God is so amazing! I mean, I know that, but when He shows us His awesomeness I just can't help but fall on my knees and be in awe!
Most of you know, if you're friends with me on FB or Instagram, that we have 2 sets of friends that have recently brought 2 little girls home from not only the same city but the same orphanage as Jadyn Grace. It has been such an amazing thing to watch these 3 little girls play together and I can't wait to get to continue to watch them grow up with each other! This part of the story in itself is truly a miracle. 3 little girls, 1/2 way across the world, born in the same city and given care from the same orphanage, end up being adopted within 18 months of each other and now live within 15 min of each other!!! BUT GOD!!!
But wait, there's more!!!
Last week, when we were finally able to get the girls together for the first time at home, we took a bunch of such cute pics. (I'm sure you guys saw them on social media :)!) One of the other moms had the amazing idea of sending some of those pics to our agency (we all used the same agency for our adoption). Their story is just to special to not share, I mean seriously!
After that, the same mom was in contact with other families that they had met while in China and one of the other families was able to find our friends daughters foster parents. They sent her the email and my friend was so excited to get to send them an email with an update from since they've been home. In that email my friend included some of the pics from when we got the girls together and their names in case they new either of them or knew who might and want to share them.
This morning my friend received an email from her daughters foster family. It was all in Chinese so she started scrolling through the pictures they sent. My friend noticed that there were a few pics OF JADYN GRACE!!!!! She quickly did her best to translate the email and found that the foster parents were surprised to see Wu Ting in my friends pictures and were so thankful to see her and would like to hear from us! JADYN GRACE AND MY FRIENDS NEW DAUGHTER HAD THE SAME FOSTER FAMILY!!!! I mean, just to repeat what John said, and people say there's not a God!
I have wondered and prayed for 18 months for Jadyn Grace's foster parents. Thanking God for them, for what great care they took of my precious girl, for the love they so clearly showed her. I have prayed that somehow they would know that she is loved and means the world to us, that they would have peace and know that she is ok!
I can not WAIT to send them an email and thank them "in person"!
I have no words except, BUT GOD!
He is a good God. He loves us and hears our every prayer. He works in mysterious ways on our behalf.
I know it's been A LONG time since I've written. I started an 18 month update and never finished. I promise at some point I will do an update on how we're doing. We are still learning and adjusting some but we are SO GOOD!
Thank you all for praying! God hears and moves!
I can not wait to continue to watch this story, His story, unfold!
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Oh what a year it has been
I simply CAN NOT believe it has been a year since they passed over this perfect angel into my arms.
My how God has moved! It has been an amazing year of love, joy, learning, sadness, fear, and SO much more! I can not even begin to explain all the things we have been through but what I do know, without a shadow of a doubt, is this little girl is LOVED and CHERISHED and exactly what God had planned for us.
In the past year she has grown tremendously. Obviously her physical appearance has changed but that's just the surface. She is SO smart! He verbal skills are lightyears ahead of where we could've ever imagined they would be. Her dr. says she's even "ahead" for an average 3 1/2 year old. Her comprehension is astounding and her responses to instruction and redirection are so much more than I could've dreamed. She is determined, every day, to do the big kid stuff. I guess that's what happens when the closest sibling to you is 11!
As I said, it's not all been great. This precious treasure was an orphan, she was abandoned, she had no family. These things come up. She is terrified of being left. She has to be reassured every time she's dropped off anywhere that we are coming to get her, that we will not leave her. She has asked questions of her home before, she has asked where she was before, she points out her differences, she opens doors and we walk through them slowly and at her pace. In all the mess, in all the sadness, in all the chaos, our precious girl is loved. She is learning that we are together forever!
What I know is this, she is loved by us; but even more importantly she is loved by God. He has been with her since she was born. He has never left her, He will never leave her. She is His child, and my prayer is that one day she will chose Him as her Father.
Jadyn Grace, we love you! We could never have known what this first year with you would bring, but it has been an AMAZING year and we are SO thankful for YOU! We love you and can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through you in the years to come!
Friday, December 4, 2015
#countdowntooneyear
We are almost there. The celebration of our gotcha day. It's less than a week away!
I AM NOT READY!!!!
I have been an emotional wreck!
I can't tell you why, there is no logical explanation. It's everything and nothing!
Yesterday was ROUGH; today, I've been able to not tear up when I talk about it.
I'M GOING INSANE!
We have a small family gathering planned, but I don't know if that's the right thing.
We've ordered a cake, and a special shirt, and decorations... but sometimes when I think about it I don't want to make a big deal...
As one of my favorite writers would say "Oh the feels!"
Yes, I am FILLED with Joy! It has been an AMAZING year, and we have been blessed BEYOND measure. Jadyn Grace has surpassed our expectations in all parts of her life. She is more precious than we could have ever imagined. Some days my tears are filled with only joy.
But, sometimes my tears are filled with sorrow and confusion! I know right now these things may not occur to her, but I read a blog one time written by an adoptee. She talked about how sometimes "gotcha day" only reminded her of what she didn't know and/or of what she lost. I don't want to start a "party" tradition for an event that may only bring her sadness. A day that may remind her of what she lost. I, also, can't help but think of what she lost. It's been a year and I started last night praying with her for her "family in China". ( I think it's very important. She is ready for a very generalized prayer for them and I want her to know we think of them and we should pray for them.) Who are they? Do they wonder about her? Do any of them, besides her mother and/or father, know she even exists? I also dread the questions it may bring. Maybe not this year, maybe not til next year, but eventually she will wonder why we celebrate, and those questions will bring more questions and all of the answers may bring more sadness. I just keep thinking about that as much as this day is a celebration it is also a reminder of loss. And that is eating me up right now! I know she will grieve. I am anticipating that, though probably will never be prepared. I will answer every question she has with only the truth, the facts, whatever I know. I will hold her, love her, pray with/over her, WHATEVER she needs to make it through those days. But I do not ever want to be the cause of those emotions. I don't ever want to do something, or say something that may bring her to a place she's not ready to go.
I guess my prayer is for discernment. I hope that I know when and how, each year, to acknowledge this day that was such a joy filled day for us. A day that I do believe she will forever be grateful for, but may bring other emotions as well. I read a blog the other day about a different situation, but she mentioned a scripture. Psalms 56:8 "...Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?" Our Father in heaven knows every tear I've ever cried and every tear she's ever cried. And He will continue to record them for the rest of our days. He knows, He will comfort, He will provide, He will sustain, He will bring peace, and He will bring joy! He has already shown me these things over and over this past few years!
I AM NOT READY!!!!
I have been an emotional wreck!
I can't tell you why, there is no logical explanation. It's everything and nothing!
Yesterday was ROUGH; today, I've been able to not tear up when I talk about it.
I'M GOING INSANE!
We have a small family gathering planned, but I don't know if that's the right thing.
We've ordered a cake, and a special shirt, and decorations... but sometimes when I think about it I don't want to make a big deal...
As one of my favorite writers would say "Oh the feels!"
Yes, I am FILLED with Joy! It has been an AMAZING year, and we have been blessed BEYOND measure. Jadyn Grace has surpassed our expectations in all parts of her life. She is more precious than we could have ever imagined. Some days my tears are filled with only joy.
But, sometimes my tears are filled with sorrow and confusion! I know right now these things may not occur to her, but I read a blog one time written by an adoptee. She talked about how sometimes "gotcha day" only reminded her of what she didn't know and/or of what she lost. I don't want to start a "party" tradition for an event that may only bring her sadness. A day that may remind her of what she lost. I, also, can't help but think of what she lost. It's been a year and I started last night praying with her for her "family in China". ( I think it's very important. She is ready for a very generalized prayer for them and I want her to know we think of them and we should pray for them.) Who are they? Do they wonder about her? Do any of them, besides her mother and/or father, know she even exists? I also dread the questions it may bring. Maybe not this year, maybe not til next year, but eventually she will wonder why we celebrate, and those questions will bring more questions and all of the answers may bring more sadness. I just keep thinking about that as much as this day is a celebration it is also a reminder of loss. And that is eating me up right now! I know she will grieve. I am anticipating that, though probably will never be prepared. I will answer every question she has with only the truth, the facts, whatever I know. I will hold her, love her, pray with/over her, WHATEVER she needs to make it through those days. But I do not ever want to be the cause of those emotions. I don't ever want to do something, or say something that may bring her to a place she's not ready to go.
