It is very odd to be in China, completing an adoption, and worrying about what I need to finish our NEXT adoption.
Seriously. Odd.
But, that's my life these days.
We received our I800 (that's the US immigration) approval for little Alyssia on July 22nd. I've been emailing the NVC every day, but we haven't been cabled yet. I'm holding our hope for a Monday drop-off for our Article 5. That would put us waiting for TA mid-August!
Which means Brent may be able to travel for Alyssia before her second birthday (September 25). Maybe not, but we're still thinking it might happen.
Sigh. I have mixed feelings about this one. I want my sweet baby girl home as SOON as possible.......BUT.....I'm so not ready for Brent to be gone for 2 weeks.
It must be done, so I will get home and enjoy every minute of time we have together before he leaves.
And then we're ALL staying put. Together. For a very, very, very long time :)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Hot Pot Dinner....that wasn't so hot..
Kathy, Alivia, Keith, Dante, and Emma left for home yesterday.
God knew I would be feeling a little down yesterday afternoon, so he sent along another family, Ming and Christie, who have one son and adopted a 4 year old daughter this week. I had seen them in the hotel dining room during breakfast several mornings and we had chatted a bit. Ming is Chinese and likes to dine at more "local" places (more local than Lucy's, lol). They were trying out a "hot pot" restaurant and invited me and my girls to tag along.
As I've said before, they were heaven-sent :). God put the three of us solo-traveling parents together and our fun times together truly helped me not be lonely here in Guangzhou.
Until last night, when they were all gone.
God knew I would be feeling a little down yesterday afternoon, so he sent along another family, Ming and Christie, who have one son and adopted a 4 year old daughter this week. I had seen them in the hotel dining room during breakfast several mornings and we had chatted a bit. Ming is Chinese and likes to dine at more "local" places (more local than Lucy's, lol). They were trying out a "hot pot" restaurant and invited me and my girls to tag along.
We walked several blocks to the restaurant, which, if you're familiar with Guangzhou, is underneath the Holiday Inn. Johanna held my hand the whole way there and back, and I don't blame her. China is a bit creepy at night, although I felt very safe with Ming, his family, and the local policemen I was keeping an eye on. :)
Anyway, I will admit, when I first saw the food at this restaurant, I was completely grossed out. We passed the buffet on the way to our table, and all of the food is raw. Vegetables, squid, goat, beef, lamb, lots of weird (to us Americans anyway!) food, at least half of which I had NO idea what it was.
 |
| The man pouring our tea had this REALLY long spout on his teapot. I was amazed. |
The idea behind the hot pot is that you start with a big bowl of broth in the center of the table. With your own heating element (the table) and temperature gage, you bring the broth to a boil. Everyone chooses different meats and vegetables from the buffet (they are raw, remember) and plops them into your now-boiling broth.
Like I said, I wasn't so sure at this point what I thought. I told Ming that it might be better for him to just choose what they liked and I would try it, since I was willing to try new foods, but not confident in my choosing abilities on the raw buffet.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised at how good the food tasted. Different foods were ready at different times, so we just picked out what we wanted and ate it. I especially enjoyed the beef, and dipped it in a spicy sauce that was yummy!
Unfortunately, after our walk home, I had another bad round of bonding-time with Mr. Toilet. I don't know what my deal is this trip. I can't seem to get rid of the "issue".....I will be honest: I'm feeling really drained physically. I did take a nap today, but I still feel rather faint. Our guide gave me some Chinese herbal medicine for diarreah, but I'm not sure if it's making me sick to my stomach as well? I'm praying I wake up tomorrow feeling better.
Speaking of tomorrow, I will be PACKING to go home tomorrow!!!! I am very ready to have all of my children under one roof soon. Tonight I was envisioning snuggling with all of them on my bed, and reading books to them.....sweet times that I've really missed!
God has been so good to me and encouraged me with His word and through various people during this trip. I can't wait to see what adventures the last two day will bring!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
What's wrong with this?
After our consolate appointment this morning, we ordered KFC take-out for lunch.
Get this: 2 chicken sandwhiches, 2 sides of one wing/leg each, 2 drinks, and 5 nuggets.
Cost? 36 RMB. That's less than 6 dollars, ya'll.
