Our Red Thread Journey

The Chinese have a story of the red thread. An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break.

This represents the connection that exists between a family and child long before they actually meet one another and is how we feel about our baby already. I have just bought Darryl and I two Red Thread Bracelets to symbolize our thoughts of her long before we have her. I plan not to take it off until I have her safely in my arms - until we are physically connected.

It is crazy how things work out. So many of our friends and families have asked why we chose Zambia and not China or any of the other available countries for our adoption. The truth is we chose Zambia because of the cheaper cost and because we could specify sex and because we could adopt a very young baby. I know that sounds so technical and unemotional, however, as time goes on, we are consistenly realizing that perhaps WE didn't chose Zambia at all. Perhaps, there is a red thread that led us there; this invisible force driving us to find our daughter. There are so many circumstances/coincidences that tell us everyday that we made the right choice.

I have been obsessed with Africa ever since I can remember. As a child it was quite funny to my parents who could not understand the obsession and who didn't know where the obsession came from. I couldn't really understand myself. I have always dreamed of the day that I would be lucky enough to step foot on African soil. The thing is, I never dreamed that taking a trip to Africa would mean that I would fulfill two of my dreams. It just so happened that my journey sent me there. I couldn't afford a Chinese adoption and I really wanted a young baby and I couldn't wait too long because I am about to bust as it is. With all of the other countries available, I would have to wait OR pay too much money OR would adopt an older child. How suited for me that the perfect country to adopt from for us would be an African country. I believe now that I was born with a red thread to Zambia and that when my child is born, she will be on the other end of my thread. I have to believe that.