Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Happy Birthday Desi!

Dearest Desi,

Today, at least here in America, you are 4 years old. CONGRATULATIONS!!! We hope you had a wonderful birthday spent at the museum and playing with our mom. We can't wait for you to be home and we will throw you the best birthday party ever. We're thinking our very own tea party?

You are doing as best as can be expected with our mom right now. You don't exactly love her just yet, but you are tolerant of her and you don't have emotional breakdowns. The Lord is so good and we know one day you will share in the family love. For now we are continuing to pray for your heart to be opened to our mom and eventually all of us.

The past few days you have been on quite a few adventures! You guys have gone to the zoo, played in the park, and gone to a museum. At the park you danced with all the older women and the guide while he pushed you in the stroller. Maybe when you get home we can have "Dancing with Devan and Desi" time?

Yesterday was a very exciting day for the three of us. We were all able to talk to you on the phone! Not one of us cared that the extent of the conversation was saying "Hi" back and forth. You told Jordan and Jenna "I love you",  repeating it after our mom, and you said my name! "Bevin" sounds just like Devan if you ask me :) Jenna told me all about talking to you on the phone and when I asked her if she was happy about it she joyfully replied, "I just love her already!" My experience with talking to you on the phone included lots of tears on my part. They say it's hard to remember entire days in life but we all remember moments.

Desi, we will each hold in our heart the moment we heard your voice for the first time. It is one of the most precious things I have ever experienced and I will treasure it for a lifetime.

You are almost home. Only 8 more days! Just 8! 8! 8! 8! 8! 8! Every night I have trouble going to sleep because I have too much joy in my heart thinking about getting to meet you. Everyone is so excited. The blogs are read by so many people every day, everyone asks about you constantly, and the prayer that goes toward you and our mom is unbelievable.

God is good. So good. And we plan on our lives exemplifying that for eternity.

Posting just a few pictures of your journey :) My favorite is the one where you finally showed that beautiful smile. You are beautiful. Inside and out. We love you Desi. With all of our hearts.

Also, for more pictures and details of exactly what they are doing in China, visit:

waitingfordesi.blogspot.com

Can't wait for you to be home.

Devan, Jordan, and Jenna



Monday, November 28, 2011

Sweet Dreams

Dearest Desi,

First off you should know something. I, your sister Devan, have a problem. Every night when I try to go to sleep, I can't! The reason why? My heart is too full. Too full of joy, and excitement, and thankfulness. Last night I laid in bed until 1:30 am just thinking about you and what it will be like when we finally meet. Every time I look at pictures of you, my heart fills with more love than I thought it could before. These next two weeks are going to be the craziest of my entire life with school and everything, but the Lord is carrying me through them so that I can see you. He is just that good.

Jordan and Jenna have exciting news too! They finally got to talk to you on the phone! They said that you had just woken up from a nap so you were a little dazed, but they got to hear your voice and you told them Hi! I am more than jealous of this, I can't wait to hear your voice. I'm keeping in mind though that we said that about Jenna and now sometimes we wonder if her voice will ever stop.

Just to let you know, you are officially Desi Michal Hua Malone. If that isn't a mouthful. Yesterday you went to the civil affairs office with out mom and made everything official. You have always been ours, now we just have paperwork to prove it.

Right now I am pretty sure you are at a zoo in the middle of China with our mom. We hope you are having so much fun and bonding with her. We know this is a hard and confusing time for you. We can't imagine what it would be like to be uprooted and left with some strange woman. Thankfully though, she is the most amazing mom and she is taking such good care of you. We miss her a lot. In the past few days we have witnessed an unbelievable strength in her, and we have seen how much she does for us at home. We hope to one day be half the mom that she is.

Desi, we titled this Sweet Dreams. The reason why is because we hope that is what you are having now. It's for sure what we are. Each night that I fall asleep, I fall asleep with an indescribable peace. A peace that only comes from knowing that no longer is my sister going to bed in an orphanage. She is going to sleep with her forever family. Soon you will be going to sleep at home. And that Desi, is enough to bring a lifetime of sweet dreams.

I'm posting a few pictures to show how you have been doing these past few days!

Girl, you are rocking that kitty scarf :)

We are going to be the best of friends-we adore coloring!

THE SQUINTY FACE!!! Classic.

YOU ARE OURS!!!


You will be home so soon. We can't wait. We love you with all of our hearts.
And we didn't know we could feel this much joy.

Love you :)

Devan, Jordan, and Jenna

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Together at Last

Dearest Desi,

You are ours.

Since our mom left early Friday morning life has been crazy. It wasn't until 11pm last night that we heard anything from her! She had a very terrible experience just trying to get to the hotel that included getting lost in more than one airport, getting left until 3am because the guide forgot to get her, and arriving at a hotel that wasn't ready for her! Honestly, she might be the bravest person we've ever met. Her love for you has given her strength to go to a far away country alone, not speaking the language, and encountering such scary things. Thankfully, the Lord is always good and has provided protection and strength I don't think she ever thought she had.

