Home Sweet Home

We are back in the states and this visit was much different than our last. Even though we had adopted from the same province 5 years ago, I did not feel prepared before we left and once we met our daughter I felt like I was in way.... over my head.  We love our daughter and nothing will change this but she came to us with a long list of issues we weren't expecting.  Before I share any of that though I want to share some pics. Our 14 days were filled with battles and struggles but also lots of joy, and every little glimpse we had of who this little girl was, kept us going.

Guangzhou

We just finished the last of our paperwork going to the US consulate and swearing in of Willow. Her visa will be issued tomorrow which allows us to bring her into the country. Our guide will deliver to us tomorrow.
  It seems we have been gone forever probably because it is so hard to get her to sit still for more than 30 seconds. However it does get better with each passing day.
  Yesterday we went to the local zoo. She was not impressed with any animal except gibbons. We saw pandas and when we showed her a miniature horse she said she only wanted to ride the cartoon kind.

One week with Willow

After a week things are slowly settling into a rhythm of sorts. This girl has way too much energy and spunk: it will serve her well for things to come.
  Every morning breakfast is a trial. She doesn't like many breakfast foods and her manners are atrocious. Then off on some sightseeing or paper work for 2 hours. We usually have lunch with a guide so that goes better as she seems to care what they think of her.
  Afternoons involve lots of chasing, (yes she can get around the room on her butt very well) her around and saying boo shur (no). Finally We load her up in wheelchair and walk around the city for diversion. This is a trial in Guangzhou where the sidewalks are bumpy tiles. We get tired of all the stares and obstacles and try to find something to eat for dinner.
 Yesterday we bought a dress she wanted and today she wants to dress pretty. We also tried the pool which was very cold but she loved and wanted to visit this morning at 7am.
 We do see growth as she now wants to be held and some affection. She also has Sat and played with us for short periods.
  Thankfully no breaks. Praying for continued strong bones.

One week

We have been in China for one week now and so many emotions. We met Willow on Monday, adopted her on Tuesday, visited orphanage on Wednesday, sightseeing on Thursday, spent day in airport trying to leave Shanghai on Friday and finally medical appointment in Guangzhou on Saturday.
 Willow is doing well physically. She has a strong will and fiesty spirit. She spits on us one minute and hugs us the next. Making progress in all areas.
  Dan and I value your continued prayers.

What a week

A week ago we had just received travel approval and were madly trying to find plane tickets. Since then I have taught at co-op, given out 3 grants through our non profit talked with doctors, driven boys to Toledo, had carpeting installed and watched Sarah go to prom. Life is busy but beautiful. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Here we go.

Sitting in Chicago airport waiting for plane ride to meet our daughter and start the process of love. Hope I can update in China so running a test.

TA, CA and Tickets.

    We had waited for our Travel Approval for 2 weeks, the normal time for most adoptive families and though we knew it could take longer, we were anxious. Dan had taken all his time off the last 2 weeks of April and that is when we planned to go. But with each passing day (there were 3 of them) our plan for leaving on the 15th looked less and less possible. Then on Thursday April 7th came the news we had TA!
     Good news, yet the agency wanted us to travel the last week in April and first week of May. Dan didn't have the time in May so it was travel in a week or wait till June.  We pushed ahead hoping to get our Consulate Appointment that last week which would allow us to Travel on our planned days.  We found out that same night that we were granted a Consulate Appointment on April 26th.  We could make plans to travel the 15th and meet our daughter on the 18th.
    Now, we had to find plane tickets. We did not plan on this being difficult; it hadn't been last go round. But with only 7 days, prices were steep and we spent 3 days searching for flights that were fairly direct in the right dates and didn't cost $3,000. Saturday night, I finally gave up trying to leave from Detroit and looked back at Cincinnati which was what we needed. Sunday morning Dan and I's tickets are bought and all seemed good. Now at almost 11pm at night I am still waiting to see if Willow's ticket purchase has gone through.

Can't wait to see what God has planned.

Preparations

I have made some purchases these past two weeks; time is getting short and we will soon have another child to love and care for. So I have bought a car seat, a small potty chair, a trundle bed and mattress among others. I have ace bandages, splinting supplies, diapers, medications, a waffle cushion and a wheelchair.

For some reason I feel less prepared than the last time we traveled to China in 2011. It may be because the last one happened in June and I am now still in our homeschool year, still teaching co-op, still running a non-profit and planning a senior graduation. I look at the pile of accumulating supplies in a box in my bedroom and I wonder how it will all fit. I look at our family: chaotic and going in many directions and wonder how our new daughter will fit.

God knows how it will all turn out and for that I am thankful.