We believed what we were told,
as accurate information.
when we brought them home.
As we continued to bring our children home
it became more and more apparent that the information
we received from China was not always accurate.
So we wondered,
are they really sisters,
could they be twins,
or maybe half sisters
or maybe not even sisters at all?
Here is a little China story about the girls.
The orphanage director decided to split the girls up.
Ellie went to a foster home and Emma stayed in the orphanage.
They had always been together and had never "done life" apart from each other...
They were about 8(Emma) and 6(Ellie) yrs old when this happened.
In this photo they are 10 and 8.
Ellie was so sad without Emma, she would cry everyday
and ask if Emma could also come and live with the foster family.
She refused to eat and go to school.
Emma would cry at the orphanage and ask for her sister to come back.
Finally the director decided that Emma
could live with the same foster family.
The girls were so happy and relieved to be back together.
In a way Ellie saved Emma's life.
If this hadn't have happened we would never had known there was a sister.
After that, girls were made adoptable as a "sibling group".
Otherwise, Ellie would have been adopted and
Emma would have spent her life in the orphanage
with a very uncertain future.
We have heard that there was another younger sister
but we have no other information.
Their bio parents were divorced and were very poor.
Emma's life in China was very difficult.
The foster family, the orphanage, the school, her peers
did not understand her "abilities".
After they came home,
we began to understand the girls needs.
Ellie was able to fit in a little better
her challenges were more hidden.
but true attachment is an on going process with adoption.
we're all new to them.
Everything was a first!
The girls (especially Emma) did not understand what was happening
Although it had been explained to them many times,
the concept of a new family, American parents, a new country, new language, etc
It was all too much to comprehend.
She was filled with uncontrollable fear, fleeing, excitement and confusion.
We were very concerned that she might try to flee in an airport.
The long plane ride home was exhausting for the parents...
Dad never let go of Emma's hand.
Once we were home...
her demeanor completely changed...
and she was filled with a sense of peace!
This is my favorite picture.
Look at Emma and Ellie's face!
You are home!
God is so amazing!
I have the pleasure of seeing them all grown up!
Calm, secure, happy, healthy-
it is nothing short of a miracle!
HaPpY 19th Birthday,
ELLIE!
Emma's birthday!
for the blessing of our daughters!
So...
6 weeks ago we sent in the girls DNA!
Knowing that much of the information
we get from China can be inaccurate,
we wondered what the results may be?
So...
I am so sorry...
to leave you hanging...
but what's your best guess?
Full sisters
Half sisters
no DNA relationship?
I'll post the answer soon
but first I'm wondering
YOUR thoughts!?!
EDIT:
Emma and Ellie are full biological sisters according to their DNA!
China was correct!
However the DNA results read, we know
they are forever sisters in every way.
Just like they are "REAL" siblings to each other
and all of the children and young adults in our family!
We are a REAL family!