Morning, February 13 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God." 1 John 3:1 , 2 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us. Consider who we were, and what we feel ourselves to be even now when corruption is powerful in us, and you will wonder at our adoption. Yet we are called "the sons of God." What a high relationship is that of a son, and what privileges it brings! What care and tenderness the son expects from his father, and what love the father feels towards the son! But all that, and more than that, we now have through Christ. ~Charles Spurgeon
The paragraph above was in my devotional yesterday morning, the day we received Isabel. How appropriate and how gracious of God to give us this reminder on the very day that we adopt her as our daughter.
I stand amazed at what a smooth first 24 hours we have had with Ya Ya. I know we are likely to have some rough moments--especially as she feels more comfortable and safe with us and make be less inclined to be compliant all the time--but she has been so pleasant and easy so far.
Last night it was so fun to watch her smile at the screen when we skyped with Anna and Lilly (Jared was already out the door to school), and she happily played with her new little doll in Baba's lap as he dozed. She has no problem letting me brush (and brush and brush) her teeth (which surprised me--when I saw how bad her teeth looked I suspected she had never seen a toothbrush before or had always put up a fight when brushing). When I told her it was time for bed, she smiled and said "ok!" and happpily cllimbed up into what is probably to softest, plushest bed in which she has ever slept, wearing new soft fuzzy footy PJs, and laid right down. I prayed over her and kissed each of her hands and her forehead just as I do with Lilly and she just smiled. I told her daddy and I were tired too and would be going to bed soon in the other bed and she said "ok!" By the time we were done brushing our teeth and getting ready for bed, she was asleep without a whimper.
It is now 6:40am and she is still sleeping soundly--barely a peep through the night (just sleeping noises and squeaks now and then). I am curious to see how she'll feel when she wakes up and sees that this is all not just a dream.
Today is the official adoption day--after breakfast we will head to the registration office and the notary office to have all of the paperwork sealed, notarized, then sent for translation.
Tomorrow we may get to visit the orphanage at Luoyang--today we will continue to evaluate her to decide if a visit will cause her any anxiety or renewed grieving. I suspect she will do just fine.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
I think she likes us!
Day 1 with with Isabel (they call her "Ya Ya") has been amazing.
She is so very easy going!
When i suggested changing her clothes since the room was so very hot, she was thrilled to see her new clothes to put on. When I tried to put some of her many layers back on later to walk to the nearby Walmart in search of shoes for her, she took one look at the old clothes and said "I'm not cold...I don't need to wear those." SHe didn't mind, however, wearing an extra layer of *new* clothes to stay warm outside!
She is eating well--and eating normally without hoarding food--and played most of the afternoon with us,coloring, playing with a ball, going for walks (counting stairs), and beginning to talk and relax quite a bit.
She seems to us to be cognitively and developmentally normal...counting into the 20s, copying shapes tom drew for her, interacting appropriately, displaying normal gross and fine motor skills. Not really knowing what to expect, we were prepared for much less.
She played happily in the bath tonight and read through her photo album with Tom before we skyped with the girls and Grammy at home. Fun to see her smiling at her big sisters...we hope to catch Jared Monday evening EST...
Now we are settling in for sleep...we'll see hhow the night goes. Hoping it is a smooth and easy as the day has been!
I promise tomorrow I'll figure out a way to post some pics here...too tired now.
She is so very easy going!
When i suggested changing her clothes since the room was so very hot, she was thrilled to see her new clothes to put on. When I tried to put some of her many layers back on later to walk to the nearby Walmart in search of shoes for her, she took one look at the old clothes and said "I'm not cold...I don't need to wear those." SHe didn't mind, however, wearing an extra layer of *new* clothes to stay warm outside!
She is eating well--and eating normally without hoarding food--and played most of the afternoon with us,coloring, playing with a ball, going for walks (counting stairs), and beginning to talk and relax quite a bit.
