This is my last post while in China. We will be taking off tomorrow morning for our long trip home. We will travel first to Beijing then to San Fransisco then to MN. We will arrive to our home around 9:00pm on Friday, after 29hrs of travel.
We are excited to get home and so thankful for the many people praying for us. We are so close to being home with all our children. We are also thankful for the many people that gave financially. Throughout this process we received just over $11,000.oo in donations to help get Elijah home. We are so thankful for the prayers and the money to help get him home. God has a plan for this cute little guy and we are blessed to have been chosen to be his family.
There are also other people we would like to thank. An American family that was living in China when Elijah needed 24 hr care in order to survive. They took him in and nursed back to health. He was staying with them when we found out about Elijah. This family helped Elijah to thrive when he was hardly given a chance for surviving. When they returned to the states a Chinese foster mother took him in until we could come get him. It was heartbreaking for Travis and I to come and get Elijah, knowing he was being so loved and spoiled! She had a huge bag of his favorite things to help comfort him.
This little boy has made an impact on many people. Even while here at the hotel he is already known as the boy that will smile and blow you a kiss. Having four kids already I can tell you he is going to be a handful, he is always on the go and thinks it's hilarious when he does something " naughty" - we can't do anything but turn around and try not to laugh.
Looking forward to being home.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
The hotel place where we're staying has many adoptive families. It's interesting, most of them come as a group and do everything together. Since we came by ourselves we haven't met too many of them, but I can tell you- it's super nice to see Americans once in a while. The first day we were here we met a couple at breakfast. They were adopting a young girl. The parents told me they have a couple older boys at home and actually adopted a young girl from China a few years back, but because of health reasons, she passed away. Wow! Heart breaking, but here they were again. Another family we met at the clinic. They had 5 biological kids and were in the process of adopting their 3 Chinese daughters. The youngest one was paralyzed from the waist down. A different morning at breakfast Travis and I counted a family with 8 Chinese children, along the 4 older children and a grandmother along– crazy! Yesterday we met a family who felt God wanted them to adopt and they have 4 other children at home. He is a music pastor at their church in Kentucky. Their daughter was more delayed than they were first told, but they knew they still made the right decision. Meeting or seeing these families has been so encouraging. I love how God makes families.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Thursday we got to spend Thanksgiving with some other Americans, even some from Minnesota. They even managed to get a turkey, which is quite rare in China. (If only I knew someone that worked for a turkey company that could change that.).
Friday we spent the day traveling from Shenyang to Guangzhou. We've learned that Elijah is not a fan of airports, however, he loves them compared to riding in a plane. His first flight was 4 hours, and he didn't sleep at all. Elijah is constantly on the move, so I think the seat on the plane was a little limiting for him. We finally got to our new hotel a little after 9:00.
Speaking of things Elijah doesn't like, we had his medical appointment today. It was all routine stuff, basically a general exam with a test for TB at the end. He screamed anytime a nurse wanted to check something on him. We are greatful to be done with that. No we have no more appointments until Wednesday.
Our place of residence for the next week is very nice. Becky even got to lay outside for a little while by the pool today while Elijah napped.
Friday we spent the day traveling from Shenyang to Guangzhou. We've learned that Elijah is not a fan of airports, however, he loves them compared to riding in a plane. His first flight was 4 hours, and he didn't sleep at all. Elijah is constantly on the move, so I think the seat on the plane was a little limiting for him. We finally got to our new hotel a little after 9:00.
Speaking of things Elijah doesn't like, we had his medical appointment today. It was all routine stuff, basically a general exam with a test for TB at the end. He screamed anytime a nurse wanted to check something on him. We are greatful to be done with that. No we have no more appointments until Wednesday.
