Our Journey Together 4 Ever

Happy 18th Anniversary

2011-04-04T15:46:00.001-04:00

April 3, 1993 – our wedding day! Now, 18 years later we are still happily married, enjoying time with each other, learning to parent together, having fun doing ministry side-by-side and incredibly blessed!

The girls desperately wanted to watch our wedding video, so on Friday night we had a “slumber party” and snuggled together watching the video. It has been a long time since we’ve watched this and it was a little funny to see the styles and various people from 18 years ago. During the video the girls kept asking, “when are you going to have the wedding?” Not knowing exactly what they meant, I explained about the ceremony and such but that didn’t answer their question. Finally, Nat said, “No, when are you going to KISS?” Oh, so that’s all that really mattered to them was the kiss.

Then, the girls wanted to take a picture of the “happy couple” on our anniversary so this is the best snapshot they got. Thanks girls!

2nd Gotcha Day & More

2011-03-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

Well, March is just about over and spring is hopefully right around the corner. Thankfully it's been sunny the past couple of days but it's still really cold! March has been a pretty "normal" month - if there is such a thing - with the exception of our 2nd Gotcha Day celebration with Megan. Two years ago on the 18th we met Miss Megan and her foster family in Guiyang, China (see post here) and we received the second greatest blessing in our lives. That day seems so long ago and yet just like yesterday. This past year was a little more challenging in that Megan is grieving in such a different manner now. We have learned a lot about trauma and parenting children from hard places. It's not always easy, in fact at times it is very hard! But, I can't imagine anything else! This past year has also been filled with great blessings! We love to see Megan learn and grow. Megan, we love you to the moon and back! Happy Forever Family Day!!

For Megan's Gotcha Day celebration, she decided she wanted to play at the famous fun place with the crazy mouse and greasy pizza. You know that place. Well, it was fun. During the day there really aren't many people there so she was able to play lots of games. As we were eating lunch, she noticed something fall onto the seat. She picked it up, set it on the table and said, "look it's my tooth!" Her first tooth fell out! She was so excited! She has had two loose teeth on the bottom since February. Daddy has tried several times to get them out but she just wouldn't let him, she was too afraid. So today, at the famous CEC, she lost her first tooth! Way to go Megs!!

Natalee only had a 1/2 day of school so she joined us at CEC for some fun, pizza and games. But then, she went to Gramma & Grampa's for the night and Megs had a slumber party with Daddy and I. After she opened her gift (of which she had been bugging me all week to tell her what it was) we had a great night of snuggling, watching tv, snacking and coloring princess pictures.

Just as it was time for bed, she second tooth was so terribly loose one good deep breath and she would swallow it. So, as Daddy was helping brush her teeth, he kind of "helped" it out. Megan was so excited!!! She lost her first two teeth on the same day and it was gotcha day - what happiness!! :) Of course she was very eager to get to sleep that night so the tooth fairy would visit her, twice! :) What a great day making memories with our precious girl!

Two Beautiful Princesses Arrived Home

2011-02-20T17:56:00.000-05:00

Our nieces are home and are adorable! Can't wait to get the 2 Chinese princesses and the 2 Ethiopian princesses together for a photo shoot this spring. Check out their blog to follow the rest of their journey.

Busy Winter Days

2011-02-13T17:32:00.000-05:00

Today we've had a "heat" wave with 38 degrees. Whew - bring on springtime!

We've been keeping busy (as usual) this winter, I'm not sure we'd know what to do if we weren't busy. But, it has to be the proper type of busy- things that will help our children to grow and mature, things that will help others, things that please and honor our Savior - that's a "good busy".

I have gotten much better at not stressing that my house isn't just "so" in order to be with the girls or tackle a more important task. It's not always easy for my "everything in it's place" personality - but hey, I'm getting there. I'm trying to remember that in such a short time they will be out on their own and I'll be wishing I was tripping over small plastic animals with oversized heads. ;)

Nat participated in the 3rd grade spelling bee and took home 3rd place. We're proud of her, she did her best which is all she wanted to do. Megan had a field trip to GR and got to ride the bus which she was so excited about. Last night she realized that she has a loose tooth so she's walking around continuing to wiggle it hoping to make it come out. Recently she hasn't wanted to brush her teeth. So, we told her that the tooth fairy won't accept dirty teeth. She ran into the bathroom and started brushing away. :)

We celebrated the Year of the Rabbit for Chinese New Year with a great dinner with fellow adoptive families and then a big celebration with crafts for the kids and fabulous Chinese entertainment from various groups.

Here's a few pics from our busy winter days. We hope that no matter what you are busy doing, you too are doing a "good busy".

My Nieces are coming home!!

2011-02-08T09:52:00.001-05:00

My BIL & SIL are on their way to Ethi*opia finally to bring their daughters home! They leave today and should be home next Saturday. You can follow their blog here. I can’t post any pictures but let’s just say – they are beautiful little girls. E is 2 1/2 years old and B is 1 1/2 years old. It will be fun to have little toddlers around again!

