Hello Everyone!!!
Happy New Year to you all!!!!
It was a very quiet New Year's Eve here, although everyone here celebrates Christmas no one celebrates the New Year until Jan. 26th for the Chinese New Year.
We are truly missing being there counting down for the ball to drop.
We are boarding a plane here in 20 hours.....leaves ground at 8:30 am here which will be 7:30 pm on 1/01 for you in Ohio area. Then 23 hours later we will see you all with tears rolling, I am sure. Asher is never going to understand all that love.
Happy 2009!!!!!
Sydney added, she can't wait to be home!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Funny Story
I don't have much to tell of our events of the day because we didn't actually go to the consulate but our guide did for us and said that all of our papers were approved and that we swear in and take the oath with Asher tomorrow morning at 9:30 am....which means that we will be taking the oath for him to be an American citizen and once we touch ground in Detroit, Michigan (which is our first touch down in America) he will officially be an American.
But anyway, besides that being our final hurdle to the paperwork here being very good news....I have a really funny story for you that happened the other day I thought would be fun to share with you all.
As you all are probably aware, the Chinese folk here are all very fit and active from getting lots of exercise and eating mostly pasta, rice, and vegetables....so keep that in mind.
OK, we are out shopping the other day and we visit this one small mom and pop type shop that sells many children's clothing and memorabilia. The lady there is very nice and asks us many questions trying to warm us up to her to buy something (which worked) and Sydney spots this feathery thing that the man at the shop was making. Happens to be a homemade hacky sack. The people here love this type of hacky sak game. So, Sydney asks her how to do it and she gladly teaches Sydney then heres the punch line.....goes over and pats Keith on the belly and says this exercise keeps us from getting the happy Buddha. I was cracking up so hard that I had tears in my eyes. Then she showed me some little statues of the happy Buddha in her shop with these huge bellies and a huge smile on its face. Too funny. Anyway you can all tease Keith about that when we get back and need I remind you all.....only 2 more sleeps after we retire this evening which is upon us now...almost 9 pm. Good night, love you all.
I attached a couple new photos we took today of the four kids together with their "Made in China" shirts on....too cute.
But anyway, besides that being our final hurdle to the paperwork here being very good news....I have a really funny story for you that happened the other day I thought would be fun to share with you all.
As you all are probably aware, the Chinese folk here are all very fit and active from getting lots of exercise and eating mostly pasta, rice, and vegetables....so keep that in mind.
OK, we are out shopping the other day and we visit this one small mom and pop type shop that sells many children's clothing and memorabilia. The lady there is very nice and asks us many questions trying to warm us up to her to buy something (which worked) and Sydney spots this feathery thing that the man at the shop was making. Happens to be a homemade hacky sack. The people here love this type of hacky sak game. So, Sydney asks her how to do it and she gladly teaches Sydney then heres the punch line.....goes over and pats Keith on the belly and says this exercise keeps us from getting the happy Buddha. I was cracking up so hard that I had tears in my eyes. Then she showed me some little statues of the happy Buddha in her shop with these huge bellies and a huge smile on its face. Too funny. Anyway you can all tease Keith about that when we get back and need I remind you all.....only 2 more sleeps after we retire this evening which is upon us now...almost 9 pm. Good night, love you all.
I attached a couple new photos we took today of the four kids together with their "Made in China" shirts on....too cute.
Monday, December 29, 2008
We're still here
Hello to you all.
I haven't been on here to write anything new for a couple days....I apologize because I know that many of you are trying to stay up with our events through this blog.
It seems as if we have been doing the same routine the last couple days without any new details to post.
Yesterday we went to the Museum of Natural History which showed the history of bone sculptures, pearls, jade, scroll paintings, stone stamps, fine thread embroidery tapestry, and straw fans. It was a nice setting with a lovely garden and beautiful roof lines.
We also visited the Six Banyan Temple, which is a Buddhist temple. We went as tourists though. We were a group of four families and when we went in we told our guide that we were just visiting and we not interested in participating in any of the rituals. There were probably a hundred people there worshipping their idols. Our guide said that many of the families that come like to have the Chinese children blessed by the monks that reside there. It was pretty cool to see that two other couples followed in their faith such as us with turning down the blessing by the Buddhist monks. One of the couples went through the ritual and the others of us stood outside praying for them. It was quite a unique place....very serene and beautiful. I was under the impression that there was one Buddhist idol....but after this tour we discovered that there are several Buddhist idols, one for happiness, one for rain, one for wealth, one for blessed pregnancy, then there were three large ones that stood probably 30 feet tall that were for past present and future....so that was a bit of an education. There were others too but I can't remember what all they are.
Then we got to eat lunch again at MCDONALD'S...you would have thought Sydney was on cloud 9.
Today, we went with one other couple to the pearl market and shopping mall again......just to get out of the room. We found a Chinese to English Telletubby video set that Asher was just crazy over that we had to buy because we learned before we came that his favorite thing on TV to watch is the wonderful telletubbies. He was so excited and was showing everyone.....there was another little 4 year old girl with us that was upset because they only had one set and there wasn't another for her so they must be very popular in China.
After we returned our whole group went to the White Swan Hotel to get our infamous "Red Couch" photos. The children were all dressed up in the little formal traditional Chinese outfits and looked so cute....I am a little partial, but Asher was just a handsome site. I was able to get several photos (attached above) plus one at his finest with his finger up his nose....too funny.
It is Monday night here about 6:30.....we usually go to bed at about 9:00 so almost another sleep down and when we wake up we will only have 3 more sleeps left......OH, we can not wait to see you all and give you all big hugs and kisses. We love you all so much!! Thanks for being there for us.
I haven't been on here to write anything new for a couple days....I apologize because I know that many of you are trying to stay up with our events through this blog.
It seems as if we have been doing the same routine the last couple days without any new details to post.
Yesterday we went to the Museum of Natural History which showed the history of bone sculptures, pearls, jade, scroll paintings, stone stamps, fine thread embroidery tapestry, and straw fans. It was a nice setting with a lovely garden and beautiful roof lines.
We also visited the Six Banyan Temple, which is a Buddhist temple. We went as tourists though. We were a group of four families and when we went in we told our guide that we were just visiting and we not interested in participating in any of the rituals. There were probably a hundred people there worshipping their idols. Our guide said that many of the families that come like to have the Chinese children blessed by the monks that reside there. It was pretty cool to see that two other couples followed in their faith such as us with turning down the blessing by the Buddhist monks. One of the couples went through the ritual and the others of us stood outside praying for them. It was quite a unique place....very serene and beautiful. I was under the impression that there was one Buddhist idol....but after this tour we discovered that there are several Buddhist idols, one for happiness, one for rain, one for wealth, one for blessed pregnancy, then there were three large ones that stood probably 30 feet tall that were for past present and future....so that was a bit of an education. There were others too but I can't remember what all they are.
Then we got to eat lunch again at MCDONALD'S...you would have thought Sydney was on cloud 9.
Today, we went with one other couple to the pearl market and shopping mall again......just to get out of the room. We found a Chinese to English Telletubby video set that Asher was just crazy over that we had to buy because we learned before we came that his favorite thing on TV to watch is the wonderful telletubbies. He was so excited and was showing everyone.....there was another little 4 year old girl with us that was upset because they only had one set and there wasn't another for her so they must be very popular in China.
After we returned our whole group went to the White Swan Hotel to get our infamous "Red Couch" photos. The children were all dressed up in the little formal traditional Chinese outfits and looked so cute....I am a little partial, but Asher was just a handsome site. I was able to get several photos (attached above) plus one at his finest with his finger up his nose....too funny.
It is Monday night here about 6:30.....we usually go to bed at about 9:00 so almost another sleep down and when we wake up we will only have 3 more sleeps left......OH, we can not wait to see you all and give you all big hugs and kisses. We love you all so much!! Thanks for being there for us.
Friday, December 26, 2008
A change of scenery
Good morning to you all in the good ole USA!!!
We are getting ready for bed right now and after tonight only have six more sleeps until we board that jet plane bound for home. Oh, how sweet the sound.
Today we met with our guide and she took us to this wonderful huge park that has a huge kids play area, a beautiful lake, gorgeous flowers everywhere, and loads of people. There had to be a few hundred people gathered in different areas doing their morning exercises....Thai chi, sword dancing, fan Thai chi, hacky sack, badmitton, dancing, and singing. It was truly a site. Most all the people there were older retirees either on their own or caring for their grandchildren. It is custom here that the grandparents care for the children while the parents work to support the family. It was very beautiful to see how dedicated they are to commune with each other every morning. There were many people that were eager to greet us and tell us that they thought we were great for helping to care for the children of China. It was heart warming, we tried to explain that our hearts were filled to be given the privilege and that the children were just as much of a blessing to us as we were to them.
We spent quite some time at the park playing with the children....they were so happy to be let loose to run. We have been in an atmosphere since we received Asher where there have been several cars and alot of other people, so the open space in the children's area was great. There were only about 5 other kids on the playground, the others were in the adult areas. Asher and Sydney ran and ran and ran. I don't think they were on one piece of equipment for more than 1 minute at a time....they covered some major ground. We were able to get some pretty cute pictures.
After the park, we were taken for the biggest treat ever!!!! McDonald's, first time since we left the USA. It had never tasted so good. The hamburgers tasted like actual hamburgers and the french fries like fries.....it was so totally awesome!!! Asher did pretty good with his meal.
For dinner we visited a Thai restaurant where they serve the chickens head right on the plate with your dinner....yeah, nice right. Well Keith and Asher were in their glory. I actually had to pack up and wait for Keith to meet me a few minutes later because I could just not stomach it anymore. I think I have had my fill of exotic food for the rest of my lifetime.
Today was perfect weather. Just out right beautiful. We had a wonderful day together.
Thank you all for hanging in here with us and sending us your comments. We look forward to getting them everyday. If you would like to send us any private emails to fill us in on any new info please feel free at shelley.baum@yahoo.com We would really enjoy being caught up on the happenings at home. Love you all and talk to you soon. God Bless!!
We are getting ready for bed right now and after tonight only have six more sleeps until we board that jet plane bound for home. Oh, how sweet the sound.
