Feb. 28

Pictures from today.  The one by the ipad, he was using to go back and forth from English to Chinese by using the jibigo program.  It was very cute.  He is very smart.

The picture with the bubbles is outside the medical clinic.  We had his tb test read today, when I looked at it I started praying, we barely passed without a chest xray.  Praise

Yuntai Gardens

Dong Fu didn't enjoy the garden very much, started out pretty grumpy, and then we found the bubbles.  What a difference the bubbles made. 

Relaxing (2.26)

Prayer Request!!!!

China changed it's guidelines February 28th, with that said, we could leave China on the 3rd instead of the 4th.  We have sent a message to our travel agent and they will be checking flights home for the 3rd.  Please pray for a flight to be open and for the price to be about the same!  We have enjoyed our time here, but would love to get home to see the rest of our family.  It is hard being split up!
 
As far as our day, we started the day at the medical clinic checking Dong Fu's tb.  It passed!  Praise the Lord, it was so close to him needing a chest x-ray.  After that, I spent time with Elvin going through our paperwork.  We will meet at the US consulate office tomorrow for the swearing in ceremony.  And the next day we will have Dong Fu's visa.  And then could go home if all goes well with the flights.  Not much else to report.  Dong Fu was grumpy this afternoon, we woke him from a nap, and he didn't appreciate that.  He has been good this evening.  We all have good and bad days.  Elvin is going to talk to Dong Fu tonight about what name he would like to be called, we will let you know. 
 
We will be visiting the orphanage tommorrow, praying for pictures and things from his past.  His birth certificate even has a 6 year old picture on it.  So the youngest picture I have of him is the ones on the blog.  Please pray for this also.  Thanks again for all your prayers.  We have felt them.

Thanking God for Unanswered Prayer...

Just an update to show you how I have seen God work is some of the unanswered prayers from the first part of this blog.  Yes, our paperwork was lost, yes, we traveled after the Chinese New Year, and yes, I really wanted to have Dong Fu in October of 2010.  All of these were things that I had prayed for, but all were unanswered.  Here is the answer to the unanswer of those prayers.
 
Lost paperwork/later travel date/receiving Dong Fu later than I wanted:
  This is all the same work of God, to have us in China at this time.  Being here these weeks allowed us to be the only family in Guangzhou for the first 5 days.  This allowed God to open amazing doors for us.  We had Elvin all to ourselves which allowed him to make an extra effort to travel with us and take the extra time that I had prayed about with uncovering Dong Fu's past.  If we would have had other families with us, these things would have been about impossible, because he could not have just catered to our needs.  Being the only family also helped us bond and get to know Dong Fu better, it allowed alot of translation between Elvin, Dong Fu and us.  So in order to answer a more important prayer request, He didn't answer the early travel date.  Thank you God for your perfect timing. 
  Traveling at the later date also allowed us to meet up with the other families that were also adopting older children.  This is also nice, the kids are starting to interact, it is a beautiful thing.  All praise and glory to HIM!

The Presence and Will of God

As you have been reading, God is overwhelming us with His goodness.  Today was no different.  The decision was made, I was fearful and doubting, until I felt the wonderful presense of our God.  He went before us and cleared the way, it was a beautiful day!  I will tell you more in a couple of days.
 
The Beijing families are wonderful, and their kids are doing well.  The older children in their group had a much rough start than we did.  Their children were not prepared like Dong Fu was for the adoption procces, but are really making good strides.  We did enjoy a nice evening meal with them and had time with them yesterday at a park and lunch.  Dong Fu did share Elvin with the families, he is adjusting to how he acts with more people around.  He did a shift this morning to really wanting Brett and shunning me away, he usually does this when we are in the public.  By evening he was loving on me like no other.  As I have told you before, he is very street (orphange) smart.  He knows how to get what he wants with wittiness and charm.  We are setting some rules, and he is doing well with them, although we have been tried a few times.  I have to admit, I want to give into him everytime because he is soooo funny.  I can't wait for you to meet him!  He is a little differnt in larger crowds and still perfers to be in the room.  That is where he feels safe.
 