2010 Catching Up

2011-01-11T19:36:00.002-05:00

The last several months of 2010 were busy, tiring, fun but not without great challenges as well. After Megan’s birthday in June, the summer just went crazy which led to an even busier fall and then some tough events happened and low and behold it’s 2011. Whew! So, in an effort to catch up and try to share our family journey, I thought I’d post some pics and stories of the last several months of 2010. So, here we go…

Fun Times during the summer: bowling, playing volleyball in the yard, zoo trips, the beach, and so much more! On one zoo trip Nat decided she wanted to do the high ropes course. It was definitely a lesson in letting go for Mom. I was so nervous watching her but she was confident and wanted to go again as soon as she came down. I’m glad she doesn’t have fear of heights like I do.

Chi*na Reunion with 4 of the 11 families we traveled with back in 2002. Getting together with our adoption family is always a highlight of our summer.

Our 40th Birthdays! We weren’t going to do anything special for our birthdays except surprise the girls with a trip to Disney we had planned for the end of September. However, my sweet husband decided we needed to do something special for my birthday. I woke up to balloons and presents from the girls and Kyle had told me to pack for 4 days and what specifically to bring. Being the “control freak” I am sometimes, I needed to know exactly what the plan was and who was taking care of the girls but Kyle assured me he had everything under control and to relax. Hard to do sometimes but I tried. Well, long story short… he planned a wonderful trip up north to Mack*inaw and the U.P. for a few days. At first I was quite hesitant to go away just the two of us but, once gone, it was quite refreshing and fun! He had everything planned, he’s great at being romantic & fun. Well, on our second night gone, we ended up pulling back into the same hotel we had checked out of earlier that morning. I just laughed & asked why we checked out. He said he had to keep me guessing and if we didn’t check out I’d know we were coming back. Too cute!

So, we pull around to where our room was and I notice a truck that looks similar to my FIL, hmm, I wonder silently but quickly dismiss the thought because why would his truck be here? Meanwhile, Kyle is totally distracted by who knows what and doesn’t hear me chattering about a wedding party bonfire down on the beach…. he’s grabbed our luggage and is heading into our room. I head in, still chattering, put my stuff down, silently notice how disheveled our bed looks (that’s odd), turn around and coming out of the bathroom are my daughters yelling “SURPRISE”!!!

I SCREAM!

Then, my MIL & FIL (it was their truck). I SCREAM and LAUGH!

Then, my Dad, my Mom and my Grandma! I SCREAM, LAUGH, and start to CRY! I’m SHOCKED! I playfully hit Kyle saying something like, “how’d you do this?” Wow! But, the surprise didn’t end there. While I was calming down & chattering a mile a minute about the trip so far, Kyle & the Dad’s went to get pizza. We went over to the lobby area and before walking in Kyle wanted to get a picture of me. This is because my mother didn’t have her camera ready to capture the shocked look on my face – I know – I was a little irritated too – doesn’t she know I’m a scrapbooker?!? Anyway, just as I walk into the lobby area, I see my BIL and SIL too. That did it! I’m now on the floor LAUGHING & CRYING trying NOT to wet my pants. WOW! My husband got me good! My sister & her family were not able to come otherwise all of my immediate family was there. I couldn’t believe it! It was so much fun! Thank you Kyle – you’re the best!!! (His 40th bday would be 6 days later & I’m now thinking, honey, you’re going to be disappointed because I didn’t plan anything like this!)

We enjoyed the rest of the weekend together and took the girls over to Mack*inaw Island. Megan had her first ferry ride & carriage ride too. It was the BEST birthday party ever!!!

First day of school! Nat started 3rd grade and Megs started preschool at Cal*vary Schools. They’re very excited and looking forward to their new year.

Dis*ney was MAGICAL! We had so much fun!! Not only was it the first time for the girls, but Kyle had never been to Mag*ic King*dom either. We took the trip with “Jake” G’ma & G’pa but they weren’t able to do a whole lot because of the high humidity, that was a big bummer! It was a lot of fun. The girls met all the Princesses and most of all the other characters, and their favorites, Mul*an and Mary Pop*pins! We’re looking forward to going back again.

Natalee’s 8th Gotcha Day! Hard to believe it’s been that long already. It’s gone so fast. We have been so blessed to have you Natalee as our daughter! You are an amazing young lady and we love to watch you grow and mature. You are so patient and kind and have a sincere desire to honor God in all that you do. We love you Nat!

Trunk or treating fun! We have a Magical Mic*key complete with light up hat and our sweet Alice in Won*derland. They had fun making their costumes from things found around the house (except the hat – which came from Dis*ney).

Christmas was a busy time but it wasn’t without blessing. This Christmas Megan got more into the meaning of Christmas and understood it better than last year. She was thrilled that she was able to give some special gifts that she picked out with her own money from the kids’ workshop at a local church. She’s still big into San*ta, which we never had with Nat. It’s sweet to see her innocence and pure joy at the thought that San*ta snuck into her house to leave her something special. My girls were blessed beyond measure by all the wonderful gifts given to them. In all honesty, it was a little overwhelming. I have some thoughts on this and will save them for another post another day.

