Sorry all for the big gap in posts. It has been hard to find the time to get on and type anything. I really haven't had enough time to gather my thoughts. We are sitting in the hotel room right now with 2-1/2 hours left until we check out and head for the airport to go to Guangzhuo. They are wired and cannot wait to get on the airplane. I think it is 2 hours or less of a flight (I hope). I also just checked our long flight home and there are still some empty seats so maybe we will get lucky. I just saw though that the flight is 15 hours and 30 minutes. I did not realize it was that long. I think a double shot of melatonin is in order.
So, Thursday, let me think. I know that we got up, showered and had breakfast just like every other day. I get the same french toast, some "buttered" potatoes and one egg. If I am lucky I get to drink my drink before one of the girls takes it. They found Lotus root the other day - eh? That isn't something I will become a fan of. I can say this, they clean their plates every day.
We met Shelly downstairs to go to a local mall and walmart. We were supposed to go on a tour but it was raining, heavily, as she put it. She obviously has never seen a Florida storm. This walmart was actually a pretty small one but Debbie was able to find a flat iron. We broke the one she brought on the first day. We also got a "unique" outfit for Hope. She picked it out or Maggie picked it out for her, couldn't really tell. We were also able to get some books and something special for Abby and Jadyn. The mall was kind of a bust though. It was a very high end one with nothing but adult clothing, nothing for kids or even teens. We went out onto the walking street to this Balabala store where they were finally able to find some clothes. Maggie will only wear dresses and Hope, well, not so much but we were surprised, she did pick out one dress.
We headed back to the hotel around noon and our guide walked me ten miles to this "close" Pizza hut. Ok, maybe it was only a half mile but in China if you had to walk for your job I think they would consider it hazard pay. I almost lost my toes a couple times. Crossing the street is probably a challenge they could put on Survivor. I had to wait about 20 minutes for the pizza so Shelly took me into another high end mall to see what it was like. I can say this, the malls here are very nice and extremely expensive. There was really nothing that I would be interested in. I went ahead and let Shelly get back to her job and walked back to the hotel by myself. I'm waiting for my award that I made it back, Alive. The pizza went over half and half. Hope liked it but Maggie didn't. I believe we took another nap from around 1:30 until 4:40. That was nice. As much as I wanted to blog during that time I (we) really needed the rest.
After we got up I took Maggie again down to the store to get some snacks and dinner. She is still pretty good but somehow gets me to get at least one thing that I would rather not get. She picked out her dinner and Hopes. She didn't like hers though. I don't think she really reads the package. She won a scratch off ticket that they give you when checking out (when you spend enough) and she won $5 yuan. We took it with us to use at checkout but she had to remind me that "she" won it, not us, so she was going to get something with it. She picked out some skittles which she didn't remember that she bought by the time we got back to the room. They are hidden in my backpack. So we all ate, watched who knows what on TV and then off to bed by around 9:00, I think. I really cannot remember anymore. Actually there is a show called "Baby GO!". It is kind of like Wipe out but for kids. They seem to like it. Oh, did I leave out how they like me to carry them around the room ALL THE TIME! They are reminding me of my age rather quickly. It's strange because they are 12 and 13 but sometimes act like the are 6 or 7 but they definitely do not weigh the same as 6 year olds. They have gotten a lot closer to us. We get lots of hugs and they will let us hold their hand when walking around. We also get a lot of mischief from someone at the same time. Everything, EVERYTHING, is a joke. It is fun, sometimes.
Sleeping goes well. I think we made it until 7:00 this morning and then, you guessed it, breakfast - french toast, potatoes and an egg. It kind of makes me feel like someone at our church and their lunch routine (you know who you are, hahaha). After lunch we came back to the room and finished packing. Mags helped some with this. We told Hope that we were leaving for the airplane and she ran around looking for her socks and shoes. I had to stop her and let her know we weren't going until 5:00. She ran over, got Debbies watched, looked at the time and then sighed. It was only 10:00. That was funny.
For lunch I thought we could use up some time and go to the restaurant one last time. Yeah, that was the longest 20 minutes I ever spent. Someone does not do well in restaurants. (I know, it sounds like I keep picking on her. I'm really not. She just wears us out, mentally and physically.) No, I do not plan on sharing my blog with them anytime soon. So we headed back to the room to "try" and take naps thinking that would help the time pass. Nope, they are just too excited to leave. It's funny, I guess, how eager they are to get on a plane and leave. I know they were happy where they were but they are just as ready to leave and come home with us. I hope that lasts. (Hey D, I think all of the "hopes" were just preparation for us on how many times a day we were going to say her name).
So that brings us to now. It is 3:01, not that I am counting, and we are all ready to go. We plan on trying to see about getting adjoining rooms in Guangzhou if possible if only to be able to have two bathrooms. You definitely have to be prepared cause you only get about 30 seconds. Sorry, TMI.
Ok, the entertainment is being beckoned. Love you all! See you real soon (Mickey reference). !!!!
Showing posts with label china trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label china trip. Show all posts
Friday, August 10, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Wednesday night...
It's official, I have the most hyper children in China right now! We had a good moment. Somehow they ended up wanting me to lift them in the air and then carry them around the room. We gave them a vitamin c drop which in hindsight was not a good idea but we did have some fun though. The sugar rushes seem to last for at least an hour. They are in the shower right now so I have about two minutes to type.
Today we visited a zoo which was ok. We did not stay that long since it looked like rain was coming. They had a HUGE breakfast and then an hour later at the park they are telling our guide how hungry they are, amazing. They have what looked like a hot dog and then some big ice cream bowls. (I wish everyone was here right now.) We miss the kids so much.
We had a lot of trouble with someone at the zoo today though which really got to me. She would run off a lot and not listen at all. It was very difficult.
We got back around noon and I took Maggie to the restaurant, store and KFC for lunch. She is pretty good when going out. She likes to help with shopping and stuff. She will make the beds in the morning and fold clothes. She also likes to yell "mommy ya" or that is what it sounds like whenever she needs Debbie to help in the bathroom.
Ok, showers are done. I will try and type more later. I have to hide the iPad. They don't quite understand it and I am having things deleted and numerous other things.
Love you all!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Today we visited a zoo which was ok. We did not stay that long since it looked like rain was coming. They had a HUGE breakfast and then an hour later at the park they are telling our guide how hungry they are, amazing. They have what looked like a hot dog and then some big ice cream bowls. (I wish everyone was here right now.) We miss the kids so much.
We had a lot of trouble with someone at the zoo today though which really got to me. She would run off a lot and not listen at all. It was very difficult.
We got back around noon and I took Maggie to the restaurant, store and KFC for lunch. She is pretty good when going out. She likes to help with shopping and stuff. She will make the beds in the morning and fold clothes. She also likes to yell "mommy ya" or that is what it sounds like whenever she needs Debbie to help in the bathroom.
Ok, showers are done. I will try and type more later. I have to hide the iPad. They don't quite understand it and I am having things deleted and numerous other things.
Love you all!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Wednesday afternoon
Hi everyone. Sorry for not posting in a while. I have to be honest, it has been hard and I wasn't sure what I wanted to say. Most of you probably how it is said that God will not give you more than you can handle but I do not think that is an accurate statement. I think he can and will give you more than you can handle so that you will draw closer to him to ask for more help. That is the place that I am in right now.
There have been plenty of good moments but plenty of hard along the way too. It. Is definitely very hard adopting to children at the same time, especially when they are so different.
We all just took a 3 hour nap so hopefully that will help us get through the rest of this day. (Dawn, I know that you can understand as I know now how you were feeling.) we are going to brave going to the pool and see how that goes. I have no idea if they know how to swim.
I think this is all that I will say for right now. As I said, it has been very hard on me the last day and I need some time to gather my thoughts. Remember to keep us all in your prayers.
Thank you!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
There have been plenty of good moments but plenty of hard along the way too. It. Is definitely very hard adopting to children at the same time, especially when they are so different.
We all just took a 3 hour nap so hopefully that will help us get through the rest of this day. (Dawn, I know that you can understand as I know now how you were feeling.) we are going to brave going to the pool and see how that goes. I have no idea if they know how to swim.
I think this is all that I will say for right now. As I said, it has been very hard on me the last day and I need some time to gather my thoughts. Remember to keep us all in your prayers.
Thank you!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Shouchun Rd,Hefei,China
Monday, August 6, 2012
Tuesday Morning...
So a quick post before we leave for the day. Last night was interesting. Mags decided she was going to sleep with me and Debbie last night. I think I only got hit in the face three or four times, that I felt anyway. She has really warmed up to us. She also knows a lot more than she is letting on. We were skyping with Denise and she started counting to 10 (in English), little stinker. We don't know how much she knows but there is at least a little bit.
Hope on the other hand probably doesn't know any english but she repeats everything that we say, like a parrot. They both do really. It was interesting at breakfast too. One decided it was okay to spit on the floor in the restaurant and the other let her know that was not good. we obviously have some work to do.
Anyway, it was a good day overall and a good morning. I was expecting to wake up to grieving. Nope, they woke up like any other day, bed head and all. WOW, with that much hair and rolling all over the bed it was a sight. We love these girls so much already and even though it has been a little tough at times we cannot complain at all. We have been so blessed now 5 and 6 times. We couldn't ask for anything more. More than we deserve, hopefully not more than we can handle. (jk).
Anyway, this will be a short post as we are heading out to civil affairs, the police station and the orphanage. I am praying that it will not be rough leaving there, for all of us.
Love you all! Thanks for the prayers and support.
Hope on the other hand probably doesn't know any english but she repeats everything that we say, like a parrot. They both do really. It was interesting at breakfast too. One decided it was okay to spit on the floor in the restaurant and the other let her know that was not good. we obviously have some work to do.
Anyway, it was a good day overall and a good morning. I was expecting to wake up to grieving. Nope, they woke up like any other day, bed head and all. WOW, with that much hair and rolling all over the bed it was a sight. We love these girls so much already and even though it has been a little tough at times we cannot complain at all. We have been so blessed now 5 and 6 times. We couldn't ask for anything more. More than we deserve, hopefully not more than we can handle. (jk).
Anyway, this will be a short post as we are heading out to civil affairs, the police station and the orphanage. I am praying that it will not be rough leaving there, for all of us.
Love you all! Thanks for the prayers and support.
Monday night
Ok, I have five minutes while Deb is trying to give them a bath. I remember about a year ago someone asking me how much harder could it be for two? Ha, I now know the answer. Much! They are both being great but they are very different. We ventured out to the store again. That was Debbie's call. Maggie's dragged us up to the third floor of the market where they have clothes. She seems to be a "dress only" kind of girl. I don't think she likes any of the clothes we brought. Hope doesn't really care too much but would prefer camo stuff.
I tried to make them noodles in the room but was told they were no good. We went to the restaurant here in the hotel. They have real noodles and rice. We each ordered a dish. I had no idea how large it was. They could have told us it was family style. Debbie will post all of the photos so you can take a look at them when she gets them up, if she hasn't already.
So I didn't really get to say that much about this morning. They were a little late. We got to watch some Italian families get their children. They were all younger. It was good I think for us to see that first and get us ready. I could laugh at their nervousness so that I could not think about mine so much. They came into the room very quite and kind of walked past us. They we very shy and not sure what to do. They got upset rather quickly. I think they were okay that they were going to come with us but they were sad to leave their friends. Hope got a little mad whereas Maggie got more upset. She was okay with me rubbing her back while hope didn't want anyone touching her at all. It took a little while but by the time we were leaving they seemed okay.
