Prayers for Sandi and Hannah

"It looks like Sandi and Hannah will be able to proceed with the paperwork and head home on Saturday morning like planned. Her brother is flying to Tokyo to meet up with her there. He does not have to have a visa to fly to Tokyo. Sandi and Hannah will be with us and another couple Saturday morning flying out so she will not be alone. We fly from Guangzhou to Tokyo and then head in different directions but hopefully her brother will be able to catch up with her there and fly back home with her and Hannah."

This is from the journal of a family traveling with Sandi. I am assuming that she meant that he did not get a Visa to enter China when she said "He does not have a visa to fly to Tokyo" Prayers are still appreciated. Here is the link to the prayer chain started on our agency's website for them: http://discussion.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?t=43483

And the original announcement of the death of Sandi's husband on our adoption agency's website: http://discussion.bethany.org/viewtopic.php?t=43439

Sandi and Hannah

I am in tears right now. Please pray for Sandi and Hannah. Sandi is using the same agency (Bethany Christian Services) that Steve and I used to bring Lily home. Sandi and Dennis left for China on 10/30 to bring their daughter Hannah home and were set to return on 11/17. Dennis just passed away in China. Their faith has shown throughout their adoption journey and we can be assured that Dennis is resting with our Father God in Heaven.

We are praying for:
1. Spirit of Cooperation for Chinese and US officials
2. Peace and Comfort
3. Wisdom and Direction for Shiyan (Bethany's facilitator in China) and Bethany officials

We made it!

We are having a good time here in GA. Lily was a little clingy this morning when I was helping Luke or holding Hannah. She just isn't used to sharing me! She did a great job in their church's nursery though. I checked on her once and she was enjoying all the toys. They didn't have to page me either.

When I was checking her in, something funny happened! I had just about finished and was ready to leave her. The lady at the nursery check-in asked me how old Lily was! It kind of made me chuckle. She was just checking to make sure I had the right nursery. I said, oh she's 18 mths but wearing 12 mth clothing!

Once they hear her talk and watch her, most people realize she is older than what she looks. I should take her to one of those "Guess your height or weight" places at an amusement park. We might actually win a prize!

Headed to GA

Well, I thought I would take the time I had and let you know Lily and I are going on a trip! My brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew live in Southern GA. My parents bought/used airmiles to get a ticket for Lily and I to fly down! We fly out of Lynchburg at 1 on Friday and return the following Saturday.

Lily is going to find out very quickly what is like to have siblings! Luke is 2 and Hannah is 1o mths, so she is right between the two. Steve is not happy about me going. Not because he doesn't want me to visit family, he just is already missing me and I haven't even left yet! He will have something hot to eat every day for Dinner. I am in the process of packing and prepping for my absence.

The picture is a couple months old, but they are still a couple of cutie pies!

Free Fall with a Soft Landing

I happened on this article. It truly spoke to what I felt during the long wait for Lily. Here is a short quote and the link to the full article.

"Sometimes a woman gives birth and becomes a mother. But sometimes more is required. Sometimes a woman has to leap off a cliff with her eyes closed and her arms open and wait and trust that her mother is right. It will happen, Jill said. And miraculously - for every child is a miracle - it has."

Free fall with a soft landing By Beverly Beckham October 28, 2007 Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/10/28/free_fall_with_a_soft_landing_1193441334/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Globe+Northwest

Bethany Picnic

Here is a pic taken by Christina of Glimpse Photography. She graciously took each family's picture at the Bethany Picnic today. My mom went because Steve was busy with work and studying. Thanks, Christina, for letting us have a copy for the blog here.

News from Lily's Birthplace

This is from the lady who visited last month.

"My visit definitely reassured me that my daughter's early years in Xuwen were filled with love and attention. They have 15 nannies and 30 total staff with only about 20 babies right now. A year ago, they may have had a few more babies, but it would still be unusual to have so many nannies and staff for so few babies (based on what I've researched about other orphanages). From what I saw and heard, in my opinion, the director values human interaction over leaving the children to stagnate in their cribs with just toys to keep them company. I'm so grateful for this knowledge. The vice-director could relate to me specific stories about my daughter and her behavior, her interactions with other children, etc. This is far from an impersonal institution. Having spent the entire day with 6 members of the staff, sharing meals and long rides with them, I learned that most of them have been together for a long time, and they really consider themselves a family. I think much of what I witnessed explains why our children are happy, well-adjusted, and adventurous. They were nurtured by these fine people. More later. Linda"

We hope to have pictures and video from her in the coming months. There was one find place that she was not able to get to - and from what she said - I think it was Lily's spot. They bought the orphanage a new computer. We can now send videos of our daughters so they can see them in action. She also got the e-mail address of the director's daughter. I haven't tried it yet, but we have been told that they would love to receive e-mail updates on the girls!