Two weeks ago, we said so long to a dear, sweet fighter....Kya. It has been an extremely emotional couple of weeks and difficult to get through. Eli's Baoji Buddy Kya went to be with Lord after fighting such a strong fight for several months in the hospital. She was such a fighter in spirit, in emotions and in her physical body. That girl had spunk!
Her story is amazing one filled with the healing love of Jesus Christ, the determination of her strong, amazing parents and the transformation of a frightened orphan into a smiley, dancing, happy child in the arms of Jesus. Through all the pain of losing Kya, her parents' hope is to simply and powerfully have the truth of the Gospel shine and for Kya's short, little life to impact others for Christ....that it did and that it does and that it will. We first met sweet Kya in Xi'An at the civil affairs office where we united with Eli. It was Eli, Kya and Elyana waiting for their families..they were all in the same classroom in their orphanage and slept cribs away from each other. In essence, they each were the first semblance of family they had, they had each other. God knew when placing these sweet lives together that they would eventually bring together three other beautiful families that have been loving, Godly support for one another in the last 6 months.
Playdate in Xi'an
Hangin at the zoo
The three Baoji Buddies having a playdate in Xi'An
Kya's Mama and I enjoying the elephant show in Guangzhou
She held onto a cracker or sausage all day long while in China
Over the past six months, we watch Kya go from a tiny, hurting little girl to a child who understood what love is and how to be part of a family. When Tracy, her mom was caring for her in China, Kya would not even look at her...this girl had been through so much and had no idea how to trust. Once we returned home, we began receiving updates on Kya's condition (which was extremely complicated and tough to treat). We were in awe of the Lord's work in her as we began to see this child smile, laugh, roll, dance, and play. The Lord was working through her and in her and it was a sight to see. Her parents worked tirelessly to give her the love and nurturing she needed to be all she could be and to realize the Love of Christ.
Kya blossoming
Kya underwent several surgeries while home and the last one proved to be just too hard on her little heart and lungs. We rallied around her family, praying, believing and trusting the Lord. Kya received her healing when, as her mom said "Kya stormed the gates of heaven" on June 2nd at 1:00 pm. We were/are all crushed and just thinking about what her family has endured to bring her home, what they sacrificed to help her and having broken hearts in the end is so difficult to comprehend . But Kya's heart is no longer broken and that is what we prayed for her. Although she is no longer with us here on earth and her family cannot snuggle with her, they know and we know she is with Jesus healed, whole and complete. It's hard, it's devastating and will be a difficult road to navigate for her family, but they and we trust the Lord for healing, hope and grace.
Will you please keep Kya and her family in prayer...the months ahead will tough ones. They will need much love and God's peace to surround them. We love them so much and we love "KyKy" as Eli so lovingly call her. So, so long sweet girl. We will see you in Heaven.......
Kya Marilyn
Born October 22, 2011
Adopted and loved forever
With Jesus June 2, 1:00 pm
You will be glad to know God heard our pleas.
Kya was in our arms when
the machines were turned off
and she stormed the gates of heaven...
And just so you know, we'd do it all over again if we had to.
