"Gotcha Day"!!!!!

A year ago we met and held Ingrid for the first time.  It was our "Gotcha Day" and we all remember every second of that day.    Here is the video we made for her to remember and celebrate a day that to us is beautiful!

(hopefully you can click on this link and see it)

http://www.smilebox.com/playBlog/4d7a63354e6a49314d444d3d0d0a&blogview=true

Notes to Ingrid from her brothers (unedited):

"We were about to go to CA when my mom screamed that we we're getting you.  When I saw you you we're the cutest thing ever and you still are"

Oskar

Dear Ingrid,

About a year ago today, September 16th, we received you.  I will never forget the day when you came in to the hotel lobby all frightened and shocked.  You had small pears in each of your hands.  You didn't want to leave the caretakers arms but now you don't want to leave moms arms.  When we went back to our room we gave you your first toy, plastic circles that you connect, you didn't want  to play with them so you threw them away!  Than we gave them back to you and you threw them away!   And then you started to laugh and it became a game.  You are super cute and everyone that see you say's the same thing.  Girls ask me about you in school because you are so cute and funny.  You've changed a lot since we got you.  For example you used to only eat healthy food now all you eat is any meat or anything in the snack drawer.  You have a great way to make us all laugh like saying "one more time" at the park when you want to stay which you repeat until we force you to leave.  Right now you are playing tickle monster with Dad  and you can't stop laughing.  I can't wait to see you grow up in this family and I want you to know even though you might not have the same skin as us you are part of our family and Mom and Dad will treat you just as well as they treat all

of us boys.

Love,

Isaac

One Year Ago Today......

The first five Anderson's depart for China.  We are coming for you Ingrid!!!!!!

Ingrid's Baptism

What a celebration of God's grace! We had thought a church baptism last spring would be appropriate, but decided to wait as she would at times seem still so fragile and we did not want to scare her.  We tried to coordinate with the church and grandparents and godparents and our schedules, and finally just had to pick a date .... the end result was not everyone could attend, but it was beautiful, unique, and really a special day.  She came to us in an unconventional way, and she was baptized that way as well.

Matt's dad could not attend and officiate as he had with our other children, but we were able to have Kris' godfather officiate the baptism.  Paul Berge was a blessing to us that day- full of the Spirit!  We were amazed as we looked around and were surrounded by family and friends who have all been praying for little Ingrid since before we met her.  It was truly a "congregation" who knew her and loved her and will help her grow in her faith for years to come!

This was the invitation for her baptism.  We gathered at Kris' parents dock on Christmas Lake.  We all began singing the "First Song of Isaiah".  It was chosen because it is a song our kids have sung since they were children and it talks about trusting God and letting Him be our Savior.  As we prayed that morning we knew there was such joy and sorrow and all kinds of things that our children will face.  There is NOTHING more important than their faith and knowing their Savior.  Here are the words we sang:

Isaiah 12:2-6

"Surely it is God who saves me

I will trust in Him and not be afraid

For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense

And He will be my Savior.

 "Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing

From the springs of salvation

And on that day you shall say, Give thanks to the Lord

And call upon His Name."

After singing we moved closer to the lake. Ingrid was active, but not afraid.  There were kids  all around her- in the lake, in the boats, on the deck and in the grass.  

The godmothers decided to go in the water with our boys and other kids and the next thing we knew, 

Paul, Matt, Kris, and Ingrid were in too!

 The godparents read two scripture verses, 

Mathew 28: 19-20 and 1 Corinthians 12:13,

and held the baptismal candle.

Ingrid Xinling, child of God,  was baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
She was sealed with the sign of the cross as a way of expressing that she has been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever!  Amen.

When Pastor Berge asked those gathered if they would pray for Ingrid and in their own way nurture and support her in her faith, all who were at Christmas Lake said "I do".

It was quiet for a second and as clear and loud as she could, Ingrid yelled out by herself,  "I do!!".  

Joy!

We are praying Ingrid continues to say "I do" to her faith and her Lord!

We concluded the service with everyone singing the doxology.  Tears of joy and thanksgiving for this day and this child and for God's grace.  We sang the words as we have sung so many times,

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Praise Him all creatures here below.

Praise him above all heavenly hosts.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen."

Then we dismissed the kids to swim and start the cannon ball contest.  It was only 62 degrees outside and the kids still jumped and swam and the winner was to get the first Special K Bar.

We celebrated the rest of the morning with food and fun!

The sun came out later that day and here are Ingrid's pictures with her flowers.

What a celebration of God's grace!  Thank you to all who have been praying for Ingrid!

xoxoxo

Ingrid and family