Home

Well, we are now safely home. The trip home was not perfectly smooth but Lisa was counting up praises as we went. We got to the Guangzhou airport and there were no problems getting from Guangzhou to Shanghai. From there it got a little bumpy but as I said Lisa kept count of praises. First there was an 8 hour layover and really no place to sit. We could not check in until 3 hours prior to departure so we just wandered until we found a restaurant. There we ate and made the meal last for several hours. Then we realized we needed power for our various electronic toys for the flight home but there were no outlets. Lisa talked to the wait staff and they found us one table with a power right next to it. (Praise One) After that I wandered everywhere I could find in that airport and checked all the stores they had wasting time. Every now and then I would check the board for the status of our flight and waited for check in. Pretty soon a line started forming in front of our check in counter but it was 90 minutes to check in time. I went to get Lisa and Daiyu so we could get in line before it got too long. We got to the line and it was already 30 people or more long. But then there was the business class line and the first class line. There were maybe 2 couples in the business class line and no one in the first class line. After a quick sign study we determined my travel status with American qualified us for the first class line. (Praise Two) Then there was the concern about Daiyu's passport. But we still had an hour at least before the ticket counters even opened. We sat around and talked for an hour and then they opened the counters. Then came the dreaded announcement. The flight was probably cancelled due to our incoming aircraft being diverted to Beijing. We spent the next hour waiting for updates and looking for a hotel in Shanghai. Then came the announcement the flight was cancelled. We were not excited but we found a Hilton near the airport and I started making arrangements. Then, another announcement. They were bringing the plane to us but there would be a 4 hour delay. At least we were getting to Chicago. (Praise Three) Then there was the issue of Daiyu's passport. Could we get checked in and through security without any issues. We got checked in no problem and they gave even gave me business class which I turned down to sit with my family (that was a temporary loss of sanity - Lisa counts it as a praise). OK, so they also gave me two passes to the executive lounge so we could enjoy the next 4 or 5 hours in style. Just one problem -- there were three of us. Well we got through security and not once did Daiyu's passport get questioned. (Praise Four) Lisa then said I should take Daiyu to the lounge while she wandered through the stores. We decided to at least try to get us all in. I went up to the desk and handed her the passes but she immediately said we did not have enough passes for three people. Lisa then explained we just adopted Daiyu and asked if they could just make an exception for us. Guess what, that's right (Praise Five). Just this once she said and in we went. Free food for all. We really enjoyed the time in the lounge and definitely needed it. Now it is flight time. The last time we were at this airport we had to take a long bus ride in bad weather and walk up the old fashion stairs to the jet. Not this time. There was a jet bridge. (Praise Six) When we realized there was no way we could make our connection in Chicago I called and found there was a Hilton right there at the airport. We didn't even need a taxi. (Praise Seven). The flight home was uneventful and we got to Chicago with plenty of time to spare. After that it was time for a good nights sleep and we got just that. No issues getting to bed and we are already re-adjusted to our old time zone. (Praise Eight). We took a taxi home and here we are. So this ends the blog. It is the end of the adoption journey for Daiyu. It's just the beginning of a new life, new friends, a new family but it is her family and we love her like she has been with us from day one. Who know's where life's journey will ultimately lead Daiyu but I suspect it will be an exciting and fulfilling journey and we look forward to being part of it. Thanks for joining us for this small part of Daiyu's long journey through life.

Last Evening

It has been a long two weeks but we finally got to the end. We are packed and ready to go. Dinner is done and we are winding down to get a good nights rest before we start that long trek home. We get up early and the van picks us up at 5:45 AM. We will head to the Gangzhou airport and make a short 2 hour hop to Shanghai. From there we have about 8 hours to wait and then we head for home. Unless we have problems getting on board in Shanghai this will be the next to the last post. Our last post will be when we arrive home and get settled. We thank you all and will see you soon. Good night for now.