We've had a lot of fun since leaving the civil affairs office. Hope was cracking up at the escalator in the mall. I don't think she has ever seen one before. Then there was Maggie in the glass elevator. She had the "death grip" on the hand rail while going down only 4 floors. It was really funny. Overall everything has been good but I'm ready for this day to be over. We are all very tired and I think we would have all taken a nap if someone would have let us turn off the Chinese soap operas. She is definitely going to keep us busy, oh wait, did I say that already?
Ok, they just got out of the baths squeaky clean. Mags is such a girl. She is very independent too. She seems to know how to do most anything. I think hope knows how to do a lot too but prefers not to.
Ok, I really should go now. I'll try to get on later if I remember anything that I missed. Thank you all for the prayers.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
I tried to make them noodles in the room but was told they were no good. We went to the restaurant here in the hotel. They have real noodles and rice. We each ordered a dish. I had no idea how large it was. They could have told us it was family style. Debbie will post all of the photos so you can take a look at them when she gets them up, if she hasn't already.
So I didn't really get to say that much about this morning. They were a little late. We got to watch some Italian families get their children. They were all younger. It was good I think for us to see that first and get us ready. I could laugh at their nervousness so that I could not think about mine so much. They came into the room very quite and kind of walked past us. They we very shy and not sure what to do. They got upset rather quickly. I think they were okay that they were going to come with us but they were sad to leave their friends. Hope got a little mad whereas Maggie got more upset. She was okay with me rubbing her back while hope didn't want anyone touching her at all. It took a little while but by the time we were leaving they seemed okay.
We've had a lot of fun since leaving the civil affairs office. Hope was cracking up at the escalator in the mall. I don't think she has ever seen one before. Then there was Maggie in the glass elevator. She had the "death grip" on the hand rail while going down only 4 floors. It was really funny. Overall everything has been good but I'm ready for this day to be over. We are all very tired and I think we would have all taken a nap if someone would have let us turn off the Chinese soap operas. She is definitely going to keep us busy, oh wait, did I say that already?
Ok, they just got out of the baths squeaky clean. Mags is such a girl. She is very independent too. She seems to know how to do most anything. I think hope knows how to do a lot too but prefers not to.
Ok, I really should go now. I'll try to get on later if I remember anything that I missed. Thank you all for the prayers.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Shouchun Rd,Hefei,China
Monday afternoon
We have them. Don't have a lot of time to talk. Someone likes to get into everything. We definitely have our hands full. We took them both to the supermarket. That probably will NOT happen again. Left with $260 yuan worth of mainly candy i think. Not really sure what we bought. Mags was very helpful, hope was very "curious".
We did have a good laugh throwing a beach ball around the room. Oh no, they just found the bathing suits. Not sure I am ready for that.
Ok, have to go. I will type more when or if the sleep.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
We did have a good laugh throwing a beach ball around the room. Oh no, they just found the bathing suits. Not sure I am ready for that.
Ok, have to go. I will type more when or if the sleep.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Monday morning (update)
I almost forgot to tell you all what happened yesterday. So our guide was taking me out to the bank to exchange money and as we were getting into the elevator she asks "do you like beer?" I said "excuse me?" I didn't know if I had heard her right and she repeated "Do you like beer?". I proceeded to say "No?". Then she says "Oh, you just look like you would like beer. The men here drink a lot of beer and have big guts." as she was pointing to me. Hahahahaha. Such a different culture. I'm not sure if I was being insult or not. Anyway, just thought I would share that.
Off to breakfast...talk to you all later.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Off to breakfast...talk to you all later.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Monday morning
It's finally here. Monday morning and we meet the girls in just under 4 hours. I think to make the time go by I slept from 2:30 yesterday afternoon until just about an hour ago (4:30 am). I did wake up for a little bit around 7:00 pm but I was just beat. I think I've slept more from the start of this trip than I have in the last month.
We found out from a friend and our guide that the girls do know that we are coming. I'm hoping that is a good thing. One of them said that they seemed to be excited. They should be heading our way shortly. I think it is a two hour drive to their city. We can't believe this day is finally here. Clothes are all laid out... Cameras are ready... Nerves are full force... What else can I say?
One thing that we haven't given "as much" thought to is how the girls are feeling about all of this and what expectations that they are going to have of us. Do they think we will speak Chinese? I have been worried all along on how I will be able to communicate with them but what about them communicating with us? I just pray that we will be able to live up to the expectations that they have had for this day. We love them so much. They are such a blessing to us and we only hope that we could be a blessing to them. I guess we will find out soon enough.
We meet them at 9:30 and were told we will come back to the hotel for bonding time. Stalk the blogs. We will post as soon as we can....
Love you all!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
We found out from a friend and our guide that the girls do know that we are coming. I'm hoping that is a good thing. One of them said that they seemed to be excited. They should be heading our way shortly. I think it is a two hour drive to their city. We can't believe this day is finally here. Clothes are all laid out... Cameras are ready... Nerves are full force... What else can I say?
One thing that we haven't given "as much" thought to is how the girls are feeling about all of this and what expectations that they are going to have of us. Do they think we will speak Chinese? I have been worried all along on how I will be able to communicate with them but what about them communicating with us? I just pray that we will be able to live up to the expectations that they have had for this day. We love them so much. They are such a blessing to us and we only hope that we could be a blessing to them. I guess we will find out soon enough.
We meet them at 9:30 and were told we will come back to the hotel for bonding time. Stalk the blogs. We will post as soon as we can....
Love you all!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Hefei China
Sunday morning take two.
This is take two for this post. I typed it all up in the Beijing airport and then lost my connection. Thought it posted but not. I will try my best to repeat what I think I shared.
Saturday morning started out with breakfast at the hotel. It was okay. There was bacon, ham with pineapple, sausage and rice. You can never have enough rice in China. We always try and fill up on breakfast as it is the most western food that you will see for the day.
Our first stop was Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden city. Funny thing, I've been to the Forbidden city 6 times now. Doesn't seem all that forbidden does it? It is a really cool place but much nicer in the winter when it isn't 100 degrees and thousands of people. I think the agencies like to take you here first to introduce you to the Chinese version of personal space, none. It really was incredibly hot and we filled up on waters (shui, sh-way). I didn't really take a lot of tourist type photos this time. I think we got a couple hundred the first time we were here.
Next stop was lunch at the jade factory. They gave us our own room and a table big enough for all of us. I think we had 14 or so total. The food was good, fried fish, rice (of course), fried yogurt (I couldn't have passed on that one), sweet and sour chicken and garlic shutes (I think, which were good). It was a good lunch.
We then proceeded to the jade show room where they were going to "knowledge us" on jade. They have some of the best sales women anywhere. They definitely know how to sell. Debbie was able to pick out two bangles, one for each of the girls. Sales girl was funny she says not to worry price. Just find what you like and the she will talk to manager. He did come over and actually did give us a good price plus some freebies (don't tell anyone). The bangles really are nice and I'm sure the girls will love them. They don't actually get them until their wedding day which I hope is many years from now.
Next stop, the Great Wall. So again this is my sixth time here and you know what I learned? It's still great. They you make it to the top of one of the towers you are a hero. Well, I've done that once before and didn't really feel the need to be a double hero. It was pretty hot here too. We walked for about 5 minutes up and 10 minutes down and then found some drinks and shade, and then back to the air conditioned bus. This was actually nice because we were able to spend sometime with Grace, our guide. She's was pretty nice. We had some fun joking around with her.
From the Great Wall we went back to the hotel, driving past the Olympic village. The. Birds nest is still really cool. We got to see the water cube as well. I was able to see that in 2008 at night and they light it all up from the inside with different colors. Really, really cool.
So, what was the highlight of this day? It was Debbie complaining about not being able to use the Internet in the room. She's not obsessed, she just new a good 8 to 10 hours per day (just kidding). This got me to google Apple stores and see if by chance there was one around us. Guess what? There was and it was only 2 miles away. So we hopped in a taxi and had a fun drive (differing opinions on that) to the Apple store. This was AWESOME!!! Two story store with probably a hundred people inside. All glass on the exterior walls. Really cool. We were greeted right away by several different associates and they got us what we needed in no time. I have no idea what I spent and I'm sure it isn't anything that I could live without but come one, Apple store in China and Bill not buy anything. Yeah right. We even figured out after all that how to get a taxi back to the hotel with no problems. Bring it on Amazing Race!
So that pretty much wrapped up our day. As usual for me in China dinner consisted of chocolate oreos and coke. for some reason they taste better here. There was a McDonalds close by but after out fun adventure Debbie though it best to stay in doors.
So that brings me to now (well several hours ago, now) sitting in the airport waiting for another flight. I think this has been the hardest trip for me. This is the most scared I have ever been in any of the adoptions and I can't really seem to put my finger on why. There are tons of little things but not one big thing. I general just knowing that the girls are older and that they have a say in this whole thing is scary. I now in the end that the reward will FAR out weight anything else.
You know I was sitting around last night thinking how amazing and crazy it is that one of the dateless wonders (yeah, mom thought that was a funny nickname) would be getting ready to have six kids. Me, Bill, six kids. Can you imagine? Then the fears set in... Will the girls like us... Will they want to come with us... Will we meet up to their expectations... Will they bond with us... Will they call me ye ye (grandpa)... (the campers got a kick with that one). In all seriousness these are the things that have run through my mind. I know what we are doing is really good and that we are helping two more children to grow up in a family with a mom, dad, brother, and sisters but don't get me wrong it is very selfish too. The feeling that you get from doing this is so addictive. Being able to give out this love and the get it back is just amazing and the first time they look up at you and say "I love you!" is just priceless.
We have had so many families come up to us in the last months and talk about how they have considered adoption and to be honest most have said that if their husband was on board they would do it. I have to tell you men that you can do this. You can love a child that is not of your blood. I was right there with you and the one day God opened my eyes to what is really important in this life.
We have been able to meet so many families over the last few months that are adopting older children that, in some people's eyes, nobody wants and it's been amazing to hear their stories. What is amazing is how close the adoptive community is also. I barely talk to me neighbors but I can meet a stranger on a plane or in and airport half way around the world and talk for hours. That's what has been cool about this trip is how we were able to meet a couple on the flight into China and talk to them several times. They were just here in February adopting and older child (12 year old girl) and now here they are again. They were able to give us excellent advice and encouragement and we are truly grateful. We know without a doubt that God had put them there to share with us. We hope to meet up with them again in Guangzhou. Or then the family that we met yesterday that is adopting and older boy (12) that we are also going to meet back up with in a few days. It's just all planned out and yet I worry so much. It is just so neat to see these things that we worried about and yet they were all for a reason.
So there, typing about all of this to you all was my self therapy to help me calm down and let Him be in control of this whole thing.
I guess I didn't really say much about today. (boy is this post getting long. Is there a character limit?). We are in Hefei. Holiday Inn. Shelley is our guide here. She is very nice but looks like she is twelve (sorry). I thought that was bad but maybe it will end up being good. Maybe the girls will trust here more. The hotel is nice, clean and very close to a shopping center and KFC so we should be good. It's weird. We are sitting in the room and there's this cot off to the side that will have girls sitting on it in less than a day. I guess that is a about it.
