Included in our per-approved paper work there was an address and directions on sending a care packages to China to our new daughter. It has many useful Chinese translations like mother, father, brother, and sister to use as labels on any pictures we send. It gave us info as to what size package we should send and what process we should take in mailing it and what not to do to get it stuck in customs. It encouraged us to send a care package as soon as we wanted and to send as many as we want.
I was really excited about this. We can send pictures, maybe buy her some clothes, a few toys and a stuffed animal. We want to imagine her being excited about receiving a gift box from her soon to be family. Looking at our pictures and being excited about seeing us. Sleeping with the bear every night in anticipation of the the day we meet. Some of this could be partially true. I am sure she will be excited to receive a package with items for her but I am not sure about anything else after that. She is a 9 year old girl with hopes and dreams. She has friends and she probably has her favorite nannies. She probably imagines a Chinese family adopting her and growing up with them in China. Maybe dreams of being a teacher or any number of other things. Living a good honest life in her culture, getting married and having a daughter of her own. Knowing in her heart that she will love her and be the best mother possible.
How does this package change so much of what she imagines and dreams. Will she see our pictures and be disappointed that we are not Chinese? What about my friends, when or how will I ever see them again. Where is Georgia and do I have to go? These are questions I am sure will come to her mind at some point. Maybe right when she sees our picture or maybe not till the day we meet her. Yes, we are going to give her a forever family and we already love her more than it seems possible. But we are taking her away from everything and everyone she has ever known. Also if we did send a package how would the other kids react? Would there be jealousy or anger toward her. These kids are in this orphanage by no choice or action of their own. I don’t want to bring more anguish on them by them not receiving a package and reminding them they are still waiting for a forever family. Is this a “care package” or something else?
I emailed the agency and asked if this was a good idea or not? I shared my concerns. She emailed me back and said it diffidently was a good idea to send one and encouraged us to do so. She told me that if they don’t receive one sometimes the orphanage will request one especially at her age. It can help prepare her for the adoption. It lets her see her new family, her room, her pets and answer some of the questions she may have. She did also tell me that there was no guarantee that she would get it either, but it was worth the chance. Even if they don’t give it to her until the day before we arrive it is worth the effort.
We are gathering the items now that we want to send. Some items for her and some for her to share with her friends. My pray for her today is to stay healthy. That the items in this box may bring her gladness not sadness. That He will give her strength to handle the unknown that is coming her way. I pray that God will allow her to know that He loves her more than anyone else and wants the best for her. That with time she will accept us as her family. Lord, I pray you will bring us all together as quickly as possible.