Today we met with our guide and she took us to this wonderful huge park that has a huge kids play area, a beautiful lake, gorgeous flowers everywhere, and loads of people. There had to be a few hundred people gathered in different areas doing their morning exercises....Thai chi, sword dancing, fan Thai chi, hacky sack, badmitton, dancing, and singing. It was truly a site. Most all the people there were older retirees either on their own or caring for their grandchildren. It is custom here that the grandparents care for the children while the parents work to support the family. It was very beautiful to see how dedicated they are to commune with each other every morning. There were many people that were eager to greet us and tell us that they thought we were great for helping to care for the children of China. It was heart warming, we tried to explain that our hearts were filled to be given the privilege and that the children were just as much of a blessing to us as we were to them.
We spent quite some time at the park playing with the children....they were so happy to be let loose to run. We have been in an atmosphere since we received Asher where there have been several cars and alot of other people, so the open space in the children's area was great. There were only about 5 other kids on the playground, the others were in the adult areas. Asher and Sydney ran and ran and ran. I don't think they were on one piece of equipment for more than 1 minute at a time....they covered some major ground. We were able to get some pretty cute pictures.
After the park, we were taken for the biggest treat ever!!!! McDonald's, first time since we left the USA. It had never tasted so good. The hamburgers tasted like actual hamburgers and the french fries like fries.....it was so totally awesome!!! Asher did pretty good with his meal.
For dinner we visited a Thai restaurant where they serve the chickens head right on the plate with your dinner....yeah, nice right. Well Keith and Asher were in their glory. I actually had to pack up and wait for Keith to meet me a few minutes later because I could just not stomach it anymore. I think I have had my fill of exotic food for the rest of my lifetime.
Today was perfect weather. Just out right beautiful. We had a wonderful day together.
Thank you all for hanging in here with us and sending us your comments. We look forward to getting them everyday. If you would like to send us any private emails to fill us in on any new info please feel free at shelley.baum@yahoo.com We would really enjoy being caught up on the happenings at home. Love you all and talk to you soon. God Bless!!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Mary knew
Tonight we celebrated Christmas with our China family. The hotel was nice enough to comp. us a party room to gather, share scripture, pray, and eat pizza!!!! Yeah, pizza!!!
God has blessed us with the most amazing group of people. We have several Christians in our group which is so needed and appreciated. We all gathered, sang a few Christmas carols, shared prayer requests, prayed over each other, read the scripture for the birth of Christ, built a manger scene with the kids (pictures attached), and laughed at the kids who can't understand a thing we are doing. They totally don't understand prayer. Asher actually will come up to you and basically smack you in the face such as saying wake up you crazy people. I hope that we can show him the love of God and the power of prayer soon.
This evening was so perfect for lifting our spirits as a whole. Just shows you how important it is to gather frequently with other Christians to give each other love and support. We really needed that medicine today.
Asher has been pretty good today. It seems his love and trust is growing for each of us alot today. His tantrums were very little today, which is pleasing. He is trying to learn some English with very little encouragement. He repeats just about everything we say and we catch him using some of the words at appropriate timing. He even is saying thank you with out having to be told all the time now.....what accomplishment! He and Sydney are getting along much better. She wants to love on him all the time and he tries to torment her a little but she takes it in stride and just kisses the top of his head all the time in understanding. She is the best!!! Tonight before bed time and after baths....he was very eager for her to come out of the bathroom after her shower and he laid on the floor outside of the bathroom trying to peek under the door at her just laughing, finally she was peeking under the door at him too which he thought was hysterical. She would stick her fingers under the door at him to touch his fingers too, this went on for about 20 minutes and was quite a site (pictures attached). After they were finished, she sat on the bed and he told her a bunch of things that no one could understand and she puckered up to kiss him and he actually kissed her back, WAY COOL that is the first kiss he has been open to giving any of us. I was so thrilled and wanted to get a picture that I asked her to try again and sure enough he was willing and I got a picture, priceless.....I would say the relationship trust and growth has hit a milestone today which was a true Christmas gift.
I sit here reflecting over our evening while he is sleeping and Keith and Sydney have found the English version of Santa Claus 3 aon TV and I see big progress and have a much better feeling and peace than I even imagined could be possible yesterday. I am so thankful for that and I know that God felt my anxiety and fear and has set me at ease with delivering a good day for us all.
As I mentioned earlier, we shared the Christmas story from the Bible with our group this evening and I was so touched to try to relate what Mary must have felt when Gabriel came to her to announce that God had found favor in her and that she was expecting and for her not to be afraid. Trying to focus on what Mary must have felt at that moment, I couldn't help but to have tears in my eyes thinking of how God has chosen us to care and love for another one of his children. It is written that Mary was scared and I too have been scared and unsure of the outcome and the road ahead. It is written that Mary was shocked and I too have been shocked by what I imagined would be and the reality of what is, and even more so by how I can see things becoming in the future, for the good of course. It is written that Mary was trusting and I too am trusting that God knows all much better than we and that he will take care of everything. It is written that Mary was obedient and I too think that I have been obedient in showing the purest form of faith by following the scripture to care for the orphans. It is also written that Mary gave herself to God's will and I too at this time give our family and this roller coaster that we are on over the God and I have faith that he will deliver us. Although, I realize that not all the road is straight and easy going. We are bound to be tested so that we can prove our love and trust to God, which we so modestly do not deserve but are so blessed to receive. God has entrusted us with such a precious gift and today we have seen that we will be filled with love for one another and step by step will build a solid foundation to be able to deliver this precious child back to His kingdom some day. Today I realize that there is a light in what seemed like such a dark tunnel yesterday. And, I retire to bed with a peaceful head and a happy heart for the love of my family, our bigger family, our friends, and this moment. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas for what is the beginning of your day and the ending of ours....one less day until we see you all again. Good Night. XOXO.
God has blessed us with the most amazing group of people. We have several Christians in our group which is so needed and appreciated. We all gathered, sang a few Christmas carols, shared prayer requests, prayed over each other, read the scripture for the birth of Christ, built a manger scene with the kids (pictures attached), and laughed at the kids who can't understand a thing we are doing. They totally don't understand prayer. Asher actually will come up to you and basically smack you in the face such as saying wake up you crazy people. I hope that we can show him the love of God and the power of prayer soon.
This evening was so perfect for lifting our spirits as a whole. Just shows you how important it is to gather frequently with other Christians to give each other love and support. We really needed that medicine today.
Asher has been pretty good today. It seems his love and trust is growing for each of us alot today. His tantrums were very little today, which is pleasing. He is trying to learn some English with very little encouragement. He repeats just about everything we say and we catch him using some of the words at appropriate timing. He even is saying thank you with out having to be told all the time now.....what accomplishment! He and Sydney are getting along much better. She wants to love on him all the time and he tries to torment her a little but she takes it in stride and just kisses the top of his head all the time in understanding. She is the best!!! Tonight before bed time and after baths....he was very eager for her to come out of the bathroom after her shower and he laid on the floor outside of the bathroom trying to peek under the door at her just laughing, finally she was peeking under the door at him too which he thought was hysterical. She would stick her fingers under the door at him to touch his fingers too, this went on for about 20 minutes and was quite a site (pictures attached). After they were finished, she sat on the bed and he told her a bunch of things that no one could understand and she puckered up to kiss him and he actually kissed her back, WAY COOL that is the first kiss he has been open to giving any of us. I was so thrilled and wanted to get a picture that I asked her to try again and sure enough he was willing and I got a picture, priceless.....I would say the relationship trust and growth has hit a milestone today which was a true Christmas gift.
I sit here reflecting over our evening while he is sleeping and Keith and Sydney have found the English version of Santa Claus 3 aon TV and I see big progress and have a much better feeling and peace than I even imagined could be possible yesterday. I am so thankful for that and I know that God felt my anxiety and fear and has set me at ease with delivering a good day for us all.
As I mentioned earlier, we shared the Christmas story from the Bible with our group this evening and I was so touched to try to relate what Mary must have felt when Gabriel came to her to announce that God had found favor in her and that she was expecting and for her not to be afraid. Trying to focus on what Mary must have felt at that moment, I couldn't help but to have tears in my eyes thinking of how God has chosen us to care and love for another one of his children. It is written that Mary was scared and I too have been scared and unsure of the outcome and the road ahead. It is written that Mary was shocked and I too have been shocked by what I imagined would be and the reality of what is, and even more so by how I can see things becoming in the future, for the good of course. It is written that Mary was trusting and I too am trusting that God knows all much better than we and that he will take care of everything. It is written that Mary was obedient and I too think that I have been obedient in showing the purest form of faith by following the scripture to care for the orphans. It is also written that Mary gave herself to God's will and I too at this time give our family and this roller coaster that we are on over the God and I have faith that he will deliver us. Although, I realize that not all the road is straight and easy going. We are bound to be tested so that we can prove our love and trust to God, which we so modestly do not deserve but are so blessed to receive. God has entrusted us with such a precious gift and today we have seen that we will be filled with love for one another and step by step will build a solid foundation to be able to deliver this precious child back to His kingdom some day. Today I realize that there is a light in what seemed like such a dark tunnel yesterday. And, I retire to bed with a peaceful head and a happy heart for the love of my family, our bigger family, our friends, and this moment. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas for what is the beginning of your day and the ending of ours....one less day until we see you all again. Good Night. XOXO.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!!
I hope today finds you all wrapped in the love of our Lord and your blessed families. We are hitting the point where we are missing home terribly. Christmas in China is very different than home.
Yesterday was Christmas Eve here and we had a really rough day. I think it was a test day. One of the honeymoon's over days. Poor Sydney wrapped up in the middle of it all. Asher decided that he was going to just have a throw a fit at every little thing possible. We spent a little time with another very experienced adoptive family and they shared the foster care program details with us to help us understand and cope with how Asher is acting right now. We didn't realize that even though Asher was in foster care that he would still truly be raised in an environment where he would have the opinion that the world revolves around him all the time. The first two days every thing was hunky dorey....then reality set in that he was not going to be able to have and do everything that he wanted with us....that our family operates as a unit not catering to one person over the other. He was also throwing a temper tantrum at every little upset as well. Very trying on us. Sydney was in the mode of just try to ignore all that is going on around her. Keith was in the discipline and scold mode. And I was in the try to keep peace mode. None of these seemed to co-exist in our little world for the day. By 4:00 we locked ourselves in the room and did not venture out for the remaining of the day. Keith did go downstairs to get us Subway (which tasted nothing like Subway) for dinner and I fixed Asher a cup of noodles. By 8:00 we were in melt down mode all together (I need a good cry at least once a month, so Christmas Eve was my day)......and by 9:00 we were all asleep. I prayed really hard that the next day would be better and that God would set us all right with each other.