I guess my prayer is for discernment. I hope that I know when and how, each year, to acknowledge this day that was such a joy filled day for us. A day that I do believe she will forever be grateful for, but may bring other emotions as well. I read a blog the other day about a different situation, but she mentioned a scripture. Psalms 56:8 "...Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?" Our Father in heaven knows every tear I've ever cried and every tear she's ever cried. And He will continue to record them for the rest of our days. He knows, He will comfort, He will provide, He will sustain, He will bring peace, and He will bring joy! He has already shown me these things over and over this past few years!
Friday, June 26, 2015
Some Days...
Some days I think of the time we spent on the other side of the globe bonding with our baby girl.
I think of the days that she just cried and cried. I think of the days she laughed and played.
I want to remember every moment. I feel like I didn't take enough pictures and I didn't cherish enough time there. Sure, it's not like we were just wasting time; I mean, we were obviously totally preoccupied. Some days I just miss it. The innocence of those 10 days before the chaos of normal life. The time we spent just loving each other, even through screaming tantrums or nonstop sobbing. I'm beyond thankful for where we are now, but some days I just wish we could go back.
Next time (if there is a next time) I will take more pictures, I will breath in more of that place, I will treasure my time there.
Monday, June 8, 2015
How can it be?!
Today makes 6 months since the day we met our precious princess. I will never forget those first moments and days. They were some of the most precious.
I, however, have thoroughly enjoyed watching and experiencing JG's growth over the last 6 months. We have watched so many firsts through her eyes. Some have been incredible moments, others, not so much. She loves hard and hates hard. She plays hard and sleeps hard. She laughs hard and cries hard.
Her language skills have grown by leaps and bounds. Her pediatrician is AMAZED every time she sees her. We are amazed every day by the new things that come out of her mouth!
I would say the 2nd thing that I am amazed by is how incredibly we have all adjusted. She, of course, has her days of sadness; but I of course have my days too! She is so happy, so well behaved, so in love with all of us and we are so in love with her. It's just so amazing!
The 3rd thing that has amazed me is how stinking fast her hair is growing!!!!!! It's CRAZY! (and's it's driving me insane!)
God continues to amaze me in this whole process. It seems like she's been with us all her life. Her smile and laugh are incredibly contagious. We could spend hours just watching her.
All I can say is GOD IS GOOD!!! His love and grace never fail. I have learned over the last 6 months SO much about grace. His grace over me, I can't even fathom...
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers.
The best way to keep up with pictures and regular updates is facebook and/or instagram. I will update this as much as I have time, but I have learned that a toddler keeps me VERY busy!
I, however, have thoroughly enjoyed watching and experiencing JG's growth over the last 6 months. We have watched so many firsts through her eyes. Some have been incredible moments, others, not so much. She loves hard and hates hard. She plays hard and sleeps hard. She laughs hard and cries hard.
Her language skills have grown by leaps and bounds. Her pediatrician is AMAZED every time she sees her. We are amazed every day by the new things that come out of her mouth!
I would say the 2nd thing that I am amazed by is how incredibly we have all adjusted. She, of course, has her days of sadness; but I of course have my days too! She is so happy, so well behaved, so in love with all of us and we are so in love with her. It's just so amazing!
The 3rd thing that has amazed me is how stinking fast her hair is growing!!!!!! It's CRAZY! (and's it's driving me insane!)
God continues to amaze me in this whole process. It seems like she's been with us all her life. Her smile and laugh are incredibly contagious. We could spend hours just watching her.
All I can say is GOD IS GOOD!!! His love and grace never fail. I have learned over the last 6 months SO much about grace. His grace over me, I can't even fathom...
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers.
The best way to keep up with pictures and regular updates is facebook and/or instagram. I will update this as much as I have time, but I have learned that a toddler keeps me VERY busy!
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Her "first" birthday...
Today our baby girl turned 3.
I have been full of emotions that I completely did not expect.
All I have been able to think about is her other "mama".
I can't imagine the heaviness of her heart today.
No matter where she is or what she's doing, it is not possible for her to not know what today is.
It breaks my heart the sadness she must feel.
The emptiness in her heart.
No matter the reason for her abandonment a mother gave birth to a baby girl, whom she cared for for the first 6 months of her life. No way she feels nothing today!
I wish desperately I could find a way to let her know she's loved, she's perfect, she's everything I could ever dream she'd be.
"Mama", we love you!
So, yes, our baby girl turned 3 today. It's like her first birthday for us! Another first, so many firsts... We just got her answering the question "How old are you?" with "2" and holding up 2 fingers. Now we start all over again with 3! Thankfully I think it will happen pretty quickly.
Her 3 year check up is next Monday. I can't wait to see how much she's grown and what not. It will be our first since China.
The next year of her life should prove to be lots more firsts and lots more learning. I can not wait to watch her continue in it all.
Jadyn Grace, we love you more than you will ever know. God blessed us with a treasure we could have never imagined. Your spiciness and attitude fit in our family perfectly and your laugh and smile are contagious! I can not wait to watch God continue to move and lead you and us into full trust.
You are my sunshine baby girl!
I love you!
Friday, March 27, 2015
When the brokenness breaks through!
Oh how amazing things have been around here. Our precious girl is still doing so well. We are happy, we are having fun, we are laughing, we are playing, we are doing all things good!
We have been very busy as well, traveling. JG's first Disney trip(s). We went one weekend to the main parks and 3 weeks later to the water parks. Oh what fun to watch her eyes light up. Experiencing all these things with her is like us experiencing them all over again for the first time. It's truly amazing.
And then it happens... We have such a hard time remembering how broken our precious girl is. We take for granted all the fun and joy and laughing.
And then it happens... We are in the midst of full blown laugh attack, joy filled, memory making, laughing and fun. Then a sudden outburst of huge crocodile tears. No warning. Not mad or pain kind of crying but straight up sad!
Or, we are doing every day, monotonous, daily activities. And suddenly there's quiet whimpering that turns into an all out cry fest.
Or, we are having fun playing and talking and meeting new people when suddenly theres a pause, a search for mommy or daddy, a sudden dash and quiet "no go bye bye" that accompanies a point to a new friend.
It's all SO heartbreaking. Yesterday Jordyn asked, "Mommy, why is she so sad?" (We had just experienced a time of unexplainable crying which Jordyn doesn't get to witness very often.) I explained that our baby girl is so happy and well adjusted and always smiling and laughing that we often forget that she's still a very broken little girl with lots of adjusting on the inside to do still. I told her we may experience these moments for a while, possibly forever. She quietly replied, "yeah, I guess it's only been 3 months. It's just so sad." Yes honey, sad is an understatement!
It breaks this momma's heart. At first I expected it. Of course it broke my heart, but I knew it was coming. I knew certain things that caused the outbursts. I knew topics and situations to avoid to help moments like that not happen. But, the more time that goes by, the less often they happen. And, we are in a new place of different things causing them. They are totally unpredictable. Sometimes all I can do is cry with her. Sometimes she won't let me touch her. Sometimes she won't get out of my arms. Sometimes it takes minutes of quiet talking or singing. Sometimes it takes just a wipe of a tear.
Her sadness breaks me. It makes me so aware of where she came from. How much she just needs love. How much I need to love her.
I'm so thankful that I get to be her mommy. That we get to be her family. That we get to be the ones to show her love, to show her God's love. To teach her how to trust, how to love, how to know Christ. Lucky is an understatement. Blessed beyond imagine. Honored and humbled. Beside ourselves.
We have been very busy as well, traveling. JG's first Disney trip(s). We went one weekend to the main parks and 3 weeks later to the water parks. Oh what fun to watch her eyes light up. Experiencing all these things with her is like us experiencing them all over again for the first time. It's truly amazing.
And then it happens... We have such a hard time remembering how broken our precious girl is. We take for granted all the fun and joy and laughing.
