Dave, my husband, had been open to adoption for some time.  We knew we wanted to grow our family.  He was open to adopting from many countries or domestically.  I also knew I wanted to adopt, but I would always tell him, I am just not ready yet but I think I will know when it is time.  Sunday, May 16, 2004 I was on the computer and the next thing I knew I was looking up information on adoption on the internet.  I had the hardest time sleeping that night.  I tossed and I turned all night.  I woke up on the morning of Monday, May 17, 2004 and just KNEW it was time to adopt and it was China.  Dave was a 100% supportive.  I immediately started checking out agencies and calling them.   The third agency I called was FTIA.  I spoke with Cindy in the Ohio office.  I felt a connection right away.  I knew that you were the agency for us.  I told Cindy I was ready, NOW.  She explained that she could mail me an application.  But I felt such urgency, and she sensed that and told me that I could download it off the internet.  I proceeded to do that immediately.  I filled out the application right then.  Cindy also told me of the local Families with Children from China group.  I went the website and joined it that same day.  Eight and a half months later, the big day finally came and we drove to FTIA to pick up our referral package and to finally see the photo of our sweet daughter for the first time.  I was such a happy crying mess when we opened the package.  Nicole, from your office, was there and filmed us opening the package.  The moment was simply magical.  There were 3 photos of this beautiful baby girl that would be our daughter.  After I calmed down we started to read the paperwork.  I saw the date May 17, 2004, the same date that I woke up and knew it was time to adopt and the day I joined FCC.  I was having a hard time reading the paper work (from all the happy tears) so my husband read it to me.  He said it says..... "FU AI KE was found on May 17, 2004 wrapped in a blanket at the gates of the Wangzhou Park."   AMAZING!!  I really would not believe it myself but we have the canceled checks to prove it.   We were just so overjoyed by this news.  We just felt that it was so meant to be. 

I can not tell you how often people would ask me....How old do you think your daughter will be?  I would always say...I just really feel like she will be about a year old the first time we see her.   We opened our referral package and saw Nicole's face for the first time on February 1, 2005....her 1st birthday!!

That same day, while we were at your Evansville office, I showed our coordinator, Nicole, a necklace that Dave had got me for my birthday in September.  He just thought it looked like something I would like.  It had a chinese symbol on it.  I told her that we were told it means good fortune or happiness but we were not sure.  Nicole went and got Josh and he came over and translated it.  He said...it says "FU".  Dave said, "I'm sorry could you repeat that?"  Josh said, "It says Fu,"  and he proceeded to spell it for us.  He said it means happiness or good fortune/luck.  Nicole's chinese name is Fu Ai Ke.  We were just amazed.  We, of course, have put that necklace away for Nicole to have someday.  Precious and amazing!!

I realize that everyone finds special connections with their children.  We were just amazed to find some so very quickly.  Thank you for being such a special part of that discovery.

I also want to be sure to thank you for all of the support you provided us thru the paperwork and preparations process.  The Ohio office was so very helpful, patient, supportive and kind as we went thru the paperwork gathering process.  They went out of their way to help me get answers to my questions quickly.  They were always very understanding and supportive. After we received our referral of Nicole, I began to work very closely with our amazing coordinator in the Evansville office, Nicole.  (Yes the same name as our new daughter.)   She always listened to my nervous rambling without interupting.  She always had an honest and appropriate response to any concerns I had.  She got back to me urgently on any questions I had by phone or email.  She simply made me feel like I was her only client and yet I knew I was far from that.  She is wonderful!!!  

China was just the trip of a lifetime for us.  We were in awe of the beauty, the kind people, the rich culture and the history of it all.  Everyone was so kind.  Our guides, Shirley and Tracy were FANTASTIC.  They could not have been better.  They were so patient, knowledgable, organized, helpful, fun and just very nice people.  We just fell in love with them.  They made the trip so easy.

I also want to say how much I appreciate the amount of education that you make available to families.  All of the documents you provided were so valuable.  The waiting families meetings are so very helpful and educational.  I felt so prepared going to China.  I went there realizing that Nicole may be frightened of Dave or myself.  I knew what possibilities to expect.  Thank goodness...because the minute I held her she was so confused and just began crying so hard.  It was heartbreaking to see her so sad and frightened but I was so prepared for this.  Dave and I immediately just tried to comfort her and make sure she felt safe and secure.  She went to Dave easily but it took her 20 minutes to warm up to me.  By the time we were on the bus she was nothing but smiles.  I mean big, beautiful, one dimple smiles with the sweetest little giggle.  Too cute!!  She has been that way with us since that day.   

So yes, we are finally home with the little Princess of our hearts.    She is a very healthy 17 month old.  She is walking and trying to climb anything possible.  She is very friendly and quite a talker like her Mommy.  I am convinced that her little one dimpled smile could light up a city.  She follows her big brother Joe (3.5) everywhere.  She adores him and thinks he is the funniest thing on the planet.  She started out as a Daddy's girl but is now a Mommy's girl.    She has clearly bonded with us and prefers Mommy, Daddy or big brother over anyone else.  How very lucky and blessed we are that she adjusted, attached, and bonded so quickly and so well.  Dave and I could not be happier.  We are sooooo in love with our children. 

I am still amazed that the moment I held her in my arms I was so complete.  That space in my heart that was waiting to be filled by my daughter was finally filled.  It surprised me at how it was true love so very quickly.  It was such a fairytale moment.  I have only felt like that one other time and it was the day and moment that our son Joe was born.  It was that same special feeling.  It was the undconditional true love that goes straight to the core of your soul and flows thru every inch of your body.  The love that still makes me get butterflies when I see my children smile at me.  The love that makes me ask myself...what did we do to deserve something so wonderful?  Children are such a special gift.

We are so grateful. 

Thank you,

Anne Longworth