We had breakfast with some of our group which all went out to dinner on Christmas Eve and they told us that the street were flooded with people, the restaurants were all packed, and that the church was overflowing with people that even filled the courtyard with at least 100 people, all Chinese. Isn't that incredible. It is so wonderful to know that Christianity is growing at such a high speed in China at this time. To know that several hundred were here in this area to attend church to celebrate the birth of our Lord. Don't ever think that the Chinese don't celebrate Christmas because it is definitely very alive here, very much different than what you would think....but basically just for Christmas Eve evening. Every one works and all the stores are open and the kids all go to school on Christmas day. They don't really give gifts that day either, they save it for the Chinese New Year.
We are all really beside ourselves home sick and even worse to realize that we have 8 days remaining. Feels like eternity. Really missing our loved ones, family, friends, driving, french fries, Real Diet Coke, my puppy, all our other animals, phone conversations, forks and spoons, American toilets, napkins, our own beds, American TV, the Christmas tree, Church, Candle light service, Christmas morning at home with Sydney, and strangely enough snow....and if you know me, then you must know that I AM home sick to miss snow. I know that this may sound petty but unless you have been put is such a foreign place with things you are used to for this long of a period and especially at Christmas then you probably wouldn't understand. I am so so thankful though that we have each other....there are other people here that were not able to bring there kids and I cannot imagine that pain. So I do know that we are blessed that we are all together, safe, and well and I pray that God can help us forget the worldly things that are at home and that on Christmas Day we remember the love that he has given us and we rejoice in that day.
We awoke Christmas morning and had a couple very small gifts for the kids. Asher of course had no idea what a present was or wrapping paper. I showed him how to unwrap the first one and then he did the second like a champ. One was a little rubber band gun that shoots little airplanes across the room, he loved that and he and his daddy played with it for a good while this morning. Sydney received a game for her game boy which is dead at the time and we can not figure out how to get it to recharge....so that was not so exciting and she also received a card game. She is being such a good girl and you can't even tell that she is missing Christmas morning at home but I know from her prior blog that it is a sacrifice for her.....the sad spirit really brings alligator tears to my eyes. My parents always gave their all in making our Christmas' so special when we were kids and I can remember every one from as far back as I can remember.....Christmas was such a magical day at our house. I think Sydney feels the same as I did when I was a kid. My very wonderful, self sacrificing, maybe a little crazy friend and confidant Tamara offered to house sit while we were away, so she will be there to wake up Christmas morning to see what Santa has brought for Christmas.....I can't wait to put Sydney on the phone with her as soon as it is Christmas morning there so that Sydney can hear that Santa did not forget her and hear what he has left for her to open when she gets home so that her face can light up again. She is so in love with her little brother, so I know that she still would have chosen to be here instead of home but it has not come without sacrifice in more than one area, that is for sure.
We met up with our guide and group at 9:30 to do a little shopping. She took us to a porcelain and jade store, then to the pearl market, then to the Noodle house for lunch.
We bought a small tea set and a Christmas ornament at the porcelain and jade store. We bought Sydney a pair of pink pearl earrings for Christmas which she could not wait to wear and was so pleased with. We also bought her and Asher (to give his wife on their wedding day someday) beautiful freshwater pearl necklaces. Asher of course, didn't want anything to do with the jewelry (I am telling you as all boy as they come) and Sydney was in her glory (as all girl as they come). I was expecting the infamous pearl market to be an outdoor tent style market scenario....boy was I wrong. The pearl market is a five story mall with a couple hundred stores in it in which every one of the stores sells pearl jewelry or some other kind of jewelry...so picture it girls....five story of all jewelry, in sane. Really neat but very overwhelming. Oh yes, I almost forgot we did hit one other store in a different mall type place....the DVD store. They care all kinds of basically bootlegged DVD that are in original packaging of all kinds of movies....and get this, they cost about $2.40 each. The movies have the option of how you want to watch them, in Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Japanese...then you also can pick a second language to show as subtitles. So, basically we can play the Chinese words for Asher to watch and then we can read the subtitles if we are watching them with him. They even had movies that are still in the theaters at this time. Keith was soaking this place up a bit. It was fun.
Today Sydney really had to go to the bathroom but held it for two hours until we returned to the room because she along with me refuse to use these squat pot toilets here....too funny. Asher of course has no modesty....he will whip his pants down just about anywhere for all the world to see. Here you see little ones with their parents, or whomever, along side a tree just about anywhere in the open letting it rip so that is a little strange. He is not that over the top though don't get the wrong impression. He is very picky about his cleanliness. If he even gets the slightest bit of water of his shirt or pants, he thinks he needs new clothes....very particular like that. Which I am happy with because I know he has always been kept clean.
Today has been a much better day for us as a family, thank you God. Answered prayer. Yesterday was just a little over the top for my sanity. We are not used to the temper tantrum thing....and you can tell it is not because he is unhappy it is because we are not bowing to his every little tiny need and desire. I cannot get over here how boys are treated like they are kings....our friends tell us that in the adoption world that there is a saying when some one comes over to adopt a little boy is that they are coming to receive a new little emperor because that is how they are used to being treated. But Asher is learning quickly. He knows that we all love him and he is getting that we will get him what he needs in time just not in a split second....his patience is growing. He is also learning that his tantrums just cause us to withdraw and go about without much recognition now, as long as we know he isn't going to hurt himself. I remember when Sydney was about 3 she would have episodes like that and she got over them reasonably quick so I am praying he does too. Asher has opened back up to Daddy today too...yesterday they both kind of shut off to each other and that was really hard to watch. Today he is very happy with daddy and daddy is very happy with him...they have played and loved on each other all day, which has soothed my heart. Asher is napping right now and Keith and Syd are at the park again....I am so glad it is close because Sydney loves going there.
I hope that you all know how much you all mean to us and how much we love you all. It is killing us to be so far away from you all. I guess it is these moments that help you realize how God has blessed you with such a loving family, and we are truly blessed. You are all on our minds all the time! We love you so much and pray that you are able to make it a beautiful day with those that surround you no matter where you are and whom you are with.
No matter how it sounds yesterday went, please know that the love is growing immensely in our new quartet. I am pretty sure that any new family will go through these hiccups and it will make them the stronger for it. I spoke to another couple this morning in our group that have a 6 year old girl and they said that they hit rock bottom last night about 9...so we were just a few hours early. I heard a child screaming bloody murder down the hall like they were right outside our door for a couple hours and come to find out it was her.....those moments are SO hard. Please continue to pray for us and all these special little children that are suffering through these life altering moments of discomfort and unknown.
We have a Christmas Night Dinner tonight with our group. We are all bringing our Bibles and going to have scripture reading, prayer, and meditation with each other tonight to reflect on the gift of our Lord. We are looking forward to this time together. You all will just be waking up as we study......Have a wonderful day and Merry Christmas. Ah, what perfect timing....my little emporer is waking.
Yesterday was Christmas Eve here and we had a really rough day. I think it was a test day. One of the honeymoon's over days. Poor Sydney wrapped up in the middle of it all. Asher decided that he was going to just have a throw a fit at every little thing possible. We spent a little time with another very experienced adoptive family and they shared the foster care program details with us to help us understand and cope with how Asher is acting right now. We didn't realize that even though Asher was in foster care that he would still truly be raised in an environment where he would have the opinion that the world revolves around him all the time. The first two days every thing was hunky dorey....then reality set in that he was not going to be able to have and do everything that he wanted with us....that our family operates as a unit not catering to one person over the other. He was also throwing a temper tantrum at every little upset as well. Very trying on us. Sydney was in the mode of just try to ignore all that is going on around her. Keith was in the discipline and scold mode. And I was in the try to keep peace mode. None of these seemed to co-exist in our little world for the day. By 4:00 we locked ourselves in the room and did not venture out for the remaining of the day. Keith did go downstairs to get us Subway (which tasted nothing like Subway) for dinner and I fixed Asher a cup of noodles. By 8:00 we were in melt down mode all together (I need a good cry at least once a month, so Christmas Eve was my day)......and by 9:00 we were all asleep. I prayed really hard that the next day would be better and that God would set us all right with each other.
We had breakfast with some of our group which all went out to dinner on Christmas Eve and they told us that the street were flooded with people, the restaurants were all packed, and that the church was overflowing with people that even filled the courtyard with at least 100 people, all Chinese. Isn't that incredible. It is so wonderful to know that Christianity is growing at such a high speed in China at this time. To know that several hundred were here in this area to attend church to celebrate the birth of our Lord. Don't ever think that the Chinese don't celebrate Christmas because it is definitely very alive here, very much different than what you would think....but basically just for Christmas Eve evening. Every one works and all the stores are open and the kids all go to school on Christmas day. They don't really give gifts that day either, they save it for the Chinese New Year.
We are all really beside ourselves home sick and even worse to realize that we have 8 days remaining. Feels like eternity. Really missing our loved ones, family, friends, driving, french fries, Real Diet Coke, my puppy, all our other animals, phone conversations, forks and spoons, American toilets, napkins, our own beds, American TV, the Christmas tree, Church, Candle light service, Christmas morning at home with Sydney, and strangely enough snow....and if you know me, then you must know that I AM home sick to miss snow. I know that this may sound petty but unless you have been put is such a foreign place with things you are used to for this long of a period and especially at Christmas then you probably wouldn't understand. I am so so thankful though that we have each other....there are other people here that were not able to bring there kids and I cannot imagine that pain. So I do know that we are blessed that we are all together, safe, and well and I pray that God can help us forget the worldly things that are at home and that on Christmas Day we remember the love that he has given us and we rejoice in that day.