And then it happens... We are in the midst of full blown laugh attack, joy filled, memory making, laughing and fun. Then a sudden outburst of huge crocodile tears. No warning. Not mad or pain kind of crying but straight up sad!
Or, we are doing every day, monotonous, daily activities. And suddenly there's quiet whimpering that turns into an all out cry fest.
Or, we are having fun playing and talking and meeting new people when suddenly theres a pause, a search for mommy or daddy, a sudden dash and quiet "no go bye bye" that accompanies a point to a new friend.
It's all SO heartbreaking. Yesterday Jordyn asked, "Mommy, why is she so sad?" (We had just experienced a time of unexplainable crying which Jordyn doesn't get to witness very often.) I explained that our baby girl is so happy and well adjusted and always smiling and laughing that we often forget that she's still a very broken little girl with lots of adjusting on the inside to do still. I told her we may experience these moments for a while, possibly forever. She quietly replied, "yeah, I guess it's only been 3 months. It's just so sad." Yes honey, sad is an understatement!
It breaks this momma's heart. At first I expected it. Of course it broke my heart, but I knew it was coming. I knew certain things that caused the outbursts. I knew topics and situations to avoid to help moments like that not happen. But, the more time that goes by, the less often they happen. And, we are in a new place of different things causing them. They are totally unpredictable. Sometimes all I can do is cry with her. Sometimes she won't let me touch her. Sometimes she won't get out of my arms. Sometimes it takes minutes of quiet talking or singing. Sometimes it takes just a wipe of a tear.
Her sadness breaks me. It makes me so aware of where she came from. How much she just needs love. How much I need to love her.
I'm so thankful that I get to be her mommy. That we get to be her family. That we get to be the ones to show her love, to show her God's love. To teach her how to trust, how to love, how to know Christ. Lucky is an understatement. Blessed beyond imagine. Honored and humbled. Beside ourselves.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Picture day!
Well, it finally happened...
I've been trying to figure out a good time, place, outfit, etc to get some pics of Jadyn Grace. Well, one day last week we were in the living room. Jadyn loves to look at the pictures of her brothers and sister on the wall. She always points and says their names. She was standing on the couch going through the normal routine... pointing at the pictures and saying, "John John... Travis... Jordyn...". She turned and looked at me and said, "no Jadyn." Ugh, my heart broke!! I decided that's it, we are getting pictures no matter what!
We went out this morning for a VERY quick "session" to the park!
Here are a few I shot. I will be printing at least 3 and framing them around the house!
I am by no means a photographer, but good grief... I had to do something!!!
I've been trying to figure out a good time, place, outfit, etc to get some pics of Jadyn Grace. Well, one day last week we were in the living room. Jadyn loves to look at the pictures of her brothers and sister on the wall. She always points and says their names. She was standing on the couch going through the normal routine... pointing at the pictures and saying, "John John... Travis... Jordyn...". She turned and looked at me and said, "no Jadyn." Ugh, my heart broke!! I decided that's it, we are getting pictures no matter what!
We went out this morning for a VERY quick "session" to the park!
Here are a few I shot. I will be printing at least 3 and framing them around the house!
I am by no means a photographer, but good grief... I had to do something!!!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
2 months, OH MY!
Well, this past Sunday marked our 2 month anniversary of Gotcha Day!
It's crazy, part of me can't believe it's already been 2 months and part of me can't believe it's only been 2 months!
Every moment we are with our sweet girl adds days to our love for her. It is something I could have never dreamed and never imagined. God has blessed us more than we could ever deserve or repay to Him, and we are eternally grateful for all the He has done in/for us.
We have begun to see a little more grieving from our precious girl. It breaks this mama's heart to watch her just weep and weep for no apparent reason. Sometimes she'll let me hold and comfort her and sometimes she won't let me get anywhere near her. Sometimes she wakes at night just weeping in her sleep. These days don't come often, maybe once a week, so I'll not complain; just pray for her and us.
We are in the throws of "re" potty training! She was potty trained when she came to us, but that was the least of our priorities at that time and she expectedly regressed. Pray for us as we venture into this territory again as well!
Her vocabulary grows hourly it seems. She is soaking up all we are saying and repeats (or at least tries to) all of it. Her pediatrician was shocked at her vocabulary just a week after we were home, and since then it has grown leaps and bounds. Full sentences mostly, and she gets extremely upset or frustrated when we don't understand her. We have to repeat to her what she is saying to us to verify we understand her correctly and if we are wrong she lets us know!
It is also amazing to us how much she understands, even if it's something she can't verbally communicate yet, she completely understands about 95% of our direction, conversation, explanation, etc. It is mind boggling to us. Many of our friends comment often about these things as well.
We truly have been so blessed. People say all the time what a blessing we are to Jadyn Grace when in reality she REALLY has been the blessing to us. Teaching us about grace and love and redemption. It truly is a picture of God's love for us as we chose Him, after He chose us, to be adopted into His family. We did nothing but run to Him and He opened His arms wide and welcomed us in.
We are so thankful for all of the prayers through this journey! We truly believe that others interceding for us in prayer is a huge part of why we are where we are today! Thank you doesn't begin to express our gratitude.
I will leave you with some pics from the last month...
It's crazy, part of me can't believe it's already been 2 months and part of me can't believe it's only been 2 months!
Every moment we are with our sweet girl adds days to our love for her. It is something I could have never dreamed and never imagined. God has blessed us more than we could ever deserve or repay to Him, and we are eternally grateful for all the He has done in/for us.
We have begun to see a little more grieving from our precious girl. It breaks this mama's heart to watch her just weep and weep for no apparent reason. Sometimes she'll let me hold and comfort her and sometimes she won't let me get anywhere near her. Sometimes she wakes at night just weeping in her sleep. These days don't come often, maybe once a week, so I'll not complain; just pray for her and us.
We are in the throws of "re" potty training! She was potty trained when she came to us, but that was the least of our priorities at that time and she expectedly regressed. Pray for us as we venture into this territory again as well!
Her vocabulary grows hourly it seems. She is soaking up all we are saying and repeats (or at least tries to) all of it. Her pediatrician was shocked at her vocabulary just a week after we were home, and since then it has grown leaps and bounds. Full sentences mostly, and she gets extremely upset or frustrated when we don't understand her. We have to repeat to her what she is saying to us to verify we understand her correctly and if we are wrong she lets us know!
It is also amazing to us how much she understands, even if it's something she can't verbally communicate yet, she completely understands about 95% of our direction, conversation, explanation, etc. It is mind boggling to us. Many of our friends comment often about these things as well.
We truly have been so blessed. People say all the time what a blessing we are to Jadyn Grace when in reality she REALLY has been the blessing to us. Teaching us about grace and love and redemption. It truly is a picture of God's love for us as we chose Him, after He chose us, to be adopted into His family. We did nothing but run to Him and He opened His arms wide and welcomed us in.
We are so thankful for all of the prayers through this journey! We truly believe that others interceding for us in prayer is a huge part of why we are where we are today! Thank you doesn't begin to express our gratitude.
I will leave you with some pics from the last month...
Thursday, January 8, 2015
One month with our precious Jadyn Grace
Today is one month since I held this perfect little being for the first time.
I truly cannot believe, nor understand, the transition this little girl has made. God has done AMAZING things in her life over the last month, and in ours.
We went to church last night for the first time and I was talking with a friend. She was commenting on how crazy it is that this little girl is so amazingly a Turner. Just like that, she is undeniably part of our family. Only God can do things like that. Only He can bring us half way around the world to meet a missing piece of our family. He knew from the day she was born that she was ours. That a mama and baba would have a baby girl and would love her enough and care for her enough to take her to a place where they knew she would be "found". God found her and sent us to her, and she is so perfectly ours!
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement! It has been an amazing month. It has not been perfect, it has not been all fun and happy, but it has been AMAZING!
Thank you God for this amazing gift!
Saturday, December 27, 2014
One week home, and Christmas!
So, we've been home a week and we are SO thankful!!! We had a rough time getting here as our flight was delayed from HK which caused us to miss our connecting flight in Newark; but, after a 6 hour layover we landed in Jax at 11:30 to an amazing group of friends and family to welcome our sweet princess home!
