I Dream Of Jeannie: Gotcha Day Jia Fan

"Gotcha Day"

1/30/2007. "Gotcha Day" to Gia Gong Jia Fan. Moments after we met Gia, her orphanage co-director brought out a photo album of Gia's life in Pingnan, Guangxi. She told us that Gia had shared her life with another little girl - Gong Fu Cheng in the orphanage and more recently in a foster home. Many of the photo's were of the two of them - often dressed alike - "like twins!" Gia would tell us later.
Gia looked at her photo's often, and it became clear to us that she grieved for her life in China and of her Gong Fu Cheng. Gia would tell us stories about her "we fighted!" One day I found Gia with tears streaming down her face, looking at her photo's and trying to call Fu Cheng on her toy cell phone.
We were told that Gia and Fu Cheng were in a foster home sponsored by Grace Hope. Through a very good internet friend, we found out that they had named Fu Cheng "Jeannie". My dear mother's name. She had passed away just 4 months after Gia came home. Hmm.... something inside me stirred and it was at that time that I decided that until Jeannie was placed with her "forever mama" that I was it - and I would do everything possible to advocate for her.
Gia was doing her part to convince us that Jeannie was her sister. One night I heard her tell her daddy at bed time " Gong Fu Cheng has the same daddy as me - in America!" Well, daddy was not convinced! Several months later on Mothers Day I received a card from Gia and her daddy that said "mommy, please do everything you can to bring Jeannie home". He said yes! He is the best daddy and husband ever!
After months of hard work, persistence, prayer, help from people I don't even know, we received approval to adopt Jeannie. We will be her forever family! Gia and Jeannie will have a life together with their big brother Ben!

We can't wait to travel to China and to Jeannie!

Gotcha Day 3/23/09

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Gotcha Day Jia Fan

Three years ago today Gia walked into our lives. She was wearing a red sweater, pink pants and pink boots. She was too afraid to look us in the eye - she looked down or looked away with a blank stare. Tears were in her eyes, but she was too proud and brave to cry. We instantly fell in love with her spirit - her strength - and her strong will.

Early this morning Bob and I were in bed talking about our memories of our "firs moments together" with Gia. Every day she shows us how brave she is, how hard she tries at everything she does, and is never happy until she gives 100 % and is successful. Her daddy has often told her "Gia - you are my hero!"

Soon, Gia joins us in bed and we begin to talk about her special "Gotcha Day". She is so bright and happy, talking about her memories and how relieved she was once she realized that we were a "nice mommy and daddy - especially daddy was fun to play with!"

Later Jeannie joins us - just waking up, still tired and quiet. I remind her that today is her special day too - because this was the day that mommy and daddy saw her picture - and heard all about her. It was the day that mommy knew that she would be joining our family.

Later that morning daddy brought all of his girls pink roses - and Gia received a gift that was purchased 3 years ago in China for this special day.

I look back at the photos taken in Pingnan from over 3 years ago. Gia is very thin and covered in bug bites. Jeannie had her shy smile. Today they are confident and happy girls, knowing that they are so very much loved and wanted.