We awoke Christmas morning and had a couple very small gifts for the kids. Asher of course had no idea what a present was or wrapping paper. I showed him how to unwrap the first one and then he did the second like a champ. One was a little rubber band gun that shoots little airplanes across the room, he loved that and he and his daddy played with it for a good while this morning. Sydney received a game for her game boy which is dead at the time and we can not figure out how to get it to recharge....so that was not so exciting and she also received a card game. She is being such a good girl and you can't even tell that she is missing Christmas morning at home but I know from her prior blog that it is a sacrifice for her.....the sad spirit really brings alligator tears to my eyes. My parents always gave their all in making our Christmas' so special when we were kids and I can remember every one from as far back as I can remember.....Christmas was such a magical day at our house. I think Sydney feels the same as I did when I was a kid. My very wonderful, self sacrificing, maybe a little crazy friend and confidant Tamara offered to house sit while we were away, so she will be there to wake up Christmas morning to see what Santa has brought for Christmas.....I can't wait to put Sydney on the phone with her as soon as it is Christmas morning there so that Sydney can hear that Santa did not forget her and hear what he has left for her to open when she gets home so that her face can light up again. She is so in love with her little brother, so I know that she still would have chosen to be here instead of home but it has not come without sacrifice in more than one area, that is for sure.
We met up with our guide and group at 9:30 to do a little shopping. She took us to a porcelain and jade store, then to the pearl market, then to the Noodle house for lunch.
We bought a small tea set and a Christmas ornament at the porcelain and jade store. We bought Sydney a pair of pink pearl earrings for Christmas which she could not wait to wear and was so pleased with. We also bought her and Asher (to give his wife on their wedding day someday) beautiful freshwater pearl necklaces. Asher of course, didn't want anything to do with the jewelry (I am telling you as all boy as they come) and Sydney was in her glory (as all girl as they come). I was expecting the infamous pearl market to be an outdoor tent style market scenario....boy was I wrong. The pearl market is a five story mall with a couple hundred stores in it in which every one of the stores sells pearl jewelry or some other kind of jewelry...so picture it girls....five story of all jewelry, in sane. Really neat but very overwhelming. Oh yes, I almost forgot we did hit one other store in a different mall type place....the DVD store. They care all kinds of basically bootlegged DVD that are in original packaging of all kinds of movies....and get this, they cost about $2.40 each. The movies have the option of how you want to watch them, in Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Japanese...then you also can pick a second language to show as subtitles. So, basically we can play the Chinese words for Asher to watch and then we can read the subtitles if we are watching them with him. They even had movies that are still in the theaters at this time. Keith was soaking this place up a bit. It was fun.
Today Sydney really had to go to the bathroom but held it for two hours until we returned to the room because she along with me refuse to use these squat pot toilets here....too funny. Asher of course has no modesty....he will whip his pants down just about anywhere for all the world to see. Here you see little ones with their parents, or whomever, along side a tree just about anywhere in the open letting it rip so that is a little strange. He is not that over the top though don't get the wrong impression. He is very picky about his cleanliness. If he even gets the slightest bit of water of his shirt or pants, he thinks he needs new clothes....very particular like that. Which I am happy with because I know he has always been kept clean.
Today has been a much better day for us as a family, thank you God. Answered prayer. Yesterday was just a little over the top for my sanity. We are not used to the temper tantrum thing....and you can tell it is not because he is unhappy it is because we are not bowing to his every little tiny need and desire. I cannot get over here how boys are treated like they are kings....our friends tell us that in the adoption world that there is a saying when some one comes over to adopt a little boy is that they are coming to receive a new little emperor because that is how they are used to being treated. But Asher is learning quickly. He knows that we all love him and he is getting that we will get him what he needs in time just not in a split second....his patience is growing. He is also learning that his tantrums just cause us to withdraw and go about without much recognition now, as long as we know he isn't going to hurt himself. I remember when Sydney was about 3 she would have episodes like that and she got over them reasonably quick so I am praying he does too. Asher has opened back up to Daddy today too...yesterday they both kind of shut off to each other and that was really hard to watch. Today he is very happy with daddy and daddy is very happy with him...they have played and loved on each other all day, which has soothed my heart. Asher is napping right now and Keith and Syd are at the park again....I am so glad it is close because Sydney loves going there.
I hope that you all know how much you all mean to us and how much we love you all. It is killing us to be so far away from you all. I guess it is these moments that help you realize how God has blessed you with such a loving family, and we are truly blessed. You are all on our minds all the time! We love you so much and pray that you are able to make it a beautiful day with those that surround you no matter where you are and whom you are with.
No matter how it sounds yesterday went, please know that the love is growing immensely in our new quartet. I am pretty sure that any new family will go through these hiccups and it will make them the stronger for it. I spoke to another couple this morning in our group that have a 6 year old girl and they said that they hit rock bottom last night about 9...so we were just a few hours early. I heard a child screaming bloody murder down the hall like they were right outside our door for a couple hours and come to find out it was her.....those moments are SO hard. Please continue to pray for us and all these special little children that are suffering through these life altering moments of discomfort and unknown.
We have a Christmas Night Dinner tonight with our group. We are all bringing our Bibles and going to have scripture reading, prayer, and meditation with each other tonight to reflect on the gift of our Lord. We are looking forward to this time together. You all will just be waking up as we study......Have a wonderful day and Merry Christmas. Ah, what perfect timing....my little emporer is waking.
Christmas Day in China - by SydneyBaum
Wow! Christmas Day already! It sure does not feel like Christmas Day AT ALL! I need some Christmas spirit. Can you help me with my SAD Christmas spirit? Today,I woke up and there were presents on the bed,( Asher did NOT want to open his really).Well, today we went shopping,yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! You'll NEVER guess what I got, REAL PEARLS!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! Mommy and Daddy got me a BEAUUUUUUUUUUUUUTIFUL necklace for my wedding day!!!!!!!!! Well,better let my mommy on here,( She's gettin kinda antsy.) heehee!Love you all and to all a good night. HOHOHO MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Day 2 with Asher
Today is Christmas Eve and we are REALLY REALLY missing home....brings tears to my eyes to think about it too much. I am trying to brain wash myself into thinking that it will be Christmas Eve when we return because Christmas will really come alive at our house that day and Santa will have come.
Anyway, I wanted to let you all know of our events yesterday. We woke up in the morning at about 6:30....Asher is like a time clock, very routined and scheduled. At 6:30 the past two days he has pretty much sat straight up in bed and just looked around. He is very slow waking up, not like Sydney ready to run as soon as she gets up. After he awoke, we all started to get ready with showers and such for mom and dad. As soon as he seen us packing up and putting on shoes, he started to cry. We had collected his bag with toys in it that we had sent to him while he was in the orphanage....I think he thought he was making another major move he was scared. I picked him up and kept telling him "hala hala (it's ok) and E ma (going to eat) he started to calm down and seemed to understand and was very happy at breakfast. He eats very different than Americans.....rice and veggies...not quite my cup of tea but if it makes him happy then that is good. They are very big in China for not giving children anything cold, everything must be hot or warm including milk and drinks.
After breakfast we met our guide, Helen, to go to the Civil Affairs office to complete our adoption paperwork and take our promise to love and give him a happy home and education. When we entered the building, he got very very quiet and sad. Then we all loaded in the elevator and came out into the same level that we met him in the day before. That really freaked him out and as soon as he realized where we were the instant tears and anxiety started coming on. I took him to our guide to explain what was happening and he calmed down some but still very scared. They took us into a room to get our family picture and then he perked right up, as soon as they said "Cheese" he totally changed. Little Ham!!! It is so funny, anytime you say "cheese" (obviously a universal language word), all the kids put up the "peace" sign. They had to tell him to put his hand down, which he followed direction and the photo was taken and all was well after that. We had to answer questions with two different individuals and swear to care for him to two different people and sign some papers and then we were told "He is officially your son and you are a family" then sent on our way.
After we left the building, we loaded back into the bus and went to the grocery store and very small department store to pick up some clothes that fit (everything we brought is too big), some snacks, and some toys. We took him to the clothes department where they had a whole two different pairs of pants to choose from in which we got one of each and he seemed to like them. We then went to the toy area and we looked to see if he had any interests there and he seen some lego blocks and gave us "the eyes". I held up two different kinds as if to ask him if he would like one and he picked the yellow bag and threw it into the cart.....seems all kids no matter what language understand that. We also picked up him up a pair of tennis that were really cheap that we later discovered light up (he wants them on all the time, really thinks they are neat). He was SO proud of his new toy....we ran across one of the other groups and he just talked and talked to the little girl "Dan Dan" and held up his toy so proudly and happily to show her what he had with the biggest smile ever on his face. That was pretty priceless to see such a small toy that most kids would bock at to be so happy over. He was showing his toy to everyone we passed. Then we went to the food isle and he pointed to exactly what he liked with "the eyes" as if asking can I have that, and of course we obliged. He was the happiest that we have seen him yet leaving that store and all it took was some drinkable yogurt, rice cookies, jello with fruit in it, and legos.
Sydney had spent the day, by invitation, with a couple from our agency that are a few days steps ahead of us. They have 5 daughters, 3 of which are from China. They are here picking up their third one, Meiana 7 and are being accompanied by their first daughter from here, Grace 8. They spent the day at the park and had just a wonderful day. Sydney really was due a day of running and playing with girls her age without any drama of this process. I was so thrilled they invited her....such sweet sweet people.
On our return, we came back to the room and Keith went to retrieve Syd and our laundry. Asher and I spent some quiet time in the room and then the door opened and he just went wild with excitement to see his "Jie Jie" (big sister) and took her immediately to see his blocks. He is soooo thrilled with those things. It was really cute to see him so excited to see her....he just squealed Jie Jie. She has been very tough through this but he has been a little obstinate with her so that moment was true medicine for her spirit.