Natalee’s birthday is 5 days before Christmas and this year we decided to have a little mini-getaway to a local hotel. The girls had a blast as they were treated to breakfast in bed and swimming for two days solid. It was a nice treat for everyone, time to just relax and be together before going back to school and starting a new year.

God’s beauty in our backyard!

“Forget the former things: do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

I also like how The Message says this passage. “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” Isaiah 43:18-19 The Message

God has been so good to us this year. Yes, we’ve had difficult times in our attachment/bonding process but overall, it’s good. We can be thankful for SO MANY things. We look forward to the new thing that God is going to do in each of our lives and in the life of our family. Stay tuned, thanks for catching up with us and Happy New Year!

To Ethiopia!

2010-11-30T09:44:00.001-05:00

Got some attention on that title. :) No, it’s not us that is going to Ethiopia, but rather my BIL & SIL. They leave this morning for their first trip which is for their court date. They are adopting two precious little girls E & B who are 2 and 1 respectively. Please pray for safety, good travels, passing court, and for the time they spend with their girls that their hearts would bond. Here’s their blog to follow their journey Love Has Many Flavors

Learning to navigate together…

2010-11-30T09:40:00.001-05:00

Well, my last post was tough… sharing the struggles we’ve faced with M and her trauma. But, as I posted before, God has given us GRACE! We’ve also received knowledge and wisdom that we didn’t have before. Right around the time of my last post, we were searching for some way to help M deal with her anger and trauma. We found a program through our agency, Bethany, called ADOPTS – it’s a 14 week program of individual counseling/therapy and a support group for 6 weeks. We’re almost finished and all of us have grown closer together and we’ve learned a ton about trauma, the effects on children, and tools to handle it. M has grown so much in her trust for us and in handling her emotions. The road is still bumpy right now, but at least the road blocks are being removed and we’re learning how to navigate together!

Rough Roads - Grace Needed

2010-09-16T14:26:00.001-04:00

Okay friends, time to be real. Not that I haven't been real all along but this time it's gut wretching...heart tearing...REAL. One of the reasons for continuing our blog was to keep things real... honest and provide a glimpse into our journey as a family. Along all roads there are at times bumps, rough patches, areas where you have to go reeaallly slow. Well, we've been experiencing one of those types of roads this summer, which is why there hasn't been a post since June. yikes. As we continue to share our journey, we hope it offers encouragment to others, we hope you hear our hearts and we hope that God is glorified in and through us.

Adoption is one of the most amazing gifts and blessings. But... It. Is. HARD. (sometimes)

For the past seven months we have been struggling as a family to help M deal with her emotions. This is a huge challenge just in the fact that she's only 5 and really doesn't understand her feelings let alone have the ability to always verbalize them.

Let me explain what I mean. Sometime around January/February she began to have these anger outbursts, she had a few before this but it was at this time they started to become more and more frequent, we had a harder time helping her calm down, she was physically violent and she began saying some pretty hurtful things. Things that no five year old should ever say - or even know about. I was shocked and TOTALLY unprepared for this! I took it very personally the things she was saying and let them hurt me. As a result I started to put a wall up around myself and would just go through the motions in caring for her, not really caring because I was hurt.

I would get really frustrated (and still do sometimes) with her behavior. Her defiance. Her anger. I found myself lacking control and getting irritated with her instead of being helpful... I was adding to the problem. Many days I found myself just sobbing because I couldn't figure out what went wrong... what happened... how did we get here on this road? And why?

Then she got really sick and we ended up in the hospital for a few days and she had my undivided attention while I helped care for her. The wall came down - partially - and I saw just how needy she really was. How she has fought for herself her entire life.

In Ch*ina, you have to provide your own nurse to take care of you when you are hospitalized. Since she was alone those first few months of her life, an orphan, most likely there were nannies who came once and awhile for her but were not there 24/7. Being in a hospital anywhere is scary for a child, going through surgery, recovery all that stuff and to be alone - my heart aches thinking about it. An infant needs attention & care, espcially one who is ill. So, M has always fought for herself... trying to get what she needs or thinks she needs... and not really letting anyone too close. It breaks my heart to think of the things she's endured in her young life and then I get upset with myself for letting it affect me. I'm the adult. I should be able to look beyond the words, attitudes, and fits and just see her need.

Ya know - that is one of my favorite old hymns, "He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs". It's so true! God looks at us, His children, and probably wants to put a wall up sometimes, shake His head and cry when He sees our attitudes and actions. But yet, despite our failures, faults and fits... He loves us - so much that He gave His son for us. I pray that I can be more Christ-like toward M and see her needs and not her fits.

The walls of my frustration and shortcomings are coming down and are instead being rebuilt with grace, mercy, compassion and patience. Everyday is a challenge, some easier than others... but we get through it only because of the GRACE of God. G R A C E - it's a word we have been learning the full meaning of. Not only have we been teaching our girls about GRACE but also we've been learning this ourselves as we too are reminded of the GRACE that God has given to each one of His adopted children. We deserve NOTHING and yet He so faithfully loves us... cares for us... and provides for us. What we DO deserve, Christ has paid the penalty for us. It's amazing - Grace that is!

