Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Home. Hard. Humbled.

It's been quite a ride and I wasn't sure when I'd have a moment to sit and write again. We obviously made it home. It wasn't an easy 27 hour journey but God delivered us home safely. All praise to Him who called us, carried us, and brought Samuel into His fold!

Jet lag is a beast. I've traveled to Europe and ended up a little sleepy for a week. But this is more like an illness. Samuel and I are trying to adjust with lots of water, sunshine, and big kids who keep us awake during the day. I'm exhausted but just so grateful to be home with plenty of time to heal, rest, and love on my people. We're not getting back to school work until next week at the earliest so we have a little time to just "be".

Samuel and I are both being tested this week for parasites. I didn't realize this until yesterday but about 80% of children who come home from China have Giardia. Ugh! We've both exhibited symptoms but they come and go so it's hard to know if we're infected or just suffering the effects of a virus or jet lag.

Suzi is adjusting well to being home. She's glad to be back with her "girls" (dogs) and seems to be resting well. We are so grateful that she could come with me to China. Suzi has so much energy, which was helpful in running for food and anything else we needed. She is a prayer warrior and was faithful in that during our trip. I'm sure those prayers, and yours, carried us through!

As far as attachment and bonding, Samuel is adjusting amazingly well. Until about a week ago, he was terrified of strangers. I consider it a complete miracle that he attached to me within minutes. This was absolutely an answer to prayer. He was afraid of Suzi, however, and anyone else who came within a few feet of him. This was very difficult because he spent hours just screaming in the hotel room where the 3 of us lived together. As a result of his fear, I chose to forego many of the sightseeing opportunities and build a safe environment for him in our hotel room. He made great progress with Suzi when we got to Guangzhou and I was thankful for that peace. He doesn't seem to be as afraid of strangers anymore. Praise God for progress!

He adores his daddy. It took him about a day to really warm up but after some bottles and hugs, he claimed Seamus as his favorite. Melts my heart. He's very playful and has learned quickly how to keep up with his 4 older siblings. We will continue to shelter him at home until our bond is solidified and he seems certain that we will meet all his needs. He has come a long way in a short time. I am so thankful that he's beginning to feel safe. He's definitely learning that we are his family and will not leave him with anyone else. This is a process, of course, and he'll grow stronger in his security every day.

We are overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received throughout our adoption journey and now, as we've returned home. I could seriously write a thousand thank you notes if I had the time or energy. For now, THANK YOU. You know who you are. The airport welcome, photography, cards, texts and FB comments, errands, donations, prayers, babysitting. The meals, oh my goodness, the meals. Is there a greater blessing on earth for a daddy with 4 kids on his own and a mama who comes home with no energy and 7 mouths to feed?

When God called us to another adoption, I had no idea how it would happen. We didn't have the money, the energy, the resources to go through this long and hard process again. We did hear His promise whispered over and over again, "I. Will. Provide." He is so faithful, y'all. He never leaves a single detail unaccounted for when He calls us to something. He provided everything we needed through YOU, His hands and feet. I can't stress enough that each and every one of you are the reason that Samuel is home with his forever family.

Orphan care is a ministry we embraced by going to China, according to His plan. Orphan care is a ministry YOU embraced by serving us with your gifts. I honestly know that many more people would adopt internationally if they were sure they might receive the same support we have. I know this for a fact. I know it because I've talked to so many people who say, "We can't because...We would but...". I ask that whatever gift you used to bless us, please continue to use that to encourage other families who want to adopt. Please hear this again. Every card we received, every meal, every hug... it's orphan care. You cared for the least of these, just as God calls us all to do. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

We would be grateful if you would continue to keep us in your prayers as we navigate these hard days ahead. I believe the worst is behind us and I have no doubt God will continue to provide. He has taken us on an incredible journey of kingdom work and we are humbled to be lived in and through. It's exciting to think about where He may lead us next. For now... I need a nap.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Consulate Appointment and Shamian Island

Today was a very busy day. We are finally back in the room and the VPN is on! Quick... type before it erases!

Some families had their consulate appointments yesterday so we chilled during that. Last night was the dinner cruise and Samuel and I skipped it. So glad I made that call because we were both tuckered out very early. We did go to the Noodle House with 2 other families for dinner (the other 2 families whose spouses aren't with them either). It was delicious and dirt cheap. Double score!

This morning we took our tour bus to the American Embassy where I swore an oath and Samuel was officially approved for his U.S. Visa! We returned to the hotel for about 15 minutes, enough time to potty and repack the diaper bag. Then it was off to Shamian Island, one of my favorite places in Guangzhou. It's a quaint little island with shops and restaurants.

We ate lunch at "Lucy's" right when we arrived. They cater to westerners and serve things like hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. I stuck with the chicken fried rice and noodles. Samuel and I shared and Suzi ate a chef salad. Then it was off for some shopping.

I bought all 5 of our kids beautiful silks (the traditional Chinese clothing). I can't wait to see them wearing them at church, Chinese New Year, etc. We had time to stop at 3 shops. Two of them are Christian-owned (we deliberately patronized them because we knew ahead of time who they were). We bought small gifts at each store and also took a rest at Starbucks. Y'all. I don't do Starbucks. Huge Planned Parenthood supporter, among other things, so I don't give them business. But when you're just desperate for a cup of joe... Chinese Starbucks can't be the same company, right? Er... Anyway, my hazelnut latte was delightful and I was so grateful for their western-style bathroom!

We had a little adventure on the way back to the hotel. Our bus driver hit a car! They don't call the police unless it's totaled so the drivers had a little discussion, we saw our driver give the guy some cash and we were on our way again. Samuel crashed on the bus (not like the first crash) and he's been out ever since. Getting your U.S. citizenship and painting the town red can be quite exhausting for a little fella.

Samuel is making great strides. He is a handful, which means he's adjusting well. I do still see moments of grief but not nearly as many. He is very comfortable with me and has begun asserting himself. Aren't they supposed to do that at 3? Mercy. He's not as affectionate as he was when he was really grieving. I'm missing those extra snuggles, but so thankful he's feeling safe. He's been really happy and playful, as long as he eats and sleeps. He'll fit right in with the rest of our crew!

Suzi is well. She is one active lady. She's always bringing us food, helping with bags, and makes me coffee in bed every morning! I told her today she's the best sidekick ever. Last week was so hard for so many reasons but one was because Samuel was terrified of Suzi (and everyone else). So if she was in the room, he just screamed. Can you imagine? We share a hotel room! He has really warmed up to her (Praise The Lord!) and I can tell she's falling in love with him. :) Last week was also a lot more emotional which adds an extra dynamic to an already hard scenario. This week has been a lot better for all 3 of us.

Now we wait for the consulate to issue Samuel's physical visa, which should be delivered to our hotel tomorrow afternoon. Families are advised to leave China no sooner than 48 hours after their consulate appointment, in case something goes wrong with processing the visa. This is why we don't fly out until Thursday night, even though all adoption related tasks are behind us. Did I really just type that? I'm leaving here Thursday night! That's only 2 days away!

Outside the American Embassy

Shamian Island

Sweet Sadie (also adopted)


This little American held out as long as he could. Exhausting Day!