member spoke wisdom over Andrew about his future family. Our long awaited promise has been answered in the most beautiful little girl, our beloved, our Esme.
On August 6th, I opened my computer to scroll through some waiting child lists. We didn’t expect to match for another year, at least, but there SHE was! Looking back at me through the screen were the most beautiful eyes. I couldn’t pull myself away, so I called Andrew and told him to come see. We immediately requested her file.
The next few days were a blur as we began the file review process and wrote a letter to China requesting to become the parents of this precious child. We submitted our letter of intent on August 19th and received our PA (pre-approval) from China September 2.
So, it is with great joy we announce our daughter, Esme Evangeline. (We will keep her Chinese name as a second middle name, but we are currently withholding it per privacy requirements). Her name means “Beloved Bringer of Good News, an Answer, a Promise.” And she surely is. She is our beloved promise, long hoped for and dearly loved.
Our prayer is to travel this spring to bring her home. There are many questions as to this timeline. There are many unknowns in the world. But we trust God will be faithful to place our daughter in our arms in His perfect timing.
Would you join us in praying for Esme? She is living in an excellent orphanage and is well cared for by her loving nannies. Would you join us in praying that she is not in pain due to her medical condition? Would you join us in praying that we be united as a family as soon as possible? Will you join us in praying for her birth family?
There is inexplicable joy in matching with your child, but in the next breath inexplicable pain. We are expectant and hopeful in preparations to bring Esme home, but are hurting knowing she is waiting far away. We are joyful for the chance to parent this gift, but know that gift came first at great loss to Esme and her birth family.
Andrew and I are so grateful for all the family and friends who are cheering us on as we grow our family through adoption. We hope our journey has been an encouragement to you, and we pray that as we experience miracle after miracle in this process, all honor and glory is given to the One who is writing a bigger story.
Ephesians 3: 17-21
Vanita McGough
I am so excited for you and your precious little GIRL!! 😍❤️