She seems to us to be cognitively and developmentally normal...counting into the 20s, copying shapes tom drew for her, interacting appropriately, displaying normal gross and fine motor skills. Not really knowing what to expect, we were prepared for much less.
She played happily in the bath tonight and read through her photo album with Tom before we skyped with the girls and Grammy at home. Fun to see her smiling at her big sisters...we hope to catch Jared Monday evening EST...
Now we are settling in for sleep...we'll see hhow the night goes. Hoping it is a smooth and easy as the day has been!
I promise tomorrow I'll figure out a way to post some pics here...too tired now.
"Ya Ya" Has Arrived!
It has been quite a morning here!
Let me start by saying I am technologically inept and cannot seem to post photos to the blog for some reason, so for now the pics are all up on facebook. I WILL figure this out soon,though, and get some pics up here.
Isabel's group from Luoyang was the first group to arrive to the registration office, and she was all smiles as we watched her walk in from the van with her ayi.
She continued to be smiley as the ayi pointed us out to her and we smiled and waved. I offered her a lollipop which she happily grabbed, but did not want me to open it for her. She continued to look over her shoulder to make sure her ayi was still nearby as Tom and I talked to her and attempted to coax her a little closer. The minute I made a move to touch her or pick her up, however, the wailing began. Oh. My. Word. She has healthy lungs, to be sure. And stamina. She may have triathlons or marathons in her future becuase it was a work out just watching her scream for about 30-45 minutes straight. No amount of food offered, words in Chinese or English, smiles, or touching made a lick of difference. So we waited. I pulled out the photo album we had mailed to her awhile ago with photos of our family, and began to turn the pages and point people out.
Slowly, so she could hear me, the wails stopped and became whimpers. Then stopped altogether. Then she began to even answer me when I would ask her "who is this?" in Chinese when pointing to photos of the kids and Tom and me. She began to relax in Tom's lap. She began to look around the room with curiosity at all the families and Chinese children.
Then it happened. The smile. I don't remember now even what it was that made her smile. But once they started, they stayed. She has been smiling and talking ever since.
She answers my questions in Mandarin and seems to understand everything I'm saying. She laughs when I say somthing silly (for instance, as I was asking her what her favorite foods were and I threw in a silly question "do you like to eat shoes?" at first she smiled and said "yes" but when I said "really? You eat shoes?" she looked at me and laughed.)
She has a pretty nasty case of tooth decay...I think the dentist will be our friend for awhile when we get home. She came with very little--they returned the photo album and the disposable cameras I had sent, but she was only wearing her clothes and a pair of slippers. No coat, no shoes. Wow. They ayis answered all of my supplemental questions for which I was thankful.
I cannot wait to skype Jared, Anna, and Lilly tonight (morning their time zone) and let her see her siblings!
So it begins. A new little life, being grafted into ours. Praise the Lord, Glory to God.
Let me start by saying I am technologically inept and cannot seem to post photos to the blog for some reason, so for now the pics are all up on facebook. I WILL figure this out soon,though, and get some pics up here.
Isabel's group from Luoyang was the first group to arrive to the registration office, and she was all smiles as we watched her walk in from the van with her ayi.
She continued to be smiley as the ayi pointed us out to her and we smiled and waved. I offered her a lollipop which she happily grabbed, but did not want me to open it for her. She continued to look over her shoulder to make sure her ayi was still nearby as Tom and I talked to her and attempted to coax her a little closer. The minute I made a move to touch her or pick her up, however, the wailing began. Oh. My. Word. She has healthy lungs, to be sure. And stamina. She may have triathlons or marathons in her future becuase it was a work out just watching her scream for about 30-45 minutes straight. No amount of food offered, words in Chinese or English, smiles, or touching made a lick of difference. So we waited. I pulled out the photo album we had mailed to her awhile ago with photos of our family, and began to turn the pages and point people out.
Slowly, so she could hear me, the wails stopped and became whimpers. Then stopped altogether. Then she began to even answer me when I would ask her "who is this?" in Chinese when pointing to photos of the kids and Tom and me. She began to relax in Tom's lap. She began to look around the room with curiosity at all the families and Chinese children.