We then walked a few blocks for the infamous pizza place for lunch. It was his nap time, but we were all so hungry and needed to eat. So, we went anyway. He did ok at lunch even though he was tired. We discovered that he hates pizza......not for sure how he will survive at our house, tee hee. We could tell he was getting ready to crash....so we packed up and headed walking back to the hotel for a nap. Keith carried him because we had not yet gotten a stroller and he seemed to not know how to just lay his head down on his shoulder and go to sleep. So, Keith pushed his cheek against Asher's cheek and that was all it took and he was dead to the world out. I had to move his head from Keith's cheek to his shoulder. We got back to the room and we all laid down together and slept for 2 1/2 hours.
When we awoke, it was about dinner time and we were suppose to meet our group for a big dinner at the Chinese restaurant. So we ventured on our way. I am so ready for McD's and American food....even the "Western" food here is not normal tasting. He was very rested at dinner and a ball of energy...likes to show off in front of a group. Once again, little ornery. I think that Griffen and him will be very good buddies. We were able to borrow a stroller on the way to dinner that he loves to ride in. Sydney loves to push him in it. She really plays the big sister role well and seems to love it so far. He likes feeding her things....and she eats them, funny I have been trying to feed her these type of things for 9 years now and she would not eat them but let her little brother feed them to her and she actually eats them.
After dinner we went for an ice cream cone. Asher has never had ice cream before. I got him strawberry in a cup because he likes the drinkable strawberry yogurt. And I got myself a chocolate cone. I gave him a bite of his and he shook his head no and then I traded him my cone and he took to it right away but then would sneak a bite of the strawberry every now and then too. To say the least he liked the ice cream....the Chinese people look at us like we are crazy....there is no way they would give a child ice cream, too cold.
We came back to the room and he started stripping down, no the slight bit modest, and headed for the bathtub. He loves the water....washes his hands once every ten minutes it seems. He even pretends that he has to go potty just so he can wash his hands. I told you very ornery. He splashed like crazy and loves to soak Sydney...he laughs constantly. Then we all crawled back in bed for night night time. He is really good at his routine. Knows it well and gives you no trouble over it at all. Most of the time he listens when you tell him something but for some reason when I tell him no "Bou Yau" he thinks it is funny. He has the point that daddy means business but mommy is just silly I guess. Keith keeps telling me I better talk control and I am really trying but he isn't quite getting it from me yet....keep working on it. I have resorted to a very mild time out on the bed with me right there with him, which he cries for a minute and then seems to apologize then I tell him I love him "Wo I nee" and he smiles and repeats me then I put him down to go about his merry way and he doesn't really repeat the offense again....so maybe there is hope for my pushoverness.
Anyway, I wanted to let you all know of our events yesterday. We woke up in the morning at about 6:30....Asher is like a time clock, very routined and scheduled. At 6:30 the past two days he has pretty much sat straight up in bed and just looked around. He is very slow waking up, not like Sydney ready to run as soon as she gets up. After he awoke, we all started to get ready with showers and such for mom and dad. As soon as he seen us packing up and putting on shoes, he started to cry. We had collected his bag with toys in it that we had sent to him while he was in the orphanage....I think he thought he was making another major move he was scared. I picked him up and kept telling him "hala hala (it's ok) and E ma (going to eat) he started to calm down and seemed to understand and was very happy at breakfast. He eats very different than Americans.....rice and veggies...not quite my cup of tea but if it makes him happy then that is good. They are very big in China for not giving children anything cold, everything must be hot or warm including milk and drinks.
After breakfast we met our guide, Helen, to go to the Civil Affairs office to complete our adoption paperwork and take our promise to love and give him a happy home and education. When we entered the building, he got very very quiet and sad. Then we all loaded in the elevator and came out into the same level that we met him in the day before. That really freaked him out and as soon as he realized where we were the instant tears and anxiety started coming on. I took him to our guide to explain what was happening and he calmed down some but still very scared. They took us into a room to get our family picture and then he perked right up, as soon as they said "Cheese" he totally changed. Little Ham!!! It is so funny, anytime you say "cheese" (obviously a universal language word), all the kids put up the "peace" sign. They had to tell him to put his hand down, which he followed direction and the photo was taken and all was well after that. We had to answer questions with two different individuals and swear to care for him to two different people and sign some papers and then we were told "He is officially your son and you are a family" then sent on our way.
After we left the building, we loaded back into the bus and went to the grocery store and very small department store to pick up some clothes that fit (everything we brought is too big), some snacks, and some toys. We took him to the clothes department where they had a whole two different pairs of pants to choose from in which we got one of each and he seemed to like them. We then went to the toy area and we looked to see if he had any interests there and he seen some lego blocks and gave us "the eyes". I held up two different kinds as if to ask him if he would like one and he picked the yellow bag and threw it into the cart.....seems all kids no matter what language understand that. We also picked up him up a pair of tennis that were really cheap that we later discovered light up (he wants them on all the time, really thinks they are neat). He was SO proud of his new toy....we ran across one of the other groups and he just talked and talked to the little girl "Dan Dan" and held up his toy so proudly and happily to show her what he had with the biggest smile ever on his face. That was pretty priceless to see such a small toy that most kids would bock at to be so happy over. He was showing his toy to everyone we passed. Then we went to the food isle and he pointed to exactly what he liked with "the eyes" as if asking can I have that, and of course we obliged. He was the happiest that we have seen him yet leaving that store and all it took was some drinkable yogurt, rice cookies, jello with fruit in it, and legos.
Sydney had spent the day, by invitation, with a couple from our agency that are a few days steps ahead of us. They have 5 daughters, 3 of which are from China. They are here picking up their third one, Meiana 7 and are being accompanied by their first daughter from here, Grace 8. They spent the day at the park and had just a wonderful day. Sydney really was due a day of running and playing with girls her age without any drama of this process. I was so thrilled they invited her....such sweet sweet people.
On our return, we came back to the room and Keith went to retrieve Syd and our laundry. Asher and I spent some quiet time in the room and then the door opened and he just went wild with excitement to see his "Jie Jie" (big sister) and took her immediately to see his blocks. He is soooo thrilled with those things. It was really cute to see him so excited to see her....he just squealed Jie Jie. She has been very tough through this but he has been a little obstinate with her so that moment was true medicine for her spirit.
We then walked a few blocks for the infamous pizza place for lunch. It was his nap time, but we were all so hungry and needed to eat. So, we went anyway. He did ok at lunch even though he was tired. We discovered that he hates pizza......not for sure how he will survive at our house, tee hee. We could tell he was getting ready to crash....so we packed up and headed walking back to the hotel for a nap. Keith carried him because we had not yet gotten a stroller and he seemed to not know how to just lay his head down on his shoulder and go to sleep. So, Keith pushed his cheek against Asher's cheek and that was all it took and he was dead to the world out. I had to move his head from Keith's cheek to his shoulder. We got back to the room and we all laid down together and slept for 2 1/2 hours.
When we awoke, it was about dinner time and we were suppose to meet our group for a big dinner at the Chinese restaurant. So we ventured on our way. I am so ready for McD's and American food....even the "Western" food here is not normal tasting. He was very rested at dinner and a ball of energy...likes to show off in front of a group. Once again, little ornery. I think that Griffen and him will be very good buddies. We were able to borrow a stroller on the way to dinner that he loves to ride in. Sydney loves to push him in it. She really plays the big sister role well and seems to love it so far. He likes feeding her things....and she eats them, funny I have been trying to feed her these type of things for 9 years now and she would not eat them but let her little brother feed them to her and she actually eats them.
After dinner we went for an ice cream cone. Asher has never had ice cream before. I got him strawberry in a cup because he likes the drinkable strawberry yogurt. And I got myself a chocolate cone. I gave him a bite of his and he shook his head no and then I traded him my cone and he took to it right away but then would sneak a bite of the strawberry every now and then too. To say the least he liked the ice cream....the Chinese people look at us like we are crazy....there is no way they would give a child ice cream, too cold.
We came back to the room and he started stripping down, no the slight bit modest, and headed for the bathtub. He loves the water....washes his hands once every ten minutes it seems. He even pretends that he has to go potty just so he can wash his hands. I told you very ornery. He splashed like crazy and loves to soak Sydney...he laughs constantly. Then we all crawled back in bed for night night time. He is really good at his routine. Knows it well and gives you no trouble over it at all. Most of the time he listens when you tell him something but for some reason when I tell him no "Bou Yau" he thinks it is funny. He has the point that daddy means business but mommy is just silly I guess. Keith keeps telling me I better talk control and I am really trying but he isn't quite getting it from me yet....keep working on it. I have resorted to a very mild time out on the bed with me right there with him, which he cries for a minute and then seems to apologize then I tell him I love him "Wo I nee" and he smiles and repeats me then I put him down to go about his merry way and he doesn't really repeat the offense again....so maybe there is hope for my pushoverness.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Dad's Perspective
Those of you that know me well know that I'm a man of few spoken words. If I say it, it means it is important to me. So you can imagine how that relates to my written word.
I don't know where to start. I have so many thoughts as I am rested and thinking back on the day. I know most men with wives that are expecting will understand what I mean when I say you will do anything to make your wife comfortable. She was stressed out about the hotel, stressed about not being able to keep up on the blog, and a few other things understandable so. So we were able to fix most of them and it helped her greatly. Which helped me.
God is amazing. We went on a walk to find a shop we had heard about. It took awhile and I was not giving up until we did. It is the one described in Syd's post. The woman gave Shelley about a 30 minute course in the basic sounds of Chinese. With out being asked. As you saw in Shelly's post it came in handy later. She was able to communicate the basics to Asher. Which helped him a lot. God is amazing how he places people in your path that you will need. Hold on I think Asher wants to type. jhgyihukhjkhkkk xcv OK he's done with his first blog. He doesn't stay with one thing too long.
Well it was a short trip to the office to get him but a long one for him. He is from Shinzhen city which is close to Hong Kong about 2.5 hrs from us. Lots of people there. Lots of kids. Very loud and a lot of things going on at the same time. Not a place I even wanted to be think of how the kids must have felt. They rushed us into a "private room" which wasn't all that private but was nice not to have to be out in the middle of everything. Needed to check paperwork and then bang in start coming the kids in two minute intervals. Asher was second. When our eyes met I felt he recognized me from the pictures and it set in what was happening. You have to understand just how loud it is in that place. Think of the most crowded place you have been and then double it. He did not seem comfortable with anything but we were thrilled. My heart just melted.The pictures didn't do this boy any justice. I just wanted to rush to him and squeeze him but I was the camera and video guy and wanted to capture those first few moments when he met Shelley and Sydney. He sure is a sharp little man. Long story short I felt as though the journey was fulfilled and our family was finally complete.