Our place of residence for the next week is very nice. Becky even got to lay outside for a little while by the pool today while Elijah napped.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Wednesday
Yesterday was super cold. We decided Travis would go out exploring to the Forbibbern city with our guide. Our guide is from south China And doesn't understand why people go out in the cold, but he was kind enough to take Travis. Travis had lots of fun, and he will have to post pics when we get home ( they r on a different camera)
Elijah and I stayed home. We played with all the toys-the ones we brought with and the ones his foster mom said he had to take with- because they were his favorite. And we watched some of his favorite DVDs. They were a little too much for me- singing .dancing. Something worse than "telatubbies"!! So we went for a walk in the hotel- and played in the kids room. There were four other little American kids there with their Chinese nannies. The nannies wanted to know why I was with this Chinese boy, they asked me over and over. I only know how to respond that I am his ma ma. I find myself responding in a mix of Japanese & Spanish, they have no idea what I am saying...and honestly I can't remember either (college was a long time ago)!
Travis came back to the hotel and Elijah was glad to see him. Travis is still not allowed to sit by me, hold my hand and defiantly not kiss my cheek. He will not let Travis carry him( he is SO heavy) or push his stroller. Elijah makes sure of this- he even sleeps between us. Elijah is a fast learner, I've been trying to get him to use sign language... He remembers while I am trying to put him down for a nap. He signs " shoes" and wants me to get them, he signs " water" and wants me to get it, he signs " potty" and wants to get up...he just wants to NOT lay down. He is so busy !!! When he finally falls asleep- he just crashes. Last night he was in the middle of dancing on the couch and just fell over into sleep. Cute.
In hopes of trying to stay awake longer we ventured out to a Chinese mall. A friend of ours showed Travis earlier, it was close by. It was very large, clothes shopping in all the above floors 15+. Then groceries below in the basements. There was a food of court with a glass floor- u could see 7 floors below. ( kinda creepy) We bought a few groceries and went back to our room to make spaghetti. I am so glad this room has a kitchenette, spaghetti is such a great comfort food for us.
Elijah and I stayed home. We played with all the toys-the ones we brought with and the ones his foster mom said he had to take with- because they were his favorite. And we watched some of his favorite DVDs. They were a little too much for me- singing .dancing. Something worse than "telatubbies"!! So we went for a walk in the hotel- and played in the kids room. There were four other little American kids there with their Chinese nannies. The nannies wanted to know why I was with this Chinese boy, they asked me over and over. I only know how to respond that I am his ma ma. I find myself responding in a mix of Japanese & Spanish, they have no idea what I am saying...and honestly I can't remember either (college was a long time ago)!
Travis came back to the hotel and Elijah was glad to see him. Travis is still not allowed to sit by me, hold my hand and defiantly not kiss my cheek. He will not let Travis carry him( he is SO heavy) or push his stroller. Elijah makes sure of this- he even sleeps between us. Elijah is a fast learner, I've been trying to get him to use sign language... He remembers while I am trying to put him down for a nap. He signs " shoes" and wants me to get them, he signs " water" and wants me to get it, he signs " potty" and wants to get up...he just wants to NOT lay down. He is so busy !!! When he finally falls asleep- he just crashes. Last night he was in the middle of dancing on the couch and just fell over into sleep. Cute.
In hopes of trying to stay awake longer we ventured out to a Chinese mall. A friend of ours showed Travis earlier, it was close by. It was very large, clothes shopping in all the above floors 15+. Then groceries below in the basements. There was a food of court with a glass floor- u could see 7 floors below. ( kinda creepy) We bought a few groceries and went back to our room to make spaghetti. I am so glad this room has a kitchenette, spaghetti is such a great comfort food for us.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Seven years ago
(Wide awake in the middle of the night)
About eight years ago Travis and I were on a date. We were living in Texas so I am sure Robin was watching our two children. I remember going to this place in west Plano, on Legacy drive. We went to a movie and had something to eat. Afterward we went and walked around talking about different things that married people with kids talk about. We didn't know then that we would be moving to Minnesota soon and we didn't know God was about to grow our family- adopting two children from Haiti. But I remember Travis talking about wanting to learn Chinese. He felt God wanted him to. Sure, it made sense --there was even a couple of Chinese people that just happened to walk past us. So he began to learn during his commute to work. Soon after we moved to Willmar. The only place he got to use Chinese would be to order food at the Golden Place. But he still continued - for fun.