Then it happened. The smile. I don't remember now even what it was that made her smile. But once they started, they stayed. She has been smiling and talking ever since.
She answers my questions in Mandarin and seems to understand everything I'm saying. She laughs when I say somthing silly (for instance, as I was asking her what her favorite foods were and I threw in a silly question "do you like to eat shoes?" at first she smiled and said "yes" but when I said "really? You eat shoes?" she looked at me and laughed.)
She has a pretty nasty case of tooth decay...I think the dentist will be our friend for awhile when we get home. She came with very little--they returned the photo album and the disposable cameras I had sent, but she was only wearing her clothes and a pair of slippers. No coat, no shoes. Wow. They ayis answered all of my supplemental questions for which I was thankful.
I cannot wait to skype Jared, Anna, and Lilly tonight (morning their time zone) and let her see her siblings!
So it begins. A new little life, being grafted into ours. Praise the Lord, Glory to God.
Getting fueled up and ready!
This is it.
We slept decently last night but by 3:45 I was pretty much just lying there with thoughts of the day ahead racing through my mind. By 5:30am, we gave up trying to sleep any longer and headed down for a quick workout and swim.
We are now enjoying our last "date" breakfast--just the two of us--and will be headed out in just under 2 hours to go meet the children.
In our travel group, many of the couples are receiving their first child ever--how exciting to see them make the transition from 2 to 3! And a few of us are back for another adoption, one of the children being adopted is as old as 12! How exciting for her to finally be received into the loving arms of a mama and baba.
Oh, I do not feel worthy for this journey, this joy, this privilege. How blessed we are to receive a precious child to love and nurture. Even though we still have a sense of trepidation, we also have the joy of knowing that, no matter what challenges lie ahead through this process, it will all work together for our good (for each of us in our family) and God's glory.
May He be glorified today in our hearts, minds, words, and actions.
We slept decently last night but by 3:45 I was pretty much just lying there with thoughts of the day ahead racing through my mind. By 5:30am, we gave up trying to sleep any longer and headed down for a quick workout and swim.
We are now enjoying our last "date" breakfast--just the two of us--and will be headed out in just under 2 hours to go meet the children.
In our travel group, many of the couples are receiving their first child ever--how exciting to see them make the transition from 2 to 3! And a few of us are back for another adoption, one of the children being adopted is as old as 12! How exciting for her to finally be received into the loving arms of a mama and baba.
Oh, I do not feel worthy for this journey, this joy, this privilege. How blessed we are to receive a precious child to love and nurture. Even though we still have a sense of trepidation, we also have the joy of knowing that, no matter what challenges lie ahead through this process, it will all work together for our good (for each of us in our family) and God's glory.
May He be glorified today in our hearts, minds, words, and actions.
Only One More Sleep in Her Orphan Bed
I am sitting here in Zhengzhou, sipping green tea, and reflecting on the fact that tomorrow we will have a new family member--so very surreal.
Our flight Friday from Dulles to Beijing was uneventful--so nice to have a direct flight! Arriving in Beijing in the mid-afternoon presents the challenge of forcing yourself to stay awake until a decent bedtime so as to try to sleep though the night. Tom and I did a pretty good job, getting out of the hotel and wandering through Wangfujin Shopping Street and food market, hitting Starbucks to use some free wi-fi, and finding dinner at a dumpling restaurant at a nearby ritzy mall. We made it till about 9pm and then crashed.
I was up at 5:30am and hit the hotel pool to work the kinks out of my stiff body from the flight. Breakfast in the hotel was delicious and when we realized there was free wi-fi in the hotel restaurant, we skyped with Wen and the kids at home. It was SO good to see their faces and (sort of) hear their voices...the distance and lack of instantaeous communication at will has been tough for me! They are doing great and it sounds like Aunt Wen is spoiling them!
