meeting Birth Mother

   This morning we met Kerrigan's birth mother and grandfather. Kelly and I were somewhat anxious  about this....I mean what do you say...how does that conversation go ? We met at a McDonald s about a 45 minute scooter ride for them from their home. Scooters are the most common form of transportation in Kaohsiung...hundreds on the road at any given time. They came in  and sat down with us. Very sweet people, happy to see little Kerrigan...both held her and cuddled her. Kerrigan's birth mother was 16 at the time she became pregnant and knew she could not care or provide for her. She wanted Kerrigan to have a better life than she could provide. Watching these two with her you could see they both loved her. Trena and Ashley both from the house of Hope were there as interpreters. The birth mother started to hand Kerrigan back to me and Trena said...they are ok with you holding her....and she said she wanted to watch me hold her. Of course I was happy to do so ( I loved kissing those little cheeks). The birth mother smiled and said she was happy to see Kerrigan with us and knew we loved her. It gave her peace knowing Kerrigan was going to a family with a mother, father and brothers and sisters. Unsure of what to say...what would offend or seem awkward....however it is true most real communication is non-verbal, I could tell they wanted the best for Kerrigan and were grateful for us loving her. I told Trena  to describe to them where we live , 10 acres of woods to run and play  in surrounded by farmland next to a river. That Kerrigan will have friends, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents all waiting on her in America. That she will have the opportunity to attend college and become anything she wishes to be.The grandfather became misty eyed at this point...I asked Trena if I had offended them...she responded no he was very happy....education is very important to the Taiwanese just not always within reach. As we said our good byes the birth mother gave us all hugs, she was very petite coming only to my chest. The grandfather shook my hand once more and we watched them go. I must be truthful....I became misty eyed myself at this point. So many emotions. To think this sweet young Chinese girl had this child she knew she could not care for and we were chosen by grace to bring her into our family. Flying half way around the world to get her and experience her culture for a short time. I believe some souls are destined to meet , some briefly some for a lifetime. Once in awhile those you meet only briefly can be every bit as profound as those you have the pleasure of knowing for a lifetime. During our adoption experience in Taiwan I must say we have had the fortune to meet those type of people !