36 Hours And Counting

We got the Daiyu's VISA and all the final adoption paperwork today. It's 36 hours to take off from Gangzhou and if all goes well we get to Dallas at 9:30 PM Sunday night. Today we enjoyed a little more shopping and pretty much a lazy fun day. I think we have tried just about every restaurant we dare and all kinds of new food. We ended the day doing what Daiyu loves the most here at the hotel, feeding the fish. We buy day old bread every evening so we have it for the next day and end every day feeding the fish in the garden. Everybody is doing great and this is ending up better than any of us could have imaginged. Still, we will be glad to get home and start re-adusting to our old time zone. It's going to be a close connection in Chicago with all the immigration and customs stuff we have to go through but even if we miss that flight it will be no problemo. There are more than a few flights from Chicago to Dallas and even a night in Chicago would be fine with us. Once home it is right back to work for me and Lisa has a million things to get accomplished starting with vision appointments for Jeannie and Daiyu to getting Daiyu enrolled in school. 36 hours and counting. We are ready.

Up, Down, Up Down, Up, Down, Up

What a rollercoaster ride. One minute everything is ok, the next minute we can't leave, then we can, then we can't. So yesterday just after I posted we were good with the passport we got a call from our guide who was told by the consulate that while they would issue the VISA even though her passport had less than six months left they told her we may not be able to leave China because the Chinese authorities may not allow it. Our choice was to send away to Changsha for a new passport and postpone leaving or take our chances in Shanghai where we were to board our flight home. If we could not board we would have to fly to Changsha and get a new passport then re-book our flights home and the delay would be even longer. After discussing the situation with the adoption agency in Washington State and then checking airline schedules we decided to take our chances in Shanghai. We also decided to talk with the officials at the US Consulate. In the meantime we worked out Plan B which was for Lisa to go home without me and I would stay with Daiyu and make sure we got her passport taken care of if worst came to worst. We went to the consulate and took our oath (that we were truthful in our application) then I went to talk with the adoption officer. She already knew all about our case. We were making headlines at the consulate. She finally said she would have the consulate officer on duty when we arrived in Shanghai briefed and ready to get us on the plane if there were any issues. Just as I went to sit down our name was called to hand in our paperwork and we headed up to the window. The staff member assisting us quickly recognized our situation and again warned us we may not get out of China (give me a break and make up your minds). Since it was his boss that told us we would get out we are counting on that happening. If not, Plan B remains viable. Regardless, we will have her passport and VISA delivered to us tomorrow afternoon and we will be ready to leave for Shanghai Sunday AM. After the consulate visit we took a quick side trip to have our pictures taken near some landmarks that I cannot pronounce and then headed back to the hotel for an early night. Today we went shopping (sound familiar). I am starting to get worried we won't be able to get all these gifts and merchandise back to the US with us but we will certainly try. I'm pretty sure there is something for everyone. We are getting closer everyday and as several of you have said "He is in control". With that I will quit worrying for today. Good night for now. Tomorrow will bring a whole new set of adventures.

Getting Close

We are almost done. Yesterday Daiyu had a very good call with her foster family and then we headed off to the zoo. We got to see some interesting animals we would not normally see in the US. Of course there were a lot of similarities but Daiyu had a great time. It's not everyday you see a red Panda (I think that is what it was called). Looks like a big red raccoon. We saw an elephant but not what we are used to and some Chinese alligators. They were small but certainly looked like they had some sharp teeth. And then there were the various lizards and snakes and turtles and lions and so on. After that we went for a long and I do mean long walk around the city of Guangzhou. Since I was leading it was not long before we were off into the locals living areas near downtown and both Lisa and Daiyu were not so sure we could find our way back. In the end there was no problem. We kept circling until we eventually zeroed in on the hotel. It did take a while though. I knew the worst case scenario would be to flag a taxi and as we said in Vietnam "Take me to the Hilton" only in this case it would be "The Garden". After the walk we fed the fish, ate a nice relaxing dinner and watched as Daiyu was collapsed and asleep by 8PM. We on the other hand had a restless although not a bad night. Today we go to the US Consulate and complete the work to get her VISA and take an oath of some sort that all the documents we submitted are true and correct to the best of our knowledge. The US government had a temporary lapse in bureacratic red tape and decided she does not really need a new passport since it still has several months left and it only needs to be valid long enough to reach the US. After today we should be done with all the official paperwork and will have one more day with our guide and then a few days to ourselves to relax and enjoy the sights. Sunday morning at 5:45 AM we are off to the airport to go home. That will be Saturday night for most of you and sometime around 9:30 PM on Sunday night we will arrive home in the US. What a relief that will be. Again, thanks to everyone for your prayers and support. We look forward to seeing many of you when we return home soon.

