Saturday, August 9, 2008
Maggie Turns 3 Tomorrow ...
Maggie Tara Chang Oatsvall .... Our HOPE !!! Happy Birthday Sweet Girl !!!
Day After Gotcha Day In China ... So glad we could put a smile on this face !!! Love U !!!
I am not even sure I will have the words tomorrow when I wake-up ... I have been thinking of my sweet Angel all week as we prepare for her very 1st birthday party as she turns 3 ... Scott and I have talked much lately (due to surrounding circumstances) about each of our children and how special they each are, how it is a privilege to tuck them into bed each night and pray for them, how they each bring w/ them a certain smile and hug each day ... Maggie has made amazing strides over the past few months ... She is in love w/ her family and feels the safety in being an Oatsvall ...
I can not go back and imagine what she has been through in her early years, but I do know that it formed part of who she is ... She is a survivor and her strength will serve her well ... When it is a rough day because of her strong-willed-spirit or trust issues, then I stop and thank the Lord, because without this strength she might not have survived in China ... She is a glue that binds us together ... She has showed us a deeper faith in the Lord ... She has brought us closer together as a family ... She has made us stronger in ever area of our life ... She has focused our lives on what God wants from us and not the world ... She is our HOPE!!!
I can't not even begin to describe how you all ministered to me while I was in China and the first few months home ... You were a anchor as I was drifting about being tossed day to day .... As each new morning came God gave us the grace and strength ... Those days are so fresh in my mind and I can't believe how far my girl has come ... Her English is so doing so well, she is beginning to trust others outside the family, she is playing better w/others, she has learned to swim, she is just one AMAZING LITTLE GIRL !!!
My dearest Maggie, you are worth every day I waited for you and so much more ... Your smile and giggle wash away so much stress and worry in my life ... You are your daddy's "Messy Maggie" !!! When I see the two of you doing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" I know that you feel safe and loved ... I know you feel at HOME !!!
We love every part of you and we are thankful you are our daughter !!!!
Day After Gotcha Day In China ... So glad we could put a smile on this face !!! Love U !!!
I am not even sure I will have the words tomorrow when I wake-up ... I have been thinking of my sweet Angel all week as we prepare for her very 1st birthday party as she turns 3 ... Scott and I have talked much lately (due to surrounding circumstances) about each of our children and how special they each are, how it is a privilege to tuck them into bed each night and pray for them, how they each bring w/ them a certain smile and hug each day ... Maggie has made amazing strides over the past few months ... She is in love w/ her family and feels the safety in being an Oatsvall ...
I can not go back and imagine what she has been through in her early years, but I do know that it formed part of who she is ... She is a survivor and her strength will serve her well ... When it is a rough day because of her strong-willed-spirit or trust issues, then I stop and thank the Lord, because without this strength she might not have survived in China ... She is a glue that binds us together ... She has showed us a deeper faith in the Lord ... She has brought us closer together as a family ... She has made us stronger in ever area of our life ... She has focused our lives on what God wants from us and not the world ... She is our HOPE!!!
I can't not even begin to describe how you all ministered to me while I was in China and the first few months home ... You were a anchor as I was drifting about being tossed day to day .... As each new morning came God gave us the grace and strength ... Those days are so fresh in my mind and I can't believe how far my girl has come ... Her English is so doing so well, she is beginning to trust others outside the family, she is playing better w/others, she has learned to swim, she is just one AMAZING LITTLE GIRL !!!
My dearest Maggie, you are worth every day I waited for you and so much more ... Your smile and giggle wash away so much stress and worry in my life ... You are your daddy's "Messy Maggie" !!! When I see the two of you doing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" I know that you feel safe and loved ... I know you feel at HOME !!!
We love every part of you and we are thankful you are our daughter !!!!
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40 kind words.:
Oh My Gosh, look how far she has come because of the love you guys have shown her. Yall are amazing.
Happy Birthday pretty girl!! You have so many that prayed you home and pray for you still. You are a light to others.
Tell you mama that I love her dearly and couldn't have done this past year and a half without her. :)
Happy Birthday, sweet Maggie! What a glorious day tomorrow will be!
Terry
What a beautiful tribute to your precious Maggie. Happy Birthday sweet girl. I can't wait to see more pictures of her special day.
Have a wonderful weekend, Gwen.
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Little Miss. Maggie. What a blessing you are, and how blessed you are just the same. Such a beautiful family.
Happy Birthday Maggie~ You have a beautiful life full of wonderful people in it :)
PS...Gwen, that Chapman interview was so inspiring to watch and listen to...they show people hope through the worst
Happy Birthday, Maggie. She is a beautiful little girl with a wonderful family. I'm glad I have had a chance to meet youn all.
Angie
A very Happy Birthday to your precious little girl!!!! What gift from above Miss Maggie is......she has touched all of us so deeply, Gwen....her precious little face in that "gotcha day" picture...compared to now...just brings me to tears!
What a very special family you all are....thank you for sharing your life...your faith ....you precious heart....and your love with all of us!
So very thankful that God saw fit to cross our paths....you bless my heart so much!!!
Happy 3rd Birthday sweet Maggie!!!
With tons of love from "upper East TN"!!!!
