Tender Mercies, blessings, and a little miracle from China...

On Saturday we went to the SLC airport, along with most of my mom's siblings and parents to welcome the newest member of our extended family HOME! Here's a little backgroud...My mom's sister Tammy and her husband Mike had three children together but didn't feel like their family was complete. After lots of prayers, research, and waiting they welcomed Mia their little gilrl that they adopted from Korea! That was about three years ago. At our Thanksgiving dinner Tammy and Mike announced that they would be traveling to China to adopt another little girl just after Christmas! They showed us photos and a whole book of information about her. We were all so happy for them! Mike and Tammy are the most generous people I know and Tammy is one of the sweetest most selfless mom's ever! We knew that this little girl was so blessed to belong to them! They were so happy and excited to share their news and to bring Fu Khang Li home. My uncle Mike and his two oldest boys along with my other uncle Jason (who would be acting as Chaperone to the boys) traveled to China just after Christmas to meet little "khang khang" or Kai-li which is her American name. After almost 2 weeks in China the adoption was finalized and they came home Saturday. Kai-li is two years old and has been living with foster parents in China, who loved her very much! She speaks mandarin chinese and is a typical little girl. When we met her at the airport I was so surprised at how loving and sweet she was with all of us- who she didn't even know or understand. She opened her arms to everyone to hold her and she was even giving kisses! She is absolutely beautiful and although she has had some rough changes in her little life -she seems so happy!

Tristin (the big sister!) and Evan and Eli meeting Kai-li at the airport

Tammy greeting her baby Kai-li... and yes Mike's eyes are closed (couldn't be the fault of the photographer!) I wouldn't be surprised if he was really dozing... after lots of long nights in China, time adjustments and a 13 hour flight with a confused two year old- that says it all...

What a special day!!

Tammy (far right) is holding Kai-li with her big sister Mia in the middle! Lachlan (on the left) is my mom's brother Jeff's little girl who they adopted from China a year ago. What lucky girls to belong such great families and to have each other to grow up with!

Mia giving "her baby" a kiss

...Well we all parted ways and were anxious to hear about the new adventures that lay ahead for their family. Little did we know that there would be a giant adventure or should I say challenge just that next day...

Kai-li had a really rough night and at some point after using the bathroom the toilet was full of blood. Tammy and Mike were very concerned and thought maybe she had a kidney infection. So they took her to the hospital in Logan. They ruled out a kidney infection and realized that the blood was from her colon! After waiting for test results and what probably seemed like TOO LONG the decision was made to life flight her to Primary Childrens Medical Center for what they were calling a collapsed colon which is extremely painful, dangerous and life threatening. In order to get a flight team ready it was going to take longer than they thought she could wait so the medical staff decided it would be fasted to get her there in an ambulance with it's lights and siren's on. So she traveled the hour and a half distance to Primary Children's Medical Center and was rushed into surgery. After preforming the operation the doctor said the official diagnosis is called intussusception. There is no cause in children and it is something that can just happen! It is where the small intestine collapses into the large intestine causing a blockage. The tissue then begins to die and they say if it is not immediatley treated the person may only live as long as four days. and suffer lots of complications the longer it is untreated. The doctors also said that if she would have still been in China that they most likely would not have found a doctor in time who could have helped her. If she would have had these symptoms just a day earlier or even as they were traveling it would have changed the entire circumstance. So... some may call it luck or a coincidence that this presented within 24 hours of her arrival to the United States. But it's not hard for our family to see that it was a tender mercy from our Heavenly Father who was watching out for her and her family. The doctor removed 16 inches of her small intestine during surgery. It was successful and they are now watching her closely for any signs of complications. She will most likely be in the hospital recovering for a couple of weeks. Mike found out that one of the flight nurses at the hospital speaks mandarin chinese so she has been visiting and trying to comfort Kai-li. For being just two years old- she is very smart and fluent in Mandarin She even sings lots of little songs! We pray that she will adjust well, recover quickly and stay healthy and happy! She couldn't be in a better situation -surrounded by a family who loves and adores her! She is a lucky little girl!-It is a miracle and blessing how it all worked out and that she is recovering well!

We love you Tullis family you are in our thoughts and prayers!