We will go back to the medical office today to get the TB test read and do a little shopping.  We are still trying to get to the orphange before we leave.  We think we will be taking Dong Fu with us there.  Pray for wisdom on that decision.  I think, from everything we learned about him, that he would be soooo proud to walk around with a mommy and daddy and to let the other kids know he is doing great!!!!
 
Please start to pray for our transistion back at our house.  That the love would flow from all ends and that the 3 of us would recover quickly from the jet lag.  Thanks again!!!   

Relaxing Day

Since we changed around are doctors appointments, we have nothing on the plans today.  We did alittle shopping (not Dong Fu's favorite) and managed to get out for lunch.  Otherwise, it has been a nice day getting to know eachother and relaxing in the room.  This day was much needed, we have been doing alot of running and have had so many appointments to make this adoption official.
 
The Beijing families will show up today and we will have supper with them tonight.  It will be interesting to see how Dong Fu does with the other 6 year old boy and girl.  I do not think he is going to want to share Elvin with them.  He absolutly love to chat to Elvin!  We will let you know how he does.
 
I am asking you all to pray about a decision that Brett and I need to make.  Please ask God for widom for us.  Pray for protection around us and for us to have peace either way the decision is made.  I will let you know at a later date what the outcome is.  God is doing big things here!  He has me over the edge of my comfort zone, that seams to be the theme of this year!  And continue to pray for Dong Fu, he is so attached, but the things I am asking you to pray for, could cause a setback for us.  Especially with his attachment to me.  Pray for the kiddos at home, Emma is especially struggling.  Thanks everyone!!!! 

Fun Photos

Just some fun pictures in the room.  He is much more comfortable in the room than out in public. 

Zoo Pictures

The one picture of Dong Fu walking is one of the only ones, he perfers to be held.  And almost all pictures, daddy is holding him.   He is making up for lost time.

Medical Examination

Today we had Dong Fu's medical exam.  It was difficult to watch, especially since I do not understand what the doctors were saying.  Dong Fu did great.  I do not believe that he knows his shapes, it seamed that the nurse had to explain to him and tell him what the circle and squares were.  Once explained, he rattled it off.  He just hadn't had any exposure to this.  He was also evaluated and had to be stipped naked.  I felt so sorry for him.  The doctors noticed a little scoliosis.  And he has another hemangioma (sp) on his back.  Definitly need to get this checked.  I am not sure from his 4 year old x rays how bad the deformity was in this left arm/hand.  We don't have the xrays, just the report.  There are some more hemangioma up his left arm.  Making me think that the diagnosis of Malfucia Syndrome is correct.  Please pray for this extra blood flow to be stopped, to stop anymore deformation happening.  Also, pray for wisdom in the doctors and our wisdom to know who to take him to once home.  What I have read about malfucia is during the 6 and 7 year old year and teen years are when more deformation happens, so treatment is crucial.
 
Enough with the hard stuff!  Dong Fu can work the system.  It is just him and I this afternoon.  I had great plans of taking him to the park and enjoying the nice weather.  He had it set in his mind to watch tv.  I said no, and we left to the park.  He moped and tried to look sad, and played every card he could.  Wouldn't even crawl on the playground.  So, he eventually won, we are back at the room and he is watching Sponge Bob Square Pants.  We will be going to lunch in awhile, and hopefully visit the park after lunch.  The park is amazing.  There are people everywhere.  Some are doing Tai Chi, others are singing, and many are gathered in groups playing a game like hackysac with a feather on it.  I could have stayed for hours watching the culture and people.  Thanks again for all you encouragement and prayers! 

Funny and Sweet Things Dong Fu Says and Does

Zoo
  In the Guangzhou Zoo, you are not suppose to feed the animals, just like in America.  Elvin was explaining to Dong Fu if you feed the bears, they would get sick and have to see the animal doctor, just a minute after that, a group of people showed up and were throwing apples to the bears.  Dong Fu in a very loud, alarming voice was telling Elvin about how the bears were going to get sick, over and over again!  I did not understand a word he was saying, yet I knew exactly what he was talking very loudly about.  It was a complete riot!
 
