Malia

Setting in a medal chair across from a woodworking table in shop class as the teacher rolled a television into the corner, I never thought my vision would be impacted in such a big way.

My shop teacher brought to class that day a collection of a few documentaries showing the story of Chinese orphans. He probably thought he would make a bunch of teens take a second and be thankful for the American way of living. It was much more to me, and what I have invision from that day has never faded.

I decided in shop class I wanted to have the opportunity to adopt a child from one of these orphanges. I wanted the opportunity to take in one of these little girls with the privledge of becoming their mother. I wanted to offer hugs and kisses, and more importantly, love.

Of course, 7th grade was a very long time ago. At that time, I didn't know how far I would go with my education. I didn't know who I would date or marry. I didn't know if I would give birth to any children, yet my desire remained and remains today.

I am married to a wonderful husband. We have Autumn, our first little girl. As I look at my family, I pray there is still the opportunity in the future to fullfil my desire. My desire is to bring more children to our family to love.

China's requirements for adoption is that the parents are at least 30-years-old. I will be 26 in three months. Four years and counting down. It becomes more real as more time passes, and as Brandon encourages the decision with more support. This was my dream, my desire, and my hope, but as I have always wanted to adopt from China, Brandon has adopted my dream, desire and hope as his own.

Her name will be Malia... which means perhaps or probably... So, in years to come Malia will probably be welcomed to our home if it's God's will.

SIDE NOTE: I had the priveledge of meeting with a family in 2007 who adopted their little girl, Malia, from China. Their story made my vision real and obtainable. It also surprized me with her name being the very same name, God gave me as a teen for our little Chineese girl.