Monday, March 30, 2009

Back to China for our daughter, Haddie Hope


The Lord has once again has led us back to China to adopt a daughter. He did it by way of a sweet little girl named Cheryl. God allowed us to meet Cheryl when we were in China adopting Libi. We have spent the last nine months advocating for her. In that process of advocating for one He was leading us to another. How I love the ways of God! God's move was specific and we were sure in our steps to begin paperwork on November 12th, exactly 6 months after being home with Libi Faith.


This last Friday we found out that sweet Cheryl had been matched with her forever family. We rejoiced for her and her family, but wondered what the Lord had next for us in this journey. We did not imagine that He would reveal it so quickly.


Just 3 days later, on Monday, Joel was asking me if we knew who his sister was yet. I began to explain since Cheryl had been matched with a family it may be awhile. No sooner were the words out of my mouth and the phone rang. Joel looked at the caller ID and told me it was our adoption agency, both of our jaws dropped. As I answered the phone I was greeted by the excited voice of our coordinator. She said, “Amy, we have a little princess for you to look at”. She then explained that when she saw this little girl’s file she knew the perfect family for her, and it was us. US! She was familiar with us, only because of our advocating for Cheryl. Of course, I began to tremble. How crazy the timing of that call. She then told me that this little girl was 6 and began to describe her special needs. She has a repaired cleft lip and palette. She has also tested positive for Hepatitis B.


Over this last week God has graciously helped us to “switch gears”. The last nine months we never imagined a little 6 year old! It really caught us off guard. We also consider her special needs quite minor. I must say though, God recently reminded me that, in China and shortly after coming home, I felt that our next little girl would have a repaired cleft lip and palette. That is just one of the great confirmations that He has set before us over the last week. He has spoken through His Word, through people, through songs, through billboards…His specific signs have left us in awe. It is undeniable that He has chosen this little princess for our family and we feel so overwhelmed and blessed!


Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”



NOW…on to what is important….this little honey! How crazy we are about her already. She was born on January 10th, 2003. She is described as being very sweet and desires very much to be adopted. We cannot wait to bring her HOME!!

As for her name…


HOPE is definitely her middle name. Our HOPE has been in the Lord in ways like never before in this process. Every time we have turned around we found the Lord encouraging us to HOPE.


JIE will also be a part of her middle name...by itself it means "good looking" BUT, Jie Jie, means big sister in Chinese!


Her first name is HADASSAH (hah DAH sah), we plan to call her Haddie. I am currently doing a study of the book of Esther. Hadassah was Esther’s Hebrew name. Esther was orphaned at a young age. She became the Queen of Persia by the leading of God’s sovereign hand over her life. The book of Esther is all about how God is in the details of raising us up for specific times and purposes to fulfill His plan. The very first picture that we saw of our sweet little Haddie was her adorning a crown atop her precious little head. It is so fitting to name this little girl after a Queen, for such a time as this
“and who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b


Oh sweet Haddie, our hopes for you are many and our love for you is great! Thank You Great and marvelous King Jesus, who has blessed us to know You and be a part of Your incredible story, especially the story of one little Hadassah Hope Jie Arnold!!!

14 comments:

  1. I'm so excited for your beautiful family! I have absolutely loved seeing God at work through your precious Libi and can't wait to see what He has planned for Hadassah! I love the name too! Praying for you all!
    ~Jenna

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  2. Congrats, Arnold family! We are so excited for you guys. She is beautiful and will be part of a wonderful family. Where is she from? Are you DTC yet? Praying things move quickly and without snags. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
    Love, the Colleges

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  3. OH AMy!!! I haven't checked in on your blog for awhile and just "happened" to check in tonight. WOW!!! I am so thrilled for your family. Haddie is precious, what a gift! And I love her name.
    Can't wait to follow your next journey back to China.
    Sending you love!

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  4. what?! WOWWWW! This is amazing. I'm so excited and thankful that out of this, two precious girls will now have homes!
    Carrie

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  5. Amy,

    I am overjoyed for you and your family!! I have been thinking of and praying for you since your note...(I hope you rec'd my reply). God is so good! Haddie is beautiful, and I love her name:-). Sending you best wishes as you prepare to bring your daughter home. God bless~
    Tami

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  6. Arnolds,
    She is ADORABLE!!!! Awed, simply awed!Oh, she is just so wonderful, a great addition. I love the name Hadassah! She will be a great, lovely, lady! Sami was looking at the picture, and she said," She is beautiful! I don't really have many adopted friends, do you think she will be my friend?" She was so excited to hear she was getting a new friend! She can't wait to meet her. We all are anticipating it:)
    Love,
    Sydney S.

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  7. YEAH!!! So happy to see this announcement!!! WOO HOO!!! We have an official announcement on our blog too! YEAH for your family!
    :-)
    -Nicole
    www.bakerssweets.blogspot.com

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  8. WOW! We are so excited for you and for Haddie! She looks so sweet and like she has a great personality. We are so thankful that God has provided the means for you to adopt another sweet little girl. We will be praying as you complete the process to bring her home. We really need to get together sometime so the girls can play- maybe this summer.
    Love, Ed, Marilyn and Lena

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  9. Oh my,"for such a time as this" doesn't even begin to express it. what an amazing story. We'll start praying for little Haddie Hope. The girls will be so excited to hear about Libi's new big sister!

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  10. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!=] i cant believe the way God works! i am soooooo excited for you guys! i cant wait to meet her and play with her! oh and i love the name! haddie is a cute nickname...very unique! adoption is so wonderful! im sure she will have a great life now that she is coming to live with you!

    LOVE,
    maren=]

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  11. ARNOLDS!!! She is PRECIOUS and BEAUTIFUL. I LOVE how God is so creative and faithful. How amazing are His works, and He has brought Himself glory through this new chapter of your family's story!! Praise Jesus!!

    Can't wait till the princess comes home!
    Love you guys!
    Molly

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  12. Wow Amy! What a neat story. We are so happy for you. I never thought I would have this 2 year old BOY running like crazy-so we Love God's twist on things. I'm glad to hear the news. Tell Libi Luke says Hi! God's Blessings,
    Missy Nicholson

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  13. That's so crazy... we were going to name our little Sarah, Hadassah and call her Haddie!!!.. for the very same reasons : ) What a beautiful and meaningful name of heritage in the Lord!

    Can't wait to meet your precious Haddie Hope and welcome her home!!

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  14. She REALLY looks like our Alaina in this picture!!! Being a Princess is Alaina's dream -- maybe if we ever make it up to B'ton, we can meet you ALL! (Lucy)

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