Bureaucracy At Work

Another great day for us here. We were told by our guide that Daiyu will need another passport in order leave so we got her passport picture and the application is going to Changsha today. We will see what happens when we get to the US Consulate Wednesday. There seems to be no logic in the world of bureaucrats. One way or another we'll get it done. After the passport work was done we visited a local park and tried our hand at exercise. I need some work. Yesterday a thousand stairs and today exercise equipment. At least I gave the locals something to laugh about. Daiyu on the other hand has energy to spare. If only I could borrow some. After the exercise we made our way to a familiar place - Starbucks. They are everywhere. Then a quick run down the street to 7-11 and then the pharmacy. Tonight we thought we would head up to the 30th floor and eat at the buffet restaurant that overlooks the city. This has been a really great time. In the morning we will call Ohio and talk with her foster family via skype. Amazingly it works pretty well here and its free. After that we have another day of city tours and wearing out the parents. I've posted a few pictures of our day today. Hopefully us parents will still be walking by the time we get home.

Almost Done With Sunday - Another Successful Day

We just finished a successful day of sightseeing and shopping topped off by a great lunch. I just thought we bought a lot at the last market. Today we visited the arts and crafts market and even I could not hold back. It was time to buy gifts for friends, supporters and ourselves. And we did just that. After about 30 minutes in the store I knew we were quickly running out of cash and had to check to see if we could could use AMEX at this store. Guess what, they take all major credit cards. Not sure if that was a blessing or a curse but in any event we left armed with gifts a plenty. We visited a temple and probably climbed 1000 stairs. Daiyu counted and each section was 32 steps. There were a lot of steps. We came back to the hotel and completed all the paperwork already for our appointment with the US Consulate so we are good there with one small exception. While I don't think it is an issue, our guide was concerned because Daiyu does not have six months left on her passport. She said they usually require a full six months and this might delay our departure. I doubt it will be an issue since she will become a citizen when she arrives in the US and her Chinese passport will no longer be valid. But with the government bureaucracies who knows? I know I will put up a fight. Regardless we will figure it out. Something interesting came about as our guide was looking at her passport and noticed there was no stamp showing she left the US. Then she looked at our passports and could not find where the US stamped us as leaving our country. I asked her why that was an issue and she asked "don't they care if you leave?". Then it hit me. We are live in a country where we can come and go as we please. She cannot. When I told her our government does not care if we leave and go somewhere else she was absolutely shocked. "You mean you can just leave without permission?". I just took it for granted. Of course we can. It's a free country. We can go or stay as we want. I guess I knew this was not true in other countries but it really hit home as we talked. We take way too much for granted. Anyway, we finished the Consulate paperwork and our guide left. We went on to lunch. During our trip Daiyu had made a couple of comments that we did not think much of at the time but during lunch it became very clear. She said a couple of times that she knew she had no future. Some boys she knew told her that. We made the comment during lunch about what a bright and wonderful future she had and she could make it what she wanted. She clearly did not believe us and I know her foster family has been very supportive in this area. We said, "your a very beautiful girl, why would you think you don't have a future?" She said she knows she is not beautiful. I asked if it was because of the scars on her face and she said yes. We were quick to tell her that is simply not true and she should never, ever let anybody tell her otherwise. She is a very beautiful girl with a sweet and loving personality to complete the package. She has a bright future and she has no idea how God may use her and bless her. Please pray that seed along with Jesus will be planted firmly in her heart so she can start focusing on how He will use her and just how much beauty she will bring to this world in her liftetime. Now we are back in our hotel room resting up since we promised another evening of fish feeding. Again, I can't thank you all enough for your support and we look forward to getting home and settling back into a normal routine (if there is such a thing).

God Bless and we will talk again later.