Yes, I've failed many times in my responses to her. But, praise God, for His mercy is always new, fresh, just what I need. He is doing a new thing in M and in each one of us! We are learning that His grace is sufficient for all we need.

Lamentations 3:21-24 "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'"

2nd Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

Dad & Daughter Dance

2010-06-21T15:28:00.007-04:00

This year Nat decided she'd like to do the daddy/daughter dance at her recital. Kyle agreed and for six weeks they would practice their dance together. They had a great time and turned those recital times into a little "date" night. The big performance was in early June. You can hear his mom laughing during the video - guess she never knew all the moves he had. Enjoy the video :)

Happy 5th Birthday Megan! (June 10)

2010-06-11T20:03:00.000-04:00

Happy birthday to our cutie-pa-tootie! We are so happy you are our daughter!

We thank God for bringing us together...for your laughter and seriousness...for your enthusiasm for life and trying new things...for your deep affections. You are a special little girl and we love you!!

We pray for your China family that they will have a sense in their hearts of just how much you are loved, well cared for and happy. Please bring them comfort today Lord as they celebrate in their hearts their little girl's birthday. We thank you for Megan!

Recently this was said by Megan at bedtime prayers, "...and thank you for Jesus and Him not being dead on the cross anymore because that would be so sad...and that He can be our friend...and that Him raised and we can live in Heaven...Amen." Too sweet! Brought tears to my eyes!

What happened to May?

2010-06-11T19:38:00.000-04:00

Ya know...this blog was my attempt to journal about our family journey and in doing so to perhaps inspire or touch someone else through our stories.

But....

I'm just not very good at it. Life just seems to happen and my blog takes a back seat. I guess that can be a good thing though. As we were waiting to bring Megs home I spent a lot, I mean A LOT of time on the computer searching others blogs, adoption sites, info about toddler adoption and everything. Many times Nat or Kyle would say something that would remind me that I needed to focus on them too. So, I guess forgetting to update my blog once in a while is not all bad.

Disclaimer - For those blogger friends that DO update their blogs with meaningful information, insight and stories on a regular basis - this is NOT meant to say that you are spending too much time on the computer....what it does mean is that YOUR ARE MUCH MORE DISCIPLINED and have figured out how to BALANCE your time better than I have!! I admire that and I hope to be able to balance time better too and therefore keep a better update going. Thank you for your examples!

SO...What DID happen to May?

Dinner with good friends at our favorite onion ring restaurant then window shopping followed by ice cream! Great Saturday evening!
Grandpa had knee surgery - helped with getting him lunch once home and then to therapy
Tulip Time - Nat was once again in the parade with her class and I walked as a chaperone. Great time together!
Daddy & Nat began "Dad & Daughter" dance practice together getting ready for the recital. Dancing to C*anned Heat - should be good. :)
Enjoyed the beautiful spring time together. One day Megan said, "It's such a beautiful day to play outside." She is very expressive and really enjoys life!
Hosted college friends and their family over Memorial Day. Although the weather was a bit rainy we had a blast playing W*ii together (even at 2:30 am trying to beat M*ario) - talking, reminiscing, eating - just being together. And, the best part...the kids get along so well!

Well, that's a quick summary of the month. In short, we've been well taken care of by our Heavenly Father, each day having enough food to eat....clean water to drink....a roof over our heads and a pillow under them....clothes on our back...toys and books...love and laughter. What more could we really ask for?

Here are a few photos to enjoy. :)

Megan riding her big girl bike. She just hopped on and took off! :)

Daddy: "Let's close our eyes and look at the back of our eyelids."

Meg: "Okay, but Dad...I don't see...anything." :)

Mom & Nat at Tulip Time Kinderparade

Only God!

2010-04-17T01:09:00.001-04:00

17 Years Together
On April 3rd Kyle & I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary! We had a wonderful evening together - and a "cheap" one too. No, the flowers weren't recycled ... like they were 18 years ago the week he proposed and found perfectly good carnations thrown in the trash from someone who didn't want to receive them so he rescued them and gave them to me. No, we didn't go to the Mexic*an restaurant and only order 2 pops and eat the refillable chips & salsa for our date...like we did 17 + years ago. No, we were blessed with a gift certificate awhile back and it still had about $6-$8 left on it. So, we decided to go to this restaurant and finish our certificate - they have great food and we very rarely eat there so that's where we headed. We enjoyed our meal and shared together in conversation reminising and talking about our family and life. One thing we talked about was our concerns with the surmounting medical bills we were receiving from Megan's pneumonia. Time came to get going and Kyle gave the server our gift certificate and the rest of the payment. She came back a few minutes later and said she didn't need the other payment as there was over $30 left on the card. Huh? But, we used it awhile ago and there was only $30 to begin with???? Or so we thought.

ONLY GOD!

Wow - we were so surprised ... we just enjoyed a wonderful, quiet meal together and it didn't cost us anything - thank you Heavenly Father! He knows our concerns....and He BLESSED us!

