We just returned to the hotel about an hour ago from meeting our daughter. Today when we met Isabel it wasn't anything like we expected. It was so much better. Prayers answered! We arrived at the Civil Affairs Office at around 2:00. Isabel arrived around 2:30. The two ladies that brought her to us couldn't have been nicer. They spent lots of time with us and answered all our questions. Isabel has been very quiet, but will answer our questions in softest of voices. She came with a backpack with two outfits and a few things.
She did come with a note:
To my parents: I am so grateful for your love. And I am very very happy to be your daughter. I'll try my best to adapt my new life with you.
Love you, Your new daughter
Again answered prayers. She even came with snacks. Isabel just pulled out a bag of boiled eggs and handed us both one. When all else fails keep an egg in your bag, in case you get hungry. She'll fit in just fine.
She was worth the wait!
Much love,
Will, Marla, and Isabel
Dear Marla, Will, and Isabel,
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here with tears falling down like rain. I am so happy for all of you!!! I can't wait to meet your kind and loving daughter -- she is a Godsend!!! Lots of love to all of you and am praying for your safe return (Soon, I hope)
Okay, you even made me cry! She sounds wonderful, and she is right; she is lucky to have you two, as you are lucky to have her. Enjoy your time with her in China, and come home to your extended family (of the heart, anyway) soon! Andy, of course, has asked me to request a souvenir for him, but I've told him that Isabel is our present. Can't wait until you're home. Rachel is waiting! And she loves boiled eggs!
ReplyDeleteRight now Natalie and Michael are asking me "Mommy what's wrong? Are you OK Mommy?" I told them Mommy is great and that I'm crying very happy, happy tears. We are so happy for you all!!! Natalie has been trying to make sense out of you going to get Isabel. She said she's sad and happy for Isabel "but Mommy I'm mostly happy because now she has a mommy and daddy to love her like you and daddy love us." I don't know how any of you will sleep tonight!!
ReplyDeleteYour are in our thoughts and prayers.
lots of love
Michele
Congratulations! I am not crying, but I have a big Yee Haa building up from within. Good for you. Good for Isabel. Deviled eggs? I knew God had this thing under His thumb from the beginning. She's a Pridgen, if ever we've known one. We can't wait for you to get home, but as above, enjoy your time in country with your complete family. We are so very happy for the three of you; we're are about to bust. You're just a Hop, a Skip, and a Jump away.....
ReplyDeleteJohn
We are so happy for the three of you! I can't wait to meet our newest Gator fan! Ha!Ha! Much love to you all... King and his Court
ReplyDeleteI am sitting here with tears in my eyes, thanking God for this day. I pray that your "getting acquainted time" will continue to be as wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhen you get home and Isabel gets acclimated to her new surroundings, the Weaver's are going to have a party! Her great aunts and cousins are all anxious to meet her.
Love to the three of you, Aunt Margie
We are so excited for you. Please be safe in your journey. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for your new family. I remember so well what it felt like the first time I saw Alex. He was eating a piece of bread...go figure! Some things never change. Enjoy these first few days together. They'll go by much too quickly. Alex is looking forward to meeting Isabel and is really hoping that she will be in his class. I think a special bond is already in the making! Have a safe journey home.
ReplyDeleteKathi, Phil and Alex
Marla and Will, I went to school today and I wish you could have seen the group crowded around Leslie's computer as we read the latest update! So excited and am keeping the prayers coming for all three of you! Love of love, Beth
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful match God has made between the three of you!! We are so excited that the union has finally taken place! You can quit pinching yourself....it's a dream come true! Much love!!
ReplyDeleteDonna, Haynes, Morgan and Madison
We all woke up at 2:00am and couldn't go back to sleep thinking of the three of you!!! Words cannot express how happy we are for yall!!
ReplyDeleteLove you all very much-
The Crews'
Hey Marla and Will....I read your blog today to Marsha over the phone (they were leaving DC for home). I had a hard time getting it out. My voice kept cracking. When I finished, I thought Marsha had hung up on me! She couldn't talk because she was crying too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this journey to get Isabel with all of us.
God has a hand in this union. It's been such a blessing to all of us to be a part of it with you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep those blogs coming!
Love you, Lynn*
God is Good...Love and prayers, Alan and Treasure Teague
ReplyDeleteHi Marla, Will, and Isabel,
ReplyDeletePraise GOD from whom all blessings flow!!
I was at school this morning when the email came in to Leslie's computer....tears were flowing and I haven't stopped thinking about your family all day! Love the egg story.....you'll never be able to eat hard boiled eggs without thinking of this special day! Isabel is precious and I can't wait to meet her.
Praying that all continues to go well with the rest of your visit. Enjoy!!!
Love,
Judy
I think Kleenex sales have gone through the roof in Dalton! What a sweet beginning to your life together. We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Rita
ReplyDeleteNi Hao,
ReplyDeleteI told you earlier, she has been sent from Heaven...and this update even gave Scott goose bumps. We are so happy for you all.
We love you!
I'm having trouble seeing due to tears in MY eyes. My heart is so full of joy and love for all of you. My prayers have been sent up often in the last few days.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe children can sense a lot about adults without ever hearing or saying a word. You have seen it with student who don't speak English.
I have no doubt that Isabel could feel all your love for her and each other. Marla, you are one of the easiest people to love I have ever witnessed- especially when you are around children. I feel certain Isabel will feel secure with you soon. You know the song from "Aladdin" "A Whole New World...."? You have just given a whole new world to her and she to you. Praise the Lord!