Oh, no, I forgot to mention about the 60 year old boy on the plane next to me. It was so funny. He tried to talk to me in Chinese and when I said I didn't speak he then tried to write the words on his hand and then type them on his phone. What was fun though was that I don't think he has ever flown before. Once we took off he was all excited and looking out the window talking to himself and then I think arguing with then 10 year old I front of him where his house was. Just kidding but it did sound like that. One thing that isn't that fun though is landing and them opening the doors. They are very serious about getting off of the plane as soon as possible. It's best to just stand aside.
Anyway, that is truly about it now. I am getting really tired and that pack of chocolate oreos is staring at me. Thanks again everyone for everything.
We love you Tiffi, Abby, Jadyn and Ethan and is you very much!!!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Saturday morning started out with breakfast at the hotel. It was okay. There was bacon, ham with pineapple, sausage and rice. You can never have enough rice in China. We always try and fill up on breakfast as it is the most western food that you will see for the day.
Our first stop was Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden city. Funny thing, I've been to the Forbidden city 6 times now. Doesn't seem all that forbidden does it? It is a really cool place but much nicer in the winter when it isn't 100 degrees and thousands of people. I think the agencies like to take you here first to introduce you to the Chinese version of personal space, none. It really was incredibly hot and we filled up on waters (shui, sh-way). I didn't really take a lot of tourist type photos this time. I think we got a couple hundred the first time we were here.
Next stop was lunch at the jade factory. They gave us our own room and a table big enough for all of us. I think we had 14 or so total. The food was good, fried fish, rice (of course), fried yogurt (I couldn't have passed on that one), sweet and sour chicken and garlic shutes (I think, which were good). It was a good lunch.
We then proceeded to the jade show room where they were going to "knowledge us" on jade. They have some of the best sales women anywhere. They definitely know how to sell. Debbie was able to pick out two bangles, one for each of the girls. Sales girl was funny she says not to worry price. Just find what you like and the she will talk to manager. He did come over and actually did give us a good price plus some freebies (don't tell anyone). The bangles really are nice and I'm sure the girls will love them. They don't actually get them until their wedding day which I hope is many years from now.
Next stop, the Great Wall. So again this is my sixth time here and you know what I learned? It's still great. They you make it to the top of one of the towers you are a hero. Well, I've done that once before and didn't really feel the need to be a double hero. It was pretty hot here too. We walked for about 5 minutes up and 10 minutes down and then found some drinks and shade, and then back to the air conditioned bus. This was actually nice because we were able to spend sometime with Grace, our guide. She's was pretty nice. We had some fun joking around with her.
From the Great Wall we went back to the hotel, driving past the Olympic village. The. Birds nest is still really cool. We got to see the water cube as well. I was able to see that in 2008 at night and they light it all up from the inside with different colors. Really, really cool.
So, what was the highlight of this day? It was Debbie complaining about not being able to use the Internet in the room. She's not obsessed, she just new a good 8 to 10 hours per day (just kidding). This got me to google Apple stores and see if by chance there was one around us. Guess what? There was and it was only 2 miles away. So we hopped in a taxi and had a fun drive (differing opinions on that) to the Apple store. This was AWESOME!!! Two story store with probably a hundred people inside. All glass on the exterior walls. Really cool. We were greeted right away by several different associates and they got us what we needed in no time. I have no idea what I spent and I'm sure it isn't anything that I could live without but come one, Apple store in China and Bill not buy anything. Yeah right. We even figured out after all that how to get a taxi back to the hotel with no problems. Bring it on Amazing Race!
So that pretty much wrapped up our day. As usual for me in China dinner consisted of chocolate oreos and coke. for some reason they taste better here. There was a McDonalds close by but after out fun adventure Debbie though it best to stay in doors.
So that brings me to now (well several hours ago, now) sitting in the airport waiting for another flight. I think this has been the hardest trip for me. This is the most scared I have ever been in any of the adoptions and I can't really seem to put my finger on why. There are tons of little things but not one big thing. I general just knowing that the girls are older and that they have a say in this whole thing is scary. I now in the end that the reward will FAR out weight anything else.
You know I was sitting around last night thinking how amazing and crazy it is that one of the dateless wonders (yeah, mom thought that was a funny nickname) would be getting ready to have six kids. Me, Bill, six kids. Can you imagine? Then the fears set in... Will the girls like us... Will they want to come with us... Will we meet up to their expectations... Will they bond with us... Will they call me ye ye (grandpa)... (the campers got a kick with that one). In all seriousness these are the things that have run through my mind. I know what we are doing is really good and that we are helping two more children to grow up in a family with a mom, dad, brother, and sisters but don't get me wrong it is very selfish too. The feeling that you get from doing this is so addictive. Being able to give out this love and the get it back is just amazing and the first time they look up at you and say "I love you!" is just priceless.
We have had so many families come up to us in the last months and talk about how they have considered adoption and to be honest most have said that if their husband was on board they would do it. I have to tell you men that you can do this. You can love a child that is not of your blood. I was right there with you and the one day God opened my eyes to what is really important in this life.
We have been able to meet so many families over the last few months that are adopting older children that, in some people's eyes, nobody wants and it's been amazing to hear their stories. What is amazing is how close the adoptive community is also. I barely talk to me neighbors but I can meet a stranger on a plane or in and airport half way around the world and talk for hours. That's what has been cool about this trip is how we were able to meet a couple on the flight into China and talk to them several times. They were just here in February adopting and older child (12 year old girl) and now here they are again. They were able to give us excellent advice and encouragement and we are truly grateful. We know without a doubt that God had put them there to share with us. We hope to meet up with them again in Guangzhou. Or then the family that we met yesterday that is adopting and older boy (12) that we are also going to meet back up with in a few days. It's just all planned out and yet I worry so much. It is just so neat to see these things that we worried about and yet they were all for a reason.
So there, typing about all of this to you all was my self therapy to help me calm down and let Him be in control of this whole thing.
I guess I didn't really say much about today. (boy is this post getting long. Is there a character limit?). We are in Hefei. Holiday Inn. Shelley is our guide here. She is very nice but looks like she is twelve (sorry). I thought that was bad but maybe it will end up being good. Maybe the girls will trust here more. The hotel is nice, clean and very close to a shopping center and KFC so we should be good. It's weird. We are sitting in the room and there's this cot off to the side that will have girls sitting on it in less than a day. I guess that is a about it.
Oh, no, I forgot to mention about the 60 year old boy on the plane next to me. It was so funny. He tried to talk to me in Chinese and when I said I didn't speak he then tried to write the words on his hand and then type them on his phone. What was fun though was that I don't think he has ever flown before. Once we took off he was all excited and looking out the window talking to himself and then I think arguing with then 10 year old I front of him where his house was. Just kidding but it did sound like that. One thing that isn't that fun though is landing and them opening the doors. They are very serious about getting off of the plane as soon as possible. It's best to just stand aside.
Anyway, that is truly about it now. I am getting really tired and that pack of chocolate oreos is staring at me. Thanks again everyone for everything.
We love you Tiffi, Abby, Jadyn and Ethan and is you very much!!!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Beijing China
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Update from Chicago
I know, WOW, two posts in the same day.
So, as I was saying, the girls probably will not know that they are coming to us until they get in the car on the way to Hefei. They are in Huainan right now. We are getting so excited to see them but very scared at the same time. We have no idea what to expect and we are trying not to expect anything. I guess we will just have to wait and see...
Well, flight is delayed until 5 pm and we are supposed to get to China at 7pm Friday night (7 am tomorrow back home). We are very very glad we had those miles built up from the last year. We get to fly business first which has seats that recline fully back. We wouldn't have ever bought these seats but to trade the rest of the miles we had, it was a no brainer. Flight this morning was good in first with a full breakfast, eggs, roll, sausage, honey nut Cheerios, banana, etc.... Oh, Orange juice in an actual glass. I could get use to that.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. Just sitting in a room with free food that I shouldn't let go to waste.
Bill out (from Chicago)::
So, as I was saying, the girls probably will not know that they are coming to us until they get in the car on the way to Hefei. They are in Huainan right now. We are getting so excited to see them but very scared at the same time. We have no idea what to expect and we are trying not to expect anything. I guess we will just have to wait and see...
Well, flight is delayed until 5 pm and we are supposed to get to China at 7pm Friday night (7 am tomorrow back home). We are very very glad we had those miles built up from the last year. We get to fly business first which has seats that recline fully back. We wouldn't have ever bought these seats but to trade the rest of the miles we had, it was a no brainer. Flight this morning was good in first with a full breakfast, eggs, roll, sausage, honey nut Cheerios, banana, etc.... Oh, Orange juice in an actual glass. I could get use to that.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. Just sitting in a room with free food that I shouldn't let go to waste.
Bill out (from Chicago)::
On our way to China...(yeah, I know, I haven't been to this blog in a year)
Hi everyone. Sorry for not posting here for so long. I just saw when my last post was, a year ago. Things have changed if you haven't seen us. We are adopting again. Two beautiful girls from Huainan. They are 12 and 13. If you haven't seen them there are pictures on their blog at www.hopeandmaggie.com.
It's been a long process. Not as long as most though, so not complaining.
It's been 10-1/2 months since we first saw their pictures. that's probably the part that makes this feel so long. We fell in love with them from day one. The girls have grown up together most of their lives. They are both considered special needs. Hope has a repaired cleft lip and Maggie has a repaired muscle in her neck. Sorry, I don't remember the actual medical term. We have been so fortunate along this journey to meet so many other families that have been in the process or already adopted children from the same orphanage. They have been able to deliver packages, share photos and give tons of advice. Thank you to all of you!!! :) So, the girls have known that we are coming for at least a few months. Unfortunately they don't know exactly when. We have heard that they will find out once they get in the car to the civil affairs office. That's where we will meet them on Monday morning, Sunday night your time on the east coast. Closing plane door.
More later Bill out!
(update. - it has only been 5 months since I posted here. My phone didn't show me posts from after last August. You can tell how often I come to this blog. )
It's been 10-1/2 months since we first saw their pictures. that's probably the part that makes this feel so long. We fell in love with them from day one. The girls have grown up together most of their lives. They are both considered special needs. Hope has a repaired cleft lip and Maggie has a repaired muscle in her neck. Sorry, I don't remember the actual medical term. We have been so fortunate along this journey to meet so many other families that have been in the process or already adopted children from the same orphanage. They have been able to deliver packages, share photos and give tons of advice. Thank you to all of you!!! :) So, the girls have known that we are coming for at least a few months. Unfortunately they don't know exactly when. We have heard that they will find out once they get in the car to the civil affairs office. That's where we will meet them on Monday morning, Sunday night your time on the east coast. Closing plane door.
More later Bill out!
(update. - it has only been 5 months since I posted here. My phone didn't show me posts from after last August. You can tell how often I come to this blog. )
Monday, August 1, 2011
Breaking Heart
My Heart is breaking this morning and although I should be happy I am not. I have heard back from a friend that Jenny may have already been placed with a family. I know that this is a really good thing and I should be jumping for joy for her. I am so glad that she will not grow up in an institution but I have to say that I am very sad. I did so believe that God had a plan for this child to become a part of this family. A small part of me wants the information to be wrong but at the same time if there is someone ready to bring her home than that should be a really really good thing.