Seriously, if it was that cheap to eat out in the states, I could afford to feed my children something besides the dollar menu. :)
Just thought you'd want to know.
Well, no, you probably didn't care to know. But I spent another night making friends with Mr. Toilet (second time this trip) and checking Skype to see how my sister was doing, so I'll claim sleep-deprivation and sickness as to why I'm posting a ridiculous post today.
Will you forgive me? :)
And yes, I'm the proud new aunt of a healthy little Liam Michael. I'm waiting on pictures and more details now!
Get this: 2 chicken sandwhiches, 2 sides of one wing/leg each, 2 drinks, and 5 nuggets.
Cost? 36 RMB. That's less than 6 dollars, ya'll.
Seriously, if it was that cheap to eat out in the states, I could afford to feed my children something besides the dollar menu. :)
Just thought you'd want to know.
Well, no, you probably didn't care to know. But I spent another night making friends with Mr. Toilet (second time this trip) and checking Skype to see how my sister was doing, so I'll claim sleep-deprivation and sickness as to why I'm posting a ridiculous post today.
Will you forgive me? :)
And yes, I'm the proud new aunt of a healthy little Liam Michael. I'm waiting on pictures and more details now!
Interruption
I know I've been primarily blogging about our family's adoption journey lately. Okay, that's ALL I've been blogging about!
But tonight, while my girls are sleeping and the people on the streets of Guangzhou are definitely NOT, my beautiful younger sister is in labor with her second child....
I was supposed to be her doula.
And it's killing me.
I did get to skype with her twice so far. Her contractions were getting closer together and pretty intense the last time we talked. I'm pretty sure not too many people have coached someone through contractions via Skype, but I'm thankful for the few minutes I got to experience with her.
I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow with a new nephew. :)
But I still wish I could be there. Right now. To hold her hand and tell her what an amazing woman she is.
I love you, Lauren!
But tonight, while my girls are sleeping and the people on the streets of Guangzhou are definitely NOT, my beautiful younger sister is in labor with her second child....
I was supposed to be her doula.
And it's killing me.
I did get to skype with her twice so far. Her contractions were getting closer together and pretty intense the last time we talked. I'm pretty sure not too many people have coached someone through contractions via Skype, but I'm thankful for the few minutes I got to experience with her.
I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow with a new nephew. :)
But I still wish I could be there. Right now. To hold her hand and tell her what an amazing woman she is.
I love you, Lauren!
Imagine
Imagine for a moment:
You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fianc?e. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by "soul mate," for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.
The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world?the person who will be with you for the rest of your life.
The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face.
But IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved?
You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back,...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay.
But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him?
Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone.
You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact.
Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it.
More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you?
You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried.
The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you.
You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy. The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy.
The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to "get along." You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation.
Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair.
Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before.
He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black.
You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss. The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to sleep.
People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness.
Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along.
Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait.
--Written by Cynthia Hockman-Chupp, analogy courtesy of Dr. Kali Miller
I think this speaks for itself. This is, in essence, what our adopted children are going through.
God grant me the ability to keep this vision in my mind at all times, but especially when the trials come, and to give my time, my love, my energy, my very ALL to help my children thrive in spite of all they have lost.
You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fianc?e. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by "soul mate," for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.
The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world?the person who will be with you for the rest of your life.
The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face.
But IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved?
You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back,...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay.
But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him?
Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone.
You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact.
Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it.
More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you?
You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried.
The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you.
You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy. The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy.
The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to "get along." You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation.
Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair.
Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before.
He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black.
You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss. The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to sleep.
People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness.
Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along.
Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait.
--Written by Cynthia Hockman-Chupp, analogy courtesy of Dr. Kali Miller
I think this speaks for itself. This is, in essence, what our adopted children are going through.
God grant me the ability to keep this vision in my mind at all times, but especially when the trials come, and to give my time, my love, my energy, my very ALL to help my children thrive in spite of all they have lost.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Another Day
Those of you who've adopted from China probably already know this fact, but for the rest of you reading---I'll let you in on a little secret: The trip starts to get old towards the end. :)
I've eaten at all of the good places, I've finalized the adoption, I've bought a few treasures for my children waiting at home, and I've visited the orphanage. Just let me go home now! LOL
Ellie cried hard on Skype last night. I miss her, too. And my baby! Ethan is so little and I need me some "nuggles" from him!