We stayed up WAY to late that night and the 2 middle kids got up to go to school Friday morning! It was worth it though, and I can guarantee they'd do it again!
We have had some amazing highs over the week and also a couple of lows. It's definitely an adjustment. The time change alone is enough to kill anyone, let alone bringing home a precious treasure that is still learning to trust and on top of that she's 2, and let me just say that 2 knows no country lines!!! 2 is 2 is 2!!!
JG has thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her siblings. She follows them around like a lost little puppy and calls for them constantly if they're not around. It's how we get her up in the morning and after naps. It's such a sweet thing, but it has it's down side. Bed time is ROUGH!!! She hates to say goodnight to them. We are pretty sure she is afraid they won't be there in the morning, it breaks my heart! But, it is a process. She is learning that they will be there when she wakes up, and that is a good thing.
The 3 siblings are LOVING the time with her. When we got our travel dates I was a little unsure of the fact that we would be coming home the last day of school for their Christmas break. All I can say is I'm so thankful that God works His will according to His plans and not my one! (One day I will learn that that is always best...). He knew that she would need them, and this time is something they will never get back.
It has been CRAZY, but it has been crazy GOOD!
God is so good and we are seriously so thankful to be so blessed.
I'm not sure what to even say about Christmas... it was the same... sure it was JG's first Christmas home and that was AMAZING, but it was also a reminder to me of all the precious ones that are still without. Without families, without food, without water, just without. It was a reminder of how blessed we are and how much we have. Even adding a 4th child we were able to get our children exactly what they asked for. We were able to bless our families with gifts and not even bat an eye. We started a tradition a couple of years ago where our children get 4 gifts under the tree (stockings are usually 3-4 items as well, but always just small things). We know that they have so much more than they need so we figured this was a good way to dial the gifts back. It started out feeling so "small" to me. This year, as they were opening gifts, I often thought of the precious children all over the world that were without gifts at all, that would give anything to just have clean water, or more than 1 meal a day to eat. And here we were with more than we could ever dream of, and wanting more! I don't know, Christmas was so much fun to watch our precious new daughter laugh and play and open gifts and meet new family members and play with cousins; but for me it was a little bittersweet. I thought often of the 23 other families that were with us in China celebrating their first Christmas with their newest family members. I could only be so grateful for the sacrifice these families made to put a smile on these precious little ones faces, to give these little ones one of the greatest gifts of all - a family. I could only pray that these little ones would learn the real reason for Christmas, that it was the celebration of Jesus' birth. The birth of the Savior, King, Lord, the Lamb of God, the sacrifice that would one day be made for all of our sins so that we could have a relationship with His father. Oh what a gift!!!!
Prayers that you all had a wonderful Christmas!
We stayed up WAY to late that night and the 2 middle kids got up to go to school Friday morning! It was worth it though, and I can guarantee they'd do it again!
We have had some amazing highs over the week and also a couple of lows. It's definitely an adjustment. The time change alone is enough to kill anyone, let alone bringing home a precious treasure that is still learning to trust and on top of that she's 2, and let me just say that 2 knows no country lines!!! 2 is 2 is 2!!!
JG has thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her siblings. She follows them around like a lost little puppy and calls for them constantly if they're not around. It's how we get her up in the morning and after naps. It's such a sweet thing, but it has it's down side. Bed time is ROUGH!!! She hates to say goodnight to them. We are pretty sure she is afraid they won't be there in the morning, it breaks my heart! But, it is a process. She is learning that they will be there when she wakes up, and that is a good thing.
The 3 siblings are LOVING the time with her. When we got our travel dates I was a little unsure of the fact that we would be coming home the last day of school for their Christmas break. All I can say is I'm so thankful that God works His will according to His plans and not my one! (One day I will learn that that is always best...). He knew that she would need them, and this time is something they will never get back.
It has been CRAZY, but it has been crazy GOOD!
God is so good and we are seriously so thankful to be so blessed.
I'm not sure what to even say about Christmas... it was the same... sure it was JG's first Christmas home and that was AMAZING, but it was also a reminder to me of all the precious ones that are still without. Without families, without food, without water, just without. It was a reminder of how blessed we are and how much we have. Even adding a 4th child we were able to get our children exactly what they asked for. We were able to bless our families with gifts and not even bat an eye. We started a tradition a couple of years ago where our children get 4 gifts under the tree (stockings are usually 3-4 items as well, but always just small things). We know that they have so much more than they need so we figured this was a good way to dial the gifts back. It started out feeling so "small" to me. This year, as they were opening gifts, I often thought of the precious children all over the world that were without gifts at all, that would give anything to just have clean water, or more than 1 meal a day to eat. And here we were with more than we could ever dream of, and wanting more! I don't know, Christmas was so much fun to watch our precious new daughter laugh and play and open gifts and meet new family members and play with cousins; but for me it was a little bittersweet. I thought often of the 23 other families that were with us in China celebrating their first Christmas with their newest family members. I could only be so grateful for the sacrifice these families made to put a smile on these precious little ones faces, to give these little ones one of the greatest gifts of all - a family. I could only pray that these little ones would learn the real reason for Christmas, that it was the celebration of Jesus' birth. The birth of the Savior, King, Lord, the Lamb of God, the sacrifice that would one day be made for all of our sins so that we could have a relationship with His father. Oh what a gift!!!!
Prayers that you all had a wonderful Christmas!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Journey to Jadyn Grace... Last 2 days in China
So, we are sitting in our room counting down the last hour. We leave here to catch a train to HK where we will spend the night to wake up for our flight home!
Yesterday, Tuesday, was our US Consulate appt. Praise Jesus her passport made it just in time, with only hours to spare. He is so good at teaching us faith and trust! After our appt we came back to our hotel and did some shopping and had lunch. After nap time we headed to the lobby for a group picture. That was interesting, to say the least! Imagine 24 families, 26 adopted children, and other family members - I believe like 75 in all! After pictures we headed to a cruise on the Pearl River. Jadyn Grace was not to thrilled with it so mommy and daddy did not have a great time, but, we did it, and I think (hope) daddy got some pictures! We came back to our room just in time for bed time, and we all must have been tired cause it's the best we've slept the whole time. We had to wake her up at 8:10!
Wednesday (today) has been very low key. We had breakfast, finished up some shopping, took a nap, had lunch, and are waiting to get her visa and head to the train station. We have had an amazing time getting to know and love on our baby girl, and getting to explore her culture... but oh, I am SO ready to go!!!!!!
Next time I update we will be HOME!!!!
Prayers for safe travels please! We can't wait to see you all!
Yesterday, Tuesday, was our US Consulate appt. Praise Jesus her passport made it just in time, with only hours to spare. He is so good at teaching us faith and trust! After our appt we came back to our hotel and did some shopping and had lunch. After nap time we headed to the lobby for a group picture. That was interesting, to say the least! Imagine 24 families, 26 adopted children, and other family members - I believe like 75 in all! After pictures we headed to a cruise on the Pearl River. Jadyn Grace was not to thrilled with it so mommy and daddy did not have a great time, but, we did it, and I think (hope) daddy got some pictures! We came back to our room just in time for bed time, and we all must have been tired cause it's the best we've slept the whole time. We had to wake her up at 8:10!
Wednesday (today) has been very low key. We had breakfast, finished up some shopping, took a nap, had lunch, and are waiting to get her visa and head to the train station. We have had an amazing time getting to know and love on our baby girl, and getting to explore her culture... but oh, I am SO ready to go!!!!!!
Next time I update we will be HOME!!!!
Prayers for safe travels please! We can't wait to see you all!
Monday, December 15, 2014
Journey to Jadyn Grace... China days 9 and 10
We decided that we would opt out of the group plans on Sunday and Monday. We are just tired and enjoying down time with just Jadyn and us. Sunday we slept in and decided to take a cab to Shamain Isaland. It's the touristy part of where we are. Sweet little shops, beautiful gardens with statues, just a pretty place. We spent about an hour there and did some shopping then we came back to the hotel and spent the rest of the day here. It was nice to just relax and let Jadyn play. We had a group dinner planned that night at an authentic Chinese place. John and I didn't partake (we are scaredy cats) but Jadyn LOVED it!!!! It was cool to sit and talk with other families going through this journey.