Supper
  Tonight at supper we were eating a delicious meal.  Elvin always encourages Dong Fu to eat a little bit more.  In the sweetest little voice, he said, "I am full, do you want me to get fat!"  Elvin loves to repeat what he says to us, because he is so witty!
 
Sweet things he does!!!!
  Dong fu loves to share.  He received a package of M & M's on gotcha day from us.  He has savored the package for three days.  Not all to himself, he will eat 1 give papa 1 and give mama one.  I only recall a couple of times that he would eat 3 or 4 without giving us one.  Amazing!!!!  He does this same thing with potato chips.  He picked out a small sack of potato chips our first night together, and he shared all of them too!  This is absolutly incredible!  Many orphans hoard everything they have, becasue they have never had anything.  What a blessing
  I brought along a pack of 3 flavored lip balms.  I gave one to Dong Fu yesterday and put the package on the desk.  Dong Fu came across the package with the 2 left in it today.  He looked at me, we used sign language and gestures to let him know that they were all his.  He kindly picked out 1 and gave it to me, then he did the same for Brett.  His love language is definitly gifts.  I would say he would rather give than receive.  Love him so much!  He is going to adore his brother and Sister!
 
One last prayer request!  God has opened up soooo many doors while we have been here.  This is something I have not asked God for, but, it never hurts to ask.  The city we are in is Dong Fu's city.  His hands are very unique, so I know if is mama saw him, she would know that he was her child!  I am asking you all to pray along with me, that the Lord would put us in the path of Dong Fu's mama while we are here.  And she would be bold enough to let us know and have conversation and pictures with her without Dong Fu hearing.  This would be the last piece of putting together the puzzle of our little boys history.  Our God is able!  Thanks for being my prayer warriors!!!!!  Much love and thanksgiving!!!!! 

Dong Fu's First Trip to the Zoo!!!

We were able to visit the Guangzhou Zoo this morning.  It was great!  Guang Dong Fu chatted and chatted with Elvin.  It was hilarious!  He has Elvin in stiches.  This child is witty and smart!  He would chat about the animals and make remarks that would blow you away, we have much of it on video, it will be a treasure to look back at some day.  Pictures to come!
 
We have the afternoon free.  Dong Fu is sooooo tired!  I think all the stimulation just wipes him out!  We plan on napping and hanging out in the room for the day!  We have his TB and doctors appointment tomorrow (Friday) in the morning.  We have made some slight changes to the schedule, this should have been on Saturday. 
 
Amazing doors have opened while here.  Brett will be doing amazing things in the afternoon on Friday, I will hang out with Dong Fu at the hotel.  We will blog on this adventure next week.  God will knock you socks off with this one!!!!
 
Thanks for all of you comments and prayers!  You are all a treasure to me.  Continue to pray for the time to go by quickly for the kids.  Ask God to quicken Dong Fu's English.  He is such a communicator, that when we leave China, he is really going to miss having conversations with people who can understand and be engaged with him in conversation.  He LOVE to TALK!  Lei, he is going to LOVE you and he is going to love to chat with you!  Continue to pray for his little heart.  He has sooo much to work through.  When I lay by him and think about his life up until now, I just weep!  But I know that God has HUGE plans for this little boy.  He is going to blow you away!  And continue to praise the Amighty Father for the work that He has done, and will continue to do through our child. 

More Memories

 We have been treated like kings.  And the food is phenomenal!!!!!  But Elvin is ordering for us.  The restaurant we went to today had these live animals right when you walked in.  Dong Fu didn't want to get down and look at the snakes or eels.  They also had a covered box. Elvin told me they were field chickens, which means frogs.  We enjoyed a nice meal of beef, brocolli, and noodles (no snakes, eels, or field chickens). 

 We found his finding spot, it was soooo difficult.  I know his mommy loved him.  She placed him right next to a governmental office, so he would be safe.  The streets were very narrow, and it was an older part of town.  God graciously placed an elderly lady that was speaking to Elivin about remembering Dong Fu's finding.  Didn't get much information, but to hear and see her was a gift.  We tried to put on a good face for Dong Fu.  He didn't know why we were there, but we will share it with him someday when he is older and asking questions. 

