A Sweet Reunion

On our east coast trip, we had the absolute blessing of being reunited with our "China friends," the Ramella family.  We met John and Judy in Hunan Province where we were both going to meet our new daughters for the first time.  At that time, they adopted their daughter, also named Lily, who is just about a year older than our Lily.  John and Judy were and have continued to be an amazing encouragement to both Dave and me.  They have 2 grown children who are out of the house, and then Gracie (now 5) also adopted from China years ago, and now Lily (who is now 3 1/2).  John and Judy just lift us up with their faith in our wonderful Lord, and how they truly want to live a life that pleases Him.  They love the orphan :-).  The Ramellas live on the East Coast, and we were thrilled to be able to go to their home and get the kids together again.

Jumping with Gracie on the backyard trampoline.

From left to right:  Lily and Grace Ramella, Lily, Matthew, Nathan, and Aaron

The two Lily's on their Daddies.

We were treated to an ITALIAN FEAST!!!  Homemade pizza!

Bread and olive oil.

The two Lily's.  Both from Hunan Province, China.  Our girls getting ready to eat.

Macaroni.  We heard so much about this macaroni while we were in China.  When we were in China, and familiar foods were slim pickins, Judy would say, "I can't wait to get home and have some macaroni!"  And I finally got to have some!  Yummmmmm.

The Ramella girls made cupcakes with sprinkles for the occasion.  Obviously, Aaron approves. 

Oh my!  Cannoli.  Yes, please!

Matthew reading a Pinkalicious book to Lily and Aarbear.

John, Judy, me, and Dave!

And I loved this so much that I took a photo of it.  It is hanging over Judy's kitchen sink.  Just in case you cannot read it.  It says:
God's main goal is not leisure, it's likeness.
Not feel better at times but follow better!
Holy Spirit knows what you are going to face next week, month, etc.  So he equips you for the future when he touches on an area of our life.  He touches on a fault.  Painful!  But He will walk with you to help you.
God will maximize your obedience and turn your weakness into a strength.  Romans 8:28

Everyone but Nathan (who is the camera man).

Their Lily is just thriving with her family!  She was also a special needs adoption - and her special need involves dermatology.  Dave is privileged to be dubbed her "angel doctor" by the Ramellas.  You can read about the details of the Lord's provision here in Judy's blog.

Oh man, I miss them already :-).

You never forget the friends you make when you go to adopt a child, that is for sure.