Cave photos... and the panty hose (I mean socks) Clayton bought for a deal on the train!!!!

 

Have Horn, Not Afraid to Use It!!!

If you have been to China you know that anyone that has a car should be required to have this bumper sticker on their car. Well we found out today that it is true for boats too!!

 

We had a fun time on the Li River Cruise. The mountains are absolutely beautiful. Like nothing we have ever seen before. If you have time look at my new shutterfly album and you’ll see them and the caves we visited after the cruise. Clayton was able to share the gospel message with our guide today so please pray for John. He is an atheist and has bought into a lot of the world lies about what makes a person content in this life.

 

Menqian is still doing amazingly well. She is starting to get more comfortable with us… if being crazy and silly and giggly means more comfortable. She will fit right in with the rest of the family. We think that Grace and Faith have provided a lot of comfort for her. Not as intimidating as us big people. It’s a good thing Grace and Faith go home with us too. Grace and Faith had a much better day and we are going to bed early tonight. We will be traveling by train back to Nanning to get paperwork and Menqian’s passport. Then we will go immediately to Guangzhou by plane so please pray for a safe and fruitful journey. We met a very neat person on the train on the way here Wednesday who was a blessing to us.  We get to spend 6 days there so we will be able to be settled more.

 

Isaac and Joshua will be with Clayton’s mom this weekend at our home so please pray for his mom and that the boys would be understanding that they will need to leave to go back to my parents’ house. THEN it will only be 5 days until we get home, Lord willing. Thanks again for your prayers! We appreciate all of you so much!

 

We love you Isaac and Joshua. Have a really fun time with Nene!!!

 

Isaac and Joshua.... here's the train we rode!

 

Again.... What a Day!!! Overwhelmed at God's answered prayers!

I’m not even sure yet how to put into words what happened today. Honestly I thought about not even posting yet but I know everyone wants to know how our meeting with Menqian’s foster family went so I guess I’ll just do my best and write more about it after I have a few days to process it all.

 

We rode the train from Nanning to Guilin this morning and saw a lot of China’s country side. Very poor rural areas. I’ll post more about that another day I’m sure.

 

But at 3pm we were to meet her foster family and some caregivers from Guilin orphanage. As we pulled into the orphanage Menqian saw her grandmother… she ran out of the car and hugged her. We immediately followed and took lots of pictures (208 photos and videos today to be exact). Then we went into the office of the orphanage and spoke with the director for a little while. The whole time people were coming in and out giving greetings to Menqian and we’d take photos…. One day soon she can tell us their names. Then we went with the director and our translator to the courtyard area and officially met the foster mom, dad, and grandma. Her China mom, dad, and nai nai…. She is obviously closest to her foster grandma (nai nai). We exchanged thank you’s about a million times, told them that they have done a wonderful job with Menqian. Her nai nai told us not to spoil her…. We promised to love and care for her and that she’d turn into a wonderful young woman. We exchanged gifts…. We gave them a handmade bowl set, with our contact info in the bag. They gave all our girls red envelopes with money and it had a note in it for Menqian along with their contact info.

 

They asked if we could have dinner with them so we ended up taking them, the orphanage director, a person with foster care, the foster uncle, brother, and nephew to a very fun dinner…. More pictures of the goose and fish (head and all) to follow! J Really words just can’t express at this point the gratefulness…. Almost Cinderalla(ish) way this has all worked out. They seem to genuinely love Menqian and have actually cared for her since she was very young because her China mom and China dad both work in the orphanage. They told us stories and personality traits about her. The foster grandmother and dad were moved to tears at several points.

 

We don’t think Menqian “really” understands what is happening even though they have all done a seemingly good job at explaining it even in our presence so please continue to pray for her. We are not sure when the actual realization that this is more than a see you later will hit but we need wisdom when it does.

 

Please pray for Grace and Faith too… they are both exhausted, ready for some rest, less business, etc. We will get some down time in Guangzhou but that is still 3 days away so please pray for supernatural, God given strength for us ALL. We really want to be able to enjoy our days in Menqian’s hometown. We love you all and covet your prayers.

 

Hi Isaac and Joshua… Menqian really likes seeing you on Skype. She tells people about seeing her di di’s on the computer. We love and miss you … only 9 more days till we see you. Daddy (and mommy) are ready to see some boys with all these girls around. We miss the constant gun fire noises! J See you soon!

What a Find!!