Shopping

These pictures are from his first every shopping experience.  He is beaming with excitement.  And was posing in the new clothes pictures like a model. The other 2 pictures are of his new remote control car, super excited over this and his movies that we bought in Mandarin.  Everything is new to him.  His face is glowing

Skype With the Girls

We were able to skype with the girls last night (their morning).  The girls and Dong Fu so much want to get to know eachother.  Dong Fu would watch from a distance, get comfortable run over to the camera and show him something of his like a car or truck.  He was pretty quiet to them, but starting slowly to come out of his shell.  Zac was sleeping, so that is why I say the girls.  The girls were also smiling sooo big at him.  Like they wanted to jump through the screen and hold him.  He did speak some things to them, not sure what they were.  And we were all able to count to 5 for the girls.  By the end of the skype session, he had shown them everything that he owns, including lip balm and his toothbrush and toothpaste.  It is amazing to watch a child, who has had nothing, learn to be part of a family.  Granted, this should take much longer than what it is taking Guang Dong Fu, but that is God!  All praise and glory goes to Him!

Dong Fu went shopping!

This morning we continued to have appointments for the whole adoption procedure, and this afternoon, we went shopping.  Guang Dong Fu only wants to wear the clothes he came in, he doesn't like the American clothes that I brought from home, so he has now picked up couple of things from China to wear.  He was so sweet.  He was talking to one of the clerks, and he told her with pride, that is MY daddy!  Of course, we didn't know what he said, but the clerk very nicely told us. 
 
Since the great news of this amazing little bilingual boy, we now have all kinds of movies and tv shows in Mandarin.  You should have seen him, he was picking them out right an left.  Absolutly excited!  We now own lot's of videos in Mandarin (sorry girls). We will be using the videos and cd as one step in keeping one of his native languages.  So, if you try to speak to him in English, he probably won't understand for awhile.  If we chose not to keep his native language he would be speaking pretty good English in about 4 months great English in 6.  With keeping his first language we will delay the English.  I am not worried about it.  He is great at showing us what he wants.  And he is sooooooo smart.  I am not just saying that because I am his mom, our guide keeps commenting on his intelligence to.  You will be amazed at the way he figures out everything. 
 
Right now he is napping with dad.  He is so worn out.  Eating alone makes him tired, plus he really has never been our and about, so the stimulation just wears him out.
 
We will be going to his finding spot tonight before dinner.  He was left around 5 weeks old.  No papers, no information.  We will be taking a picture for him to have.  It makes me cry just thinking about it.  The pain this poor mama must have felt.  The pain she must feel now, wondering where her little boy is.  Is he loved?  I wish I could tell her that we are taking care of him and he is very well loved.
 
Elvin, our guide, will be contacting the foster family tonight (completely unheard of).  He is going to get as much information as he can, and if at all possible, Brett might travel there to maybe meet or atleast see and take pictures for Dong Fu.  Can you believe it!  Do you remember me asking for you to pray for the hidden to be revealed!  Wow!  He will also be getting their email and address.  We would love to keep contact with them, prayer request.
 
And yes, skype is now working!!!!  Thank you all for praying!  We are making daily contact with the kiddos!  We do miss them soooooo much!  Can't wait to get our entire family together.  Pray for peace for all of us!  And the time to pass quickly for the kids.  Thanks again for all your encouraging comments and prayers.  Love you all!
 
Last side note, I have now lost Dong Fu to Brett!  He has managed to steal all of our kids from me!!!  Oh, well, what a great daddy! 

It is not suppose to be like this.....

So we have rejoiced through day two with smiles, giggles and a true joy for life from Guang Dong Fu.  This morning we awoke to an amazing little boy, with a huge appetite!  I am not sure how much little Dong Fu weighs, but I am sure that he has consumed enough food over the past 36 hours for 2 adult males.  He is hungry!  He loves dumplings, any meat made with a sweet sauce, noodles, watermellon, oranges, and orange juice.  I think he will fit in just fine in or family!
 