Medical Exam Successful

Well we got through the medical exam portion of our VISA preparation successfully. She needs glasses which we already new and got a few vaccinations but is ready to go. Today we get her TB test read but it is obvious there is not reaction. After that we will go on a city tour and then come back to the hotel and start paperwork for our appointment on Wednesday at the US Consulate. Everything is now moving along very smoothly and we have met several other adopting families at the hotel. They come from everywhere but the people we met are from Minnesota, Oklahoma and San Diego. We've really been blessed on this trip and while we are all looking forward to coming home, we are really enjoying our time together now. I've put together a short slide show which I will update as the trip goes on. Since the adoption is final we have gone ahead and put in pictures. We hope you enjoy it.

Guangzhou

Sorry for the delay in updating but the travel schedule got a little hectic here. We left Changsha at about 2:30 PM yesterday and have arrived at Guangzhou. This is a very nice city and our hotel is great. The Japanese Consulate is housed here at the hotel so there is no issue with security. Although we have not really met any of them there are quite a few other adopting families here. I assume they are all preparing to get VISA's to the US for their children. Our new family member is settling in quite well now and everyone has adjusted to the new time zone. Although I am glad for that, I don't look forward to readjusting when we return. In a about 20 minutes we will head to Shamian Island where we will get a VISA photo and medical exam taken care of. After than we will come back to the hotel and relax. There is plenty to do so we have no issues there. Tomorrow we have a city tour planned and will do VISA paperwork. Monday its off to Shamian Island again to get her TB test read and get a chest x-ray if needed. Tuesday more city tours and pearl market which will likely go over big. Wednesday is a big day for us all as we go to the US Consulate and get the VISA for her return. Thursday we have more city tours and then two days of rest before our return to the US. It looks like an ontime return on Sunday the 23rd. While this has been a real rollercoaster ride for us all it has been worth every moment. I don't think I would change anything. I hope our experience can help others that might want to do the same thing. I am working on a slide show of our experience and hope to be able to post that soon. In the meantime we will keep the updates coming. Thanks to all for your prayers and support. We are off to Shamian Island. More to come...........

