The Night Train

Three months ago, Tallis was still living in an orphanage in China. Some orphanage staff got her and three other toddler girls ready that night and they boarded a train to the capital -- 280 miles away. I hear that this train ride is around ten hours give or take because it makes many stops along the way. Knowing Tallis, she probably slept straight through. That train ride was likely one of the few times in her life that she ever left the orphanage and probably the farthest away she had ever been. I'm guessing that she ate breakfast with her ayis (aunties) on the train and they likely took a taxi to the Civil Affairs office the next morning. There she waited.

I'm sure it was both strange and exciting to see two other caucasian, western families speaking a foreign language arrive and scoop up Tallis' little travel companions into their arms. The kids may have been quiet or they may have cried. I guarantee that the families were crying. I wonder what she thought. And then I walked in, an ayi pointed to me and told Tallis "mama" and pushed her toward me. Tallis said "mama". It was a question. It was the sweetest little sound.

Three months ago, our daughter was an orphan. That's a baffling thought for me and it already seems like a lifetime away. But she's our baby now. And, she's happy and doing so well. She fits right in and it seems like she's always belonged here. I think she always did actually -- she just hadn't arrived yet. We love her like crazy too. She's smart, obedient, ready to please, outgoing, has a sense of humor, affectionate, goofy, and always willing to try something new. We think she's beautiful too. She's an abosolute gem. A pure gift from God. We are SO grateful for this gift. Even though we are exhausted some days and in desperate need of wisdom and patience, every morning Tallis makes me forget by running as fast as she can to hug me and say "good morning!" She really does that. Every single day. I love this kid!