Day two with Dong Fu, required us to visit the adoption affairs building for official paperwork, this is the same building and rooms where gotcha day took place.  Our guide did an amazing job explaining to Dong Fu, that he would be coming home with us, and not to worry.  Dong Fu did great, he smiled for pictures and was a true champ.  Beyond that, we had a free day to fill our tummies and play.
 
So now to the fun part.  Guang Dong Fu is not a quiet and shy boy who would perfer to show himself by actions and not by words.  That is what all the paperwork said, and that is what they told us yesterday at gotcha day.  Dong Fu is full of life!  He has a joy that just won't quit!  All day yesterday, and until this evening, Dong Fu would talk alot to our guide, he would point at things and tell him all about what he had done today but didn't talk much to us.  That all changed this evening.  I felt in my heart that Dong Fu wanted to talk to us, but felt uncomfortable due to the language.  God gave me a great idea to ask our guide to explain to Dong Fu and to teach me a new phrase.  It goes something like this "Guang Dong Fu, gow soo mamma" (gow, like cow and soo, like moo).  Which means, tell mama.  So now I point to fish, gow soo mama, and Dong Fu tells me there name, I repeat it and he glows!  He now knows that mama messes up Chinese words, but tries, he is trying some english words.  But best of all, he will look at Brett and I a just start talking up a storm we just smile at him!  He has found so much comfort with us, truly amazing.  I asked our guide at dinner tonight, how often do you see this connection so quickly with an older child, his response was, "this doesn't happen, not like this".  That my friends, is a true an absolute miracle from God!  Praise you Father!  I know that this doesn't mean it will always be easy, and there will be no problems, but what an amazing start!
 
Now to the really, really fun part!!!!  Dong Fu isn't as shy as they said.  Brett and Dong Fu had some major play time today.  I can't even begin to tell you what a crack up this child is.  They would grab their planes and run around on the beds (that are pulled together), crash and fall.  Daddy would tickle Dong Fu and he would laugh and laugh and laugh.  Then Dong Fu would tickle daddy, and daddy would laugh and laugh and laugh.  Such joy!  This went on for awhile!  Once we got closer to bedtime, we got the ipad out again, we beat up on talking tom cat again.  Dong Fu is so smart, he ran to his backpack and grabbed the leap computer that we had sent him, played the music into the ipad microphone and the cat would sing the computer songs.   It was a complete riot.  But here is the greatest.  We were playing an airplane game on the ipad.  He would use his finger and sweep the airplane out of an office building trying to keep the plane in the air.  He is very good at this game.  So once the airplane went out the window, he would start to shhh Brett and I.  He was completely teasing us!  His face with his finger over his mouth was so stinkin cute!  He is a crack up.  And it gets better, he would cover Brett's mouth, say shhh and give him the cutest smile.  Brett and him have quit a joking thing going.  Brett would zip up his own mouth and Dong Fu would laugh or unzip it.  He loves giving hi fives after the plane goes out the window.  Wow!  So much for shy and quiet. 

One more praise report, Dong Fu is amazing at Cantonese and Mandarin.  Another miracle.  Everyone had told me he would know a little bit of Mandarin.  Our guide tells us he is completly bilingual.  So now my dream of keeping his language, could become a reality.  Yes, this means a longer time for him to learn english.  But in the long run, what a blessing.  We are out the door today for an appointment at the Police Department.  Then we have a free day.  Pictures and more to come from today.  Please remember to keep our entire family in your prayers.  It is really hard to be seperated.  
 
On a side note, as I write this Guang Dong Fu is sitting on Brett's lap, and he just kissed Brett.  He told me I love you today!  This is all on his own, no prompting.   GOD is Great! 
We are on the 24

Great Wall and Forbidden City

(I apologize that these pictures aren't in date order)

It was a little smoggy or foggy that day.  So the pictures are not the clearest.  The pictures do not even begin to show how amazing these structures are, incredible. 

