Sunday, November 3, 2013

Our Adoption Video

Today is Orphan Sunday.

November is National Adoption Month.

I happened to finish this video last night and it seemed like a good time to share it.

There are so many orphans in this world.  Too many.

Today, I am grateful that there is a little girl in my house who is an orphan no more. 

Today, and every day, I am heartbroken for those who will never know the love of a family.

I have cried a lot of tears, and had a lot of fun making this video.  When I watch it, and I see the image of the plane flying across the world, I still can't believe I WAS ON THAT PLANE.  I still can't believe I am the person in this video.  It is still crazy to me that Rob and I traveled to the other side of the world and found our daughter there.  It is amazing that WE get to be Vivian' parents.

I am so glad we said yes to adoption.

This is what adoption is all about:  Faith. Hope. Heartbreak. Grief. Healing. Happiness. Love.

This video is for Vivian.  I wanted to try and put together an accurate version of what our trip to China was like.  It is not all happy pictures and happy music.  But, it is our story.  Sorry it is a little long, and a little cheesy, but I just had so much I couldn't cut out.

Out there in the world today there are tens and hundreds and thousands and millions of "Vivians".  

An estimated 147 million, actually.

Wrap your head around that.

There is so much we all can do to help these precious children.  I will be posting more about how you can help this month.

But, for today, if you want a picture of what adoption is all about..... here you go.


 



 

18 comments:

  1. I held it together until I saw the first pics with Vivian and your oldest son - and the tears keep coming! Oh how I identify with your feelings of wonder over this beautiful little girl. For us, after 9 years home - I still find myself gazing at my daughter in absolute awe - that we are hers and she is ours. I know this feeling will last our lives. Thank you Maureen for sharing this lovely video.

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  2. Maureen-
    Simply beautiful. She transformed from the begining to the end. What a beautiful tribute to your forever family. You are all very blessed
    Thank you for sharing such a personal part of your story- I am insprired to get moving on our adoption video now - 3 years later:)
    -Ally

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  3. So Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. My sweet Emma was 3 in July & has been home with me from China since July 2012. Your video brought back wonderful memories and tears of joy that there's one less orphan in the world! Vivian is just precious!

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  4. OK! You have me in tears! To see her sad sad face those first couple fo days> Just about breaks ones heart! What a difference Love makes1

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  5. Just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. Now to wipe the tears...

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  6. Thank you for sharing such a touching video of your beautiful family. Maureen - you always have me in tears!

    Hope you always continue to blog - you have touched so many people....

    Many blessings, Wen

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  7. Really, really wonderful job! She will cherish this as she grows.

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  8. We we travel in two weeks to get our daughter! I have found your blog such a wonderful and insightful inspiration. What a beautiful person you are. God bless you, Maureen!

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  9. I have seen hundreds of adoption videos and your's moved me to tears. Just to watch Vivian's face - from tears and fear to smiles, peace, and safety is enough to get to anyone but when you see it in progression from gotcha day to being home you know she has a very wonderful enriched life ahead of her. Thank you for sharing. It really is a powerful message.

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  10. Loved it! Such a beautiful story and such a blessed family.

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  11. So precious! Thanks for sharing your amazing journey to make 1 less!

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  12. Hi Maureen - I am one of the managers for AJ Panda, a small online store helping adoptive families celebrate Chinese culture. I came accross your blog today and was so touched by the video you posted of your adoption journey that I wanted to reach out to you and see if you might be willing to write a guest blog post about Vivian's adoption. We would love to hear from you! Please email me if you are interested! - Amy Dunn (amy@ajpanda.com)

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  13. Maureen,
    Your did a beautiful job!!! So many poignant, beautiful, sweet, and touching photos. A testimony of what love can do!!!! So thankful Vivian is safely home with her Forever Family!!! Blessings, Diana

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  14. Today I came across your blog and I'm so happy that I did! My husband and I would really like to adopt from China. I am 28 1/2 and my husband is 31 and we have 2 beautiful biological children, a 7 year old girl and a 3 year old boy. I know I need to be 30 and I cannot wait until then! But I am doing all my research now so we are ready the day I turn 30. From what I've been researching the waits are so long now compared to a few years ago and it scares me to think how long it will be a year and a half from now. It's amazing that you were able to get your little girl in a year! Do you have any advice on anything I should start doing now? I'd love to keep in contact with you and I really enjoy your blog!

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  15. I stumbled across your blog late last night. I stayed up and read every post. Your video is so beautiful and inspiring. I am interested in learning more. Are there other blogs that you follow or could recommend? Thank you!!! Hannah

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  16. Beautiful journey! We have two amazing biological little boys (2 1/2 and 5) and would love to add a little girl (perhaps from China?) to our family. Watched your video with my husband. Continuing to pray for guidance in this exciting journey. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  17. Thank you for a good cry! Beautiful <3
    Where did you get the sign at the end? LOVE IT!!

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