The Red Thread

I am sure that as soon as any adoptive family begins their China process, they hear of the Chinese proverb of the Red Thread.

“An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, despite the time, the place, and despite the circumstances. The thread can be tightened or tangle, but will never be broken.”

While I do not believe in fate, per se, I do believe that our Father knows the plans He has for us from the foundation of the world.  A month ago, I didn’t know anyone personally who had adopted from China.  Soon after beginning our adoption and making necklaces, I was on a bead buying trip to the craft store.  Being a total rookie at jewelry making, I decided to ask a lady in the aisle if she could offer advice.  As we talked, I told her what I was making and why, and she said, “Oh! I have a friend who just brought her daughter home from China!  You two should talk!”  I gave her my number, facebook friended her friend, and we talked on the phone one day.

Fast forward to today.  I was at our local Classical Conversations Practicum (homeschool meeting kind of thing), selling necklaces (of course), and a friend walked up and said, “There is a lady out in the hall with the cutest little Asian baby in her stroller.”  Completely out of character for my introverted self, I ran out to the hall and chased this lady down.  When she turned around, it was none other than Jenna, my new facebook-friend-I-met-through-a-total-stranger friend!  I could not believe it.  I got to hug her in person and meet her precious daughter.

Five minutes later, another friend walked up and said, “You need to meet this lady on the back row.  She just got matched with her daughter from China.”  Oh my.  Two in one day!  This lady was so precious, and we talked and looked at pictures of her sweet one and got chills and shed tears, and… and.. and our God is so good.  He sends co-laborers to us, to encourage us and move us along this path.  For this I am so thankful!

I have “met” others on facebook who I haven’t met in real life yet, but hope to.  This red thread is tangled and winding, and I know these people are in my life for a reason.  Tonight my heart is full, knowing that God is faithful to complete the work that He began in our family!