Orphanage Visit

Found Here Alone At Two Years Old

Well last night was a long but good night. Our daughter was up all night. Finally, around 3 AM I just decided to get up and visit with her. Still in a good mood but just suffering from that inevitable jet lag that she will probably adjust to about the time we leave. Still, it was a good time for us to talk and soon Lisa was up visiting as well. At least we all showered and were ready for breakfast right at 6:30 AM. At 8:30 AM our guide picked us up and we headed for the orphanage, a two and a half hour trek north. It was only about 30 minutes into the drive and I was the only one awake aside from the driver and our guide. It was a really good feeling to have our daughter just collapse with her head on my shoulder and fall asleep. On the way back she switched shoulders and slept Lisa’s way. She was obviously a little agitated or at least nervous about the trip and it showed more as we got closer. When we finally arrived she had only a very vague recollection and I’m not sure if she really remembered at all. We were met by the Vice Director and took a couple of pictures in front of the orphanage with our new family member which she did not like at all. As a matter of fact, she would just as soon not have her picture taken at all. She was not really rude and is a very polite young lady but at some point we did have to tell her she needed to be respectful of the people who went to so much trouble for her. That teenage spirit was showing itself. Fortunately, even if she does not like it she will listen and respond appropriately to her new parents and other elders. Still, I think she was just reacting poorly because of fatigue and anxiety about the visit. I think she also may get embarrassed and not quite know how to react. Getting her to smile even for pictures was really tough. Regardless, the visit was great. We went to a very nice conference room where we met many of the same orphanage staff who came to the adoption registration office the day before as well as some others. I also realized where she gets her taste for fruit. They had tons of fruit. Boxes and boxes of tangerines, bananas and other fruit. We had some green tea and tangerines while everyone took photo ops. Then they called a lady named Jenny for her talk to. Jenny is in her 70’s and apparently was very involved in helping her get funding and making arrangements for her to come to the US and get much of her cosmetic and functional surgeries done. After Jenny finished talking with her she took a good bit of time and talked with Lisa. Then they brought in another staff member by the name of Yihua and her face lit up like a Christmas tree on the White House lawn. She immediately recognized her and said “I know you! You were my teacher.” She hugged her and it was clear there was a bond. As it turned out she was the teacher assigned to her and she spent all her time with her. Next there were photos that we went through of her as a little girl and as she grew up. It was a very emotional and touching time. I truly believe this staffed cared about her. The Director presented her with a decorative gold plate with the name and symbols of the city. Then they presented us with a picture book that included organized pictures and captions of her life at the orphanage. That one got Lisa crying. I will be scanning it and sending an electronic copy to the foster family. I know they will appreciate it as much as we do. Next we did the tour. They explained to us that there were 50 to 60 children and about 80% were special needs. There were also elderly housed at the same place just like the orphanages we have visited in Vietnam with Southeast Asian Healthcare Partners, Inc. First stop was the toddlers who were just adorable. I know I fell in love with every one of them. There was a little downs syndrome boy who just kept grabbing me and pulling me down to show me his stuffed bear. There were other children just playing with toys and having a really good time. Obviously we cannot be sure how much was done for our benefit but I do think they try to give these kids good care. The elder side was a little less desirable and I’m sure that is because the kids always get the attention from outside organizations as well as others who donate and work to get the kids adopted. Then we went to see the room where she stayed while at the orphanage. It was small but adequate and had four sets of bunk beds in the room. We got pictures of her next to her bed which she did remember. She also remembered the top bunk was hers. I will post some select pictures when we get home. For those of you we know really well we will email some to you soon. Next we went to see the two children she might remember. They were the only ones who had not been adopted. Now this was a very tough part of the visit. There was a little boy with a cleft lip who was probably cognitively delayed but so happy and so pleased to see us. These kids need homes and soon before they become too old to adopt. There was one particular girl who had been there for some time who was absolutely beautiful, polite, and easy to love at first sight but she was 15 years old. It is still possible to get special permission to adopt her but it would be difficult even if it were not for the red tape because of her age. I cannot tell you how lovable she was. But she was sad and you could tell. I do not believe she had any medical or cognitive problems but she was just unwanted. Why would any child of God be unwanted? That goes for all ages up to and including the elderly we so often work with. Unfortunately, new parents want babies, preferably healthy babies. Almost no one wants the elderly. Of course that is not just here in Asia but everywhere. I’m warning you now, Lisa is on a mission. Beware when we get back. She will do whatever she can to start getting this girl and the boy a home. What you could do now is pray for them, all of them. Next we visited the old part of the orphanage. It was somewhat rusted and most of it was no longer used except it appeared this is where the elderly were housed. I cannot be absolutely certain. As we walked, she suddenly remembered. She recognized where she played and jumped on one piece of playground equipment that I believe was her favorite. Apparently these memories were strong because she had no doubt she knew where she was. After taking as many pictures as I could and touring and asking questions we headed off for lunch with the orphanage staff. We were taken to a very nice restaurant with a private room set up for us. Unfortunately, because of space limitations on the ride over our new daughter ended up on my lap for the short ride and she was none too pleased. I cannot say that I blame her either but she was a trooper and put up with this indignity. We had a very nice meal (as usual I am not entirely sure of everything we ate but that is part of the adventure) and she of course was the focus of all the attention which I could see was beginning to wear on her. Still she held up and even enjoyed some of the memories and talking with the staff. They invited us back and I know they really meant it. By the time we left, she was talking about wanting to come back and visit again when she was older. She was also talking about wanting to learn the language again. I cannot tell you what an emotional rollercoaster this must be for her. Our final destination before the two and a half hour drive back was to see the place she was found. This is the one picture I will post. It was a small back street business area and it was very sad to know this is where she was left alone at two years old. She was found there and after a search for her parents was unsuccessful, taken to the orphanage. What an emotional day. I am so glad we made this trip. I was not sure but I now know she needed the visit and I think will eventually return to learn more about her heritage and history as a child. For now, she has pictures and memories she can carry with her for a long time if not forever. Tomorrow we are going to have a Skype call with her foster family and then we are off to shop. Apparently one of her favorite pastimes. I see bankruptcy in our future with six daughters all shopping. Still, she is so looking forward to it there is no way I can say no. Lisa will tell you I can’t say no to them ever but I don’t think that is completely true. For now I am going to sign off and get ready for tomorrow. We now have all the official paperwork and Friday we head for the next city where she will get a complete medical exam and we start the application process for her VISA to return to the US and immediately become a citizen. That is the last phase of this portion of her long journey. I cannot help but wonder what God has in store for her. Whatever it is, we are just so privileged to be a part of it. As someone just wrote me, actually several people, To God Be The Glory. And now for another meal.