Now things were not pie in the sky and I knew it was ripping my two girls apart. Machelle your comments came at a perfect time for me to prepare and be there for them. Thank you and God bless you. I soon realized nothing I could do was going to take the pain away for our new little guy. So my focus turned to Shelley and Sydney. See I'm the fix it guy in our family. Size up the issue and bring on the solutions and make things right or at least bearable. I got to tell you the streangth my wife showed even impressed me and I know how terrific she is. She was so strong. All I had to to was keep reminding her that he was ours and it was going to be ok. Did I happen to mention that this place is just crazy noisy and at the top of the chart when it comes to sensory overload. Shelley collected important information while Sydney and I tended to Asher. Then I took care of the paticulars while the two girls tended to him. Finally it was time for us to leave and our guide Helen(who is a blessing) spoke a few words to our guy and he took her hand and Sydney's and headed out the door a lot calmer. After a few short steps out the door Shelley took his other hand. I brought up the rear and got to tell you it was cool seeing my family together headed out of there. A unit for the first time. I just wanted to get him out of there. I was so thankful Sydney was there. She is so mature for her years. She did everything she was asked to do which was a lot. Get this, go for that, help with this. We could not have kept track of our stuff or gotten things we needed without her. She is a special one I tell you. I'm blessed.
So we are out of there on the bus and headed away. He is sitting with the girls doing well. I feel we are on the right track. If it wasn't for 3 more days of paperwork and then 2 days of passport red tape they could have taken me to the airport right then. I just want to come home and bring him to his house and see all the many people that are waiting to show him love. I thought I would be ok with spending Christmas here. I'm not. I just want to bring my family home.
To close out. Our first night as a unit was not without hiccups, but was great. I would not trade it for anything. One of them being on a bathroom run. I'm not quite used to a boy and going potty. So we soiled some clothes. I think it was more my fault than his. No big deal we had others and I did better on the next time. Our first dinner together was priceless. The boy can pack in the grub I tell you. And he isn't shy about it. We called it a night about 9:00 pm and we all slept the best we have since we have been here. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and thoughts. The comments have really helped and we love them. We love and miss you all. I can't wait to bring the family home. See you soon but not soon enough.
I don't know where to start. I have so many thoughts as I am rested and thinking back on the day. I know most men with wives that are expecting will understand what I mean when I say you will do anything to make your wife comfortable. She was stressed out about the hotel, stressed about not being able to keep up on the blog, and a few other things understandable so. So we were able to fix most of them and it helped her greatly. Which helped me.
God is amazing. We went on a walk to find a shop we had heard about. It took awhile and I was not giving up until we did. It is the one described in Syd's post. The woman gave Shelley about a 30 minute course in the basic sounds of Chinese. With out being asked. As you saw in Shelly's post it came in handy later. She was able to communicate the basics to Asher. Which helped him a lot. God is amazing how he places people in your path that you will need. Hold on I think Asher wants to type. jhgyihukhjkhkkk xcv OK he's done with his first blog. He doesn't stay with one thing too long.
Well it was a short trip to the office to get him but a long one for him. He is from Shinzhen city which is close to Hong Kong about 2.5 hrs from us. Lots of people there. Lots of kids. Very loud and a lot of things going on at the same time. Not a place I even wanted to be think of how the kids must have felt. They rushed us into a "private room" which wasn't all that private but was nice not to have to be out in the middle of everything. Needed to check paperwork and then bang in start coming the kids in two minute intervals. Asher was second. When our eyes met I felt he recognized me from the pictures and it set in what was happening. You have to understand just how loud it is in that place. Think of the most crowded place you have been and then double it. He did not seem comfortable with anything but we were thrilled. My heart just melted.The pictures didn't do this boy any justice. I just wanted to rush to him and squeeze him but I was the camera and video guy and wanted to capture those first few moments when he met Shelley and Sydney. He sure is a sharp little man. Long story short I felt as though the journey was fulfilled and our family was finally complete.
Now things were not pie in the sky and I knew it was ripping my two girls apart. Machelle your comments came at a perfect time for me to prepare and be there for them. Thank you and God bless you. I soon realized nothing I could do was going to take the pain away for our new little guy. So my focus turned to Shelley and Sydney. See I'm the fix it guy in our family. Size up the issue and bring on the solutions and make things right or at least bearable. I got to tell you the streangth my wife showed even impressed me and I know how terrific she is. She was so strong. All I had to to was keep reminding her that he was ours and it was going to be ok. Did I happen to mention that this place is just crazy noisy and at the top of the chart when it comes to sensory overload. Shelley collected important information while Sydney and I tended to Asher. Then I took care of the paticulars while the two girls tended to him. Finally it was time for us to leave and our guide Helen(who is a blessing) spoke a few words to our guy and he took her hand and Sydney's and headed out the door a lot calmer. After a few short steps out the door Shelley took his other hand. I brought up the rear and got to tell you it was cool seeing my family together headed out of there. A unit for the first time. I just wanted to get him out of there. I was so thankful Sydney was there. She is so mature for her years. She did everything she was asked to do which was a lot. Get this, go for that, help with this. We could not have kept track of our stuff or gotten things we needed without her. She is a special one I tell you. I'm blessed.
So we are out of there on the bus and headed away. He is sitting with the girls doing well. I feel we are on the right track. If it wasn't for 3 more days of paperwork and then 2 days of passport red tape they could have taken me to the airport right then. I just want to come home and bring him to his house and see all the many people that are waiting to show him love. I thought I would be ok with spending Christmas here. I'm not. I just want to bring my family home.
To close out. Our first night as a unit was not without hiccups, but was great. I would not trade it for anything. One of them being on a bathroom run. I'm not quite used to a boy and going potty. So we soiled some clothes. I think it was more my fault than his. No big deal we had others and I did better on the next time. Our first dinner together was priceless. The boy can pack in the grub I tell you. And he isn't shy about it. We called it a night about 9:00 pm and we all slept the best we have since we have been here. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and thoughts. The comments have really helped and we love them. We love and miss you all. I can't wait to bring the family home. See you soon but not soon enough.
IT'S A BOY!!!!!
We have him!!
Oh my, what a day.
We woke early of course, had breakfast, a walked around the island for a couple of hours. We switched hotels because the room we were in was just terribly too small for the four of us, which works out so much better because we have extra beds and a computer in our room....AWESOME!!
We left our hotel at 2:00 for the Civil Affairs Office where we were to meet our son. It only took us about 15 minutes to get there and about 5 minutes after that...they walked him in the room. He was calm at first but very standoffish. I tired to talk to him and give him some suckers and a stuffed monkey, still very standoffish....then all the tears just let loose. Poor baby, it was such a site to feel your heart ache for this little thing that cannot understand anything that you are saying. The nannies were good at trying to explain things to him but he was just having nothing to do with any of us. We all thought for sure that he would like Sydney at least right off...but Bou Yau!!! was all he kept saying over and over threw the tears and then let into a full tantrum. All I kept thinking was let it out baby. I kept looking at Keith as if he could fix it.....I only cried one tear and was so strong....Keith just kept saying, "Shelley everything will be alright". The nannies continued to fill us in on all of his information threw all the screaming. There were two others there with us - one at 17 months old was perfect and fell asleep as soon as they handed her to her mommy - the second was all smiles and very huggy - and then Asher, which I just know the other two couples were thanking God he wasn't theirs. Our guide told us there are usually three reactions, one happy - one quiet and comatosed - one mad as a hornet...Asher. (Machelle, your message could not have come at a better time....those were the perfect words we needed right before our meeting.)
I can't say I blame the little guy....that place was nuts and so loud and so confusing....I would have probably been the same.
Our guide sent off the nannies and then came back in and stood Asher up and told him that we were all going to be ok and that we were going to the hotel and she told him to take her hand and Sydney's hands and he did just as he was told. Then she walked forward and he totally stopped crying! Then two steps later handed me his hand and he looked at me as if to say alright like it or not I'm stuck with you so we may as well make the best of it. We loaded on the bus with the three of us still holding hands and all sat together and then I asked him if he was hungry and he shook his head yes and I gave him some animal crackers which were gone 2 minutes later and he was at peace. Amazing...don't say it, I tired to give the silly cookies several times before but Bou Yau!!!! NO NO.
By the way my Mandarin in the past 8 hours has grown immensely...I think I am freaking Keith and Sydney out by how much I am able to converse with him right now. They both just look at me and say what did you just say to him. Everything that I say to him, he repeats, it is very cute. I am thinking that he is very smart and very interested in things.
So, 15 minutes later we are back at the hotel and he is still willing to hold our hands. It is amazing to realize how isolated these poor kids are from the outside world. He just looks at everything with brand new eyes, knowing that it is the first time he has ever seen everything around him. We go ahead up to our room with orders to just work on bonding and get some dinner at some time and to call if we need any help translating. We go to the room and he is ok for 2 minutes then we overload him with toys of course and he starts to spaz again.....he just does not like change or new things at all. So, I remember that we brought a beach ball and I start blowing it up as fast as I can and is enough to distract him while Sydney grabs the gameboy...and then just like that all is well. He still remains a little reserved with his possessions and will not take his coat off or let his bag go at all. But that is ok. I do not know how these little kids don't sufficate, they are dressed with three layers on plus a coat....I was about ready to hyperventilate and they are comfortable, something else.