On Monday we had NO plans, just to stay and relax. We toured the hotel and found an outdoor playground with slides and a swing. Jadyn was so excited. She played for about an hour and we walked around. We really did nothing, and it was nice!
What we're learning about Jadyn Grace (and she's learning about us)...
- She's what they call "spicy". She is SO strong willed! She knows what she wants and she wants it now!!! She's learning that she is not in charge though. She is learning "no" pretty quickly!
- She's not used to sharing! She does not like it when she has to share, whether food, toys, daddy, anything.
- She is so incredibly sweet. She'll walk up and just lean against you for some love. She loves her daddy.
- She is SMART!!!!!!! She has been with us a week and we are already having to spell things because she understands. She repeats everything. She still says lots of things in Mandarin but English is coming easily.
- WE ARE IN LOVE!!!! She is so smart and cuddly and sweet and happy and giggly!
Thank you all so much for your prayers. We have been so blessed during this entire journey and you have all been a part of it. Our God is a mighty God and He has done amazing things!
On Monday we had NO plans, just to stay and relax. We toured the hotel and found an outdoor playground with slides and a swing. Jadyn was so excited. She played for about an hour and we walked around. We really did nothing, and it was nice!
What we're learning about Jadyn Grace (and she's learning about us)...
- She's what they call "spicy". She is SO strong willed! She knows what she wants and she wants it now!!! She's learning that she is not in charge though. She is learning "no" pretty quickly!
- She's not used to sharing! She does not like it when she has to share, whether food, toys, daddy, anything.
- She is so incredibly sweet. She'll walk up and just lean against you for some love. She loves her daddy.
- She is SMART!!!!!!! She has been with us a week and we are already having to spell things because she understands. She repeats everything. She still says lots of things in Mandarin but English is coming easily.
- WE ARE IN LOVE!!!! She is so smart and cuddly and sweet and happy and giggly!
Thank you all so much for your prayers. We have been so blessed during this entire journey and you have all been a part of it. Our God is a mighty God and He has done amazing things!
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Journey to Jadyn Grace... China day 7 and 8
So, Friday morning we woke up knowing it might possibly be a long day. Our flight was scheduled to leave Wuhan at 7:20. We were to have our luggage out at 2:00, then we would head to the Civil Affairs office to pick up passports for the kids and their final paperwork then head to the airport.
Around 12:00 there was a knock on the door and there was our guide, Echo (whom, by the way, was AMAZING!!!! Another God story that I'll add at the end). She came in and said she had not good news, :/! Apparently, for the first time in 10 years, the officer that had to sign off on our kids passports was not available. She asked why was there not a back up, someone else available in case, she was told no, this person has to sign, he's the only one, and he's not in. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! Echo told us that one parent from each family was going to go with her into the Civil Affairs office to make sure they understand how extremely urgent this is.
Now let me explain to you how extremely urgent this is, without a passport Jadyn can not get a visa, without a passport or a visa Jadyn can not come home. Our visa appointment at the consulate is at 7:40 Tuesday morning, so her passport HAS to be here before that! Echo, after many conversations and phone calls, got arrangements made to have our documents signed Monday morning and sent via 12 hour shipping to our hotel in Guangzhou. As of right now her passport is supposed to be here by 9:00 Monday night. Talk about cutting it close! We are still PRAYING that this all goes as planned, thankfully there's no weather or anything like that that could cause delay, but we are very anxious!
Anyway, we flew out of Wuhan on time Friday evening and I was TERRIFIED about the plane ride. How was she gonna handle the confinement? Were her ears gonna bother her? Were we gonna have a repeat metldown like Tuesday? Ugh, just so many things in my mind! I was worried for nothing, she did AMAZING!!! She sat in her seat for about the first half then climbed in daddy's lap and was happy the rest of the time. We landed about 9 and caught a bus to our hotel. It was a pretty long night from there. We didn't get check in til about midnight and not to sleep until 12:30. Jadyn had a scream fest for about 20 min but finally gave in and slept until 7:30 this morning.
This morning we had to be in the lobby at 9:30 to catch our bus to the visa medical check. It consisted of 24 families and 26 children getting visa photo's taken, ENT check, general screening, height/weight/temp, and a TB test. It was interesting!!!!! We made it through about the first hour great, then the attitude started emerging, it's amazing how "2 year old" knows no country lines. It translates into any culture. She is just 2, there's no way around it. She screamed the rest of the time, it was ok though cause imagine 24 other families going through the same thing, most of them toddlers... she fit right in! After the dr we made it back to the hotel in time for lunch. A Mcdonald's right across the parking lot, I THINK YES!!!! (And Jadyn loves chicken nuggets!) We made it back to our room just in time for the melt down. After no nap yesterday and not enough sleep last night, we knew it was coming. We did learn that we can tell her to lay on the couch and she will lay there, not happily but hey, we'll take what we can get! It took about 45 min but she finally gave in.
We have enjoyed being back with Dan and Michelle. Their precious girl is so sweet. It has also been cool to see all of these precious little ones interact with each other and their families. Such sweet ones, they are now forever with families that love them!
Quick story about Echo. When we were in Beijing with the Walshes they were talking about their guide the last time they were here. They spoke so highly of her and were so hoping to possibly have her again. Well, we recieved what's called our red book on Saturday evening in Beijing. In that book was an update if there was any, our general itinerary for the rest of the 2 weeks, and our guide information. Our guide, for the 5 days we would be without our friends, would be none other than the very guide they were so fond of, Echo! They were a little jealous, but I know God gave her to us as our comfort while we were away from them.
It's so crazy how He works like that! I just love it!
Around 12:00 there was a knock on the door and there was our guide, Echo (whom, by the way, was AMAZING!!!! Another God story that I'll add at the end). She came in and said she had not good news, :/! Apparently, for the first time in 10 years, the officer that had to sign off on our kids passports was not available. She asked why was there not a back up, someone else available in case, she was told no, this person has to sign, he's the only one, and he's not in. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! Echo told us that one parent from each family was going to go with her into the Civil Affairs office to make sure they understand how extremely urgent this is.
Now let me explain to you how extremely urgent this is, without a passport Jadyn can not get a visa, without a passport or a visa Jadyn can not come home. Our visa appointment at the consulate is at 7:40 Tuesday morning, so her passport HAS to be here before that! Echo, after many conversations and phone calls, got arrangements made to have our documents signed Monday morning and sent via 12 hour shipping to our hotel in Guangzhou. As of right now her passport is supposed to be here by 9:00 Monday night. Talk about cutting it close! We are still PRAYING that this all goes as planned, thankfully there's no weather or anything like that that could cause delay, but we are very anxious!
Anyway, we flew out of Wuhan on time Friday evening and I was TERRIFIED about the plane ride. How was she gonna handle the confinement? Were her ears gonna bother her? Were we gonna have a repeat metldown like Tuesday? Ugh, just so many things in my mind! I was worried for nothing, she did AMAZING!!! She sat in her seat for about the first half then climbed in daddy's lap and was happy the rest of the time. We landed about 9 and caught a bus to our hotel. It was a pretty long night from there. We didn't get check in til about midnight and not to sleep until 12:30. Jadyn had a scream fest for about 20 min but finally gave in and slept until 7:30 this morning.
This morning we had to be in the lobby at 9:30 to catch our bus to the visa medical check. It consisted of 24 families and 26 children getting visa photo's taken, ENT check, general screening, height/weight/temp, and a TB test. It was interesting!!!!! We made it through about the first hour great, then the attitude started emerging, it's amazing how "2 year old" knows no country lines. It translates into any culture. She is just 2, there's no way around it. She screamed the rest of the time, it was ok though cause imagine 24 other families going through the same thing, most of them toddlers... she fit right in! After the dr we made it back to the hotel in time for lunch. A Mcdonald's right across the parking lot, I THINK YES!!!! (And Jadyn loves chicken nuggets!) We made it back to our room just in time for the melt down. After no nap yesterday and not enough sleep last night, we knew it was coming. We did learn that we can tell her to lay on the couch and she will lay there, not happily but hey, we'll take what we can get! It took about 45 min but she finally gave in.