Today was a very, very good day for all. This was the actual adoption day. I am very pleased to say that we now have finalized the adoption, signed the paperwork and she also signed the paperwork saying she wanted to be adopted. This was not just a happy day for us. It was a happy day for all. I have not seen her smile so much since she arrived with us. It did not hurt that she went to bed last night about 7PM and slept all night for the first time. She woke up in a much better mood as we all did. We started the day with a really good breakfast and them met our guide. We were first off to the passport photo place to get photos of her. Then to the adoption registration office where to everyone's surprise the orphanage director and vice director as well as several other officials from the orphanage were there. We were told this does not happen. She is a very special case and they were all very happy for her. She did not immediately remember everyone but slowly some of the memories came back and she started to ask questions and talk about the other kids. We found out there are only two children left there who were there when she was. All the others have been adopted out. (It appears my wife has a new mission but I will leave that for later) I must say the officials, including the director were very happy for her and very happy to see her. They drove two and half hours to get to the registration office just to spend 20 minutes with her. We will be driving there tomorrow to visit the orphanage and have lunch by special invitation. Our guide informed us this was not the norm. The orphanage called her when they heard we were here and extended the invitation. Normally we have to get permission from the adoption registration office and it is usually not given according to our guide. She must be a very special girl, but of course we already know that. We were given the option of ordering pizza or eating what they prepared (sound familiar Mark, Joleanne, Melody and the rest of the SEAHP team). We decided to eat whatever they prepared. Another adventure. After meeting with the orphanage officials we started the paperwork to complete the adoption. It was a little like buying a house (please understand the comparison ends with the paperwork). This was a wonderful moment for all of us. Lisa started crying. We checked every letter, number and word on every page of every document including the translations to English. Everything had to be just perfect because the US Consulate is extremely picky about everything being in order. Finally we signed dozens of papers, oaths and promises all of which were easy to make to have someone this special be a part of our lives. There were a number of photo ops and will be more tomorrow. Finally we left and headed back to the hotel. There we immediately had a great celebration lunch and then moved on to ---- what else ---- shopping. Someone has her eye on a doll and before we leave it will be hers. She is also looking for gifts to bring back for all of her friends and family. This was a great day and one we will remember forever. Many pictures and many good memories. Now we have to wait three days to get the final documents prepared and then we can take off for our next adventure, getting her medical and applying for her VISA at the US consulate. That will be in another city and take another week. After that it is home and we cannot wait. Thanks to all. More to come.