Fast forward... Friday night we flew into Shenyang, China. During Our our flight from Chicago to Beijing we were told our guide would not be there to meet us. We weren't worried because we honestly thought someone would be there that spoke English. Well, we were so wrong. No one there knew any English. It was late and we just wanted to get to our hotel. Travis spoke enough Chinese to get us to our hotel and knew the currency rate to be able to pay in US dollars. Our guided showed up 2 days late, so Travis had plenty of practice, we even went out a couple times. (Not very far)
Eight years ago, if Travis said he was going learn Chinese so he could get us to our hotel safety, I would not have believed him. But here we are with Elijah. He is sleeping so peacefully & so should we be.
About eight years ago Travis and I were on a date. We were living in Texas so I am sure Robin was watching our two children. I remember going to this place in west Plano, on Legacy drive. We went to a movie and had something to eat. Afterward we went and walked around talking about different things that married people with kids talk about. We didn't know then that we would be moving to Minnesota soon and we didn't know God was about to grow our family- adopting two children from Haiti. But I remember Travis talking about wanting to learn Chinese. He felt God wanted him to. Sure, it made sense --there was even a couple of Chinese people that just happened to walk past us. So he began to learn during his commute to work. Soon after we moved to Willmar. The only place he got to use Chinese would be to order food at the Golden Place. But he still continued - for fun.
Fast forward... Friday night we flew into Shenyang, China. During Our our flight from Chicago to Beijing we were told our guide would not be there to meet us. We weren't worried because we honestly thought someone would be there that spoke English. Well, we were so wrong. No one there knew any English. It was late and we just wanted to get to our hotel. Travis spoke enough Chinese to get us to our hotel and knew the currency rate to be able to pay in US dollars. Our guided showed up 2 days late, so Travis had plenty of practice, we even went out a couple times. (Not very far)
Eight years ago, if Travis said he was going learn Chinese so he could get us to our hotel safety, I would not have believed him. But here we are with Elijah. He is sleeping so peacefully & so should we be.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Jesus has overcome
About 2 years ago Travis and I were so tired. We were in the middle of trying to help out our adopted son from Haiti get counseling. We were told that he had RAD and might never attach to us. (You can look it up if needed). I remember crying and praying one night in our living room with Travis, we just couldn't take the pain he was causing our family. On the outside our family maybe looked nice and put together, but honestly we falling apart. Through tears in my eyes I asked Travis and God, "why, why would this be so hard? How could something like adopting a child tear a nice family apart?" I felt God answer that it was a battle. "Satan doesn't ever want us to adopt again, & he has won this battle in our house" these words came from my mouth, but broke my heart into a thousand pieces.
Then something began to stir within in me. I felt we were to adopt again, but this time from China. I remember thinking taking deep breaths, " ok, China - that's going to take like 7 years, but maybe our hearts will be ready by then". I began to voice these thoughts to My wonderful husband- we NEVER agree on anything. ( we r madly in love- but r completely opposite, in everything except how we choose to raise our children). When I told him I thought God wanted us to adopt from China he didn't think I was serious. Even though our oldest son is planning on going there someday ( he is almost 13- & has been saving $ since he was little to go). Even though my husband was learning Chinese for fun. Even though I said I thought God wanted us to to. There was NO way we we're adopt again.
I read the book Radical. I was moved with the stories of real people doing hard things for God. People not excepting the easy way out, I thought of our journey. Would God be saddened at the way we put down the invisible line in our hearts that screamed "that's enough- we can't take anymore pain?" Or did he see us saying (or singing) "God, you are more than enough for me?"
One an April day my children and I were visiting Travis grandmother. During one of our conversations were talking about adopting. the topic of adoption is common in our extended family- there are 10 adoptions while Travis and i's family. Grandma simply asked a question "Do you guys think you will adopt from Haiti again?" (Travis's parents started an orphanage there about 12 years ago- many children in our family are from there) My answer was quick and kinda with a laugh "No, if we adopt I would like to from China". What happen next can only be understood by those who know Grandma. she said you have to see this email I just got. And into the office I followed her. she sat me down at the computer and pulled up a story of a little boy-- who just became "adoptable". He was taking in by a missionary couple that nursed him back to health after he almost died in an orphanage. Interesting. My kids and I left and I remember driving back into Willmar over the bridge, I was on the phone with my sister Marie, I told her I was maybe going to adopt a little boy from China. It was kinda of a joke- you see I hadn't told Travis yet. His answer would be "No".