But here, on the China end of things, we are doing really well. Thank you for all of your excellent advice. I especially loved the tip to read Isaiah 43! I read it today, during my quiet time, and it was a tremendous encouragement!
Johanna had a wonderful day. The "issue" we had yesterday presented itself again today, and she obeyed this time :) Such a blessing!!!! I told her how proud I was of her and I wish you could have seen her smile.....
We had some lovely tickle-chase-pillow-fights today! Johanna LOVES for me to chase her and tickle her. It may seem rather "childish", but these older kids missed out on the "normal" stages of childhood. Often, they will revert back and work through many of those missed stages once they are adopted. So it is completely normal for her to act younger than she is for awhile. I think it's adorable. She just laughs and laughs! What fun we will all have when all of the children are together at home!
Oh, dear, there I go again, thinking about home. LOL Can you tell I just talked with my Hubby and I'm missing himALOT just a little? :)
I asked Johanna via google translate if she is excited to go home to America. She said, "yes". Then tonight, Ellie showed Johanna her dolls (they're the Elsie Dinsmore dolls from the Life of Faith collection) and explained that one doll was "Johanna's doll" and one doll was "Ellie's doll". Johanna clearly understood and got SO excited I think she would have grabbed the doll through the screen if she could have.
Made me wonder: Has this child ever even owned a doll?
Think about that one for a while, especially the next time you're annoyed at how many of your children's toys are on the floor.
I know I'l be thinking about it, both tonight, and for some time to come.......
"Oh, God, help us to make a difference, one child at a time....."
I've eaten at all of the good places, I've finalized the adoption, I've bought a few treasures for my children waiting at home, and I've visited the orphanage. Just let me go home now! LOL
Ellie cried hard on Skype last night. I miss her, too. And my baby! Ethan is so little and I need me some "nuggles" from him!
But here, on the China end of things, we are doing really well. Thank you for all of your excellent advice. I especially loved the tip to read Isaiah 43! I read it today, during my quiet time, and it was a tremendous encouragement!
Johanna had a wonderful day. The "issue" we had yesterday presented itself again today, and she obeyed this time :) Such a blessing!!!! I told her how proud I was of her and I wish you could have seen her smile.....
We had some lovely tickle-chase-pillow-fights today! Johanna LOVES for me to chase her and tickle her. It may seem rather "childish", but these older kids missed out on the "normal" stages of childhood. Often, they will revert back and work through many of those missed stages once they are adopted. So it is completely normal for her to act younger than she is for awhile. I think it's adorable. She just laughs and laughs! What fun we will all have when all of the children are together at home!
Oh, dear, there I go again, thinking about home. LOL Can you tell I just talked with my Hubby and I'm missing him
I asked Johanna via google translate if she is excited to go home to America. She said, "yes". Then tonight, Ellie showed Johanna her dolls (they're the Elsie Dinsmore dolls from the Life of Faith collection) and explained that one doll was "Johanna's doll" and one doll was "Ellie's doll". Johanna clearly understood and got SO excited I think she would have grabbed the doll through the screen if she could have.
Made me wonder: Has this child ever even owned a doll?
Think about that one for a while, especially the next time you're annoyed at how many of your children's toys are on the floor.
I know I'l be thinking about it, both tonight, and for some time to come.......
"Oh, God, help us to make a difference, one child at a time....."
Just some pictures of girls and our friends...
 |
| Emma was adopted one day before Johanna. It took them a few days (they're both rather shy) but now we can't get them to stop talking, laughing and playing together! |
 |
| Gabbey and Kathy's daughter Alivia. These two have been ADORABLE when they play together. They can't talk, but that hasn't seemed to hinder their communication a bit! |
 |
| Kathy and Alivia (this is Kathy's 8th child, 6th girl from China!). Kathy has been a GREAT blessing to me, giving me someone to talk with and eat with, and easing my loneliness! Praise the Lord for His blessings. |
 |
| This cutie is all ours :)...I've noticed quite a few setbacks in her attachment/security this week. She has been GLUED to Mommy again. I don't know if she can remember China, but it sure seems like it. I'll be glad to get her home to her Daddy and siblings who adore her :) |
 |
| SISTERS!!!! |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)