Made It To China

As is usual for me, we made it to China but not without some unexpected challenges. For the most part the flight here, although long was uneventful. We left our house at 5:30 AM on Friday, January 7th and arrived at the Changsha airport roughly 24 hours later around 11PM on January 8th. Just one little problem -- they were expecting us a day later on January 9th so our guide was not there to meet us and we had not yet exchanged money. There was no exchange available at the airport and we were beseiged by taxi drivers wanting our business. Unfortunately, no one spoke english and of course none of us spoke Chinese. The perfect storm -- maybe not but it was not good. We tried to no avail to contact our guide and others at the adoption agency but of course it took about an hour for our cell phone service to become active and us to figure out the dialing issues. Then we got no answers. Our poor little girl being Chinese by birth was assumed to know the language by everyone and they all kept trying to get her to translate. Unfortunately what little Chinese she once knew she no longer could remember so she just responded with hello. Fortunately, Lisa was very quick to shield her and we got everyone to understand we would deal with it and did not need a ride. I left Lisa and our very, very soon to be daughter with the luggage and set out to find money or some other means of transport. Even if we did find transport we had no idea where to go and our reservation was not until the next day. After some aimless wandering and searching I found an ATM machine. Next miracle, it worked. Just one little problem, I had no idea what the exchange rate was and I was looking at withdrawing YUAN. Now that might not seem like a big deal but with exchange rates varying widely in different countries 100 YUAN could have been ten cents in USD or it could have been 1000 USD. Who know's? Back to the cell phone which now seemed to be completely activated and working. After some browsing I found the exchange rate was about 15 USD per 100 YUAN or about .15 USD for every 1 YUAN. Great, challenge #2 successfully met and overcome. Now back to challenge #1, get the money out of the ATM. For the life of me I could not remember my AMEX PIN so after a few tries I gave that one up. Next I tried my debit card. And yes, that worked. Now we had cash but nowhere to go. The airport was locking down so we had to leave. I went back to meet up with the rest of the family and luggage only to find Lisa had asked everyone who walked by if they spoke english. Guess what, she found one young Chinese couple who spoke just enough english to understand "hotel". They kindly escorted us to the airport hotel. With challenge #3 handled we worked through the language barrier with the hotel clerk via sign language and got a room. Cash only but it was about 1:30 AM and I was just happy to have a room. The guest quarters were fine but not what I would normally choose. The bathroom was terrible, no soap, shampoo and almost no toilet paper so we all decided we would clean up when we got to our ultimate hotel destination the next day. Now we get to the next day. Today was much better. We got up and had a very good meal at the hotel. Then we called and connected with our guide who arranged to pick us up and get us to our hotel. So much nicer. Five stars and it was welcomed by us. With cash in hand, credit cards accepted and a really nice room we should be well rested in a day or so. Monday is a free day we found and Tuesday we meet with officials and the adoption will be final by the end of the day. We then wait a few days to pick up our offical certificates of adoption before leaving for our next stop in Gangzhou. There we will need to complete all of the necessary requirements to get everyone home. This will take several days and then we head back. Now for the most important challenge. The trip has been hard on our young worldly traveler. As she got tired and frustrated with the rigors of international travel you could tell she was having a tough time. She had a lot of questions which we tried to answer and I'm sure she will continue to have questions as time goes on. I wondered when they would come and now I know. Nothing unexpected or unusual but I was hoping maybe we would skip that stage. Its tough to go from orphan to a caring foster family and bond with them and then suddenly find your world upside down with a new family you have hardly had time to meet, much less bond with. She is a tough kid but a kid all the same. Please pray for her and that over the next two weeks we can make this a special time that she can look back on one day and feel good about it. She so needs to feel that she is going to fit in and be loved no less than any of our other children and that she will have friends and happiness that she so deserves. More than anything we want her to feel secure and unconditionally loved and the bonding process can continue. It will take time but it will happen as the final part of her journey is now underway. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support. Time for me to get some rest now.

PS: I will add to the blog as I can but found that while here we cannot access the blog directly through the internet. Only when I go throught the VPN set up for work and I go through their servers in the states can I even see the blog much less sign in to add to it. I suspect it has something to do with what is allowed to be viewed here. Hopefully the delays will be minor but just in case it goes dark I wanted to let you know what the problem might be. We can use email if needed. Good night for now.

Tough Day

Today was rough. Our new daughter continues to do well and is adjusting to her new family, testing limits and doing everything you would expect a 13 year girl to do. She also continues to shine with a God given smile and a beautiful personality. You can’t help but love her. I fully intended to go to work today and try to get everything in order before our trip but with the passing of my dad that just was not to be. I met with my family and we started planning for his funeral. Before I could get there Lisa called to tell me that Deanna had a seizure at school. Her neurologist thinks it is probably the stress of all that is going on. She doesn’t quite understand the new addition to the family and is having trouble grasping what it means when someone dies. We worry about leaving with the possibility of more seizures and adding to her stress but some things we just have to leave in God’s hands. Family in addition to the friends who have volunteered to help care for our twins and grandson while we are in China will be watching her closely. Tomorrow I am taking my mother to visit with one of our pastors at church and discuss some options for my dad’s funeral. I think she feels pressure to do what everyone else wants and is not really doing what she wants. Just pray that she will choose freely and not based on what she thinks will make other family members happy. I also think she wants to start attending church again. This would really be a blessing as they stopped going when I was still in grade school. There is so much to do and so little time. We ended today on a very positive note as we all went to dinner with my mother, brother, nephews and family. It was a great opportunity for our newest addition to be introduced to almost everyone. It was a nice time and now everyone is in bed and resting well. Tomorrow will be another full day and then we leave. I will look forward to continuing to keep you all updated.

