Beautifful ice-blue almond shaped eyes.  Stick-straight snow white hair that falls to just below her shoulders.  A tiny snub nose and pretty rosy bow lips. A round face the color of pale pink roses.

That is our six year old daughter, Serenity Hope, whom we adopted last year from China.  She does not fit the typical norm of Oriental society: she was born with albinism; because of this, nobody wanted her, altough she was perfectly healthy (other than her bad eyesight, that is, which requires her to wear thick lensed glasses).

We fought for this child for the past two years, even taking a trip to China to see her.  We were immediately entranced by this ghostlike girl; we knew immediately she was the one for us.  Now thousands of dollars in debt and many tears later, little Xai Ming is finally here in America, with a new family to love and cherish her.  She arrived a year ago.  

One year.  It doesn't seem possible; yet we are reminded that our dream to have a child has come true .  Our daughter reminds us, each and every day.

Serenity is gorgeous.  And smart.  And funny.  She can be guaranteed to chase the blues away with her spontaneous nature, quick wit, and love for others.  She is one of the sweetest, well-mannered children we have ever had the pleasure of knowing; even being visually impaired has really never slowed her down.  Serenity is absolutely incredible!

Serenity has told us she would like a little brother.  So we are in the process of adopting a little boy; we are waiting for the adoption agency to call to tell us they've found a chlid for us.  Until then, it's just Serenity and us, her Mamma and Daddy.  And let's not forget the dog, our klutzy long-haired Chihuahua, Peanuts (Serenity named him).

Serenity is a typical little girl.  She loves to sing, dance, draw, color, paint (she is very creative), play dress up and pretend games, have firends over, run, jump on the trampoline (with supervision, of course), and read.  She is extremely active; Serenity can wear out even the most seasoned of babysitters.

Well, I must go.  Serenity starts school today; she wlll be in the first grade.  I wish nothing but the best for her this school year and I pray that people learn to see past her pale coloring and see her as a typical little girl who only wants friends!

~Written by Chloe Martin, her Mamma (Kansas City, Missouri).