Feb
Absolutely spoiled
That’s us, I mean. We keep wanting to pinch ourselves. Obviously more later.
Thanks for praying – today is such a big day for each of the members of our family.
Today our little man leaves all he remembers and my heart is a mixture of sadness and nervous excitement. Praying for his heart today. And thanking God for the internet and all it means for his ability to connect again one day.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to my oldest and dearest friend, Kristie and her husband Patrick. We are beyond thrilled for you and wish only for a glimpse of that sweet face. Can’t wait to meet the newest family member!
Off to stuff a suitcase and head to the airport and Changsha…
P.S. Spike is ready for photos. Once we get to Hunan he’s going to jump out of James’ pack adn you’ll have to pay attention to find him!
Feb
Speechless
I know. Not what you all want to hear. But it’s necessary for now.
Priceless. That is what today was.
We have another priceless day tomorrow and then we head south. Forever a family of seven.
If it’s any consolation, today was filled with some of the most precious moments of my life. And I think the feeling was mutual.
{And Kristi? I’ve got video.}
Feb
We’re Here!
Safe travels.
Seriously amazing connections.
Last night of CNY = Lantern Festival
Tons of fireworks!
BIG day tomorrow. T minus 12 hours.
Thank you for praying!
Love,
Feb
Off We Gooooooooooo……
T
This is our luggage.
(With the exception of Matey, the cat.)
Plus a backpack for each of us.
The biggest hockey bag is donations for ND and so will be ejected off our quota once we hit Beijing.
And may I just say, it was all packed last night!
Family and close friends will understand the sheer miracle in those words.
Travel mates will be in awe of the lack of volume.
It’s one of those had to be there things.
(As in, you had to be there while we lugged 32 pieces of luggage through the Beijing airport.)
And if this makes it appear as though we have it all together? Have no fear.
The butterflies have multiplied, I started a round of Cold FX this a.m. and Steve is currently trying to figure out how to install a car seat for the first time in a decade.
Yeah. We’re calm like that.
And so, it is at this particular moment that I would like to remind those of you who pray, to take a moment to check out our Prayer Guide under the Adoption heading on the Home Page.
Sing with me now…
“If ever I needed the Lord before, I sure do need Him now….”
(Sung in your best Mahalia Jackson voice.)
P.S. Baby Autumn, Auntie would love to take you along on this trip! Unfortunately, I don’t think your new pigtails will allow you to fit into the strict carry-on requirements. Next time?
P.S.S. Lane, Martine, Anthony, Max, D, Joel, Ella, Matthew & Justin: We found a friend to join us on our travels. He’s riding in James’ backpack. Keep an eye out for “Spike” in our photos.
Much Love,
Feb
We are getting so close!
One more ring left on the paper chain in our dining room. 2 more empty days waiting for Cars stickers on our Samuel’s calendar in Beijing. Everybody’s doin’ the countdown.
Bags appear to be packed, but I’m sure some more shuffling is inevitable tomorrow. Last minute errands and a final tutoring session for one of the kids.
Housesitter has come for her pre-trip visit and gone again.
Final e-mails are coming in from China. “Why are you only staying for “x” number of days? Please come visit my home!”, they say.
Lots of questions from the kids. Lots of “Don’t forget to pack such and such!”, from the adults.
Absolutely tickled over this post on the New Day blog tonight. I love the absolute trust and innocence. Oh Lord, Jesus, that all people would be so gentle as that young lady!
Overflowing with thankfulness for our church family’s support and prayer. Unmerited outpouring of support from the virtual adoption world. A surprise gift from a beloved great-grandma, not to mention a box of cookies, devoured by my children (okay, and me!).
Reading Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. How is it that what He spoke to her a few years ago, is exactly what I need to hear today?
(Oh and btw, it comes in a hard copy too.)
Pondering the question: How did I get to be so blessed to be living this life, in this moment? And oh, am I thankful He picked me!
Feb
What lovely locks you have, my dear!
Grace has been trying so hard to grow out her hair. In the Spring, her hair finally kept clips in for longer than 15 minutes. In the summer, with the help of those tiny micro elastics, she was able to have pony tails. And today, finally, when we went to get our hair trimmed, our friend and stylist was able to french braid her whole head of hair!
Talk about glee!
(Click on each of the photos to enlarge them.)
Feb
Samuel Videos (from ND)
These were up on the ND video sharing site. Thanks Jess for reminding me to check there!
The dialogue, according to the note on the Vimeo site, goes something like this:
“In case it was hard to follow, Willa leans in close to Samuel and asks, “Do you love me.” Samuel grunts affirmatively. “I like you.” Willa tells him. She’s not sure that he heard, so she leans in a bit closer and says it again. “I like you.” Samuel nods and Willa’s satisfied. She settles back with pleased look on her face and Vincent’s singing commences to drown out any other action.”
And then in this older video is Samuel enjoying some icing when they decorated cookies at Christmastime. Love the little shudder of delight! James’ comment after watching it was, “We’re in trouble!” I had to remind a certain teenager of his glee over Halloween candy as a little dude. hehe