I do not know why this is happening at this time. I believe God must have some plan for all of this but I cannot see it.
The original email that I received said that she was available and that they had even asked her if she would want to be adopted by our family (which they should not have done) but then I got another email at 4:00 am saying that the information was incorrect and that I should contact a certain agency to find out more information.
I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 13 this morning which most of you I am sure know "Love is patient, Love is kind,..." and it finishes with "And now these three remain,: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.". I am not exactly sure why this scripture came to my mind. I was wearing a shirt with this on it on Friday when the children left.
As I did read through the entire scripture I had to stop where it said self-seeking. I had to wonder if this is what I was doing. Was I trying to make this happen to fill some guilt that I had? I started to believe that it may be true. How wrong is it that I pray I had been given the wrong information? Or that I pray the family that has her file would change their mind? I am being as honest as I can this morning. I feel in love with this child. Why did God allow that? What is the purpose?
So, I ask this morning for your prayers, no I plead for them. I am really hurting. I feel that a part of me has been striped away. Does that sound strange that I could become so attached to a child in only a couple of days? Does it make any sense at all? No, but that is what the Love of God is. It cannot be rationalized or explained by man.
From a dark office, with many tears.....
I do not know why this is happening at this time. I believe God must have some plan for all of this but I cannot see it.
The original email that I received said that she was available and that they had even asked her if she would want to be adopted by our family (which they should not have done) but then I got another email at 4:00 am saying that the information was incorrect and that I should contact a certain agency to find out more information.
I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 13 this morning which most of you I am sure know "Love is patient, Love is kind,..." and it finishes with "And now these three remain,: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.". I am not exactly sure why this scripture came to my mind. I was wearing a shirt with this on it on Friday when the children left.
As I did read through the entire scripture I had to stop where it said self-seeking. I had to wonder if this is what I was doing. Was I trying to make this happen to fill some guilt that I had? I started to believe that it may be true. How wrong is it that I pray I had been given the wrong information? Or that I pray the family that has her file would change their mind? I am being as honest as I can this morning. I feel in love with this child. Why did God allow that? What is the purpose?
So, I ask this morning for your prayers, no I plead for them. I am really hurting. I feel that a part of me has been striped away. Does that sound strange that I could become so attached to a child in only a couple of days? Does it make any sense at all? No, but that is what the Love of God is. It cannot be rationalized or explained by man.
From a dark office, with many tears.....
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The rest of Thursday...
Before I paste in the post for today I thought I would apologize to any of you that thought you were logging on the read a typical mission trip type blog. You didn't probably know what you were getting yourselves into...
Thursday night...
Wow, so I didn’t update at all today. It was a very full and busy day. The boys both greeted me this morning, one with a hug and wanted me to carry him to breakfast. It was progress even if it was short lived. I cannot imagine what it is like for these children to come here. During family time this morning I was left with just the boys for a few minutes and they were both good, doing crafts and talking to me and singing a song. I think the good times lasted until just before lunch. I think some of it may have to do with their schedules and diets..... So much change has got to be hard.
I apologize in advance that my posts may become shorter. I am overwhelmed with emotions and just not sure what I want to say. The goal of this blog was to update everyone on the days activities but instead has turned into a little preaching and then, what I hope to be, and “adoption story”. Both Tiffani and I have reached out more to Jenny today and I believe made a lot of progress there. I do think that she really likes us. We have had several talks (Tiffani and I) about what it would be like to bring this girl into our home. Tiffani has been great. She has shown so much maturity this week and I am very proud of her.
Family time was funny. All four of the kids were trying to do these foam puppets hat we had brought from home but they use glue and apparently it does not dry fast enough for them. It was funny to watch. I would hold the items for them and count to 10 in Chinese and then they would copy me. Of course, Jenny wanted to do the puzzle again. We have to time her to see if she does better each time, which she does. She really loves doing them. I wish we had brought more. We are going to let here take this one and find a way to send her more. She is a very smart girl. Hua Cha (Alex) is really just happy if you give him a pack of tissues. They only last about an hour but he seems to like just carry them around. He also has serious OCD like someone I know that is typing right now. He will make sure that the tissues are perfectly aligned and if they give him a problem he will just throw them away. The other boy, Tom, doesn’t really do much or want to. He just watches and smiles most of the time.
Craft time came next. The kids all made crowns for the performance tonight. Oh wait, I think I missed assembly time. Yes, during assembly the kids sing and dance. Jenny actually got up and danced. We couldn’t believe it. She also volunteered to have a part in the little story time. Amazing the changes you see in a week. The boys don’t care for the singing and dancing. They both just watch.
I’m not sure if I put this already but last night we were to write letters to the kids and translators. They are just short notes telling the kids how much fun you had with them and that type of stuff.
So, lunch next. We have been all sitting together now, me and Tiffani’s families. The older girls are waiting for us and making sure we are all together. Jenny has been making sure as well. She has wanted to sit next to Tiff a lot. Lunch was okay today. Oh, I forgot, it was good, they brought out the S&S chicken. YES!!!!
Game time came next. We did a game where you snort next to the person next to you in a circle and if they laugh they are out. I got Jenny to come stand next to me and actually hold my hand. I didn’t think she would come over but she has really come out of her shell. It is so nice to see the smiles but at the same time it is sad knowing that they will have to go back to the orphanage tomorrow when they are finally starting to open up. Okay, yes, I am already crying. It is really, really breaking my heart right now to think about this for all of these kids but especially Jenny. I think about how I so much want to bring her home into our family and even if that were to happen I think about the time she will have to wait for us. It’s not fair.
I bet there are many of you out there reading this now who had asked me if we were finished with adoptions and I do remember my answers. What can I say? You cannot stop God from completing the tasks that he has at hand and I truly, truly believe in my heart that at some level He has put this little girls life on my heart. It may not be that she joins our family but that our being here would get her a home. I will be honest though - this morning I pleaded, you know, the crying out the the Lord type of pleading, with streams of tears, that whatever it takes this child would become ours.
Nap time came next today. Me and Tiff walked to the store and got some warm sodas and what we thought were chocolate chip cookies. They were okay but not what the package showed. Me and Tiff had some good conversation during this time and then started to make a video (see below I hope). It was a good time.
Pool time started at 3:00 today. MiMi was still sleeping so Tiff went up there and my boys were also sleeping so I went with Tina and Jenny down to the pool. Tina is one of Tiffani’s translators. We haven’t been able to talk that much but she has told me little things about Jenny. She has a good heart. So, I decided that I needed some more photos and gave the camera to them to use in the pool. I figured it would be interesting to see what I got back. These older kids that the camps love playing with cameras. If you have a cheap, waterproof, shockproof camera it is great. Something really cool happened “somewhere in the world a young lady was baptized”. I have no idea where I heard that rumor, nor where it took place, PTL!!! He is good.
So, here is what can be one of the toughest time at camp, Life Chart time. A life chart is a graph where you draw a line up and down (happy or sad) at different ages of your life. I went ahead and started to show them what it meant. We talked to the boys but they really didn’t get it and didn’t have anything to say and at this time MiMi was still sleeping. Jenny did talk though after a little bit and said that she had no memories from before 9. She did say that her father had died probably when she was 6 or 7 but she could not remember. That was her sad time in life. She then moved in with the grandparents but they were old and could not take care of her so she was placed into the system where after a short time she did go with a foster family. This only lasted for maybe 6 to 18 months. She didn’t really know how long. That became a sad point in her life but then she came to camp at that was a happy time. I have to wonder. Is the timing of this coincidence that she was able to come to camp this week? That for whatever reason her foster family could no longer take care of her? I don’t think so, just wish I had the cheat sheet with the answers. I did already say this, more than once, but if there is anything that you would ever want to do for our family I would ask that you join me in praying for her and this situation.
So this was great, after doing the life charts I got the idea to get the computer out and open up photo booth. WOW!!!! what a hit with Jenny and the translators. The boys did come over to take a look but weren’t too interested. Alex just like stacking his napkins and Tom was eating all the cookies. I know it may seem by the posts that I haven’t been spending much time with them but I really have. They just prefer it if I am not too close. They can only take a few minutes of me at a time (no comments on this!). The girls were all laughing so hard. they were rolling on the floor. It was hilarious. Good times...
Dinner came next. It was okay tonight but they seem to be running out of my favorite chicken. They did have bacon or ham really and a few other things and of course rice. We have been the last group to leave the dining hall for the last three meals now. It is kind of funny. There are enough people to fill about 8 or 9 tables (with 12+ chairs at each table).
Next came the assembly time. The kids were able to do a parade with the crowns that they made. Jenny was right up there towards the front. I still cannot believe the overnight change. There was a little story time too and then they all sat down to get gifts from a family group that just came in for the day and then we put on a movie for them, “Wall-E”. Not my all-time favorite but much better than big big wolf. The translator could not get MiMi to stay in the room so I went over to help and she jumped right to me. I think she trusts me (or really wanted my watch again, which I have now lost). She sat in my lap for the movie until about the time that I realized I was not dry anymore. Yes, you guessed it, no diaper, ugh! Oh, well, the things you do for love. It will still be one of the highlights to my trip. She is such a doll. If I thought I could bring home two children she would be it. She had been giving me kisses now too, kind of leaning her cheek against mine. The boys moved over next to me too, not too close, but close enough for them. I don’t think it is that they do not like me, just that it is hard for them to trust me. Completely understood...they have no reason to trust anyone.
After the movie the boys and girls split up and had a party which consisted of watching the kids tear apart a room. They had fun. I was able to talk with Willy, Mike’s son, quite a bit about camp and the other ministries that they are involved in. They had/have a C rock band that they are trying to transform into more of a family band. This will be great to see what happens for them.
Me and Tiff and David and Morgan all went to the office to call home now. I had not been telling David about the posts. Melissa filled him in and we had a good laugh, but I am going to watch my back now...hahaha...
So this leads me to this morning (really this started last night and I took a break from 1 to 5 to clear my head) and know I am back typing the rest of this post. Today the kids will go “home” after lunch. This will be one of the hardest days of my life. Actually, I think until My children all leave home to go out on there own this will be the hardest day of my life. I have already cried more tears this morning that I can remember in days past. Yes, most of them have been for Jenny but many for Jane who we met at the beginning of this trip and all of the children here. Many of them will not have the life that I think they deserve. They will not get the opportunities that we have. They have no families and no one to love them. They will have to learn to fight for their own survival. From what I was told, all of these children, save one, is adoptable. I pray that even in writing these words someone may make a decision to change a child's life. Not as a rescue mission or some valiant effort to make a difference or even out of guilt but simply to follow His word and take care of the orphans. I Promise you this, your reward will be greater than and sacrifice that you have to make. Remember, “Nothing is impossible with ___” who? Say it out loud!!!!
----
Sorry Melissa, David and Morgan did good today. David was feeling a little under the weather but pushed through. I know that Morgan was having a great time, singing and dancing. I cannot believe how much she talks though, j/k. I had never had the chance to really listen to her before. She is such a sweet, sweet girl with a huge heart. You should be very proud of her this week. There are many girls her age who would not have done nearly as well as she has done. I know she enjoyed both the craft times and swimming. I think the swimming was the best. She ran the “simon says” game this afternoon too. Great job, got me out in the first round. She has lots of energy, more than the rest of us. Thanks for selling me out on the video. I am going to have to sleep with one eye open now. hahaha... I see an addition in your future, no? Watch out when Morgan gets home. She’s already practicing the puppy dog eyes I think...
