Home for Two Weeks Already!

We've been home for two weeks. I can't believe it!! I think that I left part of me in China as I really am looking forward to going again. China left quite an impression on me. 

Shao Rui Hannah is doing well. She is a different person! We are glad!! She is now spending more time off of my lap and more time running around with everyone else. I was able to get away the other night with some friends and she kissed me goodbye and was not upset with me leaving her! She greets Dan with a smile when he comes home from work! She knows lots of sign language and is gobbling it up. What a relief it must be to her to be able to communicate her needs! (Her previous method involved throwing a temper tantrum until she got what she needed.) Her English words consist of: bird and Poppy (the name of our bird). We are working on parts of the body and she's catching on! The other day I taught her how to put her dishes in the dishwasher; she was so proud of herself! Her favorite past time is taking on and off her shoes. She LOVES her shoes! 

She still will not get down in a public place which for now is fine with us. She loves playing in our backyard though. 

Our children are loving having a toddler in the house. Nicholas and Shao Rui Hannah have some issues to iron out. They share a room, and it is cute to listen to them talking to each other before going to sleep. Today at nap time, Nicholas would say, "MaMa" Shao Rui would say, "MaMa." Nicholas would say, "Daddy."  Shao Rui would say, "Daddy." And so on. Pray wisdom on us and a softening of Shao Rui Hannah's and Nicholas' hearts. 

While Shao Rui is picking up baby signs and English, we are picking up more Chinese. I know that I've said it before, but God is SO good that she can understand my broken Chinese. We've had some issues come up where it was so helpful that I knew that she understood what I was saying in Chinese because I knew with certainty that she wouldn't understand it in English. It's is very cute to hear all our children count in Chinese and speak Chinese to Shao Rui. We speak both Chinese and English to her. We'll see how long this lasts. 

We just stand amazed at God's goodness and His shower of blessings on our family! 

Pictures

I was going to get these up last week but toward the end of the week I came down with a sinus infection that slowed things down. I am grateful we were all healthy in China! The antibiotics that we took to China came in handy when we got home! I took one of our children to the doctors for an annual exam and asked him to take a peek at Hannah's ears because she's had a cold for over a week. She has an ear infection. Again, those antibiotics came in handy!! I can only post four pictures per post. Enjoy!

Dan and Matthew on the Great Wall of China.

Gotcha Day! The lady in the yellow  is Shao Rui Hannah's foster mother. I think that the lady in red also helped care for her as she was able to answer questions as well. The man in the picture is the director of the orphanage; he is holding his 3 year old daughter. The lady next to him is his wife. Poor Shao Rui Hannah was wiped out!

I took this picture while we were waiting for our driver in Kunming. There were several men doing street repairs. They were digging with shovels and mixing concrete on the street--no pails. Notice that the man is hold a long nail. He was banging that hammer on top on the nail to break up the concrete. It looked like his goal was to break up all the concrete around that small square that he was sitting on. In the states, we would use a jack hammer and it would be done in minutes. I wonder how many hours it took him to complete the job. 

In the evening, I would take Nicholas downstairs to the play area in our hotel. It gave us some alone time and gave Dan some bonding time with Shao Rui Hannah.

More Pictures

Kunming: Entrance to Green Lake Park. Beautiful park to walk around!!

Guangzhou: I always see this on other peoples' blog and thought it deserved a place on our blog. All babies are given a medical exam here. And we are given yet more paperwork!

Dinner anyone? In Guangzhou, this tasty dish was offered at a restaurant. Some of the other tasty treats offered were water beetles and turtles. We were served an American style Chinese dinner. It was delicious. 

This is inside the White Swan Hotel. Taken right after the red couch picture (see below.)