Menqian saw me packing her backpack for the train trip tomorrow and came over looking for something. She got her photo album out which she showed us yesterday to say that she knew who her brother’s were. Well… I had gone through all of her belongings, looked in every hole, pocket, crevice, etc. and was surprised that I didn’t find anything. Well I had failed to actually look through the photos…. I know, dumb me! She started showing me photos of her as a younger child, pictures of her photo family…. So I started looking behind the photos and yes I found two phone numbers. Like Clayton said it worked out well because now we have a set meeting between our two families and photos. There is a little boy who looks a few years older than Menqian so I’d like to find out who that is. She said his name is Joshua…. Interesting huh? Anyway thought I’d share our excitement for the moment.

Officially a Dinn and another Fun Day!

Having another great day! We signed the paperwork this morning to make Joy Angela Menqian officially ours and here are photos of some of the fun we had today!! Swimming, feeding huge fish, hamster balls, bumper cars, Pizza Hut, and WalMart!

 

We go to Guilin tomorrow so please pray for our meeting with her foster family and some care givers in the orphanage. Pray for Menqian’s and our Godly wisdom and understanding!

 

Angie

 

Hi Isaac and Joshua!! We love you and miss you a ton! See you on the computer soon!

More pictures from today.... Tuesday!

 

What A Day!!

Finally…. Here is what you all have been waiting for! We had a wonderful day. Menqian still doesn’t really realize she goes home with us. I guess it’s just hard to understand what a family is when you’ve really never had one and the only one you had was known to be temporary. We know we have a long road to go to show her what family is and means and for her to trust and attach to us as that forever family but we are concentrating on enjoying these moments of fun together as building blocks down the road to attachment.

 

Anyway… this is how the first meeting went down. Faith saw her pass the doorway of the room we were in. Then Clayton decided to go out and peek at her. About a minute later Menqian came bounding into the room. I don’t think her caregiver realized she had come in. No joke she came up to us and gave us a hug and showed us a book that she was holding about a cartoon character in China. Then, Clayton and I took turns playing with her and Grace and Faith while doing some paperwork. After the guide came up to the room with us we showed her her things we went to the park and had a blast. We went into the petting zoo and gardens area and then road some paddleboats. Super Fun!

 

Menqian’s favorite thing so far is her own digital camera like her sisters only a different color. She does everything they do! The picture of the three of them holding hands is one I have had in my mind for 10 months now. Praise the Lord it is finally a reality! Wow… what a day!!!

Today's the Day!

We are getting ready to meet Joy Menqian today at 3pm. Everyone is SO excited…. And nervous. Pray for a smooth transition, for wisdom for us in how to deal with things as they come up with Menqian, and please also pray for Grace. She woke up sick last night with a sore throat and fever. She is taking antibiotics that we brought and motrin. I was sick at home and for the first day here and I took some antibiotics for 2 days and feel lots better so we are hoping the same for Grace.  Please pray that she will get well quickly and no one else will get it.

 

I am not able to access blogspot from Nanning so I’m not able to read any comments. Please leave any comments on our shutterfly account as it is not blocked here. You can get there by clicking on Joy’s photo to the right. For those of you that have adopted in the 6-10 age range and are following along…. Please leave some encouraging surviving and thriving words because we need them. Like I said we are very excited AND nervous! Last night I was up for quite some time praying and saying verses about God knowing our thoughts, not being anxious He is in charge, God giving wisdom generously, Him planning our steps, nothing takes Him by surprise…..Thanks for praying with us!!

 

Next post, Lord willing, will include photos of Joy Menqian!!! It’s still hard to believe the day is actually here.

 

Angie

 

Love you Isaac and Joshua! We hear you had fun at Mattie’s ballgame and enjoyed playing ball with her and Papa afterwards! You boys are wonderful and we are so glad you are having so much fun. You’ll get to meet Joy soon!

Arrived and rested!

We are enjoying being in Nanning. We slept until 11am so we ate lunch at a nearby restaurant. It was kind of like a buffet…. It had pictures and you carry around your card and the cooks right down your order. It was good for the girls to have choices. But they didn’t like the western fried rice so they ate French fries and Faith liked some noodles that were in my soup. The picture I attached of the girls at the restaurant probably doesn’t show the looks on their faces well enough but in the restaurant they had definite signs of culture shock!!

                                                                                                                     

We went to a wonderful park this afternoon. The girls played on these hamster ball things that float in the water. Just don’t look mom… my stomach hurt the whole time they were riding but they thought it was awesome!

 

We seem to be the only Americans in the city… at least that we’ve seen. We went to the grocery store near the hotel and it had lots of options. The girls found some snacks that we had brought home with Joshua so they are eating those and some Orange soda and Sprite. I think they are going to survive on Ramen noodles.