Easter Celebration

Easter...new spring clothes...chocolate bunnies...chocolate eggs...marshmallow shaped animals...egg hunts...

the list goes on. Easter is in fact the 2nd best selling candy holiday in the US. But what is it about Easter that is more than all this? It's celebrating the fact that we have a Savior who went to the cross for each one of us...died in our place...took our punishment. But, that's not the end of the story....no, 3 days later He defeated death and rose again. "The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.'" Matthew 28:5-6

ONLY GOD - He always keeps his word - He is faithful!

Easter is so much more than candy & eggs...we celebrate our risen Lord, our "new life in Christ" and pray that you too can celebrate your new life in Christ. To know Christ as your Savior, visit here

Provisions

I mentioned above how we had been worrying (never a good thing to do - it gets you no where, just like a rockin' chair ;)) Anyway...we had been worrying about the medical bills were were facing. Long story and rather than get into a rant about how unfair and - should be - illegal actions by our insurance company, we have been without insurance for Megan. So, these bills are a huge concern. After much prayer and searching of our options, we decided to apply for asssistance. After a meeting with a local case worker, we were told there was no way we would qualify. She couldn't tell me why because she didn't have that authority, but just that when doing the application on her computer program, it said we were denied. That was on a Friday. The following Tuesday we got a letter in the mail saying we were qualified and Megan had medical coverage. Huh??? Weren't we just told we did NOT qualify, now we do?

ONLY GOD!

Again, He is Faithful and has provided for our needs. Was this they way in which we thought, no. But, HE PROVIDED. Recently Kyle had been to a Holiness Summit and one of the quotes he brought back was this...

"despise the means and forfeit the grace".

The speaker, Mark Quanstrom was preaching on II Kings 5. So Lord, we do not despise the means...we accept your grace...your provision...thank you!

SPRING BREAK FUN

Another,

ONLY GOD

experience recently where our entire family was invited to a Pist0ns game - FREE. Yup - as in no cost to us. Isn't that just like God - to bless our socks off? We had a blast! And, the group that invited us got to go out on the floor during warm ups- so did we! And, the group got to make a free throw after warm ups - so did our girls (well only Megan - Nat didn't want to - but she could have). And - the group had packed sack lunches (which were delicious) made up for everyone so we didn't have to buy expensive stadium food. It was an awesome night! Megan had a great time at her first ever professional sports event ....and the Pist0ns even won!

OUR TWO - ONLY GOD - BLESSINGS!

Here's a couple of fun photos of the girls - OUR girls only because of God!

The football game was at a picnic we had with our good friends, the Powells. Megan had a blast running around with the big boys playing football! And, our tree-climbin', song-singin' Natalee. We had no more than parked the car after getting home from the picnic and she was in the tree singing and climbing - just "hangin" out.

one week later but HAPPY GOTCHA DAY

2010-03-25T21:17:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday we celebrated the day that our lives were forever changed with the addition of a beautiful, fiesty, full of life, adorably cute little 3 1/2 year old. She has the deepest most infectious laugh, the most determined will, the best big hugs and is such a blessing to our family. One year has gone so fast and yet it has seemed she has been a part of us for so much longer. We are so thankful for the love and care she received from her foster family!

We celebrated our day "Megan" style. In fact, all of the suggestions that her big sister gave her just wouldn't do because as she said "It's MY gotcha day so I get to choose." Okay - so what did she want to do? Eat at Chuck *e* Cheese and fly a kite. Easy enough. She loved playing the games at CEC, especially the 4wheeler ride with dad. Flying the kite was cold! After about 3 minutes she said she was done and wanted to go swing, so Kyle & I flew the kite. The cold wind was a little too much and we certainly didn't need anyone catching a cold so we went to the car to warm up. Daddy ended up falling asleep for a few mintues and the girls and I just chatted. We were trying to decide where to go eat and Nat said it was tradition to go to our favorite Chinese restaurant for Gotcha day. Well, Miss Megan didn't like that someone else was "telling" her what to do on her day. So, okay, what should we do Megan? "Well... how 'bout Chinese noodles from our favorite restaurant?" ;) Sounds good sweety - so that's what we did.

We had such a wonderful, relaxing day with just Megan. She really enjoyed the time together and having Daddy not working - she thought that was really cool. I know I've said this many many times, but we really are so blessed. We are blessed to be the parents of two amazing girls. We are blessed to be adopted by them as their parents. We are blessed to live in America. We are blessed to be adopted by Jesus Christ, to be His child! We are blessed!

New look for new year

2010-03-19T00:50:00.000-04:00

Today (actually yesterday as the clock says it's after midnight) marks our one year anniversary of "gotcha" day. It's hard to believe it's been one year already. The time has gone so fast and yet it seems that Megan has been with us forever. I decided to play around tonight and I created a new look for our blog. I also gave it a new title as we are no longer on the journey to "get" Megan nor are we currently in the process of going "to" China. So...to mark the fact that we are on this journey of life togther as a family, I've changed the title of the blog. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get a chance to post the pictures from today's celebration.