The infamous red couch picture. A tradition  for families adopting children from China. We get the children from our travel group together, put them on the red couch and take a picture. At one point, several of the children were looking at the two girls crying as if to say, "What is the problem?" Shao Rui Hannah was not happy to be out of my arms. I had such high hopes for a pleasant picture; I don't know what I was thinking when she had never wanted to leave my arms for anything before the picture.  A few hours later we met up with our travel group for an evening out. One of the ladies asked me if Hannah was feeling better. I told her that she was feeling just fine at the red couch picture, that is just who she is! The Chinese would say that Hannah is spicy!! At least the other little girl had an excuse; she was not feeling well. 

We took tons of pictures, but I think that is all I'll share for now. We are missing some of our pictures on our camera as a folder "magically" appeared within the camera. Stored all our photos of the beginning of our trip on itself. We are experiencing difficulties getting them out of the folder. Advice is welcome.

Our Six Pack

I took this picture the other night and thought I'd share it with you all. Shao Rui Hannah is doing well. She's taken some steps backwards but that is to be expected. She will let Dan play with her, feed her, and even brush her teeth, but she won't let Dan hold her yet. She is permanently attached to my lap/hip these days. As my friend, Cindy, would say, she is a "velcro baby." I am very happy about that because it means that we are bonding but that also means getting nothing accomplished during the day. However, this bonding time has been a good reminder to me about what's important. Therefore, we are spending lots of time playing together and reading books. The kids have enjoyed a lighter school schedule. 

Shao Rui Hannah is picking up some important baby signs--though it seems like it's still just much easier to scream. Our children are picking up some more Chinese. It's an even trade. Thankfully, she is sleeping through the night. Now, if we could just get Nicholas over his jet lag....

Today was a landmark day! She called me MaMa THREE times! Up until now, she has refused. She did call me MaMa in the Kunming airport, but I think it was an accident. When we first taught her the sign for MaMa all she could do it shake her little head. I don't blame her! Goodness, we hardly know each other at all. She did say Guh-Guh right away in China. She gets that one on the money and calls her brothers Guh-Guh. Still working on Jie-Jie (big sister). In China, she did call Dan Bah-Bah so she does know that he is her Daddy; she's probably just mad that he leaves her everyday. Yes, as the Chinese would say, we have a "spicey" girl! 

I will try to post more pics in the coming days.

Earthquake Victims

My heart has been heavy this past week as I think about the earthquake victims in Chengdu and the surrounding areas. While we have been rejoicing over our precious gift given to us on May 6, others, half across the world, have been mourning the terrible loss of their precious gift. Because the earthquake occurred at 2:38 p.m. almost all the children were in school. Due to China's One-Child Policy, most of these families lost their only child. This child represented their only hope. Many children have become suddenly orphaned. The news clips and newspaper articles are heart-breaking. Hannah is from Zhaotong, Yunnan. 3,000 homes were destroyed. One loss of life. Many injured. 

Amazingly (only ordained by God's hand), all orphanages are safe and all children are fine. However, some are need of repair and items for babies. Please pray that these children will remain safe until their families can bring them home. 

In addition, China is facing a virus that is fatal in young children. We washed hand religiously while there. Please pray that God would protect these children and their caretakers. Pray for families waiting to bring their children home. We have several friends waiting for those last pieces of paper before travel. The wait is brutal. 

If you feel led to aid in helping the relief effort, please visit www.lovewithoutboundaries.com or www.halfthesky.org

Please join us, in praying that God would be glorified through this tragedy. Pray that the people would see God at work and draw near to him. Pray that His Word would be spread.

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matt. 18:20

We Are Back!!

I am so sorry not to have been able to post in Guangzhou! It was non-stop activity the whole time we were there. I'll  briefly fill you all in from our last post. Obviously, blogging in China did not go as I had intended. Sometime later this week, I will post pictures as well.

Monday in Kunming we went to Green Lake Park which is within walking distance from our hotel. It was beautiful. Lots of trees and lots of people. In China, the retirement age is 50 for women and 55 for men. The majority of the people there were the "older" population. They had many open areas where ladies gathered to "exercise." It really looked like Chinese dancing to us. Lots of ladies walk around knitting scarves and sweaters. We received Hannah's paperwork and passport in the afternoon. That evening we met with Mrs. Zhou, who is the director of Civil Affairs in Kunming (we met her on Tues at Gotcha Day), her daughter and a translator. They are gathering information about different colleges in the United States. Small world because the translator went to Indiana University where I went to college then spent some time in Cleveland where I was born. 