 

We love you Joshua and Isaac and can’t wait to see you on Skype Sunday! We know you are having fun with Nana and Papa!

Getting Closer....

Almost to Nanning.... wow over 24 hours on planes, train, and automobiles is a long time! Everyone has done wonderful though and we are ready for SLEEP laying down. Here are some photos of the girls riding the moving sidewalk in Shanghai and us sleeping for some of the 9 hour layover there. The girls are having to get used to being celebraties. Faith already had a group of people want to take their picture with her when she was checking in with Clayton for our last flight. We keep telling Grace "Just smile and wave" and "Cute and Cuddly" to quote the penguins in Madagascar!

 

You can see all the photos by clicking on Joy's photo to the right! Thanks for your prayers.... we meet Joy Menqian in one day!

 

Love,

All of us

We're on our way.....

We love you Isaac and Joshua! Have a fun day with Nana and Papa!

 

In two days we meet Joy! On this day two years ago we were on our way home with Joshua… who would have thought?!

Test Post

Just testing to see if I can blog from my email account. One more day and the journey begins…. Joshua is trying to kick me out the door after he saw the bag of presents that we have for he and Isaac. He’s saying, “You go China NOW… me go Papa’s house open presents.” We have them a little something to unwrap once a day while we are gone. So nice to know his love can be bought. Isaac is just looking at him like he’s crazy and I just imagine him thinking, “I can’t be bought off and you, little brother, have no idea how long two weeks really is!”

 

Our flight leaves Friday at 6:30am so we are staying at my parents house to tuck the boys in and then 3:30am will come early to get up and out the door. Thanks dad for taking us… after getting into Atlanta yourself at 11pm Thurs. night.

 

I’m hoping to email posts to the blog but remember to click on Joy MenQian’s picture to the right to see all our photos and more of the journey.

 

Thank you for praying for a safe trip!

 

Our Travel Plans....

We are getting packed and ready to go. Here is our travel itinerary. One week from today we will, Lord willing, have met Joy Men Qian. Up until this point travel approval has been the finish mark. The end of the great paper chase. Next Monday it will be the starting mark. Life as a family of 7 instead of 6.

I look at these and make plans in my head but am reminded of Proverbs 19:21:

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Please pray with us that on Wednesday, April 28th and Thursday, April 29th we will be able to meet those that have cared for Joy MenQian including possibly her foster family. We also would love to have a party with some of her friends by being able to take them to McDonald's, the park, or something. Please pray that God would make a way for these things to happen. Meeting those that have cared for Joy and having a party for her friends are at the orphanage's convenience and discretion.

April 25: Family arrives in Nanning on Flight CZ3209 (1:30am), guide will meet them at airport and transfer to Majestic Hotel. Rest during the day.

April 26: In the morning, do paperwork at the hotel. In the afternoon, go to the Civil Affairs to meet their child and sign the agreement.

April 27: Go to the Civil Affairs again for the adoption registration, notarization and apply for the child’s passport.

April 28: Take the morning train from Nanning to Guilin, transfer to Guilin Bravo Hotel. Visit Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill in the afternoon.

April 29: One day Li River Cruise with lunch on the boat.

April 30: Travel from Guilin to Nanning by morning train. Pick up the passport in the afternoon. Fly from Nanning to Guangzhou on Flight ZH9579 (19:55-20:55), transfer to Victory Hotel.

May 1: Take visa photo for the child. Go to Guangzhou International Healthcare Center for medical exam and TB skin test.

May 2: Visit the Safari Park.

May 3: Pick up TB test result.

May 4: 9:00 visa appointment at US Consulate.

May 5: Oath-taking ceremony at the Consulate.

May 6: Pick up the visa in the afternoon. Take Flight CA1328 (19:00-22:00) from Guangzhou to Beijing. Transfer to Holiday Inn Lido Hotel.

May 7: Visit Tian An Men Square and the Great wall with lunch.

May 8: Leave Beijing for home on Flight CO88 (15:45), transfer to airport.

Phew... I feel tired, overwhelmed, blessed, and unbelievably excited just looking at it!! I am going to try to email posts from China to the blog but we will also be putting all our pictures in the Shutterfly account. You can get there by clicking on Joy's picture on the side bar. I am excited about this because the girls will all have little digital cameras and I'll put their photos into their own folders on our Shutterfly page. It'll be neat to see how each child views the trip... maybe it will give us a glimpse into Joy's personality and heart.

Travel Dates!!

Sorry it took me 3 days instead of 1 to post our plans. True to the nature of adoption it took a little more time. We had to make sure we could get a hotel in Guangzhou during the last part of the Trade Show.