We got to meet the rest of our travel group this morning--they spent the previous two days touring in Beijing (we skipped it this time to keep the trip as quick as possible) and it was fun to meet them and hear a bit about them! What special friends we are privileged to make on these trips!
After arriving in Zhengzhou, we went to exchange our $ for Renminbi for the various fees we will pay tomorrow and the next day as we take care of the official adoption. While I was out changing money, Tom was able to meet with Clay Williams, an American man who--with his wife Pam--runs several foster homes here in Zhengzhou and works with the orphanages to make sure the children are well cared for.
So the rest of tonight we simply prepare for the momentous day tomorrow! We leave the hotel at 9:30am to head as a group to the registration office--not sure what time each group of kids from the various orphanages will arrive. Posting to the blog and posting photos is very difficult here so I hope to have pics up asap, but please be patient if they are not up right away! It may be early Monday morning US time before there is any update from us.
Being here in Zhengzhou has brought floods of memories to both of us. Memories made with our amazing travel group from 2009 are popping into our heads at every turn. The excitement and anticipation of finally receiving Isabel tomorrow is well-tempered this time with a sense of trepidation, knowing how difficult this transition could be for her.
Being here without Jared, Anna, or Lilly seems very quiet--though how nice for Tom and me to have an extended "weekend getaway!" (far away!)
We are thankful for God's gracious and sovereign hand on all of this--both here and at home. We are grateful for your prayers and support as well.
Stay tuned...
Our flight Friday from Dulles to Beijing was uneventful--so nice to have a direct flight! Arriving in Beijing in the mid-afternoon presents the challenge of forcing yourself to stay awake until a decent bedtime so as to try to sleep though the night. Tom and I did a pretty good job, getting out of the hotel and wandering through Wangfujin Shopping Street and food market, hitting Starbucks to use some free wi-fi, and finding dinner at a dumpling restaurant at a nearby ritzy mall. We made it till about 9pm and then crashed.
I was up at 5:30am and hit the hotel pool to work the kinks out of my stiff body from the flight. Breakfast in the hotel was delicious and when we realized there was free wi-fi in the hotel restaurant, we skyped with Wen and the kids at home. It was SO good to see their faces and (sort of) hear their voices...the distance and lack of instantaeous communication at will has been tough for me! They are doing great and it sounds like Aunt Wen is spoiling them!
We got to meet the rest of our travel group this morning--they spent the previous two days touring in Beijing (we skipped it this time to keep the trip as quick as possible) and it was fun to meet them and hear a bit about them! What special friends we are privileged to make on these trips!
After arriving in Zhengzhou, we went to exchange our $ for Renminbi for the various fees we will pay tomorrow and the next day as we take care of the official adoption. While I was out changing money, Tom was able to meet with Clay Williams, an American man who--with his wife Pam--runs several foster homes here in Zhengzhou and works with the orphanages to make sure the children are well cared for.
So the rest of tonight we simply prepare for the momentous day tomorrow! We leave the hotel at 9:30am to head as a group to the registration office--not sure what time each group of kids from the various orphanages will arrive. Posting to the blog and posting photos is very difficult here so I hope to have pics up asap, but please be patient if they are not up right away! It may be early Monday morning US time before there is any update from us.
Being here in Zhengzhou has brought floods of memories to both of us. Memories made with our amazing travel group from 2009 are popping into our heads at every turn. The excitement and anticipation of finally receiving Isabel tomorrow is well-tempered this time with a sense of trepidation, knowing how difficult this transition could be for her.
Being here without Jared, Anna, or Lilly seems very quiet--though how nice for Tom and me to have an extended "weekend getaway!" (far away!)
We are thankful for God's gracious and sovereign hand on all of this--both here and at home. We are grateful for your prayers and support as well.
Stay tuned...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Suitcases Zipped Shut...
...and each of the kids is off to school.
It was not nearly as traumatic as I had anticipated saying goodbye to the girls--especially Lilly--at the bus stop this morning. She had some tears and a sad look, but there was no gnashing of teeth or wailing. God has graciously answered the many prayers that she would have peace and comfot as we depart for 2 weeks.