Earthquake....we didn't even know that there was one. We did feel the beds sort of roll around nap time but ignored it. Two families from our travel group were in the province of the earthquake and have quite a story. We were so glad that God protected all of them.

Tuesday, we relaxed before catching our afternoon flight to Guangzhou. Our flight was delayed due to the earthquake. I was so excited to see the other families and their new bundles and wanted to go visit the one family that had arrived before us, but Dan said that it was time for bed. 

Wednesday, it SO FUN to meet these precious other girls! They are all adorable!! Hannah really opened up in Guangzhou especially on Thursday when she could look at lighter skinned people and not whimper. In the morning, we went for the medical exam and get visa pictures taken. That evening we ate together at a Chinese restaurant. We'll post pictures later of some of the offerings.

Parts of Guangzhou reminds us of the midwest. Situated on the river it is quite lovely. We stayed at the infamous White Swan Hotel. Lots of adoptive families stay there. It was amazing to actually be there and on the final leg of the journey. It is a gorgeous hotel with a waterfall and a fish pond. 

Thursday, we spend 2 hours in the afternoon doing more paperwork. We were all so grateful for Alison our guide who led us through all of them. That afternoon we took a group picture and the infamous red couch picture which I'll maybe post later. Our group was treated to PaPa John's Pizza. Then, we were off for a river boat cruise. 

Friday morning, the ladies went to a pearl store and a bookstore. In the afternoon, we went to the Oath Ceremony. We were told it is an anti-climactic event and it really was. They say about 2 sentences. We say "I do!" They say, "Congratulations!" We all clap. Then as if we haven't done enough paperwork, they advise us of what to do with the brown envelope that they give us that day. 

Hannah still won't let me put her down in public places which really is ok with me. One of the ladies asked me to put her down so that she could play with all the other little girls in our travlel group. She refused. 

She adjusted fabulously to our homecoming! I was amazed that I was able to put her down in our great room without tears. She played with all of our children. It was very obvious to us that her foster family showed her the picture album we sent her often; it is one of her prized possessions.

I missed our children terribly. It was heaven to see them again!! 

We are so thankful for this journey! Every time a child is placed in a family whether by birth or adoption, it is truly a miracle. God's miracle! We are so thankful that we said yes to God. We are blessed beyond measure. 

Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY from China!

To Our Mothers:

Thank you so much for all you've done for us through the years. Loving us and sacrificially giving to us! You are the best! We love you both!!

Love, Dan and Joyce

To My Six Pack- Matthew, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Nicholas, and Hannah

I am so blessed to be your Mother! You all are the BEST gift ever!! I love you and am so proud of each of you!!

Love, Mommy, the Q of A

I wasn't planning on writing anymore than the above, but we are waiting for our picture to post. Yesterday, we visited the street where my Dad lived. The picture is right around the corner from that street.

Today, we visited Yunnan Normal University Business School. One of the waiters befriended us and invited us to visit his school. It is situated in the foothills of the unversity. Our understanding is that 40% of the students pass the exam that allows them to attend a university. Then, this afternoon our two youngest children took an almost four hour nap. They are exhausted and we were so glad that they were able to sleep so long today. Tomorrow we have a free day and will visit Green Lake Park which is down the street from our hotel. I believe that our finished paperwork should also come tomorrow. Tuesday afternoon, we are off to Guangzhou and probably won't post again until Wednesday if we find a computer.

When we get home, we will have to post some other pictures. Plus, we'll be able to zoom in more than we can here.

Saturday May 10

Yesterday, Shao Rui had a break through with Dan. They played together for quite a while. She was even brave enough yesterday to walk from breakfast to the door of the hotel. Up until then, she would only sit and play on the bed. When we would go out, I would carry her. We knew that day three would bring us a break through!