Day 2

These pictures are of day 2, yes he is wearing the same clothes.  He did sleep in his batman pj's, but this morning wanted to wear the clothes that came with him.  So, you might see these clothes again!  We had to revisit the adoption affairs building where gotcha day took place.  Our guide, Elvin, prepared him before going there that he would be coming home with mommy and daddy.  We met with 3 governement officials as part of the adoption process.  Everything went great.

Food and Baths

First picture at McDonalds where he proceeded to eat a 5 piece McNugget, a cheeseburger and fries.

 His first bath - he didn't stay in too long, but enjoyed his time in the bath.  After the official gotcha day, when we left the adoption office, he started to relax.  He is so stinkin sweet!



Gotcha Day

He was a little nervous, but he didn't cry!

For Pam

This is the only way for me to get ahold of Pam, so sorry for the rest of you who have to read it.  Pam, I am unable to send anything to your email, it has all been returned.  Even messages without an attachment.  Do you have another email account?  Or another option would be for me to send pictures from Brett's phone to your phone, do you have that capability.  Thanks.  Sorry, to the rest of you.  Kristy

Pondering it in all in my heart.....

As the boys are sleeping, I lie awake, pondering it all in my heart.  I am not Mary, nor did an angel appear to me.  But, I know in my heart we were called to adoption.  My plan, was not His plan.  My ways are not His ways.  My ways are to continue down the easy road, take the safe way.  But, His gentle voice said "I know the plans I have for you (adoption)".  Many times down this road, I have wanted to turn away and say, "no, we can't, everything is so good right now".  But, the Lord kept showing us the way, opening every door.  Untangling every web.  When I started to swerve off His road, He lead me back.  Not to the two year old in Ethiopia, but to this most precious little 6 year old boy in China.  When I doubted, He spoke - "I will give Dong Fu a new heart".  When I was worried about the language of the older child, He sent many to me to reaffirm, that the language is difficult, but comes quick.
Many of you know my anticipation of this day, some very joyful, some very fearful.  I even spoke the words to my husband the night we were leaving "I don't want to go".  Trust me, he did not know what to do with that!!  None of this whole process is of me, I am not brave enough, but the God I serve has been my strength, my personal bravery and my invinsible army, He is the one who kept me walking forward when I wanted to turn around.
God has kept the biggest jewel of the whole process until today.  Here is how it all went down.  Left Beijing this morning at 6:45am.  Arrived in Guangzhou today at 1:00pm, quick drive by the hotel, got the things ready for Dong Fu and the orphanage and went to pick him up at 2:30.  When we arrived there were many children that had already met their families, most were sad.  I saw little Dong Fu waiting in a room off to the side for us, he looked just like his pictures, quiet and shy.  We did just a bit of paperwork and they brought him out to us.  There were not any tears, or smiles.  I handed him a teddybear, it wasn't the biggest hit, but inside his gift bag, that is where the good stuff was.  He played quietly with 2 monster trucks and an airplane and a helicopter while I gave him some M&M's.  Later we gave him a coloring book, which he absolutly loves, this precious child took his time and boy was he precise with his coloring.  While all of this was going on, our guide, Elvin, was helping us talk to the orphange worker.  Feeling absolutly blessed that Elvin only has our family to work with so we got alot of time and information.  Guang Dong Fu, as we are calling him now, has been with the same foster family since he was 2 1/2.  The family has 3 older children who work outside the house.  The orphange did deliver the package that was sent to Dong Fu to the Foster Family (praise God).  This allowed them to prepare him for the adoption.  As of right now, it looks like we can contact the family, which is about unheard of, another prayer answered.  We found out his favorite food is McDonalds!!!  Yeah for Zac, sorry for Emma.  They say that he is quiet and his favorite game is hide and seek.  I have a feeling, they could be wrong about the quiet bit, time will tell.  His best friend was adopted to the US a couple of months ago, and Elvin is going to work on getting us some contact information on that family.  That brought brightness to Guang Dong Fu's face, still no smiles.  We said our good byes and took our little boy to the van, he was happy to let me carry him (yeah)!  We rode back to the hotel and had an hour with the 3 of us, we played with the trucks and he colored alot, I just felt the presense of God in his comfort.  No tears, just quiet.  We met Elvin for McDonalds, Guang Dong Fu, started to perk up, and by the way his measurements are WAY OFF!!!  So, if you see him with high water pants on, just know, that he is a little bit taller that what was said, and my comment on him having extra weight, defintely wrong!  We ordered him a hamburger kids meal, because that is what he pointed to, and I order the nuggets.  I sat down with him to eat, and he devoured all of my nuggets (5), then moved on to the hamburger and proceeded to eat all of his fries!  I guess our grocery bill will be going up.  At McDonald's we started to see him smile, he would speak Cantonese to Elvin and they would laugh.  Elvin is amazing with us and him.  He had his first experience on an escalator, so cute. He stopped, I picked him up and we road up, smiling all the way.  After McDonalds we headed back to the hotel, again, coloring and playing with trucks and then.....  we introduced the ipad to him.  This kid can run that thing better than I can!  He would pick out the game all by himself, I would show him once what to do, and boom, he had it.  Amazing!  Zac will be happy to know that the 3 of us rolled laughing over the talking tom cat game.  He would even speak into it, and at one point spoke to the cat "how are you" do not know how he knew that!  We were laying on the bed on our tummies, and his feet were just moving nonstop, he was so excited.  He would turn to me and say something (of course I do not know what it was), he wants so bad to be able to communitcate (not thinking he is that quiet).  He loves to look into our eyes (praise God).  He loves touch!  (praise God).  He took a short bath, I think it was his first one, and put on a new pj and was ready for bed.  We slid the 2 beds together because in China the regular beds are not much bigger than a twin.  He cuddled up against the wall side and I laid by him.  I am trying to go slow, but he just seems to trust so much.  I stroked his forhead, and it seemed to relax him.  Then he started to scratch his arms, so I would gently scratch them, and then he moved to his legs, so I would gently scratch there, and then to his back and this repeated for awhile.  It is obvious that he liked me scratching, just like my Ellie. It is obvious to me that he was well loved by his foster family, and I am sure they miss him quite a bit.  I am praising the Lord for today.  He told me he would go before and prepare the way, and He did.  He told me not to fear, I did, but He was still faithful.  I know that one good day doesn't mean we are out of the woods, but I have seen so many miracles today, that I will continue to ponder them in my heart.
 