We have enjoyed being back with Dan and Michelle. Their precious girl is so sweet. It has also been cool to see all of these precious little ones interact with each other and their families. Such sweet ones, they are now forever with families that love them!
Quick story about Echo. When we were in Beijing with the Walshes they were talking about their guide the last time they were here. They spoke so highly of her and were so hoping to possibly have her again. Well, we recieved what's called our red book on Saturday evening in Beijing. In that book was an update if there was any, our general itinerary for the rest of the 2 weeks, and our guide information. Our guide, for the 5 days we would be without our friends, would be none other than the very guide they were so fond of, Echo! They were a little jealous, but I know God gave her to us as our comfort while we were away from them.
It's so crazy how He works like that! I just love it!
Thursday, December 11, 2014
And then there were 3...
I always knew what "mom"/"mama"/"mommy" meant; but these words have taken on a whole new meaning now. "Mama" is the one that loved, nurtured, took care of. "Mommy" is the new one. The one that she's not sure about, the one that kisses her and holds her and rocks her, but she doesn't know yet. I never thought it would hurt so much to be called mommy. I am not mama. I am a stranger, and to her that is mommy.
On the other hand I am SO thankful! Her first mother (whom doesn't have a name) left her at the doorstep of the orphanage with A LOT of information. Her real name, birth information, medical information, everything she would need for a new mother to take perfect care of her. To that precious woman I will forever be grateful! Her "mama" I will forever owe everything to! She is the woman that loved my precious girl. She taught her what it meant to give and receive love, to trust, to be taken care of, everything I could have only dreamed of for her to experience in the beginning of her life!
And then there's me, mommy. Right now to her that means nothing. I cannot wait to show her new meaning to that word. The day she gets hurt or scared and comes crying to me calling "mommy" instead of coming to me crying and looking for "mama"... I just can't imagine the joy I will feel then.
For now, I'm just grateful that she likes me ok. She laughs with me and kisses me and is learning to trust me. I'm grateful for the first 2 that loved her and cared for her until I could get to her!
Thank you mother and mama, you will always be a part of who she is, and because of that we will always love you!
On the other hand I am SO thankful! Her first mother (whom doesn't have a name) left her at the doorstep of the orphanage with A LOT of information. Her real name, birth information, medical information, everything she would need for a new mother to take perfect care of her. To that precious woman I will forever be grateful! Her "mama" I will forever owe everything to! She is the woman that loved my precious girl. She taught her what it meant to give and receive love, to trust, to be taken care of, everything I could have only dreamed of for her to experience in the beginning of her life!
And then there's me, mommy. Right now to her that means nothing. I cannot wait to show her new meaning to that word. The day she gets hurt or scared and comes crying to me calling "mommy" instead of coming to me crying and looking for "mama"... I just can't imagine the joy I will feel then.
For now, I'm just grateful that she likes me ok. She laughs with me and kisses me and is learning to trust me. I'm grateful for the first 2 that loved her and cared for her until I could get to her!
Thank you mother and mama, you will always be a part of who she is, and because of that we will always love you!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Journey to Jadyn Grace... China Day 6
Whew, we are officially half way through this trip. Sure, it's not even close to half way on this grand adventure, but we are counting the days to get to go home!
We have loved every minute of being here, learning about our baby girl's culture, watching her learn to trust us, experiencing lots of "new", but to start our new life together at home is weighing on our minds.
Today has been a good day. We went to a park this morning and walked around. Jadyn did good. No melt down while we were out today, which was huge! Today, so far, her only sad time was again before nap time. We were able to hold her off until after lunch, but she was not very happy about it. She's getting better about snuggling when she's tired, so that makes it easier to settle her.
Please pray as we prepare to leave here tomorrow evening (Friday morning at home) that our plane ride to Guangzhou would not be to traumatic. Our flight is during her normal night time sad time, so it should be interesting. Pray for a calm, peaceful, hour and a half flight please.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement so far. They have been felt and appreciated! God is SO good!
Love you all!
We have loved every minute of being here, learning about our baby girl's culture, watching her learn to trust us, experiencing lots of "new", but to start our new life together at home is weighing on our minds.
Today has been a good day. We went to a park this morning and walked around. Jadyn did good. No melt down while we were out today, which was huge! Today, so far, her only sad time was again before nap time. We were able to hold her off until after lunch, but she was not very happy about it. She's getting better about snuggling when she's tired, so that makes it easier to settle her.
Please pray as we prepare to leave here tomorrow evening (Friday morning at home) that our plane ride to Guangzhou would not be to traumatic. Our flight is during her normal night time sad time, so it should be interesting. Pray for a calm, peaceful, hour and a half flight please.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement so far. They have been felt and appreciated! God is SO good!
Love you all!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
How about some PICTURES!!!!!
she was so sweet holding my hand the first night
in the entry way into the Civil Affairs office
inside the Civil Affairs meeting area
first night in hotel
when we first met
she LOVES the ipad
all smiles
second night
Wednesday morning breakfast
bus ride "home"
after a ROUGH morning Tuesday
the only way she will fall asleep
outside of the Hubei museum
Journey to Jadyn Grace... China Day 4
Well, today was interesting to say the least!
Jadyn's normal sleeping routine is nap from 12:30-3:00, bed from 9:30-7:30. Well, nap time yesterday was obviously completely skipped and bed time clearly didn't happen on time.
After falling asleep at 11:00 last night we woke up at 6:30. Holy early after such a late night! She woke up in a decent mood but immediately got out of the bed and again just stood on the side. She was quiet and again just kind of watched as we slowly started getting up. The kids at home were DYING to meet her so we decided to facetime with them. As soon as she saw them she started calling them. She knew exactly who they were, it was so sweet and they were so excited. It was an early morning after not much sleep so there was not a lot of showing off for them. We said our goodbyes and started getting ready for the days event, we had to go back to the Civil Affairs office to finalize the adoption. We got dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast knowing she was ready to eat! And eat she did! Peaches, pears, rice, orange juice, milk, eggs, WOW!, it was impressive. After she ate she became that sweet, giddy, happy baby girl we met yesterday. We hopped on a bus to our paperwork appointment and she nearly fell asleep, obviously exhausted.
We went upstairs and she played for a little while. About 1/2 way through our time there this morning she lost it. I mean complete emotional breakdown! Screaming, crying, hitting, flailing, upset to the point of throwing up. She was soaking wet from sweat as well. After about an hour of that she finally calmed down as we were leaving. She reached out for John and called "baba". As soon as she was in his arms she laid her sweet head on his shoulder and passed out. That was at 11:30 and right now, at 3:15 she is still out! I think between the events of the last 2 days, and sheer exhaustion we could expect nothing else. We are sitting here debating whether or not to wake her up! I want her to go to sleep at a decent time tonight, but I know she needs the sleep. I guess when I finish this post tonight I'll let you know! Until then...
So, she woke up a little sad but had some lunch and from then on we got better and better. She was pretty quiet the whole evening and night but that's ok, she's still judging us and we are fine with that. She will learn that we are going nowhere! We are hers and she is ours forever!
Thank you all again for your prayers. I have a feeling there will be good and bad days mixed together over the next weeks. We love you all and are so thankful!
Jadyn's normal sleeping routine is nap from 12:30-3:00, bed from 9:30-7:30. Well, nap time yesterday was obviously completely skipped and bed time clearly didn't happen on time.
After falling asleep at 11:00 last night we woke up at 6:30. Holy early after such a late night! She woke up in a decent mood but immediately got out of the bed and again just stood on the side. She was quiet and again just kind of watched as we slowly started getting up. The kids at home were DYING to meet her so we decided to facetime with them. As soon as she saw them she started calling them. She knew exactly who they were, it was so sweet and they were so excited. It was an early morning after not much sleep so there was not a lot of showing off for them. We said our goodbyes and started getting ready for the days event, we had to go back to the Civil Affairs office to finalize the adoption. We got dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast knowing she was ready to eat! And eat she did! Peaches, pears, rice, orange juice, milk, eggs, WOW!, it was impressive. After she ate she became that sweet, giddy, happy baby girl we met yesterday. We hopped on a bus to our paperwork appointment and she nearly fell asleep, obviously exhausted.