Today, she has felt comfortable enough to walk around our room. She seems to feel safe with Dan as long as we are in the room and I am there with her. When I left just now, she burst into tears. She still doesn't feel quite safe enough to walk when we are out and about which is just fine with us. Every day we see more and more of a happy little girl who LOVES to play games. She also babbles quite a bit. She can say her Chinese name and every now and then she wants something will say, "Shao Rui wants" in Chinese. Today, she has also been trying new foods and will try just about anything in sight! Her favorite seems to be noodles.

Our boys are doing well. We are sort of a spectacle. Everyone looks at Nicholas. So far he seems oblivious to the stares. We have many conversations with the people in the streets or the places where we've visited. People can't quite understand how I can be an American when I look so Chinese. LOL!! Yesterday when Nicholas and I were going to the elevator after playing at the Children's playground in our hotel, people were going to let us go up with them in a fairly full elevator. I told them that we would just wait for the next elevator to come. As the door was closing, a man said to me, "OH! You speak English very well!!" I got a kick out of that!!

Yesterday, we went to the Ethnic Minority Village. The clothing was so beautiful and colorful! Amazing the crafts they can create by hand. They had little villages of each of the minority groups. Quite fascinating. Shao Rui was a little nervous when we entered one little house. Makes me wonder what her home has looked liked for the past 22 months.

Today, we visited the street where my Dad used to live. Took pictures and saw these two pagodas that he remembered always being there. Then, our guide took us to a silk factory. Fascinating.

My computer genius us upstairs relaxing so I can't post pics today. I'll try tomorrow....

Benjamin and Elizabeth: Enjoy dancing for God tomorrow. We will be praying for you! We know that it will go well. Nathaniel enjoy watching them!! We loved hearing your voices this morning!!

Just some pictures

We cannot view our blog in China I'll just do a quick recap.....Thanks Cindy for posting yesterday.

We are having a great time! We did Beijing in a day. Saw the Forbidden City,and Tianmen Sqaure Pictures do not do its enormity justice at all. It was just gigantic. We toured a Cloisoinne Factory and ate lunch there. After lunch we went to the Great Wall, Jade Factory, and drove through Olympic Village. We all climbed the Great Wall including Nicholas. Dan made it to Tower 5, Matthew to Tower 2 and Nicholas and I climbed a third of the way to Tower 2. I made him stop; he was not happy with me, but I knew that what goes up must come down--I ended up carrying him halfway down. The view was spectcular. Our guide was just wonderful and gave us lots of insight into China.

Kunming has been wonderful as well. We arrived Tuesday afternoon and rec'd Hannah at 2:30. She screamed for about 30 minutes and then she fell asleep. She is being very brave and courageous. Tuesday she didn't seem to care who held her but by Wed morning she decided that she prefers me to Dan. Poor Dan. She is now at a point where she wimpers when Dan is looking at her. This morning she did the same thing when a tall caucasian man entered the elevator as well which made Dan's ego feel much better. We are just letting her grieve and Dan is doing his best to just ignore her and wait for her to come to him on her own terms. She does enjoy watching him play with our boys. We are seeing glimpses of her personality which is one of laughter and fun. She loves to play little games with us and read books. For now, we are continuing to call her Shao Rui (Ray) or Mei Mei (little sister) and she will answer to both. Last night, she finally decided that it was safe to speak to us. Little by little she is trusting us. She does understand my broken Chinese--Too bad the same doesn't hold true when we go out.

Ok.....we tried to post more pics but they are not coming through at the moment. We did get to meet the Foster Mother and visit with her for a short time. What a blessing!!

Thank you all for praying for us.

Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Nathaniel, we miss you very much. We know you are having a great time with Grandma and tomorrow with Po-Po and Gong-Gong as well. Nathaniel you will be pleased to know that you now have a new pen pal--a little 6 year old boy who lives in Beijing!! We met his Dad on the plane!!