I do thank you all for your encouragement and prayers.  Please continue to pray for us, but I would like you to remember the 3 at home.  There have been tears, and we are having trouble getting skype to work very well.  Pray for peace over all of us, and thank God for the miracles He has already done.
 
I am trying to get pictures out, but am having trouble getting the sent.  Everything keeps coming back to me.  I will keep trying, so sorry.  You really need to see him, he is a complete blessing.

More Than We Could Have Ever Asked For

Gotcha day was perfect.  He is doing awesome!  His foster family prepared him beyond my belief and I think they have left contact information for me.  Have to get him to bed right now, so will try to write more later.  Sorry so brief.  Stay tuned, the story is amazing. 

We are in China!!!

2 hours in the car, 18 hours on 3 planes, 9 hours in the airport in 3 countries (US, China and Japan), and we are finally here!  Praise the Lord.  We arrived late last night in Beijing, slept, and were swept away this morning to see the Forbidden City and The Great Wall of China.  Pictures to come later. 
 
We will fly to Guangzhou early tomorrow morning and meet Daniel sometime in the afternoon.  Please pray for Brett and I to get some rest tonight.  We are tired from the flights and time change.  We will be going to bed when you are getting up.  Please pray for peace for Daniel as he makes this huge transition into our family.  Pray that he will learn to trust us, and accept us as his family. 
 
I will try to post pictures tomorrow of Gotcha Day!!!   

Travel Time

You can say today has been an emotional rollercoaster.  Crying one minute, and so excited the next minute that I couldn't think straight.  My heart is torn between my children.  The one who so desperately needs us in China and the 3 kids here that I do not want to leave.  I know that God is going to do magnificent things during these 2 weeks, not just in China, but at home also.  Thanks for all your prayers.  Continue to pray for our family those in China and those at home.  Thank you all for all of your encouraging words and emails. 