After helping him play with the gameboy for a few minutes we have him smiling and laughing...like a totally different child. After playing for a couple hours we decide to venture out to dinner at a very relaxed local place which we ran into one of the other couples that we went with today (the very smiley huggy child, very sweet). They kept commenting on how they could not believe that is was the same child...he was so bubbly and alive and happy. He just kept smiling from ear to ear and laughing. It was a true blessing to be there in that moment. It is clear to say that he is all boy. He ate and ate.....I just wonder if they even fed him today at all. He tried several new things and loved them all, I don't think I have to worry about a picky eater with him. Anyway, I am pretty sure that he is a mommy's boy so far, tee hee. We head back to the hotel and he is just a bucket of laughs and ornery as can be....already picking on Syd, which she has been amazing through this whole day. When we were at the Civil Affairs Office and Asher was having his fit, I looked at her and told her how much I love her and she looked so pale like she was about to throw up...I am sure this is not how she pictured today although we tried to prepare her for the worst.
By the end of the day back at the hotel, he was thrilled to take a bath, brush his teeth, and put him to bed with little effort other than kicking Sydney in bed to tease her and just laughing... It is already predicted that he is a bit rotten and a real corker. He is also very organized and particular about where things go, loves the water and washing his hands, and totally reads us as push overs, which we probably are for now at least. He absolutely loves electronics, typical boy and used the cell phone for the first time to tell his Nai Nai Hello and that he loves her....too precious.
He is hugging us and snuggling. My mind is at ease. I am so pleased and happy with this day, God is good. We are in love and I think he knows it. Can't wait to get him home.
Oh my, what a day.
We woke early of course, had breakfast, a walked around the island for a couple of hours. We switched hotels because the room we were in was just terribly too small for the four of us, which works out so much better because we have extra beds and a computer in our room....AWESOME!!
We left our hotel at 2:00 for the Civil Affairs Office where we were to meet our son. It only took us about 15 minutes to get there and about 5 minutes after that...they walked him in the room. He was calm at first but very standoffish. I tired to talk to him and give him some suckers and a stuffed monkey, still very standoffish....then all the tears just let loose. Poor baby, it was such a site to feel your heart ache for this little thing that cannot understand anything that you are saying. The nannies were good at trying to explain things to him but he was just having nothing to do with any of us. We all thought for sure that he would like Sydney at least right off...but Bou Yau!!! was all he kept saying over and over threw the tears and then let into a full tantrum. All I kept thinking was let it out baby. I kept looking at Keith as if he could fix it.....I only cried one tear and was so strong....Keith just kept saying, "Shelley everything will be alright". The nannies continued to fill us in on all of his information threw all the screaming. There were two others there with us - one at 17 months old was perfect and fell asleep as soon as they handed her to her mommy - the second was all smiles and very huggy - and then Asher, which I just know the other two couples were thanking God he wasn't theirs. Our guide told us there are usually three reactions, one happy - one quiet and comatosed - one mad as a hornet...Asher. (Machelle, your message could not have come at a better time....those were the perfect words we needed right before our meeting.)
I can't say I blame the little guy....that place was nuts and so loud and so confusing....I would have probably been the same.
Our guide sent off the nannies and then came back in and stood Asher up and told him that we were all going to be ok and that we were going to the hotel and she told him to take her hand and Sydney's hands and he did just as he was told. Then she walked forward and he totally stopped crying! Then two steps later handed me his hand and he looked at me as if to say alright like it or not I'm stuck with you so we may as well make the best of it. We loaded on the bus with the three of us still holding hands and all sat together and then I asked him if he was hungry and he shook his head yes and I gave him some animal crackers which were gone 2 minutes later and he was at peace. Amazing...don't say it, I tired to give the silly cookies several times before but Bou Yau!!!! NO NO.
By the way my Mandarin in the past 8 hours has grown immensely...I think I am freaking Keith and Sydney out by how much I am able to converse with him right now. They both just look at me and say what did you just say to him. Everything that I say to him, he repeats, it is very cute. I am thinking that he is very smart and very interested in things.
So, 15 minutes later we are back at the hotel and he is still willing to hold our hands. It is amazing to realize how isolated these poor kids are from the outside world. He just looks at everything with brand new eyes, knowing that it is the first time he has ever seen everything around him. We go ahead up to our room with orders to just work on bonding and get some dinner at some time and to call if we need any help translating. We go to the room and he is ok for 2 minutes then we overload him with toys of course and he starts to spaz again.....he just does not like change or new things at all. So, I remember that we brought a beach ball and I start blowing it up as fast as I can and is enough to distract him while Sydney grabs the gameboy...and then just like that all is well. He still remains a little reserved with his possessions and will not take his coat off or let his bag go at all. But that is ok. I do not know how these little kids don't sufficate, they are dressed with three layers on plus a coat....I was about ready to hyperventilate and they are comfortable, something else.
After helping him play with the gameboy for a few minutes we have him smiling and laughing...like a totally different child. After playing for a couple hours we decide to venture out to dinner at a very relaxed local place which we ran into one of the other couples that we went with today (the very smiley huggy child, very sweet). They kept commenting on how they could not believe that is was the same child...he was so bubbly and alive and happy. He just kept smiling from ear to ear and laughing. It was a true blessing to be there in that moment. It is clear to say that he is all boy. He ate and ate.....I just wonder if they even fed him today at all. He tried several new things and loved them all, I don't think I have to worry about a picky eater with him. Anyway, I am pretty sure that he is a mommy's boy so far, tee hee. We head back to the hotel and he is just a bucket of laughs and ornery as can be....already picking on Syd, which she has been amazing through this whole day. When we were at the Civil Affairs Office and Asher was having his fit, I looked at her and told her how much I love her and she looked so pale like she was about to throw up...I am sure this is not how she pictured today although we tried to prepare her for the worst.
By the end of the day back at the hotel, he was thrilled to take a bath, brush his teeth, and put him to bed with little effort other than kicking Sydney in bed to tease her and just laughing... It is already predicted that he is a bit rotten and a real corker. He is also very organized and particular about where things go, loves the water and washing his hands, and totally reads us as push overs, which we probably are for now at least. He absolutely loves electronics, typical boy and used the cell phone for the first time to tell his Nai Nai Hello and that he loves her....too precious.
He is hugging us and snuggling. My mind is at ease. I am so pleased and happy with this day, God is good. We are in love and I think he knows it. Can't wait to get him home.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Almost Time by Big Sis - Sydney
It's almost time to leave!!!! It is 1:00 and we leave at 2:00...... 1 HOUR!!!! We were walking around wasting time and we walk into a little shop...... and what do we see? A Christian!!!! The store we walked into was a Chinese shop and the owner just happened to be a Christian. Pretty cool, right!! Soooooo she told us that she did not know Christ until some Americans came and told her about the Bible, she studied the Bible for 3 or 4 years. Now she is telling other Chinese people about God. Awesome!!!!! We are going to meet her at church on Christmas Eve.
Mom was just pacing saying, "Is it time to go yet?". Dad looked at me and said, "Time is going to go fast, right Squeak?" (Squeak is my nickname) We have packed a bag for Asher with some toys, some candy, and things like that. I can't wait to see him and the look on his face. I hope he likes us but, he'll catch on to us soon. There is a really cool park around the corner from the hotel that I have been waiting to go to, but my dad says that we will be here for several days and will go as soon as we can ALL go together. I CAN'T WAIT TO PUSH HIM ON THE SWINGS (IF THEY HAVE ANY) Talk to ya soon! 30 minutes til we leave!!!! hehehe!
Mom was just pacing saying, "Is it time to go yet?". Dad looked at me and said, "Time is going to go fast, right Squeak?" (Squeak is my nickname) We have packed a bag for Asher with some toys, some candy, and things like that. I can't wait to see him and the look on his face. I hope he likes us but, he'll catch on to us soon. There is a really cool park around the corner from the hotel that I have been waiting to go to, but my dad says that we will be here for several days and will go as soon as we can ALL go together. I CAN'T WAIT TO PUSH HIM ON THE SWINGS (IF THEY HAVE ANY) Talk to ya soon! 30 minutes til we leave!!!! hehehe!
We Are In Labor!!!
We are here at the new location....it is so warm here. But, we are officially counting down....as if we weren't already but it is really game time now.
It is 7:30 pm here and we will be receiving Asher at approx. 3:00 tomorrow...so we have 19 of labor to go. I am thinking it will be very light sleeping tonight with anticipation.
Will bring picture to you tomorrow!!!!
Cheer, cheer, we are almost there!
It is 7:30 pm here and we will be receiving Asher at approx. 3:00 tomorrow...so we have 19 of labor to go. I am thinking it will be very light sleeping tonight with anticipation.
Will bring picture to you tomorrow!!!!
Cheer, cheer, we are almost there!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Crazy Days and world wonders
Hello All. Thank you so much for your comments, it is so reassuring to know that you are all with us in thought and prayers.
These last two days have been a blur. Sorry that we missed the update yesterday.
Yesterday was pretty crazy....we toured all day to the major government areas, Tenneman Square, and to the Forbidden City. What spoiled people these Emperors were. Huge compounds all to honor them. It is amazing to see how much detail went into these buildings and how much each little tiny detail stands for something. The Forbidden City is over 800 years old and has had 24 emperors reside there.
It was a really cold and breezy day.
When we were in Tenneman Square we were invaded by Asian fans. Yes I said fans....we were famous. Blond hair is quite the draw here. But, the famous of us was Sydney, go figure!!! We were stopped by SO many people wanting there picture taken with us. Our tour guide actually had to ask us not to allow any one else to stop us because we were getting so far behind schedule. Of course Sydney loved it. It was so funny seeing them grab her and beg for her picture, then me for my hair. Our guide kept telling us that they are amazed by foreigners. It is really odd to be the ones drawing a crowd. There is a ton of walking here, this may be the first holiday season ever that I loose weight. We ended the tour with an acrobatic show that would just blow your mind.
We were so tired when we got back to the hotel that we ordered delivery pizza and crashed. It was so nice to have normal food I think Kieth was actually pouting because he wants to eat as much exotic food possible. This morning he ate squid...the whole thing. He did get Sydney to hold the squid with chop sticks and hold it to her mouth like she was going to eat it for a picture, quite funny.
Today, our tour included the Olympic Village. I was really thrilled to see that. I think the bird's nest is just the coolest structure. The people who live here are so proud that they had the Olympics and say that their city has improved leaps and bounds due to the preparation of them.
Second, we went to the much anticipated Great Wall of China......WOW WOW WOW!!!