Praising God from whom ALL blessings flow!!

In China update

Just received a quick note from the Davies family, they have Hannah! They are having internet problems so Joyce asked me to forward this to you.

FWD:

Please just relay the message that we are doing great. Had a FULL schedule in Beijing! Arrived in Kunming yesterday. Got Hannah in the afternoon. Had a whirlwind of paperwork to do while Hannah screamed. She eventually fell asleep. She is doing great but grieving which is to be expected. She prefers me and can tolerate Dan if I am not in the room.
I will maybe try again to post in a couple of days....Unfortunately in Kunming all the internet cafes are in Chinese and does us no good.

THANK YOU!! Hope you are doing well! Thanks for praying for us! We are still healthy!!

Love, Joyce

Leaving!

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. " Isaiah 43:5

Tomorrow is the day we leave!! It is an indescribable feeling. In a few short days, we we hold our daughter--Gotcha Day is Tuesday, May 6 sometime in the afternoon. China is 15 hours ahead of California.

We arrive in Beijing Sunday afternoon. Monday, we spend sight-seeing with the 6 other families in our group. Tuesday, we all fly to the provinces where we will receive our children and do more paperwork. After a week in our provinces, we all meet up again in Guangzhou to do even more paperwork for a few days. We'll be home in 2 weeks!

I am hoping to be able to blog while we are gone. If not, a friend of ours has offered to keep you all updated if we have problems getting through. 

Thank you for joining us in our journey!

It All Belongs to God

The following is just ramblings from my heart that I wrote awhile ago and thought I'd share with you all some things we've learned along the way.....

It's really not about us but about His grace that sustains us through trials and frustrations. Before we were matched with Hannah and just collecting paperwork, we lived for each day's mail. Our collecting of documents to China took nine long months. We had 16 documents that made up our dossier (the stack of papers that goes to China that describes our family and who we are) and almost every single one of those had some sort of issue due to negligence on the part of someone in charge. Very frustrating. It got to the point that Dan would come home and say, "What's the latest saga?" One day he said to me, "Doesn't it just make you want to scream?" My response was, "No, I just want to cry because each day we don't get this document is one more day that Hannah spends without us and we without her!" When all was said and done our dossier was almost a half an inch thick. 

We were matched with Hannah (Fu Rui) on Ocotber 4. I remember that call vividly. It was 11:10 in the morning. We were sitting on the couch schooling. I answered the phone and Dana, from our agency, was on the other end. I asked her how she was and she said, "I am fine, but you are going to be even better by the end of this call!" She proceeded to tell which child we had been matched with and it was the little girl who had grown in my heart deeply. (I was so sure that she was ours that one morning I woke up and announced to our family that she was the one. They looked at me like I was insane.) While we were wildly rejoicing that we were finally matched with our daughter, the hardest thing was knowing that when she was cold, hungry, or crying we weren't there to comfort her or provide for her! We hold fast in knowing that we serve a God who protects these helpless ones left in situations that grieve His heart. 

I found this poem and thought I'd share it with you all....

Kisses in the Wind

We hold you in our hearts and touch you in our dreams.

You are here with us, at least that's how it seems.

We know you wonder where we are...what's taking us so long.

But remember child, We love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...

Because tonight, just as always, We blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until we can be with you.

We promise you, our darling, We are doing all that we can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.

But for tonight, just as always, We blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.

And let the angels bring the kisses that we send to you each night.

--Unknown

This journey has made us realize even more that ALL belongs to God. That God does have the best in mind for us even if it doesn't seem like it at the time and that all things are for HIS glory and in HIS timing. Sometimes the most discouraging times are the times that we see God working His wonders in our lives. I think that He delights in knowing that we serve Him with our hands held palms up in relinquishment of all that we think we are and think about how things should be so that we can praise Him for who He is so that He can use us warts and all for His glory. Reminds me of that old hymn....Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to Thee; Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my love, my God, I pour at Thy feet its treasures store; Take myself and I will be ever only, all for Thee.

All for His glory.