So recently, a coworker and I were discussing adoption, and he mentioned someone's "Gotcha Day." I know in the adoption world, that is common lingo and people like to say it. It is easy to say and it is kind of cute, but I've never really cared for it. Something about the word "gotcha" for me, makes it sound so sneaky. The idea of a "gotcha" has this connotation like you tricked me or kidnapped me or something.
My coworker and I discussed how acceptable words and phrases in our language are always changing, and we speculated that years from now someone will find that phrase inappropriate like I do and it will be called something else. We then went to thinking about what else it could be called.
The best I could come up with was "Worth"day. It is nice that it rhymes with birthday, and ultimately will be an anniversary to be celebrated like a birthday. But I like worthday, as I believe it is truly just that. God makes each of us with a tremendous amount of worth. When a sweet little one like Elora is abandoned, given up or left orphaned for some reason, it is a tremendous loss for the child and it is as though their worth as a child of God isn't being recognized. When a forever family comes along to love them as one of their own, they are recognizing the child's worth. After today, I understand even better the worth of each of God's children, and I am amazed at how awesome Elora is!
Thank you Matthew West for a great song..."Hello, my name is a child of the one true king." Hopefully we can begin loving Elora today in a way that she'll know her worth and that she is a child of the one true king! Happy Worthday Elora!
good choice i could not agree more now are we going to celebrate her "worth day" or her B day
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hey dad can we have a skype outing 6:00 mo time?
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(if possible)
Made me cry :) Happy Worthday Elora!
ReplyDeleteOh precious, precious, Elora.
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Love it! ~Nenny
ReplyDeleteThat is beautifuly said...god bless
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I love that. I am so happy for you all and what an answer to prayer that Elora is adjusting so well and things have gone so smoothly. Happy Worth Day Elora! Love to you all! - Lynette
ReplyDeleteI have been catching up on posts from today and I have been crying hysterically. They are tears of joy. Congratulations and HAPPY WORTHDAY!!!!!! To Lane, Madeline and Asher: You kids are just amazing! Your love and acceptance is like none other. I can only pray my kiddos will turn out like you some day. I can't wait to meet Elora and for you all to show her her worth! Blessed be~ Kendyll
ReplyDeleteI am all caught up! So glad to hear all the good news of Elora and your travel. What a great way to tell Elora's worthday! Love to all! -Holly
ReplyDeleteGreg and Heidi,
ReplyDeleteI am having trouble getting through any of your posts because I have cried at most everyone. The picture of the 2 of you with Elora on 'Worth' Day...I don't know that I have ever seen anyone happier. I mean~seriously! The love you have for God, your family and this journey he has called you on just pours out of your posts.
Just thinking that homesickness will be sitting in soon, I will give you an update from home. Rain, rain and more rain expected this week. Right now we have a t-storm warning for the next 5 hours.
Lastly, do you mind sharing what the weather in Guangzhou is like? Do you see the influence of this Trade Fair we keep hearing about??
So happy for your whole family.
Paige, the weather has been about 75-80 and it feels kind of humid. You especially notice it when you get out and start walking around for stuff. Today is kind of overcast. It is interesting, because everyone talks about the clothes police here and to have the kids dressed in layers. That is exactly how they gave us Elora, and it is strange to us because she was sweating and hot. But you do see a lot of kids all layered up. Funny though, we try and respect the norm around here and still do that for her, as do others, yet with the other adoptive families you'll notice kids in short sleeved shirts and shorts. We heard all about the Canton Trade Fair also, and I know it made hotel and possibly flights more expensive. We don't really know what to compare it to as far as the busyness, since we have never been here. Tons of people everywhere, but it is a city of 10 million people anyway. I don't know how much help we'll be, but keep any questions coming and we will help any way we can. It'd be great to see you guys here!
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