Travis came home that night and we had dinner as a family. After the kids were in bed we talked about this email I had forwarded him. About this little boy in China. Travis told me he was going to contact our adoption agency. What???? You see that lunch break, Travis had been served by a young girl in the deli. he was overcome with emotion and had to sit in the hall. This young girl had Down syndrome. Just like our oldest niece. we love her like, well we love her like no one else. She brings so much joy to our hearts, joy and never sadness. She will never know how much she blesses our family. Then he received the email. This little boy from China also has Down syndrome. It took us less than 24 hrs to decide that God wanted us to adopt him. We would have many obstacles to overcome, but we would try.
Right now it's 1:09 am in China. We are counting down the hours until we get to meet this little boy. (We meet him at 9:30am) Quite honestly i feel like I am in labor. The process of getting to this point is overwhelming. Travis and I are worn. We should be sleeping, but we can't. We can't because of jet leg & we can't because we are so close. We are so close to meeting the little guy God found for us- the little guy on the other side of the world. The little guy we believe to be a blessing already. The little guy that helped us fight our family's dark secret- that the evil was winning. Jesus has overcome.
Then something began to stir within in me. I felt we were to adopt again, but this time from China. I remember thinking taking deep breaths, " ok, China - that's going to take like 7 years, but maybe our hearts will be ready by then". I began to voice these thoughts to My wonderful husband- we NEVER agree on anything. ( we r madly in love- but r completely opposite, in everything except how we choose to raise our children). When I told him I thought God wanted us to adopt from China he didn't think I was serious. Even though our oldest son is planning on going there someday ( he is almost 13- & has been saving $ since he was little to go). Even though my husband was learning Chinese for fun. Even though I said I thought God wanted us to to. There was NO way we we're adopt again.
I read the book Radical. I was moved with the stories of real people doing hard things for God. People not excepting the easy way out, I thought of our journey. Would God be saddened at the way we put down the invisible line in our hearts that screamed "that's enough- we can't take anymore pain?" Or did he see us saying (or singing) "God, you are more than enough for me?"
One an April day my children and I were visiting Travis grandmother. During one of our conversations were talking about adopting. the topic of adoption is common in our extended family- there are 10 adoptions while Travis and i's family. Grandma simply asked a question "Do you guys think you will adopt from Haiti again?" (Travis's parents started an orphanage there about 12 years ago- many children in our family are from there) My answer was quick and kinda with a laugh "No, if we adopt I would like to from China". What happen next can only be understood by those who know Grandma. she said you have to see this email I just got. And into the office I followed her. she sat me down at the computer and pulled up a story of a little boy-- who just became "adoptable". He was taking in by a missionary couple that nursed him back to health after he almost died in an orphanage. Interesting. My kids and I left and I remember driving back into Willmar over the bridge, I was on the phone with my sister Marie, I told her I was maybe going to adopt a little boy from China. It was kinda of a joke- you see I hadn't told Travis yet. His answer would be "No".
Travis came home that night and we had dinner as a family. After the kids were in bed we talked about this email I had forwarded him. About this little boy in China. Travis told me he was going to contact our adoption agency. What???? You see that lunch break, Travis had been served by a young girl in the deli. he was overcome with emotion and had to sit in the hall. This young girl had Down syndrome. Just like our oldest niece. we love her like, well we love her like no one else. She brings so much joy to our hearts, joy and never sadness. She will never know how much she blesses our family. Then he received the email. This little boy from China also has Down syndrome. It took us less than 24 hrs to decide that God wanted us to adopt him. We would have many obstacles to overcome, but we would try.
Right now it's 1:09 am in China. We are counting down the hours until we get to meet this little boy. (We meet him at 9:30am) Quite honestly i feel like I am in labor. The process of getting to this point is overwhelming. Travis and I are worn. We should be sleeping, but we can't. We can't because of jet leg & we can't because we are so close. We are so close to meeting the little guy God found for us- the little guy on the other side of the world. The little guy we believe to be a blessing already. The little guy that helped us fight our family's dark secret- that the evil was winning. Jesus has overcome.
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