His Plan Is Perfect

We are leaving China stronger believers in God’s greatness.  His plan is perfect.  This last post may be a little lengthy, but we would like to tell you as much as possible about God’s work in Will Hudson’s life as we presently understand it.  We were surprised to find out just how intertwined his story is with God’s story in in our own lives.  Much of our understanding was discovered over the last few days. 

I was blessed to teach a little girl named Maria Sue Chapman when she was 2 and 4 years old.  Two summers ago, I had the privilege of coming to China to help prepare Maria’s Big House for its residents.  While in China I also had the joy of visiting Hope Foster Home in Beijing. 

When I was in China, I felt a little guilty because I looked around and saw all of these precious children and did not feel the calling to adopt.  I called Jason and he reminded me not everyone has to adopt a child to love orphans.  In May 2010 we went on a weekend retreat with some friends and discussed THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL by Richard Stearns.   We were convicted by the statement, “just because you can’t do everything, does not mean you shouldn’t do something.”  We entered into a 40-day journey of prayer. 

On Day 40 we decided to go for it!  We were going to adopt.  We made the decision to adopt and I told Jason, “I need to stop by Target and get some light bulbs.”  When we went to the light bulb aisle, Mary Beth Chapman and her two daughters were there.  It was as if they were waiting there just for us on this definitive moment in our lives.  We spent the next hour talking about our decision and the process of adoption.

While I was at Maria's two years ago, a little girl was brought in and Mary Beth named her Franky.  She is in the picture below with Will Hudson.  

We learned Franky was not available for adoption at the time we began our process, so in August 2010 we decided we would adopt a child 2-5 years old.  We were open to a boy or girl and possibly even twins.  Kelsey and Ella Grace prayed for a little brother.  In December 2010 we were matched with a little boy who we would name Will Hudson Wang Thompson.

We knew Will Hudson had been abandoned at three months of age.  He was born with Anal Atresia.  In his reports from the city orphanage, there is a about a year and a half of his life missing.  We spent the last six months wandering about this period in his life.  We were told he had two surgeries, but we did not know when and where.

So many questions were answered last week when we visited Maria’s Big House of Hope.  I wanted to go back for another visit and Jason wanted to visit this place that meant so much to me.  When we walked in the door, the director called out “Wang Gang!”  It caught us by surprise.  We quickly learned Will Hudson had been at Maria’s Big House of Hope at some point in his journey and was in the Hope Foster Care Home in Beijing.  While at Maria’s Big House, we met his nurses and nannies.  We even saw the crib in which he slept.  We learned that his surgeries were in Shanghai.  He was given the English name, Wilson.  Wow.  Will Hudson was named Wilson.  We also learned that a family from the United States had sponsored him and given him the name, Micah.  We’ve found a couple of pictures of him below at a younger age on the Hope Foster Home website.  He is a cutie!

So, two years ago my son was most likely at Hope Foster Home or Maria’s Big House when I was visiting China.  Either way, these two homes provided Will Hudson with care, love, and HOPE.  We are forever grateful. 

I prayed fervently for our child to be at Maria’s Big House of Hope.  I made this request to God because I knew if he was at Maria’s, he was in good care.  Last Wednesday God answered that prayer.  I had to patiently wait on Him.  He decided to surprise me in China. 

We came to China as parents of two beautiful daughters.  We are leaving China as the proud parents of three children.  Joy has followed obedience!  It has been one of the most peaceful journeys of my life.  I am sure the road ahead will have its challenges, but we are on the Great Adventure! 

Thanks for reading this blog.  Thanks for loving our family.  Most of all, thanks for your prayers offered up in the powerful name of Jesus who promises He will not leave any of us as orphans!

Now that the emotional part is said…below you will also see a few pictures from our last adventure in Guangzhou.  We spent the morning at the zoo and got to see Pandas in China!  We topped the evening off with some delicious Papa John’s pizza.  Please keep us in your prayers as we begin our 24-hour trip home.  We have three flights, two layovers, and a new travel companion.  We can’t wait to be home!