We have our tickets bought and are leaving on Friday, April 23 and will return on Sunday, May 9 (Mother's Day). Our Consulate Appointment is May 4th. As you can see from the photo above I am busying packing... well not really packing it's more like taking inventory. Joy MenQian's bag is packed though and as you can see from the wrapper on the bed so are the M&M's. I have heard that M&M's and Skittles can be used as distractions so we have quite few. After all an 8 year old or anyone else for that matter can't possibly do all her grieving and understanding of her life's journeys in a two week time period anyway so we might as well provide as many distractions (comfort foods and games) as possible. I have fingernail polish, hair bows, travel games, etc. Any other ideas that are cheap and easy to pack are much appreciated!

Please continue to pray for our journey, Joy MenQian's adjustment, trust, and attachment, and the boys with our parents and friends. Thanks for all your support, kind words and emails! We feel very loved and supported in every way.

Travel Approval and Windows into a Mom's Heart

I actually wrote this post Sunday afternoon since I had some time and was contemplating adoption. (We received our TA today, Monday and could travel as early as next Thurs., April 22nd. Still waiting to see if we get the Consulate Appointment for May 4th. I'll post tomorrow to let everyone know exact dates!)

Joy MenQian and China are even heavier on all of our hearts these days. We went to my parents this weekend and when we told Joshua we were going to Nana and Papa's he said, "You go China.". "No honey not yet but soon," I tell him.

I was purging and reclaiming MenQian's portion of the girls' room today which led me to alot of heartfelt, tearful prayer. The kind only a mom can pray for her babies. It is so amazing to me that I can love this child so much and only know about 7 pages worth of information about her. I have very few pictures of MenQian, none of which are of when she was younger. Adoption is best defined by the grafting in of someone that is not born in your womb but in your heart is something incredible. I took one last look at her bed as I left their room and just cried. I have a photo of her and her foster grandmother in there... I looked at it and just cried. I so want to meet those that have had an influence and will continue to have an influence, even from afar, in her life. People always joke about being overseas and getting to the Atlanta airport and wanting to kiss the ground. Me, I will want to do that when we arrive in China. I will soon share two children with the people of China and it makes China feel like a second home. I've always been intrigued by the people of China and it's culture and now even more so.

We will most likely have an opportunity to go to a Christian church in Guangzhou and I couldn't be more excited. Persecuted Christians have to be the most respected, amazing people in my opinion.

Our pastor preached on Ephesians 3:17-21 at church Sunday. The last verse sums up God's working in our lives and I just love being adopted into God's family.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."

God's plans always seem much bigger and much more amazing than anyone but Him could have ever dreamed for those that love Him and that know His Son, Jesus Christ, as their Savior from sin and death.

Please continue to pray with us for:

-A safe and wonderful journey in China
-Joy MenQian's adjustment, grief, and attachment to us
-For peace, fun, and safety for Isaac and Joshua with our parents and friends while we are away

We so appreciate your prayers. Whatever lies ahead I know it'll be comforting to know others' have made this journey before us and are praying for us all.

What to do when you're feeling discouraged?

Besides moose tracks ice cream I am really trying to stay very busy these days. Earlier this week everyone with the Article 5 date that we were supposed to have received their travel approvals so I just feel kind of bummed. We are making some guessing about when it could come but quite frankly I'm tired of guessing. So we went camping with some friends for spring break and had a very fun time just hanging out with them.









As I was cleaning out the camper today I did think about the fact that Lord willing next time we go camping we will have 5 kids in here. Didn't Clayton do an amazing job turning our 4 bunk camper into a 5 bunk one? He moved the top two bunks down some and then put in a fifth on top of the shelving unit in the back. Grace sleeps in the highest bunk and loves it. It's so nice to have a handy husband.






I also finished Joy's crosstitched verse for over her bed while we were there. I am reading this verse often as a reminder of it's truth.





Grace asked today why we didn't know when we were leaving yet. I once again explained the mix up between our agency and the person that was supposed to take our paperwork to the U.S. Consulate and the week and a half delay that happened as a result. She expressed her frustration that for about a month I've been saying we could travel in about 3-4 weeks to her. I proceeded to explain to her that I am as disappointed and frustrated as she is. I admit at those moments I'd really like to see God's greater plan. About 5 minutes later I heard her playing Jesus loves me on the piano and was grateful for the truthful reminder of God's working and love even when we can't see it in a situation.

I am so ready to get to China but I'm sure whenever we go will seem like the perfect time. Just ready to find out when that is!