Home from hospital

2010-03-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to update you all - first thank you for remembering Megan in your prayers. She was able to meet the requirements necessary to go home Sunday night. We left the hospital around 6pm. The last few days have been pretty quiet for Megan - trying to regain some strength, lessen her coughing and continuing drinking. Today was her follow-up appointment and the dr. said he still hears some noises and feels she still has some pneumonia left. He said it would be a good week or two before she is fully recovered. The good news is she doesn't have any restrictions (only what she feels up to) and she is feeling better as she told the dr. :) So...thank you again for your prayers!

First Hospitalization

2010-03-07T13:44:00.000-05:00

Well, here's a first for both Kyle & I - being in the hospital. No, it was't one of us, it's Megan. Over a week ago (2/26) she began with chest congestion, cough & such and after two ER visits, two chest x-rays and a visit to her pediatrician she wasn't improving but rather the 2nd chest x-ray showed some worsening of pnemonia. So...on Friday they admitted her. She's been dehydrated and has lost at least three pound too. It's been a long week and an even longer three days.

Megan is a fighter in many senses of the word. She has very strong ideas (which can be a great thing when appropriate) but it's been difficult to get her better because she often fights us. I'm not used to such opposition from my child - it's a whole new parenting ballgame. But, we're hoping that she will follow instructions the rest of today so she can go home this evening. Please pray for her recovery, that we will do what is best for her, that the rest of us stay healthy and everyone gets rest.

CNY Performances

2010-02-18T16:10:00.012-05:00

Below are the links to the CNY performances at our party this past Tuesday. Xi Nian Kuai Le! Happy New Year!

Natalee performing Golden Ring dance

Megan's class singing "da shang"

Megan's class singing "xaio lao shu"

Group singing "gong xi gong xi gong xi"

Xi Nian Kuai Le & Happy V-day!

2010-02-15T23:58:00.001-05:00

It seems like just yesterday was the first of the new year and here we are celebrating Valentines and Chinese New Year - wow! Everyday is a new adventure with our girls and such a blessing too. I must admit that there have been some tough days lately - don't know if it's just that our "honeymoon" phase is over and Megan is feeling much more "stable" at home and therefore acting out or what exactly - but it's been trying to say the least. I'm learning new parenting skills because like everyone says - your second will be totally different than your first. I think it's one of God's ways of keeping us on our knees. :)

Well, here's a glimpse of the fun stuff we've been up to ....

Making V-day cookies & crayons.

At a local Chinese New Year celebration this weekend. It was a wonderful time with many other adoptive families and performances by the local Chinese association. The girls made CNY crafts and afterward they made their own fireworks - bubblewrap!

Today Nat hosted a Samantha Am*erican Girl mystery party for her friends. I played Aunt Cornelia & Megan played Bridget. The girls had a great time solving the mystery and having fun together on their day off from school.

Quick updates on our two friends

2010-01-25T10:13:00.000-05:00

First, after a very emotional nine days or so...our friends have their son and daughter from Haiti. Please continue to pray for the adjustment/bonding process for them. Here's the link to their blog.

Our friends, the Hahn's have run into some "hiccups" while in China bringing their daughter home. Seems she has tested positive for TB and they are in the process of some more testing. Her first test has come back negative, please pray the next two tests are also negative. If all are negative they can leave for home on their scheduled day of Friday... if not, they will be there at least one more week. Here's their blog link.

Praying for our friends

2010-01-18T08:11:00.000-05:00

Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti as it's now six days after the devestating earthquake. I wanted to share with you all the link to our friends' blog, the Brinks. Please pray that their children waiting in Haiti for their forever family will be able to receive emergency visa's and come home. Click here to read their journey to their son and daughter.

Also, friends from our first adoption group, the Hahn's, are in Shanghai right now and should be holding their five year old daughter for the first time. Please pray for the attachment and bonding process, that their daughters would all accept one another and their newest one would fit right in to her forever family. You can read about their journey here.

Christmas Highlights

2010-01-12T22:02:00.000-05:00

We had an amazing Christmas! It was such a joy to celebrate the birth of our Savior together with family and friends and even more special was that our daughter was home with us. We began our 2nd adoption on Christmas Eve 2005 and now, four years later are holding her in our arms and sharing the beauty of Christmas with her. What a a blessing!

I'm sorry that I haven't updated in awhile....we really did have a wonderful month of December sharing in fellowship with lots of friends & family. So...I'll do my best to highlight the month.

Christmas with my 86 year young grandma and her 13 great grandkids.

Megan met Santa for the first time...only to then say..."That's not Santa, that's Church Grandpa!" (My dad pastors the church we attend and she recognized his "ho, ho, ho". Although she was not upset at this, she very seriously asked the next day when she would see the REAL Santa.

We took the girls to see Santa at the local photographer in town and after sitting on his lap and asking where Rudolph was (on the roof of course)...she told us, "Thanks Mommy & Daddy, that WAS the REAL Santa!" Oh, the innocence of children. Natalee never "believed" in Santa but has been a great big sister in letting Megan enjoy the fun in believing. They got the new Vegg*ie Tale movie St. Nickolaus and Megan has reminded me often that "Santa" isn't his REAL name Mom, it's St. Nick. :)

In the children's program at church Megan played the part of one of the angels and Natalee was one of the main storytellers. Megan was "one of those kids". You know, the ones who don't seem to follow the directors cues or do what they've practiced. Since Grandma was one of the directors and also a piano player, she felt she needed to be near her. At one point in the play Megan was playing a "duet" to Silent Night on the piano. It was all too cute - what an "angel". :)

On the 20th we celebrated Natalee's 8th birthday!