And now you are together. We love hearing about you-especially how you made yourself right at home when you met our mom. And we love that you are already letting our mom know despite the language barrier that you are all about some bows. With 3 sisters, there will never be a lack of girly-ness. We are so ready to meet you. The anxiety is killing us!

What we don't love is how sick you are. Our mom said you have a horrible cough, a runny nose, and maybe even an upper respiratory infection. Though this isn't good, it is nothing that love from her and prayer from thousands of miles away can't heal.

Just so you know, we are surviving just fine with dad in charge. We ate a very manly meal last night that consisted of beans, rice, and cornbread. We also watch a lot of football and walk around in parka's because he for him it always feels like 100 degrees. But it is all worth it.

We love you Desi. You are being prayed for and you are being loved from half an ocean away.

And Desi, you are coming home.

Enjoy our mom, we miss her lots,

Devan, Jordan, and Jenna

Thursday, November 24, 2011

A Day of Being Thankful


Dearest Desi,

It feels weird to even type this, but tomorrow, our mom leaves America and comes to get you. Desi, in 48 hours you will be ours. Not years, months, weeks, or days. Hours. Sunday morning, the three of us will wake up and meet you via Skype. For the first time, we will see your face, your smile, hear your voice. Tears are flowing as these words get typed because of the journey that was taken for this to happen. Our family fought against so many obstacles and road blocks to bring you home Desi. Through our parent's persistence and the Lord's faithfulness though, that journey is coming to an end, and a new and beautiful journey is beginning. That is something to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving.

This time seven years we were beginning another journey, but with your sister Jenna. Our parents left in February 2005 to go and get her. She was only fifteen months old and adorable. We decided for this blog post we would take a little picture tour showing our thankfulness for Jenna being home.

Jenna's Referral Picture

Just moments after our mom got you!

A happy baby with her Skittles :)

Family Picture in China!

The Malone Daughters (Yes, I did cut my bangs while
our parents were in China...disaster)

Family...but not quite complete!

Desi, it's time. Time for you to come home. Time for us to be able to post pictures of YOU! We are thankful for so many things today. Most of all though, we are thankful for a gracious God. A God who has blessed us abundantly in every single area of our lives. And a God who loves us enough to bless us with a new little sister. There are so many people praying for you on this day. So many people who are ready to meet you. You are loved more than you even know.

The thought just occured you only have two more nights in the orphanage. You have spent hundreds of nights there...and it all comes down to two final nights. Then she will be there. And she will bring you home.

On this day of thankfulness, we are thankful for you. And for the hundreds of prayers that are said for you each and every day.

You're coming home.

With all our love,
Devan, Jordan, and Jenna

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Best Birthday Present Ever

Dearest Desi,

We were so sure the travel approval was going to come on November 8th, the 40th day of waiting for it.

But the Lord is so much wiser than us, and He knew. Noah didn't wait on the ark for 40 days. He waited for 40 days AND 40 nights. Obviously the travel approval had to come on NOVEMBER 9TH! And so it did :)

That made for me, your sister Devan, to have the absolute best birthday ever. As I was sitting on pinterest at 2pm in the afternoon, basking in the glory of it being my birthday, our mom called. She calmly asked me how my day had been. I went into a long, detailed description of my classes, nap, surprise birthday lunch with friends, and plans for the rest of the day. She then ever so calmly asked, "Well, would you like some news that would make it even better?" My obvious reaction was tears of joy and lots of screaming.

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. Forever in my memory I will have that precious moment when on my birthday, the travel approval came.

And now, precious Desi, YOU are coming home.

We are sad you won't be here for Thanksgiving, but we are abundantly thankful for you. The day after Thanksgiving our mom is giving up the long standing tradition of Black Friday shopping and is instead getting on a plane and coming to get you! You will turn 4 on November 30th, and I would like to think you will be getting the best birthday present ever this year too! A forever family...

We're anxiously waiting for December 9th, about 7:30pm. That is when you will make your America debut. So many friends and family will be there. Everyone wants to meet you. They love you already. I would be lying if I said I wasn't so excited that I think about it constantly, as I'm sure Jordan and Jenna do too. The final piece to the Malone puzzle will finally be home.

It will be the best Christmas ever. Because we will be complete.

So Desi, just hold on ten more days. That's all we're asking. It's a strange thought to realize you have no idea any of this is happening. You have no idea the thoughts, prayers, and love that is pouring your way. But we are coming. It is a comfort to know that you are in His hands during this time. It takes a lot of trust and faith to know that He has it all under control. But oh, how He does.

Just ten more days Desi and she will be there. And in twenty-four days, we will hold you in our arms for the first time.

We love you Desi. With all of our hearts we love you. And we are bringing you home.

Seeing you so soon,

Devan, Jordan, and Jenna

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

40 Days and Nights

Dearest Desi,

We have been waiting for 40 days now for the travel approval to come. We are still confident in His will and the fact that we know you will be home so soon.

40 days is just Biblical. Desi, it symbolizes God's fulfillment of His promises. His love is a promise. His grace. His mercy. His everlastingness.