I will try and upload more pictures today. There were others from the other day but I’m not sure why nobody can see them. I’ll have to check on that.
---
Love you all.... Please pray for Friday. It will be a very hard and emotional day. Also, please pray for our family and Jenny. I would pray that God’s will would be revealed quickly and definitively. That he would open the doors that cannot be opened...This will only happen if it is His will....
(Insert Heart tugging video here...) (sorry, having a problem getting this posted. I will try again later).
Jeremiah 29:11...Phil 2:12-22....
Bill out.
Thursday night...
Wow, so I didn’t update at all today. It was a very full and busy day. The boys both greeted me this morning, one with a hug and wanted me to carry him to breakfast. It was progress even if it was short lived. I cannot imagine what it is like for these children to come here. During family time this morning I was left with just the boys for a few minutes and they were both good, doing crafts and talking to me and singing a song. I think the good times lasted until just before lunch. I think some of it may have to do with their schedules and diets..... So much change has got to be hard.
I apologize in advance that my posts may become shorter. I am overwhelmed with emotions and just not sure what I want to say. The goal of this blog was to update everyone on the days activities but instead has turned into a little preaching and then, what I hope to be, and “adoption story”. Both Tiffani and I have reached out more to Jenny today and I believe made a lot of progress there. I do think that she really likes us. We have had several talks (Tiffani and I) about what it would be like to bring this girl into our home. Tiffani has been great. She has shown so much maturity this week and I am very proud of her.
Family time was funny. All four of the kids were trying to do these foam puppets hat we had brought from home but they use glue and apparently it does not dry fast enough for them. It was funny to watch. I would hold the items for them and count to 10 in Chinese and then they would copy me. Of course, Jenny wanted to do the puzzle again. We have to time her to see if she does better each time, which she does. She really loves doing them. I wish we had brought more. We are going to let here take this one and find a way to send her more. She is a very smart girl. Hua Cha (Alex) is really just happy if you give him a pack of tissues. They only last about an hour but he seems to like just carry them around. He also has serious OCD like someone I know that is typing right now. He will make sure that the tissues are perfectly aligned and if they give him a problem he will just throw them away. The other boy, Tom, doesn’t really do much or want to. He just watches and smiles most of the time.
Craft time came next. The kids all made crowns for the performance tonight. Oh wait, I think I missed assembly time. Yes, during assembly the kids sing and dance. Jenny actually got up and danced. We couldn’t believe it. She also volunteered to have a part in the little story time. Amazing the changes you see in a week. The boys don’t care for the singing and dancing. They both just watch.
I’m not sure if I put this already but last night we were to write letters to the kids and translators. They are just short notes telling the kids how much fun you had with them and that type of stuff.
So, lunch next. We have been all sitting together now, me and Tiffani’s families. The older girls are waiting for us and making sure we are all together. Jenny has been making sure as well. She has wanted to sit next to Tiff a lot. Lunch was okay today. Oh, I forgot, it was good, they brought out the S&S chicken. YES!!!!
Game time came next. We did a game where you snort next to the person next to you in a circle and if they laugh they are out. I got Jenny to come stand next to me and actually hold my hand. I didn’t think she would come over but she has really come out of her shell. It is so nice to see the smiles but at the same time it is sad knowing that they will have to go back to the orphanage tomorrow when they are finally starting to open up. Okay, yes, I am already crying. It is really, really breaking my heart right now to think about this for all of these kids but especially Jenny. I think about how I so much want to bring her home into our family and even if that were to happen I think about the time she will have to wait for us. It’s not fair.
I bet there are many of you out there reading this now who had asked me if we were finished with adoptions and I do remember my answers. What can I say? You cannot stop God from completing the tasks that he has at hand and I truly, truly believe in my heart that at some level He has put this little girls life on my heart. It may not be that she joins our family but that our being here would get her a home. I will be honest though - this morning I pleaded, you know, the crying out the the Lord type of pleading, with streams of tears, that whatever it takes this child would become ours.
Nap time came next today. Me and Tiff walked to the store and got some warm sodas and what we thought were chocolate chip cookies. They were okay but not what the package showed. Me and Tiff had some good conversation during this time and then started to make a video (see below I hope). It was a good time.
Pool time started at 3:00 today. MiMi was still sleeping so Tiff went up there and my boys were also sleeping so I went with Tina and Jenny down to the pool. Tina is one of Tiffani’s translators. We haven’t been able to talk that much but she has told me little things about Jenny. She has a good heart. So, I decided that I needed some more photos and gave the camera to them to use in the pool. I figured it would be interesting to see what I got back. These older kids that the camps love playing with cameras. If you have a cheap, waterproof, shockproof camera it is great. Something really cool happened “somewhere in the world a young lady was baptized”. I have no idea where I heard that rumor, nor where it took place, PTL!!! He is good.
So, here is what can be one of the toughest time at camp, Life Chart time. A life chart is a graph where you draw a line up and down (happy or sad) at different ages of your life. I went ahead and started to show them what it meant. We talked to the boys but they really didn’t get it and didn’t have anything to say and at this time MiMi was still sleeping. Jenny did talk though after a little bit and said that she had no memories from before 9. She did say that her father had died probably when she was 6 or 7 but she could not remember. That was her sad time in life. She then moved in with the grandparents but they were old and could not take care of her so she was placed into the system where after a short time she did go with a foster family. This only lasted for maybe 6 to 18 months. She didn’t really know how long. That became a sad point in her life but then she came to camp at that was a happy time. I have to wonder. Is the timing of this coincidence that she was able to come to camp this week? That for whatever reason her foster family could no longer take care of her? I don’t think so, just wish I had the cheat sheet with the answers. I did already say this, more than once, but if there is anything that you would ever want to do for our family I would ask that you join me in praying for her and this situation.
So this was great, after doing the life charts I got the idea to get the computer out and open up photo booth. WOW!!!! what a hit with Jenny and the translators. The boys did come over to take a look but weren’t too interested. Alex just like stacking his napkins and Tom was eating all the cookies. I know it may seem by the posts that I haven’t been spending much time with them but I really have. They just prefer it if I am not too close. They can only take a few minutes of me at a time (no comments on this!). The girls were all laughing so hard. they were rolling on the floor. It was hilarious. Good times...
Dinner came next. It was okay tonight but they seem to be running out of my favorite chicken. They did have bacon or ham really and a few other things and of course rice. We have been the last group to leave the dining hall for the last three meals now. It is kind of funny. There are enough people to fill about 8 or 9 tables (with 12+ chairs at each table).
Next came the assembly time. The kids were able to do a parade with the crowns that they made. Jenny was right up there towards the front. I still cannot believe the overnight change. There was a little story time too and then they all sat down to get gifts from a family group that just came in for the day and then we put on a movie for them, “Wall-E”. Not my all-time favorite but much better than big big wolf. The translator could not get MiMi to stay in the room so I went over to help and she jumped right to me. I think she trusts me (or really wanted my watch again, which I have now lost). She sat in my lap for the movie until about the time that I realized I was not dry anymore. Yes, you guessed it, no diaper, ugh! Oh, well, the things you do for love. It will still be one of the highlights to my trip. She is such a doll. If I thought I could bring home two children she would be it. She had been giving me kisses now too, kind of leaning her cheek against mine. The boys moved over next to me too, not too close, but close enough for them. I don’t think it is that they do not like me, just that it is hard for them to trust me. Completely understood...they have no reason to trust anyone.
After the movie the boys and girls split up and had a party which consisted of watching the kids tear apart a room. They had fun. I was able to talk with Willy, Mike’s son, quite a bit about camp and the other ministries that they are involved in. They had/have a C rock band that they are trying to transform into more of a family band. This will be great to see what happens for them.
Me and Tiff and David and Morgan all went to the office to call home now. I had not been telling David about the posts. Melissa filled him in and we had a good laugh, but I am going to watch my back now...hahaha...
So this leads me to this morning (really this started last night and I took a break from 1 to 5 to clear my head) and know I am back typing the rest of this post. Today the kids will go “home” after lunch. This will be one of the hardest days of my life. Actually, I think until My children all leave home to go out on there own this will be the hardest day of my life. I have already cried more tears this morning that I can remember in days past. Yes, most of them have been for Jenny but many for Jane who we met at the beginning of this trip and all of the children here. Many of them will not have the life that I think they deserve. They will not get the opportunities that we have. They have no families and no one to love them. They will have to learn to fight for their own survival. From what I was told, all of these children, save one, is adoptable. I pray that even in writing these words someone may make a decision to change a child's life. Not as a rescue mission or some valiant effort to make a difference or even out of guilt but simply to follow His word and take care of the orphans. I Promise you this, your reward will be greater than and sacrifice that you have to make. Remember, “Nothing is impossible with ___” who? Say it out loud!!!!
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Sorry Melissa, David and Morgan did good today. David was feeling a little under the weather but pushed through. I know that Morgan was having a great time, singing and dancing. I cannot believe how much she talks though, j/k. I had never had the chance to really listen to her before. She is such a sweet, sweet girl with a huge heart. You should be very proud of her this week. There are many girls her age who would not have done nearly as well as she has done. I know she enjoyed both the craft times and swimming. I think the swimming was the best. She ran the “simon says” game this afternoon too. Great job, got me out in the first round. She has lots of energy, more than the rest of us. Thanks for selling me out on the video. I am going to have to sleep with one eye open now. hahaha... I see an addition in your future, no? Watch out when Morgan gets home. She’s already practicing the puppy dog eyes I think...
I will try and upload more pictures today. There were others from the other day but I’m not sure why nobody can see them. I’ll have to check on that.
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Love you all.... Please pray for Friday. It will be a very hard and emotional day. Also, please pray for our family and Jenny. I would pray that God’s will would be revealed quickly and definitively. That he would open the doors that cannot be opened...This will only happen if it is His will....
(Insert Heart tugging video here...) (sorry, having a problem getting this posted. I will try again later).
Jeremiah 29:11...Phil 2:12-22....
Bill out.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
One more thing...
Please if any of you would like to share any comments or encouragement I will pass them along to the rest of the team. Some of you have already done so. Some of the comments show up on the site on their own and others I have to moderate. Either way, we would love to hear from you. The email thing is not really working out right now...
Thank you again!
Thank you again!
Video clips
Here are a couple video clips combined... Not a lot but something to watch until tomorrow morning...
Thursday morning...
So, nothing new has happened since last night. I am in the office now to see if I can upload a few short video clips for you at home following this journey. Your homework assignment for today will be 1 Timothy chapters 1 and 2 which talk about faith and our command to not be ashamed of the Gospel. To be a strong witness, not matter the cost. Kind off fitting with the rest of my sermons, yes? Okay, no preaching today.
