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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
September 2001 |
Amazing Gracie -- a personal story
of adoption in the shadow of the Great Wall
By Matthew Oates
Hoosier UM News Correspondent
The Rev. Tammy Mills no longer has her red 1997 Suzuki Savage motorcycle. She's given it up for motherhood and a 1992 Chevrolet Blazer.
In April, Tammy officially adopted Onalee Grace "Gracie" Shan Mills, an 18-month old from China. Battle Ground has been abuzz since her arrival. "She's kind of a little celebrity around here," says Mills, who took family leave from Battle Ground UMC to be with Gracie.
Waiting for 'Gotcha Day'
The decision to adopt never occurred to Tammy until she had entered her mid-thirties. "I've always wanted to give someone a home who needed a home," says Mills. In November 1999, instead of a child, the red motorcycle came into her life as a sign of letting go. But while dining with friends in February of 2000, they explained to Tammy that they felt God leading them to help her adopt a child.
The process of adoption, especially a Chinese child, is tedious. There are forms, essays, home visits, criminal background checks and other requirements to meet. "You send pictures of you and your home and stuff like that."
Another factor is cost. For Tammy, it cost somewhere between $10,000 to 15,000 to adopt. It normally takes nine months to one year before a prospective parent would even receive a child's picture. But in Tammy's case she received a call last January from the agency explaining that Chinese agencies are fast-tracking adoptions for special needs children.
It was the phrase "special needs" that placed Tammy in a dilemma. She went to the meeting and saw 15 pictures of children who needed homes.
Drawn to one picture, she kept looking at the little girl and praying about it. She decided right there to adopt Gracie. It was revealed that Gracie has a small hole in her heart.
In March, Tammy's adoption was approved. And on April 15, Easter Sunday, Tammy and her father, Bob Mills, and 11 other families departed on a 20-hour, nonstop flight for China.
"I was living on adrenaline for two weeks before the flight." She was filled with fear, joy and anxiety over the process. Even the thought of seeing the Great Wall of China was nothing; she wanted Gracie.
On April 17, "Gotcha Day" finally happened and the wait was over. It was around 9 p.m. that night when Gracie walked into Tammy's life. "It was the most incredible moment of my life."
Two American dramas in China
Before returning to America, paperwork had to be turned in and an interview conducted at the American Embassy in Guangzhou. The family was processed with flying colors.
While the adoption was being finalized, there was a political drama being played out by the American and Chinese governments. On April 1, two planes collided over the South China Sea, possibly killing the Chinese pilot and sending the American EP-3 surveillance plane spiraling for an emergency landing on Hainan Island. The 24 Americans and plane were eventually released.
Despite the suddenly cool political relations and a government that propagandized the event, the Chinese were pleasant to the new family. "People there were thrilled we were adopting."
'Back home again in Indiana'
The Battle Ground congregation has been very supportive to Tammy throughout the entire process. "They've showed me a lot of grace and patience."
A new swing set and tons of food and supplies awaited the new family. Numerous showers have been thrown and babysitters are lined up down the block.
After Gracie arrived, Tammy sold her motorcycle. "When she goes to Harvard, I'll get another motorcycle."
For more information on Chinese adoptions, contact Tammy Mills at 765/567-2180 or visit the Families Thru International Adoption site at www.ftia.org.
Last updated on 01/14/2004