Miracles for Marlee
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The bus had traveled only a few blocks when it came to a sudden stop. Without warning, all the people from the orphanage got up in unison and stepped off the bus. Both Marlee and Chloe instantly realized what was going on and immediately went into hysterics.
I tried to console Marlee, but she was so out of control I could barely hold on to her. She kicked and screamed and tried to wiggle out of my arms. I was trying to keep her from falling onto the floor of the bus, and it took every ounce of strength I had to keep her on my lap. She was a very strong little girl, and she hit me and kicked me with all her might. She was crying and screaming, sobbing the same thing over and over in Chinese.
I turned to Jeanne and asked her what she was saying. Jeanne listened to Marlee's words between her sobs and translated for me. "Take me back. I want to go back!" Jeanne tried to talk to her and console her, but Marlee kept telling her that she didn't want to go to America, she wanted to go back to the orphanage. She explained to Jeanne that she was scared and frustrated because she didn't understand anything I was saying and she feared I would abandon her.
My heart was breaking for this scared little girl. I asked Jeanne to explain to her that we had been waiting for her for a very long time and that her daddy and big brother were very excited to meet her. She had a house, a room, and a family who loved her. Jeanne interpreted this information to Marlee, but it didn't seem to make any impact on her.
Still sitting on my lap, she turned around and looked at me, the tears streaming down her face. Her eyebrows were pinched together and her eyes were piercing. She stared into my eyes and began to scream at me in Chinese. I didn't understand a word she was saying, but I completely understood the tone. I looked to Jeanne for translation. She hesitated before telling me, then said, "She says, 'take me back to the orphanage and find another little girl!'" I felt my heart break and I couldn't contain my emotions any longer. I buried my head behind her back and quietly sobbed.
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About the Book
Three-year-old Eric Turner announced to his mother, "Mom, I hear her! I hear my sister. She's talking to me. She says that she's up in heaven and she wants to come be with our family very soon." For the next 7 years, Tim and Shannon Turner tried diligently to make that inspiration a reality. But after recurring medical problems, Shannon was faced with a hysterectomy and the reality that a biological daughter would never come to be.
Through faith and divine guidance, the Turners were led to the Great Wall China Adoption Agency and discovered their daughter was, in fact, waiting for them in China. "Miracles for Marlee" is the account of their adoption journey, the challenges and obstacles in their path, and the pure faith in God that guided them on their journey to bring Marlee home.
This story will inspire those who may be struggling with infertility, searching for spiritual strength, or considering adoption. The Turner's trials and tribulations will make you laugh and cry and you will be strengthened by the blessings the Lord bestowed upon them.
About the Author
Shannon Turner lives in the Tri-Cities area of Washington State with her husband and children. Living only six blocks from her parents' home where she grew up, she keeps her extended family close to her and enjoys frequent activities with them. Shannon is the Crime Specialist/Evidence Technician with the Pasco Police Department, having worked in the criminal justice system over twenty years. She has enjoyed writing since she was a child, having had many teachers comment that she had a gift for writing and a unique sense of humor. She has played the cello since age nine and has performed with many symphonies and local production companies. She enjoys arranging solos and duets to perform for church and civic events.