We went upstairs and she played for a little while. About 1/2 way through our time there this morning she lost it. I mean complete emotional breakdown! Screaming, crying, hitting, flailing, upset to the point of throwing up. She was soaking wet from sweat as well. After about an hour of that she finally calmed down as we were leaving. She reached out for John and called "baba". As soon as she was in his arms she laid her sweet head on his shoulder and passed out. That was at 11:30 and right now, at 3:15 she is still out! I think between the events of the last 2 days, and sheer exhaustion we could expect nothing else. We are sitting here debating whether or not to wake her up! I want her to go to sleep at a decent time tonight, but I know she needs the sleep. I guess when I finish this post tonight I'll let you know! Until then...
So, she woke up a little sad but had some lunch and from then on we got better and better. She was pretty quiet the whole evening and night but that's ok, she's still judging us and we are fine with that. She will learn that we are going nowhere! We are hers and she is ours forever!
Thank you all again for your prayers. I have a feeling there will be good and bad days mixed together over the next weeks. We love you all and are so thankful!
Monday, December 8, 2014
Journey to Jadyn Grace... Gotcha day, Mon Dec 8th... China Day 3
Obviously a HUGE day in this journey, gotcha day came with many surprises and lots of excitement!
Our appointment time was not until 2:30 so we kind of sat around and twiddled our thumbs all day. John, as any of you that know him can imagine, was very fidgety. He couldn't stop messing with stuff, needed to just be there and get it done. I was overcome with an emotion that never occurred to me. I could not stop thinking about what we were about to do to this precious little girl. Sure, we sent her a photo album to be being prepared, but at 2 years old how much can you really understand that you're leaving the only family you've ever known and moving half way around the world with these new people, I mean really! I was consumed with grief and guilt! Now, believe me, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that God placed this little girl in our family, that she was my daughter; but in this moment that was about to occur I was the bad guy, I was the "stranger", I was the one taking her away from all she'd ever known, I was the one turning her world upside down. I could not overcome it. My sadness for her about this was nothing I ever imagined I would feel, I was not prepared for it. Needless to say, I couldn't eat or barely think.
We left for our meeting at 1:30. We arrived 30 minutes earlier than expected so we had to just and wait outside the room in a tiny entrance.
Now, understand, there are 4 families total in this province bringing home their beautiful children. We all are in this small almost entry way/foyer type space right when you get off the elevator. We were told on the way there (3 of us traveled together there as we use the same agency) that our 3 children were all from different parts of the province. One of them about 4 hours away, one of them a couple hours away and our precious one was actually in this city. When we arrived at the civil affairs office we found out that the child from farthest away would be early and that our baby would be probably late.
So picture this... we are sitting in this foyer just off the elevator outside of the office. We know there will be children coming up the elevator but we don't know what order. Every time the elevator lights would come on we'd all hold our breath, then nothing. Suddenly the light stopped at us. The doors opened and out comes this precious 13 yr old boy that immediately knew who his parents were. He ran to them and hugged them and quickly started trying to talk and communicate with them. It was one of the most precious things I'd ever seen in my life, even if it was happening at basically the top of the elevator! At the same time there is a shy, precious little 2 year old boy that is trying to meet his new parents at the same time (the 4th couple from another agency). He was so overwhelmed. I felt so bad for them and those kids right then. We stood there for about 5 more minutes until the office doors opened, without any more babies coming. When we got into the office it was like a big meeting area with offices off the sides and a little play area for the kids. There were couches and tables and chairs and such for us to sit around. The 2 families that had met their children were happily learning about their kids, talking with the representatives from their orphanages, and playing with their boys. Still, the other family and us... we waited, and waited, and waited! Finally the sound of the elevator ding... in walks an adorable little almost 4 year old to meet her forever family. Okay, seriously, it's been over 30 minutes now and our baby girl lives here, where in the world are they?!?!?!?! For 15 more minutes we stood there, watching these precious families meeting and loving on their new babies. Finally, the elevator dinged again and in walked the most precious little girl you have ever seen! She was a little hesitant at first, but we walked over to her and knelt down in front of her and she ran over to us saying "baba, mama" knowing exactly who we were! It was absolutely amazing! We couldn't believe what was happening, it literally was like a dream. She laughed, played, talked, we went through her photo album and she told us about her brothers and sister waiting for us at home, it was seriously amazing!
We spent about an hour there and then it was time to load up the bus and get these precious kiddos to the hotel. The others were doing well, but pretty quiet. Not our baby girl. She was having so much fun that our guide, who works for our agency, commented that this did not seem like the first day for her to meet us.
We got back to the hotel and the fun continued. We played with blocks, we played on the ipad, we played with the baby doll, all kinds of things. We were having so much fun that we skipped dinner having cheerios and water instead.
It became time to get ready for bed so I decided to bathe her. I was a little bit concerned not knowing if she'd had a full bath before or not. I filled the tub up just a few inches and let her play. She seemed to enjoy so we started washing. She did ok, until I got to much water over her face. She got a little upset but I wiped her off and she was better. I wrapped her up and dried her off and put her pajamas on... then everything changed!
I guess she thought we were leaving at that point. She grabbed her shoes and brought them to me and pointed and grabbed my hand toward the door. She was done, ready to "go home". When I picked her up and put her shoes back on the ground and walked away from the door the tears started. She cried and cried and cried. I was thankful for her to finally have a "normal" reaction to what had happened in the morning but it was so sad. One good thing was that she clung to me. She wasn't trying to get down, she wasn't mad, she was just sad, and she just cried. For about 45 min. She finally calmed down and I put her in bed with us. It was about 9:00 and her papers said her bedtime was 9:30 so we were hoping sleep would come soon. I handed her the ipad and she played for a little bit. She stuck her precious fingers in her mouth and covered her eyes with her other hand. She was almost asleep and suddenly sat straight up. No crying, no whimpering, nothing. She quickly climbed over me and onto the floor. Over the next 2 hours she would pace that floor more times than you can imagine. It will be one of the most precious memories for me of this whole trip I can promise. She held her 2 little fingers in her mouth and walked back and forth from John to me. She refused to get in the bed and it wasn't worth the fight. She needed to watch us, to see what we would do, to know that we were there and it was ok. She would walk around to John and just stand there and look at him. Every once in a while she'd reach up and hold his hand, or climb on his foot, watching all the time. Then she'd walk over to my side and just look. She'd lay her head on the edge of the bed, then walk back and forth again. About half way through this time every time John got up she'd follow him, everywhere he went! She'd just walk right behind him to wherever he was going then back to the bed, never touching him or letting him touch her, just following and watching. It was incredible to watch, and oh such a sweet time. Finally, at 11:00, she was walking at the end of the bed and she put her hand up over her eyes. She literally almost fell asleep standing. I reached over and picked her up, she laid her sweet head on my shoulder and was out! I rocked her for a few minutes to make sure she was good and asleep and I climbed in bed and laid her between us. That precious angel slept right there all night long.
It was an amazing day, a long day, a tiring day, but a day full of joy and hope!
Our appointment time was not until 2:30 so we kind of sat around and twiddled our thumbs all day. John, as any of you that know him can imagine, was very fidgety. He couldn't stop messing with stuff, needed to just be there and get it done. I was overcome with an emotion that never occurred to me. I could not stop thinking about what we were about to do to this precious little girl. Sure, we sent her a photo album to be being prepared, but at 2 years old how much can you really understand that you're leaving the only family you've ever known and moving half way around the world with these new people, I mean really! I was consumed with grief and guilt! Now, believe me, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that God placed this little girl in our family, that she was my daughter; but in this moment that was about to occur I was the bad guy, I was the "stranger", I was the one taking her away from all she'd ever known, I was the one turning her world upside down. I could not overcome it. My sadness for her about this was nothing I ever imagined I would feel, I was not prepared for it. Needless to say, I couldn't eat or barely think.
We left for our meeting at 1:30. We arrived 30 minutes earlier than expected so we had to just and wait outside the room in a tiny entrance.