I do covet your prayers for me today and the rest of the team that he will give us the opportunities to share our "story" and why it is that we are truly here. Of course you all know my reason now, yes? Seriously though, there is a huge desire I would say for these translators to know the love that we have in us and why that is and where it comes from. I wish you could all be here to see the sacrifices that this college students are making, some are even still in high school and have devoted 1, 2 or even 4 weeks to come here and take care of these children 24/7 without any compensation. They even had to pay their own way to get here, some as far as a 30 hour train ride. Can you imagine that, and they do not even have the love that is living inside of us (if you know what I mean). That is not to say that they do not have love inside of them because of course they do or they would not be here. This camp opens their eyes to the needs of the orphans in their country and I truly believe that even if we do not end up seeing the results during this short time we are here they are happening. Okay, so maybe I am going to preach a little this morning. Maybe someone is rubbing off on me?
So, yes, this is our last full day with the translators and children. It feels like we just got here yet it also feels like forever. The days are so long but we are always moving. I think someone may need an extra sabbatical after this trip.... hahaha.... Today will be much like Tuesday for our schedule with family time and games, etc. and then in the afternoon we will go to the pool again and then do life charts. I do not remember exactly what these are again so I will fill you in on them tonight (or morning for you).
I would ask that today, for me personally, you would pray specifically for Jenny. She is the young girl in Tiffani's family. I feel that He has put her on my heart this week. I cannot explain the reason why but my heart has ached over this for the past two days. I do not know what His will is for her life but I know without any certainty that he has put her on my heart. Yes, I am not ashamed to say that I have cried many tears, opening and inwardly for this child and as I pleaded out to Him this morning that he would give me and my family direction, I also know that no matter His will I will still Love Him. In the good times, "He is good!" and in the bad times, "He is still good!".
Wow, so I did end up writing a lot more than I thought I would. This was just supposed to be a post to let you know that I was uploading video clips. How awesome is it that without all those distractions in our lives I can just sit and type, openly, my feelings without the desire to worry about being somewhere next?
Thank you!!!! everyone for the prayers.
From the office (No, definitely not "The Office", at a camp, somewhere across the globe, in His presence, and striving to do his will....
China Team out.
I do covet your prayers for me today and the rest of the team that he will give us the opportunities to share our "story" and why it is that we are truly here. Of course you all know my reason now, yes? Seriously though, there is a huge desire I would say for these translators to know the love that we have in us and why that is and where it comes from. I wish you could all be here to see the sacrifices that this college students are making, some are even still in high school and have devoted 1, 2 or even 4 weeks to come here and take care of these children 24/7 without any compensation. They even had to pay their own way to get here, some as far as a 30 hour train ride. Can you imagine that, and they do not even have the love that is living inside of us (if you know what I mean). That is not to say that they do not have love inside of them because of course they do or they would not be here. This camp opens their eyes to the needs of the orphans in their country and I truly believe that even if we do not end up seeing the results during this short time we are here they are happening. Okay, so maybe I am going to preach a little this morning. Maybe someone is rubbing off on me?
So, yes, this is our last full day with the translators and children. It feels like we just got here yet it also feels like forever. The days are so long but we are always moving. I think someone may need an extra sabbatical after this trip.... hahaha.... Today will be much like Tuesday for our schedule with family time and games, etc. and then in the afternoon we will go to the pool again and then do life charts. I do not remember exactly what these are again so I will fill you in on them tonight (or morning for you).
I would ask that today, for me personally, you would pray specifically for Jenny. She is the young girl in Tiffani's family. I feel that He has put her on my heart this week. I cannot explain the reason why but my heart has ached over this for the past two days. I do not know what His will is for her life but I know without any certainty that he has put her on my heart. Yes, I am not ashamed to say that I have cried many tears, opening and inwardly for this child and as I pleaded out to Him this morning that he would give me and my family direction, I also know that no matter His will I will still Love Him. In the good times, "He is good!" and in the bad times, "He is still good!".
Wow, so I did end up writing a lot more than I thought I would. This was just supposed to be a post to let you know that I was uploading video clips. How awesome is it that without all those distractions in our lives I can just sit and type, openly, my feelings without the desire to worry about being somewhere next?
Thank you!!!! everyone for the prayers.
From the office (No, definitely not "The Office", at a camp, somewhere across the globe, in His presence, and striving to do his will....
China Team out.
Wednesday Afternoon....
I am sitting in the room right now, nap time, and thought I would try and jot down a few words. I do not have much time since we will be headed to the pool in about 20 minutes. Whatever I do not get to I will type up later tonight.
Day started with breakfast as usual. I don’t think I ate much of anything this morning. Breakfast is very different here, more like lunch food. There were some potatoes that were pretty good. After breakfast we did dress up pictures. The kids really have fun with this. There are all types of costumes that they can wear, with glasses and swords, etc.. We get dressed in family groups and take a family photo. My boys didn’t really want to do this for some reason but we somehow convinced them to put a couple things on. This took about an hour and then we have a few minutes of free time and then back for craft time. The kids colored in their books some more. The books are for them to take back to the orphanage as a memory of this trip. Today was a road to the future. The volunteers are supposed to do these as well. Kind of fitting for me today as I feel the road for my life is changing this week. (Deb, the answer to your question would be Jenny).
After this we took a family photo with the camp shirts. One of my boys did not want to wear his because he does not like black. He put it on when we promised he could take it right back off. We also took a group photo. Hopefully we will get a copy of this. From here it was off to lunch. Lunch has been great. They have the best sweet and sour chicken in the World, go figure, huh? That and a plate of rice will get you to dinner without a problem.
So after dinner we went for game time, which started with doing what else but the hoe down show down (or something like that). Anyone with kids that watch Hannah Montana will know what I am talking about. This is funny and you will have to catch the video if I can get it to upload. There is a small segment from this. I have no rhythm so you will not see me dancing. We played the hot potato game only it was called cold potato and we used an ice pack. That was really funny and I almost won. I think the kids were cheating, hahaha, j/k. The kids also get to listen to a story by Mike each day around this time and then it is off for naps.
Pooltime. At 3:00 everyone met downstairs to go to the pool. There is a very nice indoor pool here that they let us use for about 1-1/2 hours each day. The water was a little cold but warmer than the shower that I got. They shut off the hot water at certain times of the day so you need to pay attention to the time if you want a hot one. All of the kids love the water even though none of them can swim. That even goes for most of the translators. It is strange but most of the Chinese people that I have met cannot swim. I guess it is not a big desire but he kids certainly love it. I tried to help Jenny learn to swim. She really wants to know how to do this but they all have to wear life vests which made it a little difficult. There is another girl here at camp that is Albino. I do not know her name but Mike was able to teach her to swim. I think she is probably one of the oldest ones here. I said before 10 or 11 was the oldest but I think she is probably in her teens. It is hard to tell. She was actually playing with the beach balls with David for quite a while. If only we could do this all day....
From pool time we went back to clean up and then they had a scavenger hunt. Matthews team won, go figure. If he can take two grown men and their daughters 1000 miles to an unknown city then of course he would win this game. Next came dinner. We have been trying to get me and Tiff’s families to sit together during meals. I think her two translators have figure this out by now. Jenny is also wanting to spend more time with Tiff but she doesn’t know how to communicate with her so I think it might be frustrating. I can tell that she likes to do things herself. She is definitely a very bright young girl.
After dinner, more singing and dancing.... I think I finally have lost it, this according to Tiff. My mind is Jello. We came in to the room with hannah Montana music going and I tried my best to embarrass Tiffani. I pulled her out in the middle of the room and started dancing with her. I think I succeeded. So we did sing a couple of songs and I almost had Jenny out there on the dance floor. Every time we get to singing and dancing she miraculously has a headache. I think she doesn’t want to look silly if she doesn’t know how to do something. She gave Tiff a cookie treat just before dinner, I think to try and break the ice.
So, next comes the movies. Let me just say that Chinese cartoons are something else. Anyone who thinks Sponge Bob is violent needs to watch one of these shows. Oh my gosh, the opening scene had a cat (police officer) shoot a mouse. The whole movie if kind of like watch the Itchy and Scratchy scenes from the Simpsons. I got to spend some time with MiMi during the movie. She doesn’t open up very easily and has been reserved to me but tonight she let me hold her. Well, I was rewarded with a nice diaper. Oh, and when I say nice I do NOT mean nice. I mean one of the worst diapers you have ever smelt in your life.... No joke. I did have her laughing before the night was out. She is the cutest little thing that you have ever scene. She reminds me of a Chinese Dora. Jenny also wanted to say good night to me and Tiff tonight. It is progress. I really think tomorrow will be good.
----
So David and Morgan are doing good. Steven, the older boy, is a riot. He walks around like a little General barking orders and most of the kids, and adults, listen to him. It is really something. I still do not know the younger boys name but he was a little more difficult today. I think there was some crying and crankiness. It is really to be expected. There whole schedules are thrown out the window for a week and they are definitely not accustomed to this much attention. One thing that is really amazing is that the kids in a Chinese orphanage will take care of their own. You would think there is a survival of the fittest mentally but that really isn’t the case. Many of the kids will come help with the smaller ones. I think this has been a help to D and M for today. Morgan really enjoyed herself in the pool too but I can say that she does not enjoy the movie time and I would agree with her. The good part is that this is a time that you can have alone with the kids, without the translators.
----
Okay, so it is 10:30 pm and I am getting tired and still have to go downstairs to upload this so I am going to stop typing now. Please continue to pray for us. I have not been able to talk to Lilly any more today but I will try tomorrow. Also for Sunny who is the caseworker here and is trying to help me with information. What we would be trying to do would be considered impossible, and when I say we, I mean I would like to do. I am also remember that with God ALL things are possible. So if it is his will nothing can stop it.
Thank you again,
China Team out.
Day started with breakfast as usual. I don’t think I ate much of anything this morning. Breakfast is very different here, more like lunch food. There were some potatoes that were pretty good. After breakfast we did dress up pictures. The kids really have fun with this. There are all types of costumes that they can wear, with glasses and swords, etc.. We get dressed in family groups and take a family photo. My boys didn’t really want to do this for some reason but we somehow convinced them to put a couple things on. This took about an hour and then we have a few minutes of free time and then back for craft time. The kids colored in their books some more. The books are for them to take back to the orphanage as a memory of this trip. Today was a road to the future. The volunteers are supposed to do these as well. Kind of fitting for me today as I feel the road for my life is changing this week. (Deb, the answer to your question would be Jenny).
After this we took a family photo with the camp shirts. One of my boys did not want to wear his because he does not like black. He put it on when we promised he could take it right back off. We also took a group photo. Hopefully we will get a copy of this. From here it was off to lunch. Lunch has been great. They have the best sweet and sour chicken in the World, go figure, huh? That and a plate of rice will get you to dinner without a problem.
So after dinner we went for game time, which started with doing what else but the hoe down show down (or something like that). Anyone with kids that watch Hannah Montana will know what I am talking about. This is funny and you will have to catch the video if I can get it to upload. There is a small segment from this. I have no rhythm so you will not see me dancing. We played the hot potato game only it was called cold potato and we used an ice pack. That was really funny and I almost won. I think the kids were cheating, hahaha, j/k. The kids also get to listen to a story by Mike each day around this time and then it is off for naps.