Noah dealt with the rain for 40 days and nights.
Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years.
Christ was tempted for 40 days.
He was on earth for 40 days after His resurrection.

In honor of this 40 days and our dream of you coming home, we have come up with a list of 40 pieces of wisdom combined from all 3 of us. In our lives...just the things we have come to learn to live by.

1. Be kind to others.
2. Put your clothes in the hamper.
3. Pray everyday, and for everything.
4. Try and stay on mom and dad's good side.
5. Have good manners, always be polite and say "Yes ma'am" and "Yes sir".
6. Don't talk when mom and dad are watching the news.
7. Take care of the animals, they are the Lord's creation.
8. Never be afraid to dream big.
9. Don't talk to strangers. Stranger danger is for real.
10. Obey your parents. Sometimes they really do know what they are talking about.
11. Put the Lord first in your life. When all else fails you, even us, He will not.
12. Share with others. Always be generous with everything you have. It's only temporary.
13. Let the light of Christ shine in you for the world to see. Make them want to know what it is that brings you so much joy.
14. Brush your teeth every night before you go to bed. Nobody likes a cavity.
15. Sisters before misters. Before you think about boys, make sure you have girls that can be your best friends.
16. Keep your hair and hands out of your mouth. It's just gross.
17. Sometimes it's hard to come by in our family, but use common sense.
18. A little bit of diva never killed anyone.
19. Respect others. Remember you must always treat them like you hope they'll treat you.
20. Don't be afraid to be a little crazy sometimes. Dance in the rain. Sing in the shower. Belly flop off the diving board. Make a mud pie.
21. Tanning beds are bad. Stay away. And that's a rule.
22. You will never have to convince a boy to like or love you. If a boy tells you he doesn't like you, move the heck on.
23. Don't hit or kick anyone on the playground. Or one of us. Unless hit first...but even then...just evaluate the situation.
24. Always remember you are beautiful in our eyes. And in His. Inside and out. Beautiful to your core.
25. Bake cookies at grandma and grandpa's house. They are just quality people.
26. Let Pawpaw teach you how to drive. He is the best. And the most patient.
27. Never go outside without permission. Those cows back there could get you. :)
28. Don't let a goodbye get drawn out. It'll only make it hurt worse.
29. If you believe in something, stand true to that. Don't be afraid of what others think. The greatest in history didn't do the easy things the world asked them to, they walked the narrow path the Lord asked of them.
30. Always put the dishes in the dishwasher. Never put grease down the sink.
31. Don't be discouraged by the boys who stick around for a while then leave. Someday, the Lord will bring into your life a boy who will stay. Who will put up with your craziness, your strengths and weaknesses. He will be a man of the Lord. Just like our dad. Never forget, there will be the one who stays.
32. Always wear clean underwear.
33. Let people know you are thankful for them. Sometimes your encouraging words could have a more profound impact than you ever imagined.
34. Whenever you need something, come to us.
35. Don't gossip. Don't say harsh words about others. Guard your tongue. (We are preaching this to ourselves right now as well)
36. Treat the Bible like one big love letter from God. Because that's exactly what it is.
37. The best piece of advice our dad ever gave...never go to bed mad at someone.
38. Remember those less fortunate. Burden your heart for the poor, the needy, the orphans of the world.
39. Always look for a sale. Never buy something for full price.
40. Fill yourself up with love. Love for Christ. Love for your family. Love for life. And seek the Lord for all you need, because He is the only one who will be able to fill you.

Always and Forever
With all of our Love,

Devan, Jordan, and Jenna

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The Little Blessings

Dearest Desi,

We continue to wait for the travel approval. We continue to pray for you daily. We continue to dream of the moment you come home and are a part of our forever family.

Today we received an updated picture of you. And you are beautiful. Though we haven't gotten the travel approval for our mom to come and get you, the Lord continues His blessings. Like this picture.

Though some people might see you and believe you are handicapped, that is not how we see it at all. The Lord is not deterred by the fact that you do not have your left forearm and neither are we. You see, we are here to glorify Him, and outward appearance doesn't matter one bit. It is so exciting to think of all the things you will be able to do in life. We want you to dream big. Don't ever let the sky be your limit. With the Lord, the sky will never be the limit. So never, ever, let anyone tell you that something can't be done. That some goal can't be accomplished.

If we listened to them, Jenna would not be at home right now. And we would have never seen your face. You and Jenna were our mom's passionate dream. Even when it seemed the world was against her in her pursuit for adoption, she kept on. We are so thankful for that, because now very soon, we will have you in our lives.

We know you probably have no idea about us. But most precious Desi, we know all about you. Every single day we pray for you. As does so many important people in our lives. You are loved more than you could ever imagine. And when you come home....well we're not sure our hearts will be able to handle the joy that will fill them.

Loving you to the moon and back,

Devan, Jordan, and Jenna

***As your sisters, you should know we love to live lives full of joy. And we can't wait to share that joy with you. Here's some fun we have been having lately :)