The Road to Harper

     A Chinese proverb states that there is an invisible red thread that connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break.

     A few years ago, when our older daughter went away to college, we decided we would like to raise another child.  Ashley was a complete joy to watch grow up and we are so proud of the young lady she has become.  

     By March 2012, we had completed all the required paperwork and were approved to adopt from China.  While we were waiting to be matched with a child, I looked at pictures of numerous children who were waiting to be adopted.  There was one photo that kept drawing me back for another look.  It was Harper.  When I searched for more information about her, I discovered that Harper was on our adoption agency's list.  If she would have been with another agency, we would not have been able to adopt her.  Some children are assigned to specific agencies to be matched, and Harper was assigned to Bay Area Adoption Services.  God moment number 1.   I contacted our agency and requested her medical file.   I was already in love with her, but Shawn and Ashley were apprehensive because of Harper's special need.  We are an active family, and there were no guarantees if Harper would be able to walk, let alone play sports and keep up with our active lifestyle.  So with a heavy heart, I informed our agency that we would not proceed with her adoption.  But God had other plans.  A few weeks later, I got a call from our agency informing me that they received an updated video of Harper.  She was crawling and walking!  God moment number 2.

     I decided to search for an international adoption doctor who specializes in Harper's medical condition to get another opinion.  When I searched on Google, the only doctor in the United States who fit the criteria works at Children's Mercy Hospital right here in Kansas City!  God moment number 3.  The specialist was able to review all the information we had about Harper the very same day.  He called me and we discussed all the information available including an MRI, several short videos, an old discharge sheet from a hospital visit, and the medical files provided by the orphanage.  He agreed with me that the diagnosis on her medical forms was probably not correct.  After his assessment, we decided to adopt Harper.

     This journey has taken quite a leap of faith.  What will her medical needs be?  Are we crazy to want a baby after not having one for 20 years?  Are we too old to parent again?  Regardless, God will make sure that we have the tools we need to best provide for this child.  We are so blessed to be able to raise her.

     God brought this child to our attention, made sure she was with our adoption agency, and provided us with information that made us comfortable proceeding with the adoption.  So it appears there is an invisible red thread that has tied this child to us.  It is fate.  She is meant to be a part of our family.