We had the opportunity to take a few days and visit my college roommate whom I hadn't seen in five years, we hadn't been together as couples in over 10 years and we had never met each others children. It was a long overdue reunion. We had such a great time relaxing and laughing together. The kids hit it off well and played wonderfully, having fun in the snow and making cookies. It was a great Christmas gift!

Christmas was a very special time this year! It was so neat to experience it through the eyes of a four year old who has never really had a "true" Christmas nor has she ever known the TRUE meaning of it. Being able to share with her why we were buying the gifts and wrapping them...that the best gift we've ever been given was baby Jesus, our Lord and Savior and to celebrate his birthday with her...it was wonderful!

She really enjoyed the wonder...the "mystery", the preparations, the decorations, the gifts and of course the opening of those gifts. One sweet thing she did, as she was pulling things from her stocking she pulled out two packages of gum. Being that she was the first one to open anything no one else had any gifts. She took one package of gum in her hand and leaned over to her sister saying, "here Nat I want to share my gum with you". Melt my heart! We are so blessed, thank you Lord!

Daddy gets Christmas morning hugs from his girls!

We had a great time celebrating Christmas with my family on Christmas eve and then we went to Kyle's family on Christmas and spent the weekend. New Year's was spent with some good friends of ours, the Powells. We were able to spend a couple days at their house and just enjoy relaxing and playing games together. Since we're all getting a little older, we had our own version of the ball drop. First, is was only about 8pm and second, it was a tennis ball..but hey, it was fun!

Ok, guess I missed the ball drop. Happy New Year everyone!

Wishing you a wonderful 2010.

May God be your guide and your strength,

may you have peace and contentment,

may you find joy in serving Him!

Happy Birthday Natalee!

2009-12-21T00:21:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe but our little girl is now 8 years old! Happy Birthday sweetheart!

We are so proud of how you do your best in everything. We love that you have a heart that desires the things of God and strive to honor and please Him. You are a wonderful big sister. Daddy & I have been so blessed having you as our daughter, you bring us joy and laughter!

We love you like crazy cakes, Happy 8th Birthday!

Megan's adoption video shown at her dedication service

2009-11-09T19:57:00.002-05:00

Megan's Dedication

2009-11-09T19:46:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, on my Mom's bday and National Orphan Sunday...we had Megan's dedication. We stood before the Lord, our family, friends and church and asked for God's guidance...His grace...His favor on Megan and on us as her parents. It was a wonderful day and such an honor to bring our daughter before the throne of grace and dedicate her to God...to give praise for her life...and pray for her that she would have a heart for the things of God.

Afterward we enjoyed a wonderful meal together and then watched our travel video. And, to add to the great day - we had incredible weather - in the 70's (totally uncommon for this time of year here). The kids had a great time of swinging and playing ball too. I've attached the video we put together to show at church - never mind, it won't seem to post. So....I'm working on an alternative.

We hope that our story will somehow impact, even just one other family/person/group...to be moved to care for the orphans. Adoption is a wonderful gift from God, we are so blessed by how He provided a family for us. Adoption is also part of His great plan as we are all His adopted sons and daughters.

Pumpkins & Trick-Treat Fun

2009-10-31T16:54:00.006-04:00

I came across this great pumpkin poem and thought I'd share it with you all. It's a great prayer for each one of us this fall season!

The girls enjoyed carving pumpkins, especially Megan - she loved playing with the pulp & slimy stuff (which totally grossed her Dad out). :0

Pumpkin Prayer - by Liz Curtis Higgs

(cut off top of pumpkin)

Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you.

(remove innards)

Remove the things in my life that don't please you. Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others.

(cut eyes)

Open my eyes to see the beauty you've made in the world around me.

(cut nose)

I'm sorry for the times I've turned my nose at the good food you provide.

(cut mouth)

Let everything I say please You.

(light candle)

Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do. Amen

Last night was "trunk or treat" at a church nearby and although we are not huge into hall*oween at all we have enjoyed allowing the girls to dress up and go to this event at the church. The weather was terrible rainy & windy so we weren't going to go...but after some "please Daddy, can we try" in their sweet little ways....we decided to try it - with no guarantees of participating if it was still outdoors. But...the church was prepared and all events were inside, thus making for a fun evening. When we got home the girls decided they had to "inventory" their goodies just like Daddy used to do....and then...the trading and bargaining began. "I'll give you my .....for your.....no, that's not good enough....I'll give you my ....for your ...." :) Too Cute to watch them bargain for their favorites. And of course, they each shared with mom & dad too.

We hope you all have a fun fall enjoying the beauty of the season that our Heavenly Father has created for us!