Pooltime. At 3:00 everyone met downstairs to go to the pool. There is a very nice indoor pool here that they let us use for about 1-1/2 hours each day. The water was a little cold but warmer than the shower that I got. They shut off the hot water at certain times of the day so you need to pay attention to the time if you want a hot one. All of the kids love the water even though none of them can swim. That even goes for most of the translators. It is strange but most of the Chinese people that I have met cannot swim. I guess it is not a big desire but he kids certainly love it. I tried to help Jenny learn to swim. She really wants to know how to do this but they all have to wear life vests which made it a little difficult. There is another girl here at camp that is Albino. I do not know her name but Mike was able to teach her to swim. I think she is probably one of the oldest ones here. I said before 10 or 11 was the oldest but I think she is probably in her teens. It is hard to tell. She was actually playing with the beach balls with David for quite a while. If only we could do this all day....
From pool time we went back to clean up and then they had a scavenger hunt. Matthews team won, go figure. If he can take two grown men and their daughters 1000 miles to an unknown city then of course he would win this game. Next came dinner. We have been trying to get me and Tiff’s families to sit together during meals. I think her two translators have figure this out by now. Jenny is also wanting to spend more time with Tiff but she doesn’t know how to communicate with her so I think it might be frustrating. I can tell that she likes to do things herself. She is definitely a very bright young girl.
After dinner, more singing and dancing.... I think I finally have lost it, this according to Tiff. My mind is Jello. We came in to the room with hannah Montana music going and I tried my best to embarrass Tiffani. I pulled her out in the middle of the room and started dancing with her. I think I succeeded. So we did sing a couple of songs and I almost had Jenny out there on the dance floor. Every time we get to singing and dancing she miraculously has a headache. I think she doesn’t want to look silly if she doesn’t know how to do something. She gave Tiff a cookie treat just before dinner, I think to try and break the ice.
So, next comes the movies. Let me just say that Chinese cartoons are something else. Anyone who thinks Sponge Bob is violent needs to watch one of these shows. Oh my gosh, the opening scene had a cat (police officer) shoot a mouse. The whole movie if kind of like watch the Itchy and Scratchy scenes from the Simpsons. I got to spend some time with MiMi during the movie. She doesn’t open up very easily and has been reserved to me but tonight she let me hold her. Well, I was rewarded with a nice diaper. Oh, and when I say nice I do NOT mean nice. I mean one of the worst diapers you have ever smelt in your life.... No joke. I did have her laughing before the night was out. She is the cutest little thing that you have ever scene. She reminds me of a Chinese Dora. Jenny also wanted to say good night to me and Tiff tonight. It is progress. I really think tomorrow will be good.
----
So David and Morgan are doing good. Steven, the older boy, is a riot. He walks around like a little General barking orders and most of the kids, and adults, listen to him. It is really something. I still do not know the younger boys name but he was a little more difficult today. I think there was some crying and crankiness. It is really to be expected. There whole schedules are thrown out the window for a week and they are definitely not accustomed to this much attention. One thing that is really amazing is that the kids in a Chinese orphanage will take care of their own. You would think there is a survival of the fittest mentally but that really isn’t the case. Many of the kids will come help with the smaller ones. I think this has been a help to D and M for today. Morgan really enjoyed herself in the pool too but I can say that she does not enjoy the movie time and I would agree with her. The good part is that this is a time that you can have alone with the kids, without the translators.
----
Okay, so it is 10:30 pm and I am getting tired and still have to go downstairs to upload this so I am going to stop typing now. Please continue to pray for us. I have not been able to talk to Lilly any more today but I will try tomorrow. Also for Sunny who is the caseworker here and is trying to help me with information. What we would be trying to do would be considered impossible, and when I say we, I mean I would like to do. I am also remember that with God ALL things are possible. So if it is his will nothing can stop it.
Thank you again,
China Team out.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Day 6... (Wednesday morning)...
(scroll to next post for video/photos).
(Spoiler Alert - If you do not want to be preached to then please, please do not read this post. I came back up to write this after writing the post because it is very serious and has little to do with camp. It was something that I just wrote after having my quite time and it is quite serious for lack of a better word. I struggled with actually posting it but I thought there may be just one out there reading this that may feel the same way. And, No, I am not going through a mid-life crisis or anything like that. I am very happy this morning and cannot wait to be with the children and just love on them for the rest of this trip. I do so miss my family at home right now too though and cannot wait to get back to you, I Love you!!!!)
This post this morning is really for me to just type and see what comes out. I am in tears right now as I types these words and think about these children and the lives that they will have in the future. It breaks my heart. I always tell myself that I will be able to come here and have fun, love on the children, play games but that it will not effect me on Friday when they leave. What I mean by that is that I will not be one of the volunteers that is just crying their eyes out and yet here it is Wednesday morning and I am already doing just that.
There is one child in particular that I am doing this for and I have struggled all night feeling guilty that it is not for all of them with the same emotion. Is that wrong? I can’t really say. All I know is that I believe 100% that He directs our paths and He has us where he wants to be.
I was reading James 1 this morning and before I came down to 1:27 which most of you probably know, it was a few verses higher, verse 22 to 24 or so, stood out more to me. It was about doing what the Word says. Just reading the words and believing them is simply not enough but we must step out in faith and act. Yes, there may be a sacrifice, more often than not, but what faith do we have if we sit back and do nothing. This life is but a vapor and the only thing that matters is the will of G. I know that I am far from a perfect being but I also know that I can strive to be a better one every day and just start each day new with the goal of “Loving G and loving others as yourself”. Do we ever really do this? Do we ever sit and contemplate what that means? Loving your neighbor as yourself. I challenge you who may be reading this, not to do this, but to sit and think about how much we do love ourselves and the things that we will not do for either fear or simply just selfishness. Think about the things that we will spend money on and the things that we will not. I tell myself all the time that money does not matter but how easy is that to say when you have it. Is it not out of abundance but out of little that we truly show our faith.
Yes, like I said, I am far from a perfect being but I try my hardest to look like one. But as I am here thousands of miles from home I think about the things that I call sacrifices in my life and I have to wonder how much of a sacrifice they REALLY are. If you do not know James 1:27, the verse is about taking care of the orphans and widows. I have been told several times that if just 10 to 20% of Christians would consider adoption there would not be a child in the world without a home. I don’t know how accurate that is but just think about it for a minute. What that really says is this: “If just 10 to 20% of Christians would do as the L commands, there would be no orphans”. Yes, I quote them because it is something that I am saying, not only to any reading this but to myself. I will admit that, yes, at times it is hard having four children and that we do go through days that are tough, but I ask you this: “What more did He do for us?”.... Is losing our 4 hours of television or hours of facebook time each night REALLY a sacrifice? Or giving up fast food and movies but rather investing or lives in the lives of the children. We are not put on this earth so that we may live comfortably in our recliners but we are put here for I believe a much higher purpose. Just think about it this morning or evening during your quite time. I challenge you to log your time for just one day and see where it is that your love truly lies. PLEASE, PLEASE do not think that each words I am saying is directed to you that read this any more than it is too me. There are a hundred fingers pointing back at me saying, “What about you?”. I have been away from home for almost a week with no email and guess what amazing thing happened, the world did not end. Crazy to think of, huh?
I do not apologize for getting on my soapbox this morning only because like I said at the beginning, this post is really for me. I had need to get these words down and even though I could have done this in my own personal journal, I would sit and wonder if any of you out there think the same things. This is not easy for me to put myself out there like this but how else do we grow then to share and encourage each other, to be open and transparent, to be willing to sacrifice and step out in faith as G intended us to do. No, I agree that I am far from a good preacher too, as you may notice from my writing but I do know that this day I am going to recommit my life to making Him L of my life. In everything, EVERYTHING that I do I will remember this verse, “No matter what conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel....” Phil 1:27, I believe. Not worthy of my parents, or my boss or my possessions, but the Gospel.
Hopefully this post makes it to the blog and I am not placed in prison but I just wanted to type and see what happened. I really felt that I was led to do this today. They are not my words that were planned out. I only asked G that he would help me to understand what it is he has for my life.
From somewhere half way around the world, Bill out.
(Spoiler Alert - If you do not want to be preached to then please, please do not read this post. I came back up to write this after writing the post because it is very serious and has little to do with camp. It was something that I just wrote after having my quite time and it is quite serious for lack of a better word. I struggled with actually posting it but I thought there may be just one out there reading this that may feel the same way. And, No, I am not going through a mid-life crisis or anything like that. I am very happy this morning and cannot wait to be with the children and just love on them for the rest of this trip. I do so miss my family at home right now too though and cannot wait to get back to you, I Love you!!!!)
This post this morning is really for me to just type and see what comes out. I am in tears right now as I types these words and think about these children and the lives that they will have in the future. It breaks my heart. I always tell myself that I will be able to come here and have fun, love on the children, play games but that it will not effect me on Friday when they leave. What I mean by that is that I will not be one of the volunteers that is just crying their eyes out and yet here it is Wednesday morning and I am already doing just that.
There is one child in particular that I am doing this for and I have struggled all night feeling guilty that it is not for all of them with the same emotion. Is that wrong? I can’t really say. All I know is that I believe 100% that He directs our paths and He has us where he wants to be.
I was reading James 1 this morning and before I came down to 1:27 which most of you probably know, it was a few verses higher, verse 22 to 24 or so, stood out more to me. It was about doing what the Word says. Just reading the words and believing them is simply not enough but we must step out in faith and act. Yes, there may be a sacrifice, more often than not, but what faith do we have if we sit back and do nothing. This life is but a vapor and the only thing that matters is the will of G. I know that I am far from a perfect being but I also know that I can strive to be a better one every day and just start each day new with the goal of “Loving G and loving others as yourself”. Do we ever really do this? Do we ever sit and contemplate what that means? Loving your neighbor as yourself. I challenge you who may be reading this, not to do this, but to sit and think about how much we do love ourselves and the things that we will not do for either fear or simply just selfishness. Think about the things that we will spend money on and the things that we will not. I tell myself all the time that money does not matter but how easy is that to say when you have it. Is it not out of abundance but out of little that we truly show our faith.
Yes, like I said, I am far from a perfect being but I try my hardest to look like one. But as I am here thousands of miles from home I think about the things that I call sacrifices in my life and I have to wonder how much of a sacrifice they REALLY are. If you do not know James 1:27, the verse is about taking care of the orphans and widows. I have been told several times that if just 10 to 20% of Christians would consider adoption there would not be a child in the world without a home. I don’t know how accurate that is but just think about it for a minute. What that really says is this: “If just 10 to 20% of Christians would do as the L commands, there would be no orphans”. Yes, I quote them because it is something that I am saying, not only to any reading this but to myself. I will admit that, yes, at times it is hard having four children and that we do go through days that are tough, but I ask you this: “What more did He do for us?”.... Is losing our 4 hours of television or hours of facebook time each night REALLY a sacrifice? Or giving up fast food and movies but rather investing or lives in the lives of the children. We are not put on this earth so that we may live comfortably in our recliners but we are put here for I believe a much higher purpose. Just think about it this morning or evening during your quite time. I challenge you to log your time for just one day and see where it is that your love truly lies. PLEASE, PLEASE do not think that each words I am saying is directed to you that read this any more than it is too me. There are a hundred fingers pointing back at me saying, “What about you?”. I have been away from home for almost a week with no email and guess what amazing thing happened, the world did not end. Crazy to think of, huh?