It was amazing to try to climb that beast. It is so steep and the steps are so high. I made it an agonizing 500 steps one way to Keith and Sydney's 647 one way. We really got some cool pictures. Sydney had to call her Grandma from up there, it was pretty funny calling 9,000 miles away standing on that structure that was built 700 years before Christ was born.
Thirdly, we visited a jade factory and Keith treated us to a couple goodies. Beautiful artsmanship.
And lastly, we visited the Emperor's summer palace which was my favorite yet. Very beautiful structures and gardens set on a beautiful lake. It was so cold today though and we were so frozen from being up on the Wall that we cruised through it pretty quick.
We are now heading to dinner for the famous and Beijing must....Peking Duck!! Keith is in his glory again for food. I am a little worried.
I just want to go to bed so that tomorrow will get here because in 15 hours we leave for Guangzhou where Asher is.....I am so ready to get what we came here for....our babe. Touring is great but our excitement for him is so grand!!! Keith is busting at the seems for dinner so I am clocking out for now and will post again after we arrive tomorrow in Guangzhou. We miss you all and will see you soon with our new son!!!
These last two days have been a blur. Sorry that we missed the update yesterday.
Yesterday was pretty crazy....we toured all day to the major government areas, Tenneman Square, and to the Forbidden City. What spoiled people these Emperors were. Huge compounds all to honor them. It is amazing to see how much detail went into these buildings and how much each little tiny detail stands for something. The Forbidden City is over 800 years old and has had 24 emperors reside there.
It was a really cold and breezy day.
When we were in Tenneman Square we were invaded by Asian fans. Yes I said fans....we were famous. Blond hair is quite the draw here. But, the famous of us was Sydney, go figure!!! We were stopped by SO many people wanting there picture taken with us. Our tour guide actually had to ask us not to allow any one else to stop us because we were getting so far behind schedule. Of course Sydney loved it. It was so funny seeing them grab her and beg for her picture, then me for my hair. Our guide kept telling us that they are amazed by foreigners. It is really odd to be the ones drawing a crowd. There is a ton of walking here, this may be the first holiday season ever that I loose weight. We ended the tour with an acrobatic show that would just blow your mind.
We were so tired when we got back to the hotel that we ordered delivery pizza and crashed. It was so nice to have normal food I think Kieth was actually pouting because he wants to eat as much exotic food possible. This morning he ate squid...the whole thing. He did get Sydney to hold the squid with chop sticks and hold it to her mouth like she was going to eat it for a picture, quite funny.
Today, our tour included the Olympic Village. I was really thrilled to see that. I think the bird's nest is just the coolest structure. The people who live here are so proud that they had the Olympics and say that their city has improved leaps and bounds due to the preparation of them.
Second, we went to the much anticipated Great Wall of China......WOW WOW WOW!!!
It was amazing to try to climb that beast. It is so steep and the steps are so high. I made it an agonizing 500 steps one way to Keith and Sydney's 647 one way. We really got some cool pictures. Sydney had to call her Grandma from up there, it was pretty funny calling 9,000 miles away standing on that structure that was built 700 years before Christ was born.
Thirdly, we visited a jade factory and Keith treated us to a couple goodies. Beautiful artsmanship.
And lastly, we visited the Emperor's summer palace which was my favorite yet. Very beautiful structures and gardens set on a beautiful lake. It was so cold today though and we were so frozen from being up on the Wall that we cruised through it pretty quick.
We are now heading to dinner for the famous and Beijing must....Peking Duck!! Keith is in his glory again for food. I am a little worried.
I just want to go to bed so that tomorrow will get here because in 15 hours we leave for Guangzhou where Asher is.....I am so ready to get what we came here for....our babe. Touring is great but our excitement for him is so grand!!! Keith is busting at the seems for dinner so I am clocking out for now and will post again after we arrive tomorrow in Guangzhou. We miss you all and will see you soon with our new son!!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
We made it!!!
We are here in Beijing safe and sound.
The airline was nice enough to put us all up in a hotel last night, but unfortunately they were unable to give us any of our luggage..so we were dying to get to the Beijing hotel with our luggage so we could take a shower.
We were met by a lovely lady named Grace. She told us all about the beautiful airport and drove us into the city. Thought we were going to the hotel but found out that we were meeting the rest of our group that arrived here last night without us. So, no shower. Man!!! She took us to the Hutong area...which is really cool and very much old Beijing. It was nice to see that because the city is very modern and looks alot like New York City except with alot of Chinese language signs mixed with English signs. Very classy. We were biked around Hutong on a what our tour guide called our Chinese BMW, which was actually a Rickshaw....I am sure I did not spell that right. But that was cool, very authentic China.
After the tour of the inside of an actual private home in Hutong, and the tour of the Prince's palace we were brought to the hotel for a shower....that you Lord and boy was it a good one.
We are all so tired, so I think we are going to turn out the lights. Tomorrow we don't meet up until 1:00, so plenty of time to rest up. We are suppose to be touring the Forbidden City and Tenneman Square and watching a Chinese Acrobatic show. So, it should be a fun day. But still can't wait til Monday. I could skip all of this stuff just to get to Asher faster.
We are with three other couples. One from Kentucky adopting a six year old girl. One from Indiana adopting a four year old little girl, and a couple from Cincinnati adopting an 18 month old little girl in need of a cleft lip /palate surgery. All very nice and very eager to get to their children as well. The couple from Cincinnati are youth pastors and teachers....made me think of K.J. and Nate, could be them someday.....no pressure.
Will post again soon....good night and love to all of you.
The airline was nice enough to put us all up in a hotel last night, but unfortunately they were unable to give us any of our luggage..so we were dying to get to the Beijing hotel with our luggage so we could take a shower.
We were met by a lovely lady named Grace. She told us all about the beautiful airport and drove us into the city. Thought we were going to the hotel but found out that we were meeting the rest of our group that arrived here last night without us. So, no shower. Man!!! She took us to the Hutong area...which is really cool and very much old Beijing. It was nice to see that because the city is very modern and looks alot like New York City except with alot of Chinese language signs mixed with English signs. Very classy. We were biked around Hutong on a what our tour guide called our Chinese BMW, which was actually a Rickshaw....I am sure I did not spell that right. But that was cool, very authentic China.
After the tour of the inside of an actual private home in Hutong, and the tour of the Prince's palace we were brought to the hotel for a shower....that you Lord and boy was it a good one.
We are all so tired, so I think we are going to turn out the lights. Tomorrow we don't meet up until 1:00, so plenty of time to rest up. We are suppose to be touring the Forbidden City and Tenneman Square and watching a Chinese Acrobatic show. So, it should be a fun day. But still can't wait til Monday. I could skip all of this stuff just to get to Asher faster.
We are with three other couples. One from Kentucky adopting a six year old girl. One from Indiana adopting a four year old little girl, and a couple from Cincinnati adopting an 18 month old little girl in need of a cleft lip /palate surgery. All very nice and very eager to get to their children as well. The couple from Cincinnati are youth pastors and teachers....made me think of K.J. and Nate, could be them someday.....no pressure.
Will post again soon....good night and love to all of you.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Ain't No Mountain High Enough....
Hello All!!!
We have encountered just a couple of hiccups today. But, we keep singing that song that goes "Ain't no mountain high enough, Ain't no valley low enough, Ain't no river wide enough, to keep us from getting to you, babe!!"
We started off the day (Dec. 16) leaving the house at 4:30 am.
Jeep wouldn't start.....go figure, battery cable was loose from being at the shop yesterday.
Keith fixed the cable, Jeep started, and we are on the way down the road.....1/4 mile and the hood flew up on the Jeep.
I truly can not make this stuff up.
We all holler, "Get out you, Devil!! Nothing is stopping us."
So, then we are smooth sailing all the rest of the way to Columbus.
First connection to Minneapolis was fine.
Met up with a great couple that have a 5 year old little girl, Celia, and they are returning to pick up their 9 month old son. Sydney and Celia really like each other. Celia thinks she is really funny.
Also, met up with our travel partners, Paula and David.
We all boarded the plane to Tokyo.....1 hour to board that huge plane.
Then we all sat for 2 hours because there ended up being a part broke on the engine that needed fixed. This already 13 hour flight turned into a 15.5 hour flight......Holy Moly....this was painful!!
Anyway, we had the privilege of going through customs and getting a Japan sticker on our passports (we really did think that was cool) and are being put up in a hotel in Tokyo for the night and will now be leaving Tokyo at 9:00 am for Beijing.....GET THIS, TWO DAYS LATER!!!
But we are safe and together and not late for Asher just the touring stuff...but all is GOOD.
P.S. Sydney got to experience our first squat pot this evening, tee hee.
We have encountered just a couple of hiccups today. But, we keep singing that song that goes "Ain't no mountain high enough, Ain't no valley low enough, Ain't no river wide enough, to keep us from getting to you, babe!!"
We started off the day (Dec. 16) leaving the house at 4:30 am.
Jeep wouldn't start.....go figure, battery cable was loose from being at the shop yesterday.
Keith fixed the cable, Jeep started, and we are on the way down the road.....1/4 mile and the hood flew up on the Jeep.
I truly can not make this stuff up.
We all holler, "Get out you, Devil!! Nothing is stopping us."
So, then we are smooth sailing all the rest of the way to Columbus.
First connection to Minneapolis was fine.
Met up with a great couple that have a 5 year old little girl, Celia, and they are returning to pick up their 9 month old son. Sydney and Celia really like each other. Celia thinks she is really funny.
Also, met up with our travel partners, Paula and David.
We all boarded the plane to Tokyo.....1 hour to board that huge plane.
Then we all sat for 2 hours because there ended up being a part broke on the engine that needed fixed. This already 13 hour flight turned into a 15.5 hour flight......Holy Moly....this was painful!!
Anyway, we had the privilege of going through customs and getting a Japan sticker on our passports (we really did think that was cool) and are being put up in a hotel in Tokyo for the night and will now be leaving Tokyo at 9:00 am for Beijing.....GET THIS, TWO DAYS LATER!!!
But we are safe and together and not late for Asher just the touring stuff...but all is GOOD.
P.S. Sydney got to experience our first squat pot this evening, tee hee.
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