Daniel's Measurements

We received Daniel's measurements today!!!!  Here it is:

Height   108cm
Weight    20kg
Head      50cm
Chest      58cm

Well, just in case you do not use the metric system everyday, here it is:

Height     42 1/2 inches 
Weight     44lbs
Head       19 1/2in
Chest      22 3/4in

He is one inch or less taller than Zac.  The most comforting part to me was his weight.  He weighs about 7 to 8 lbs more than Zachary!  I know that Zac is skinny, but this little guy is definitely not undernourished.  I have his weight chart up to 2 years.  He was extremely skinny during those years at the orphanage.  This makes me think his foster home has been a good environment.  Praise to our Great Provider!

Today has been filled with excitement and anticipation!  On one hand I just want to leave for China right now, and bring him home.  The other side of me, doesn't want to leave the 3 kiddos that will be staying at home.  The trip is necessary to bring our family to completion, please pray for the 3 at home to have peace about us leaving.  Ask the Lord for their time to be blessed and for the time to go quickly.  Please pray for safe travels for us and the other families.  Pray that our children will attach and bond to us quickly.  Ask the Lord for wisdom in parenting these hurting children.  As always, thanks for all your prayers and encouragement! 

As we prepare to go to the East, I am reminded and comforted by Isaiah 43:5  Do not be afraid, for I am with you;  I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

Less than a week to go!

We have less than a week to go, the scrambling begins!  We were notified almost 6 weeks ago when we would travel.  I started accumulating things, arranging the kids schedule, sorting and making copies of all the paperwork, and thinking about what to pack, and what to leave at home.  Can you believe, I am still doing all these same things!  I have packed and repacked probably 3 times.  Pulled out clothes out of the luggage that were packed, because I prematurely packed!  Changed the girl's schedule several times, read through all the paperwork, filed it, and read it again!  I guess I probably won't quit rechecking things until we are out the door early (very early) Friday morning.  I hope someone can relate!!  So, if you see me wearing the same thing everyday this week, it is because I have already packed and have nothing to wear. 

In all seriousness, things are going good.  We have been able to talk with the girls more about Daniel.  It is so hard for me to grasp, that I can not imagine how their minds are understanding it all.  I was telling a good friend this week, that is feels similar to being pregnant.  It is obvious that you are going to have a baby, easy to talk about, fun to dream about, or worry about.  Even while in the hospital, it still seemed a little fantasy like.  But once you leave the hospital and put that little tiny baby in your car and drive home, that is when reality sets in.  I am thankful that we serve a big God that we can lean on when reality sets in.  Maybe it will be in China, or our flight home.  Maybe it won't set in until we arrive at home or even months later.  But I know when it does I can lean on the one who is holding me.  To all the Glory and Honor go to God the Father.

Pray, Pray, Pray, we have a family leaving the 14th and 2 families leaving the 15th.  All of these families are adopting from Beijing.  If you remember from an earlier post, Beijing families have 3 extra days added to their trip.  We will meet these families on the 20th in Beijing, then we will be off to Guangzhou (to meet Daniel), and they will join us in Guangzhou several days later.  Pray for safe travels, bonding with their children, and health for all families.  Thanks!

Winter Blessings

It is 9:30pm I just left the girls room after a nice chat and prayer.  No need to get them to bed too early, we had a late start this morning, no gymnastics tonight and a late start tomorrow!  What joy these things bring to me as I am wanting to enjoy these last few weeks with our family as we know it.  It is not a new feeling.  I had these feelings before Ellie was born, I didn't know how I was going to be able to care of Emma and a new baby!  And before Zachary was born, I was sure that I had wrecked the girls's lives!  Well, sure enough, my doubts can take over.  And they have.  But not tonight, I am filled with peace and joy, knowing that the road ahead may be rocky (or not), but knowing God is in this!  I can feel your prayers and am thankful for each one.