I do not apologize for getting on my soapbox this morning only because like I said at the beginning, this post is really for me. I had need to get these words down and even though I could have done this in my own personal journal, I would sit and wonder if any of you out there think the same things. This is not easy for me to put myself out there like this but how else do we grow then to share and encourage each other, to be open and transparent, to be willing to sacrifice and step out in faith as G intended us to do. No, I agree that I am far from a good preacher too, as you may notice from my writing but I do know that this day I am going to recommit my life to making Him L of my life. In everything, EVERYTHING that I do I will remember this verse, “No matter what conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel....” Phil 1:27, I believe. Not worthy of my parents, or my boss or my possessions, but the Gospel.
Hopefully this post makes it to the blog and I am not placed in prison but I just wanted to type and see what happened. I really felt that I was led to do this today. They are not my words that were planned out. I only asked G that he would help me to understand what it is he has for my life.
From somewhere half way around the world, Bill out.
Day 5... (part 2)...
Hi everyone. I hope my posts have not been too long. I am working on a video/slideshow to update you on the photos. I have to upload each one separately for the blog. Hopefully the video will work better and I will put that in a separate post.
I left off at leaving for lunch, etc.... Lunch was good. There was plenty of white rice, a very sweet chicken and green beans and a few other things. Very filling. The meals are served on a lazy susan, sort of buffet style without leaving your seat. My boys were not happy at lunch time - still mad about the coloring books. We had to get Paul to come over and help us to get them to eat. There was a lot of crying, which is completely understandable. Most of these kids have never seen anything other than chinese people so it is scary for them to see us. It takes a little time but trust is slowly being earned. After lunch the kids go down for a nap. I used this time to get our flights squared away for our trip Saturday back to Beijing. I am crossing my fingers they are fixed. One of the chinese staff members here got on the phone with them to make sure.
We met the translators after the naps downstairs and headed off to KFC. Boy were they (KFC) in for a shock. Even with such a small week it was a large invasion of the establishment. They were very accommodating. the kids actually had some sort of egg pie? I couldn’t really tell you what this is. The Ice cream was a no-go from the orphanage. They said they were not allowed to have cold food... Actually many of these kids have never had anything cold such as ice in a drink. They were happy with the pies and didn’t seem to mind either way. The volunteers all got ice cream cones - pretty good for soft serve. The kids spent a lot of time in the play area. MiMi must have gone down the slide about 100 times which is why she didn’t make it to the waterslide time. She passed out on the way back to the campus. The kids all had a blast and loved just getting out. Oh, and did I mention the arm wrestling matches in the restaurant - that was a riot (and extremely loud, but fun).
So returning to the campus we all changed into swimsuits and headed down to the water park. Tiffani and MiMi and one of here translators (I’m still not good with the names) went up to their room to let MiMi (actual spelling is Min Min) sleep. She passed out. Tiff was able to have a nice long talk with her translator which she really enjoyed.
The water park was cool (literally). We filled it from a fire hydrant. Yes, I did make it down the slide twice and there should be some photos of David and Morgan and even Jenny went down a few times. I think the kids would play in this all day long if they could. The had a blast. For the kids that didn’t want to go down the slide there were water guns, buckets, etc.... Oh, and someone snuck up behind me and dumped a bucket of this ice water down my back while I was taking photos to which they were blindsided a minute later, hahaha, to which I was blindsided back by his offspring... (I wont mention any names). It was really a fun time! There are plenty of photos and videos coming soon int he misc photo post, next.
We all headed back to the rooms to dry off and then down for dinner. Surprise, two good meals in a row. A very very good peanut chicken (I think) and more rice, fried ice cream, etc.... Can you guess which dish was gone first? The kids made up for not getting ice cream at lunch. MiMi had been sleeping until just about the end of dinner. I think she got about 2-1/2 hours? And this was after a nap time so I think the KFC slides really wore her out. She is just a doll. Hopefully she will start to trust us a little more and open up.
On a side note - Most of the kids that you see in these photos are adoptable, except the ones that I want to take home (sorry Deb, they are just too cute). In all seriousness we will be getting information on many of them at the end of the week.
From dinner we went to an assembly time and then movie time with the kids. The translators would go to a meeting to help them better understand the workings of camp and go over any problems that they may be having with the kids. The assembly time is more silly singing and dancing and then a story. The one that they are doing has to do with Esther. The kids really like it and get to participate. For being so small they pay attention very well. The movie time was some strange Chinese cartoon that the kids seem to like. It kind of freaks me out a little but they like it so it’s a good time to rest and talk with other volunteers. I got to spend a lot of time talking to Mike here. They have adopted from China and Russia and they are in the process of adopting again from China. Awesome family!!!!
After the movie the translators came back to take the kids to bed and we were able to have a w-rship time. Just a handful of us were in there. It was a good time.
----
So, more about David and Morgan. They are having fun from what I can tell. Once you get here at camp and paired up it is a little like chaos. I can say that they had a blast at the water park, even if some of it was at my expense (payback is coming). I found out they they are paired with two boys, one is 9 and the other is 3. I may have already said this but the 9 year old has a dwarfism genetic disorder. He is an amazing smart kids that knows quite a bit. He was asking David questions about our country and what our countries moto is and why there are stripes on our flag, I think. All sorts of things. He is also a very helpful boy and looks after the smaller child. This is actually the same for Jenny (Tiffs girl). She looks after MiMi a lot. I still do not know much about the other boy other than he is three and that he has not smiled or laughed until they got him at to the slides at KFC. He was laughing a lot there and even at the water park some. All the kids seem to warm up by day two or three.
Well, it’s 12:19 am right now so I should probably get to sleep. I think everyone else passed out about two hours ago. I may try and go downstairs and upload this if I want to brave the mosquitoes. Not sure, we will see.
Oh, I was able to get Jenny to smile once or twice just before the end of the evening. I think she will come around soon too. She is a very nice, sweet girl who is very observant. I think she wants to communicate with us but doesn’t know how. I’m just trying to get her to trust us. I think some lollipop bribes are going to happen tomorrow. (Hey Deb, can you read my mind yet? Yes, I have lost mine if I am thinking what I am thinking.)
I love you all and thank you for the pr-yers. We can’t wait to be home and share all the stories but I also don’t want the week to end yet either.
From Yantai, China, 00:24 hours.
China Team out.
I left off at leaving for lunch, etc.... Lunch was good. There was plenty of white rice, a very sweet chicken and green beans and a few other things. Very filling. The meals are served on a lazy susan, sort of buffet style without leaving your seat. My boys were not happy at lunch time - still mad about the coloring books. We had to get Paul to come over and help us to get them to eat. There was a lot of crying, which is completely understandable. Most of these kids have never seen anything other than chinese people so it is scary for them to see us. It takes a little time but trust is slowly being earned. After lunch the kids go down for a nap. I used this time to get our flights squared away for our trip Saturday back to Beijing. I am crossing my fingers they are fixed. One of the chinese staff members here got on the phone with them to make sure.
We met the translators after the naps downstairs and headed off to KFC. Boy were they (KFC) in for a shock. Even with such a small week it was a large invasion of the establishment. They were very accommodating. the kids actually had some sort of egg pie? I couldn’t really tell you what this is. The Ice cream was a no-go from the orphanage. They said they were not allowed to have cold food... Actually many of these kids have never had anything cold such as ice in a drink. They were happy with the pies and didn’t seem to mind either way. The volunteers all got ice cream cones - pretty good for soft serve. The kids spent a lot of time in the play area. MiMi must have gone down the slide about 100 times which is why she didn’t make it to the waterslide time. She passed out on the way back to the campus. The kids all had a blast and loved just getting out. Oh, and did I mention the arm wrestling matches in the restaurant - that was a riot (and extremely loud, but fun).
So returning to the campus we all changed into swimsuits and headed down to the water park. Tiffani and MiMi and one of here translators (I’m still not good with the names) went up to their room to let MiMi (actual spelling is Min Min) sleep. She passed out. Tiff was able to have a nice long talk with her translator which she really enjoyed.
The water park was cool (literally). We filled it from a fire hydrant. Yes, I did make it down the slide twice and there should be some photos of David and Morgan and even Jenny went down a few times. I think the kids would play in this all day long if they could. The had a blast. For the kids that didn’t want to go down the slide there were water guns, buckets, etc.... Oh, and someone snuck up behind me and dumped a bucket of this ice water down my back while I was taking photos to which they were blindsided a minute later, hahaha, to which I was blindsided back by his offspring... (I wont mention any names). It was really a fun time! There are plenty of photos and videos coming soon int he misc photo post, next.
We all headed back to the rooms to dry off and then down for dinner. Surprise, two good meals in a row. A very very good peanut chicken (I think) and more rice, fried ice cream, etc.... Can you guess which dish was gone first? The kids made up for not getting ice cream at lunch. MiMi had been sleeping until just about the end of dinner. I think she got about 2-1/2 hours? And this was after a nap time so I think the KFC slides really wore her out. She is just a doll. Hopefully she will start to trust us a little more and open up.
On a side note - Most of the kids that you see in these photos are adoptable, except the ones that I want to take home (sorry Deb, they are just too cute). In all seriousness we will be getting information on many of them at the end of the week.
From dinner we went to an assembly time and then movie time with the kids. The translators would go to a meeting to help them better understand the workings of camp and go over any problems that they may be having with the kids. The assembly time is more silly singing and dancing and then a story. The one that they are doing has to do with Esther. The kids really like it and get to participate. For being so small they pay attention very well. The movie time was some strange Chinese cartoon that the kids seem to like. It kind of freaks me out a little but they like it so it’s a good time to rest and talk with other volunteers. I got to spend a lot of time talking to Mike here. They have adopted from China and Russia and they are in the process of adopting again from China. Awesome family!!!!
After the movie the translators came back to take the kids to bed and we were able to have a w-rship time. Just a handful of us were in there. It was a good time.
----
So, more about David and Morgan. They are having fun from what I can tell. Once you get here at camp and paired up it is a little like chaos. I can say that they had a blast at the water park, even if some of it was at my expense (payback is coming). I found out they they are paired with two boys, one is 9 and the other is 3. I may have already said this but the 9 year old has a dwarfism genetic disorder. He is an amazing smart kids that knows quite a bit. He was asking David questions about our country and what our countries moto is and why there are stripes on our flag, I think. All sorts of things. He is also a very helpful boy and looks after the smaller child. This is actually the same for Jenny (Tiffs girl). She looks after MiMi a lot. I still do not know much about the other boy other than he is three and that he has not smiled or laughed until they got him at to the slides at KFC. He was laughing a lot there and even at the water park some. All the kids seem to warm up by day two or three.
Well, it’s 12:19 am right now so I should probably get to sleep. I think everyone else passed out about two hours ago. I may try and go downstairs and upload this if I want to brave the mosquitoes. Not sure, we will see.
Oh, I was able to get Jenny to smile once or twice just before the end of the evening. I think she will come around soon too. She is a very nice, sweet girl who is very observant. I think she wants to communicate with us but doesn’t know how. I’m just trying to get her to trust us. I think some lollipop bribes are going to happen tomorrow. (Hey Deb, can you read my mind yet? Yes, I have lost mine if I am thinking what I am thinking.)
I love you all and thank you for the pr-yers. We can’t wait to be home and share all the stories but I also don’t want the week to end yet either.
From Yantai, China, 00:24 hours.
China Team out.
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