Blessings,
~Denise
I hope all of you have a wonderful day celebrating that sweet girl!
The last photo just breaks my heart, it is sooo sad, on the flip side of that, she looks like an extremely happy girl. It is amazing what love and family can do for one.
Happy Birthday, Maggie.
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!! I hope she has a WONDERFUL Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGS!!! I love you and pray for God to bless your life in many ways and to use your strength to encourage and strengthen others. You are a blessing and a joy to have in my life and I cannot image my life without your precious face and your sweet giggle that makes smile.
Love You!!!
Nana...hee hee
Happy 3rd Birthday Maggie....
She is sooooo beautiful...
It is amazing how her face says it all..
She is sooo loved and I knew if anyone could make her love again.. it would be the Oatsvall Team.. you are simply amazing..
Have a Great Day tomorrow..
Can't wait to see pictures..
Hugs...
Oh, Beautiful, sweet, precious Maggie... Happy Birthday! What a little miracle you are and oh how you are loved..... you are a blessing to all of us. How thankful I am that Jesus has brought you home to your family little one and that this will truly be a happy birthday. I pray for your birth family to have comfort and God's Peace...
Love,
Daleea
Happy 3rd. Birthday to dear, sweet Maggie!!!! Hope your day is extra special....just like you!
Oh, that picture breaks my heart! Were you there when that was taken? Why was she so sad? It is quite haunting.
Your family is gorgeous...
Kay
What a special post, Gwen. I just can't get over the difference in the pictures. What a sweet and beautiful little girl.
Happy Day Maggie!
We are so happy that you are here and that we get to know you!
Loved your post Gwen, you are right, she is a survivor...and she has given so many people hope.
oh sending oodles of Happy Birthday Wishes to sweet adorable Maggie.
Thank youy for your friendship! You have strengthened me and minstered to me as well with your love for God and your strength and faith in Him.
Love
Connie
Happy, Happy Birthday, precious Treasure, sweetie Maggie!!!!
Happy Brithday, Maggie!
It's great to see you home and happy.
Happy Birthday to your sweet Maggie girl, what a beautiful baby girl!!! I know it will be very special for her to celebrate her birthday with her family!! Thanks for encouragement even in your blog and your story, it tells me know matter how long the wait, my baby will one day be home with us..
Gwen, comparing the last two pictures...it's like two different babies; Happy Birthday to sweet Maggie girl; may you all treasure this very special day for years to come
Happy Birthday precious Maggie! What a reflection of God's grace you are to all who know you! We love you!!
Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!!
Give her big hugs from us and I am so sorry that we will miss her special day.
Hope she enjoys the playdough gift set - we are sending it with your mom and dad.
Love you guys bunches!
Hey Gwen,
I just sat here and reread sweetie Maggie's birthday blog:) As usual, the tears are flowing for this precious Treasure of God!!!
I just want to tell you how much your love has inspired me!! Thank you for loving Maggie so well, thank you to Scott for giving it all to his family. You guys were surely Hand picked by our Father. He has to be Smiling so BIG on this his Daughter, Maggie's Birthday!!!
LOVE YOUR FAMILY SO MUCH,
Diane
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to Youuu!
Happy Birrrrthdaaaaaaay Dear Maaaaaaaggieeeeeeeeee
Haaappyyyyyy Biiiiiirthdaaaaaay tooooooo Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!
Love Ms. Tffany
Happy Birthday Miss Maggie! You have come so far from the early pictures to now. What a miracle baby you are. Enjoy your special day princess.
Happy Birthday, Maggie! You are so loved by your mom and dad, brothers and sister. I'm so happy God brought you here. Hopefully, you and Elizabeth will be able to play together in the near future. Enjoy your 3rd birthday!
Love,
Rebecca
Happy Birthday, sweet Maggie! What a blessing you and your precious family are!!
Happy Birthday Maggie!!!
Happy Birthday sweet girl...Sophia is enjoying her day too! ;)
Oh, Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!!! You are one of God's special angels and I know you will have a life filled with happiness, love and laughter.
I hope you have the best "first" birthday party ever. You deserve it, sweet girl!
Happy Birthday to you sweet Maggie! You are a blessing from the Lord!
Happy Birthday precious Maggie! Gwen, her story has inspired me so much! I just know God has wonderful plans for this little girl!! She's already touched so many lives - I can only imagine!
I know you had a WONDERFUL Day...
HUGS...
Can't wait to see Maggie's pretty little smiling face..
Have a Great Week..
Happy Birthday Maggie. To look at the progressions of Maggie little spirit and soul in this post is utterly amazing. I remember that last photo and I prayed so hard for her and for you and not to see her secure and happy is so fulfilling.
Kim
What an amazing transformation love makes! She looks like a completely different child!!
Happy Birthday, sweet, beautiful Maggie. Gwen, you said she is a survivor and oh how profound to look at that day after Gotcha and then today...God has done some amazing things,and this is in the category of miracles. He assures us His provision is perfect and most definitely it is -such a beautiful family celebrating a miraculous young lady. May your day be blessed and may you feel the contentment of His work in progress.
Much love,
Heather
I'm so happy to hear that Maggie feels safe with her new family and that she feels like she's a part of you all.
Happy Birthday Maggie!