It has been constant with all that has happened; meeting our new daughter and her wonderful foster parents this past Sunday.  I was able to put all those fears to rest as both couples got some quiet time to visit and share. I am always amazed how God puts these things together. They are fabulous, the foster mom and I have similar parenting styles which will make this process go so much smoother. All are looking out for the best interest of this young lady. This young girls journey in life up until living with the foster family was incredibly tough, i believe i would have crumbled up and crawled under a rock. It is obvious she is a survivor. I can't help but feel that God has some incredible plan for her life. Maybe just the fact that her spirit is in tact is her gift to others.

I forgot to mention that my mom got to be here and meet her latest grand daughter. Thank you foster parents for allowing that. That truly was a gift for her. On a much sadder note Steves dad passed away last night and with only two days left before we leave for China and the both of us still not packed, we will be functioning on a moment by moment mentality. Please continue to keep us all in prayer.

Day Two

Well this was a bit of a roller coaster day.  To be expected I'm sure but still, emotions were up and down.  This young lady, with all she has been through was very lucky to have the foster mom and dad she did.  They left for Ohio today and of course there were tears.  Lisa took the kids for pizza and some fun which made or a good day for the kids.  Jeannie and Deanna seem to have taken to their new sister and she has been great with them.  This evening, I think it hit.  She was missing her home in Ohio.  She went into the bathroom and I could hear the tears.  I was torn as to whether I should just let her get it out or try to offer some comfort.  I softly knocked on the door and she politely said I could come in.  There she sat crying and wanting to go home to Ohio.  She really just needed to know we cared.  We sat on the couch and glued her jewelery box together, then she showed me how she could draw.  It was not long and she was feeling a little more comfortable.  As we talked she called me dad.  I didn't want her to feel like she had to do that for me so I told her she should feel free to call me anything she wanted.  She looked at me and smiled and with a slight little girl giggle she said "ok, daddy".  Its going to take some time to find the balance between providing needed comfort and setting appropriate consistent boundaries but we will get there.  We have her extended Ohio's family's support and can call on them for guidance.  That's a real blessing.  More than anything, we need God's wisdom as we feel our way through this.  I ended the night putting a blanket on her and saying good night.  I got a great hug.  Lisa will sleep on the couch so she won't wake up alone or scared in unfamiliar surroundings.  All in all, a good  day.  While it may take some time for her to bond with us, I can say for sure it won't take long for us to bond with her.  One day at a time.

We Met Our New Daughter To Be Today

What a fantastic night.  We met her for the first time today.  She is beautiful, on the inside and out.  She was a little anxious at first, some tears before she came up to our door with her foster parents but she soon warmed up.  We showed her where her new room would be and she appeared to be really pleased.  We felt very comfortable with her foster parents.  We went out to eat and this little girl opened up even more.  It was not long before she was laughing and carrying on with the kids just like she was already part of the family.  She seemed to really take to Therissa and we couldn't be happier with this first visit.  Tomorrow she will come back to spend more time with us and then say good by to her foster parents (not really good by because we are more intent now that she will maintain a relationship with them).  After that, they leave for home and she will start really getting used to living with us.  Early Friday morning, we leave for China to take the necessary steps to finalize the adoption.  We are more certain than ever that God is actively at work here and it is a real blessing to watch and see Him work not just in our lives but in the life of this new member of our family.  Please continue to pray for God's will to be done and that we can discern that will and act accordingly.  It's been a really wonderful night.