Aunt Wen arrived last night after the kids were in bed, and has completed her "briefings" and her review of what I am calling the "Unabridged Encyclopedia of Cantilina Chaos," which is the 30+ pages of important phone numbers, schedules, routines, calendar items, medical information, tips on places to shop and dine, etc.
If those coming to take care of the kids never read it, that's ok (don't tell them that!)...at least I feel better having put it all on paper. Indeed, it represents my life, my roles, all in black and white on paper. That's what is. And now I can mentally let it all go and focus on the challenges ahead for Tom and me over the next 2 weeks.
The girls were excited to see Aunt Wen this morning (Jared was out the door before she was up) and she accompanied us to the bus stop.
I know the kids are in great hands, and the fact that different folks are coming every 3-4 days makes it more interesting and gives them something to break up the time apart.
In a few minutes, we'll be on our way to Dulles. One suitcase for Tom, one suitcase for Isabel and me, and one suitcase filled with donations for the Isabel's orphanage and for Swallows Nest, a foster home in Zhengzhou run by an American couple.
I will do my best to update the blog and post to facebook as time and internet access allow... We covet your prayers for each of us:
It was not nearly as traumatic as I had anticipated saying goodbye to the girls--especially Lilly--at the bus stop this morning. She had some tears and a sad look, but there was no gnashing of teeth or wailing. God has graciously answered the many prayers that she would have peace and comfot as we depart for 2 weeks.
Aunt Wen arrived last night after the kids were in bed, and has completed her "briefings" and her review of what I am calling the "Unabridged Encyclopedia of Cantilina Chaos," which is the 30+ pages of important phone numbers, schedules, routines, calendar items, medical information, tips on places to shop and dine, etc.
If those coming to take care of the kids never read it, that's ok (don't tell them that!)...at least I feel better having put it all on paper. Indeed, it represents my life, my roles, all in black and white on paper. That's what is. And now I can mentally let it all go and focus on the challenges ahead for Tom and me over the next 2 weeks.
The girls were excited to see Aunt Wen this morning (Jared was out the door before she was up) and she accompanied us to the bus stop.
I know the kids are in great hands, and the fact that different folks are coming every 3-4 days makes it more interesting and gives them something to break up the time apart.
In a few minutes, we'll be on our way to Dulles. One suitcase for Tom, one suitcase for Isabel and me, and one suitcase filled with donations for the Isabel's orphanage and for Swallows Nest, a foster home in Zhengzhou run by an American couple.
I will do my best to update the blog and post to facebook as time and internet access allow... We covet your prayers for each of us:
- Good health for all.
- Safe travels for Tom and me, for family members traveling back and forth between New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
- Good sleep at night for Lilly (and for Anna, who is having some insomnia issues lately)
- Wisdom for the saints coming to care for the kids,
- A spirit of graciousness, kindness, respect, and love among our kiddos while we're away
- Isabel's heart to be prepared for the enormous changes that lie ahead--we meet her Monday morning in Zhengzhou (Sunday late night for those of you here)...
- Wisdom, grace, and unconditional love for Tom and me as we welcome Isabel and attempt to show her how much we love her and will nurture her.
- A special time of bonding for Tom and me as we enjoy a 14-hour date on an aircraft today!
- A special time of bonding for Isabel with Tom and me during the rest of the trip--nearly a week in Zhengzhou and another week in Guangzhou.
- The relationships and friendships that will be built among our travel group.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Isaiah 43:5
"5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
These are my words of comfort for today.
Do not be afraid. I am with you.
Many changes lie ahead.
Many transitions for young hearts.
Many transitions for old hearts too.
In the midst of these amazing, miraculous transitions...
...may my attitude and that of the people in my home be the same as that of Jesus.
...let us love one another with a pure, sacrificial, selfless love.
...let us each be helpful, kind, respectful, gracious, and considerate.
48 hours till Beijing-bound.
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