You’re Going to Fly, Gracie!
Todd & Becky Bearden became a part of the America World family in 2012 when they began their first adoption process to bring their son Samuel home from China. Several years later, God moved in their hearts to begin the process again, which lead them to their beautiful daughter, Gracie. You can read more about their decision to step out in faith. We are so encouraged by the stories shared with us throughout a family’s adoption journey and are thankful to see how God used the Bearden’s bold step of faith to lead them to Gracie.
As Todd and Becky approach the 1 year anniversary of meeting their daughter, we are once again amazed at all that God has done. Through the love and care of her family, she is growing, learning, and experiencing day-to-day life to its fullest. Please take a moment to celebrate Gracie’s adoption with us as her mother, Becky, reflects on the just some of the ways God has worked in the details of her life already.
Congenital heart disease. Pulmonary artery atresia. Ventricular septal defect (VSD). Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Scary words, to be sure. Words that almost stopped us from experiencing the joys and challenges of adopting this little firecracker, our Gracie, from China last November. But, with a thumbs up from our pediatric cardiologist, who had reviewed Gracie’s file, we moved forward with the adoption. And our life has been anything but dull ever since!
Although Gracie has more surgeries in her future as she grows, she is a happy, healthy five year old, who loves her big brother, Samuel, eating at Chick-fil-A, and playing on any swing she can find. We believe that God has big plans for her life.
During her first cardiology appointment here in the US, the ultrasound technician remarked to Gracie, “Just think, when your heart gets all better, you’re going to fly!” My own heart smiled at this comment, because only I knew that her Chinese name, Fei Fei, means “to fly.” Coincidence? Nope, purely God with his sense of humor, in my book.
Every child deserves to fly. My prayer for you (whatever stage of the adoption process you are in) is to keep moving forward in faith, as God takes care of all the details.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Learn more about Congenital Heart Defects. Many boys and girls with moderate to severe heart defects often wait longer for a family. If your family is interested in learning more about adoption or considering adoption from China, please contact our China staff at China@awaa.org for more information. Families can view our China Adoption page for more information on children who are currently available and waiting for families.
You may also PRE-APPLY FOR FREE to determine your eligibility or fill out our full APPLICATION to begin your adoption process with America World.
America World has been blessed to assist many families in adopting children from all over the world. We would be honored to share your adoption story and photos of your family on our blog. Any family is welcome to share their adoption story, whether you are home with your child or currently in your adoption process. We are continually amazed and encouraged to hear how God has provided a unique and special adoption testimony and experience for each family. Families interested in submitting their story, photos or blog link can email waitingchildren@awaa.org