Now, understand, there are 4 families total in this province bringing home their beautiful children. We all are in this small almost entry way/foyer type space right when you get off the elevator. We were told on the way there (3 of us traveled together there as we use the same agency) that our 3 children were all from different parts of the province. One of them about 4 hours away, one of them a couple hours away and our precious one was actually in this city. When we arrived at the civil affairs office we found out that the child from farthest away would be early and that our baby would be probably late.
So picture this... we are sitting in this foyer just off the elevator outside of the office. We know there will be children coming up the elevator but we don't know what order. Every time the elevator lights would come on we'd all hold our breath, then nothing. Suddenly the light stopped at us. The doors opened and out comes this precious 13 yr old boy that immediately knew who his parents were. He ran to them and hugged them and quickly started trying to talk and communicate with them. It was one of the most precious things I'd ever seen in my life, even if it was happening at basically the top of the elevator! At the same time there is a shy, precious little 2 year old boy that is trying to meet his new parents at the same time (the 4th couple from another agency). He was so overwhelmed. I felt so bad for them and those kids right then. We stood there for about 5 more minutes until the office doors opened, without any more babies coming. When we got into the office it was like a big meeting area with offices off the sides and a little play area for the kids. There were couches and tables and chairs and such for us to sit around. The 2 families that had met their children were happily learning about their kids, talking with the representatives from their orphanages, and playing with their boys. Still, the other family and us... we waited, and waited, and waited! Finally the sound of the elevator ding... in walks an adorable little almost 4 year old to meet her forever family. Okay, seriously, it's been over 30 minutes now and our baby girl lives here, where in the world are they?!?!?!?! For 15 more minutes we stood there, watching these precious families meeting and loving on their new babies. Finally, the elevator dinged again and in walked the most precious little girl you have ever seen! She was a little hesitant at first, but we walked over to her and knelt down in front of her and she ran over to us saying "baba, mama" knowing exactly who we were! It was absolutely amazing! We couldn't believe what was happening, it literally was like a dream. She laughed, played, talked, we went through her photo album and she told us about her brothers and sister waiting for us at home, it was seriously amazing!
We spent about an hour there and then it was time to load up the bus and get these precious kiddos to the hotel. The others were doing well, but pretty quiet. Not our baby girl. She was having so much fun that our guide, who works for our agency, commented that this did not seem like the first day for her to meet us.
We got back to the hotel and the fun continued. We played with blocks, we played on the ipad, we played with the baby doll, all kinds of things. We were having so much fun that we skipped dinner having cheerios and water instead.
It became time to get ready for bed so I decided to bathe her. I was a little bit concerned not knowing if she'd had a full bath before or not. I filled the tub up just a few inches and let her play. She seemed to enjoy so we started washing. She did ok, until I got to much water over her face. She got a little upset but I wiped her off and she was better. I wrapped her up and dried her off and put her pajamas on... then everything changed!
I guess she thought we were leaving at that point. She grabbed her shoes and brought them to me and pointed and grabbed my hand toward the door. She was done, ready to "go home". When I picked her up and put her shoes back on the ground and walked away from the door the tears started. She cried and cried and cried. I was thankful for her to finally have a "normal" reaction to what had happened in the morning but it was so sad. One good thing was that she clung to me. She wasn't trying to get down, she wasn't mad, she was just sad, and she just cried. For about 45 min. She finally calmed down and I put her in bed with us. It was about 9:00 and her papers said her bedtime was 9:30 so we were hoping sleep would come soon. I handed her the ipad and she played for a little bit. She stuck her precious fingers in her mouth and covered her eyes with her other hand. She was almost asleep and suddenly sat straight up. No crying, no whimpering, nothing. She quickly climbed over me and onto the floor. Over the next 2 hours she would pace that floor more times than you can imagine. It will be one of the most precious memories for me of this whole trip I can promise. She held her 2 little fingers in her mouth and walked back and forth from John to me. She refused to get in the bed and it wasn't worth the fight. She needed to watch us, to see what we would do, to know that we were there and it was ok. She would walk around to John and just stand there and look at him. Every once in a while she'd reach up and hold his hand, or climb on his foot, watching all the time. Then she'd walk over to my side and just look. She'd lay her head on the edge of the bed, then walk back and forth again. About half way through this time every time John got up she'd follow him, everywhere he went! She'd just walk right behind him to wherever he was going then back to the bed, never touching him or letting him touch her, just following and watching. It was incredible to watch, and oh such a sweet time. Finally, at 11:00, she was walking at the end of the bed and she put her hand up over her eyes. She literally almost fell asleep standing. I reached over and picked her up, she laid her sweet head on my shoulder and was out! I rocked her for a few minutes to make sure she was good and asleep and I climbed in bed and laid her between us. That precious angel slept right there all night long.
It was an amazing day, a long day, a tiring day, but a day full of joy and hope!
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Journey to Jadyn Grace, Day 2
It's Sunday evening right now where we are and we have had a busy day!
We got up this morning and headed to the airport. We were a little anxious because this would be the beginning of the part of our trip where we would be without our friends. We got into the van with the other family that was traveling to the same province as us, that we did not know, and began conversing with them about our journeys and such and come to find out they are believers as well. It was so comforting to be traveling with another family with the same hope and rock as we have.
We arrived at the airport for a 2 1/2 hour flight. We landed in Wuhan City at about 1:30 and met our guide for the week. Our friends had been telling us about their guide from their first trip and about how wonderful she was and how they hoped we would get someone like her. Turns out we have that same guide. GOD IS SO GOOD!, and they were right, she is amazing and we've only spent a couple of hours with her. She got us checked into our hotel and then took us on a tour of the area, where we could shop, what was safe to eat, etc. We met another family here that will be finishing the trip with us as well.
We took a trip to the local "walmart" and wow is it not really like walmart! Much more like a sears with a grocery store, sort of. Kind of hard to explain but yeah, crazy!
We headed to the mall to have dinner, MCDONALD'S!!!, and look around a little. This city is definitely much more culture shock then Beijing was.
We found out today that our baby girl was actually born in this city and this is where she has been living. So we could be right down the street from her right now, or she could be 30 min away, but CRAZY!!!!
They brought us a crib to our hotel room, and that is unbelievable - to have a crib in our room?!?!?! It's definitely getting real!
Please pray that tomorrow (tonight your time) would go great! Our appointment at the Civil Affairs office is at 2:30. That's when they'll bring us our princess and she will be ours! It's quite overwhelming, actually, to even think about for me. I can't even fathom what that moment tomorrow is going to be like.
Thank you all so much, again!
We got up this morning and headed to the airport. We were a little anxious because this would be the beginning of the part of our trip where we would be without our friends. We got into the van with the other family that was traveling to the same province as us, that we did not know, and began conversing with them about our journeys and such and come to find out they are believers as well. It was so comforting to be traveling with another family with the same hope and rock as we have.
We arrived at the airport for a 2 1/2 hour flight. We landed in Wuhan City at about 1:30 and met our guide for the week. Our friends had been telling us about their guide from their first trip and about how wonderful she was and how they hoped we would get someone like her. Turns out we have that same guide. GOD IS SO GOOD!, and they were right, she is amazing and we've only spent a couple of hours with her. She got us checked into our hotel and then took us on a tour of the area, where we could shop, what was safe to eat, etc. We met another family here that will be finishing the trip with us as well.
We took a trip to the local "walmart" and wow is it not really like walmart! Much more like a sears with a grocery store, sort of. Kind of hard to explain but yeah, crazy!
We headed to the mall to have dinner, MCDONALD'S!!!, and look around a little. This city is definitely much more culture shock then Beijing was.
We found out today that our baby girl was actually born in this city and this is where she has been living. So we could be right down the street from her right now, or she could be 30 min away, but CRAZY!!!!
They brought us a crib to our hotel room, and that is unbelievable - to have a crib in our room?!?!?! It's definitely getting real!
Please pray that tomorrow (tonight your time) would go great! Our appointment at the Civil Affairs office is at 2:30. That's when they'll bring us our princess and she will be ours! It's quite overwhelming, actually, to even think about for me. I can't even fathom what that moment tomorrow is going to be like.
Thank you all so much, again!
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