Do you remember Bo?

I introduced him here on December 15th last year. And, I advocated for him again on January 7th with new pictures and more information about him.

I was sure his family would find him–particularly after the January post and the adorable new pictures of him. I contacted the United States’ leading specialist in his joint condition to have him review his file. I contacted families with children with the same diagnosis, asking them to tell me more about what day-to-day life is like parenting a child with this need, asking if they’d be willing to talk to families considering adopting him. I posted the links everywhere I could. Friends joined me and posted about him on their blogs.

And, I waited. He waited.

I got some emails about him, but none were from his family.

I kept his picture on my sidebar; but, to be honest, I had sort of lost hope.

Less than a month ago, I got an email out of the blue with the subject line “About a boy…”

Dear Kelly,
I rejoice!! We have the same heart. Passionate for Jesus, in love with the orphans and dying to do MORE.

God has been hard at work in my heart for special needs adoption! I tumbled across your blog from some links from other blogs…and I saw dear Bo.

My birthday is August 13th. This year I will turn 40. I am so excited! I love all God has done in my life and I cannot wait for all He has next. Obviously, with your son and dear Bo sharing this date, I cannot help but inquire about him.

If Bo is still waiting, would you send me information about him? I will pray first, “Lord, us??” and if it is a no, I will pray “Lord, find his loving family!”
Blessings!
Amy

And so, I forwarded her everything I had–all the pictures, the update, the review from the specialist–as I had done a handful of times before. And, honestly, I didn’t think all that much about it after I hit send,

until a flurry of emails ensued.

PRAYING!!!! He seems so perfect! NO ONE WANTS HIM!?!?!??!?!

She asked me to pray with her; she was going to talk to her husband about him in a few days. Another email came; she decided not to wait; she’d talk to him that night.

Wow. I realized this time, things were a little different.

And, the emails didn’t stop.

Only a few days later, nearly 5 months after I introduced Bo here, I got this —

Oh dear Kelly!!!
I am shaking with excitement!!! God has spoken to us and we are going to MOVE FORWARD ON BO!!!!!!!!!!!!

And so some serious hoop jumping began in order to get some papers in and lock his file and claim him.

Amazingly, they got the job done.

And, yesterday, that door they pushed open with a feather, just swung open wide. China said yes.

So, it is with great great pleasure, that I introduce you to Toby BaoKun Shaw who is about to become a beloved brother and son.

Happy happy day.

*Read his mama’s story of her finding her son here. Love it.*