Hello once again. Everyone's napping so I thought I'd take a moment to expound upon the Lucy comment in yesterday's entry.
Remember when you first encountered your shadow? – I don't, but maybe you do– and if not, what a dandy opportunity to stretch your imagination. Create in your mind a brilliant day at the park. You're running through a green grassy field and you notice out of your eye's corner a shaded figure near and below you. As you glace down, this strange figure seems sewn onto your feet and mocking your every gesture. After a few moments the unwanted guest disappears only to return later and with the same idolizing nature. 
This has been Lucy's first few days with Jenna. Jenna likes to do her own thing mind you (kinda like when the sun goes behind the clouds and the shadow disappears) but thus far she is commonly doing what Lucy does. Should Lucy lie sideways with her leg in the air, Jenna will lie sideways with her leg in the air … should Lucy want to nap (maybe not want to but …), Jenna will want to nap (thank you Lucy!!) … should Lucy push the elevator button … Jenna will want to … I think you get the pic. Lucy has her shadow. And Lucy loves her shadow.
I mentioned that Lucy was made for this moment, and here's why. Since Gotcha Day came and went, something occured in Lucy that changed … maybe not changed, but completed a part of her. Something in her is inately created to be a jai-jai (big sister). Sure, she sometimes doesn't understand why Anna and I may accomodate Jenna differently
considering current circumstances (like Jenna not understanding a word we say), but after we discuss and remind, she seems to consider and come to terms. She's had moments of communication frustration, but generally patience wins out. What's been really amazing to watch develop is Lucy begin to accomodate Jenna while not losing herself within the accomodations. Anna and I are so proud of her and are just ultimately overwhelmed when seeing how God is and will use her in all of our lives.
This is a worship blog, so I'll send you to a verse that has brought on new meaning to me now. Romans 8:29 where it mentions that Christ is the firstborn among many brothers. As it pertains, Jesus is the perfect model and our shadow should be hitched to the feet of his soul so that where he goes we go. We may feel like the sun goes behind a cloud sometimes, but know this … Christ is there … and you're still hitched. Depend on that!!

Subscribe
Oh, thank you Leo. So beautiful!
“Lucy has her shadow. And Lucy loves her shadow.” No words to describe what that did to my heart. Bless Lucy. Our little caretaker was, indeed, made for this.
Thanks so much for sharing your family with us and this special time–can’t wait to meet Jenna!
This is amazing and such a blessing for you all. We did not have such an easy transition into big-brotherhood. Mind you, we had less than 24 hours notice that Delaney was coming and Graham would be an instant big brother. But 3 1/2 years later, he still struggles with jealousy. I pray that God will bind my babies together as He is binding yours.
Jenna is so very, very lovely.
So happy to hear about your “sister joy”. Will continue to pray for peace and bonding. Hello to Lucy from Kassie.
Leo, you are making me choke on tears! My heart is bursting in pride for Lucy as I am sure yours and Anna’s is too.What a WONDERFUL analogy at the end! I will be holding on to that today and don’t want to forget it in the future! Love you and can’t wait until you can share Jenna with all of us. I’ve been praying for her transition and for her foster parents, as well. As they deal with their loss I have prayed that they will find Him to fill their void!
Leo, I praise God with your family. What a great plan our great God has!!
We have some friends that are in China right now too. They adopted with us the first time in 2005. They are adopting their second little girl named Presley. They are in Nanching right now and will be going to Guangzhou very soon. It would be awesome if you ran into them. Their names are Mark and Georgia Goudelock and their 1st daughter is Kendall. Kendall is in 1st grade.
Love reading the blog.
Such wonderful blessings for all to hear. He does ALL THINGS WELL. Annette
She is so scrumptious! Two beautiful girls! Will continue to pray for all of you!
Leo, Anna, Lucy and Jenna,
I just can’t get enough of looking at these pictures and reading your beautiful, heartfelt account of these wondrous days of your family being “re-made”. What a treasure to have for a lifetime!
I just smile when I look at these past two days, after feeling your sadness for sweet Jenna on day one and two. God makes all things new!
Continuing to pray for her healing heart and praising Him for the gift you each are to the other.
Sooo happy for you,
Julie
It is great to walk with your family!!! Thank you for sharing your life a gift of your children with us. What a great God we serve and how he provides in his time for us. I know I don’t tell you both engouh but I am so glad we are life long friends and God has blessed our family with yours!!!
Thank you for the updates Leo. Jenna is beautiful and I will pray for her little heart as she transitions into her family. Praying for Lucy as well as she contemplates her place in your family as well. And for you two, as you parent them and love each other through it all. I miss ya’ll and I’m proud of you!
My girls, Dave and I have enjoyed all of you pictures and your stories and we can’t wait to meet sweet Jenna…adorable family. Thanks for sharing all of this…