Happy Gotcha Day #7

2009-10-20T21:26:00.004-04:00

It's so hard to believe that seven years ago we were in China standing in the hallway of the Dolton hotel watching 10 other families become parents - some for the first time like us - others for a 2nd, 3rd, even 5th time. It was a moment I will never forget! Ten months old...she was wearing several layers of heavy clothes....she laughed and played with my mouth....she cried and cried when Daddy tried to hold her...until three days later she began to trust him and allow him to hold her and ever since she's been Daddy's little girl.

We say this often ...but it's SO true....we are incredibly blessed! God has so richly blessed us with a family...children to raise to know and love Him, to serve Him and impact the world in His name. It's an awesome responsiblity and we are thrilled that we are Natalee's (and Megan's) parents!

We celebrate this day...our family day...the day that God had ordained for Natalee to become our daughter. We love you Natalee! You bring such joy to those around you...always giggling...dancing and singing....enjoying life! You are a special treasure to us!

Natalee and her China gift - a large butterfly kite.

Fall Stay-cation

2009-10-10T17:14:00.005-04:00

We've been able to enjoy a little "stay" cation these past few days. There was no school Thurs & Fri so we decided to take the girls on little day trips. Thursday we went to the zoo - of course the one where you can feed the giraffes was already closed - big bummer for Megan as she was eager to do something she'd never done before. (She kept reminding us..."I neffer feed giraffe in China, my poa poa neffer did too.) But, the major rain held off and we were able to enjoy watching the lions and chimps at our local zoo.

After the zoo we found a great Chinese restaurant for lunch and then due to the rain went to the mall. Megan had a blast riding on the carousel. We enjoyed a treat from A*W - to which Miss M drank almost 1/2 of it by herself. "Weelll...I was phirsty daddy." :)

We had hoped to go to the pumpkin patch that day too but the rains came and we had to wait until today. The weather was cool, but dry and actually sunny too. We had a great time. Megan had her first horse drawn hay ride and stroll in the pumpkin patch.

It's been some nice days off our regular schedule and being able to spend some extra time together!

Home 6 months

2009-10-02T12:54:00.004-04:00

Home six months is hard to believe. I know I've said that many times before...but really it seems like yesterday we were hugging and holding our daughter for the first time in China....and yet it seems like she's been a part of our family forever. We waited 39 months to get Megan's referral and during that time it was hard! We shed many tears over the wait, wondering how long Lord would it be? We had to redo our paperwork too many times than one should have to - really do my fingerprints ever change???

But....God is amazing...he wipes all those feelings and memories away when we are given our children! The hurt and wondering have been replaced with joy and wonder! We have been so blessed!
Megan was pretending to be working just like mommy on the computer. :) Below she was my salsa helper. Last Friday night Kyle & Nat had a daddy-daughter date and so Megan & I made 18 pints of salsa. She really liked peeling the tomatoes - thanks!

Natalee & Megan last night at the Pumpkin Festival :)

On the News

2009-09-21T11:23:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we had the honor of being part of an all-American picnic with our adoption agency and several officials from CC*AA and orphanage directors interested in special needs adoption. While at the picnic we were asked to share our experience with the local news station. Here is the link to the final piece that aired last night. http://www.fox17online.com/news/?track=nav

Scroll down the page and click on "china adoptions 9-20-09".

It was a wonderful experience to share with these officals just how happy we are with our children, many of whom have had various health needs. The officials said they were happy with seeing our children and hope to see many, many more being adopted and finding their families.

Megan & Daddy with an Orphanage director from Guizhou province. Mommy & Nat (along with friends) with an orphanage director from Hunan province.

First days of school

2009-09-09T16:37:00.004-04:00

With bittersweet emotions....Natalee excited but not wanting to be gone from her sister....Mom excited but not wanting to be gone from her daughter....school began. We are so blessed to be able to have Nat attend Cal*vary school and completely support it's mission and having our daughter schooled there. But, nonetheless, it's still hard to see your little girl going off to school, being all "grown-up". She fully enjoyed her day, her teacher and being in 2nd grade.

Megan did really well and only asked about 3 dozen times when we would go pick Natalee up. Today she helped me with a huge project and was quite proud of the work she did. I'm looking forward to some one-on-one time with Megan and she's looking forward to doing "school" with Mom.

Praying that the school year is filled with new experiences, good times, safety, laughter, and draws us closer to our Savior..... for you and your family too!

Blessings!

Home 5 Months

2009-09-05T21:10:00.006-04:00

Happy Labor Day! Summer is winding down and school is beginning again. We've celebrated five months with our wonderful blessing, our daughter Megan! She is so full of life....joy...and love! Often she wraps her little arms around our necks and says "I luzz you sooo much!" Just a silly thing that she recently said to me....coming out of her bedroom after getting ready for bed she said..."mommy I has nose on my hand". I was confused for a minute and then I realized she was talking about a booger - we started laughing - that's Megan - just too cute!!

Megan helped Daddy cheer on his favorite team today.....and they WON! Wow - maybe it will be a better year for Daddy and his Wolverines! Megan shows us how she cheered.

Two weeks of fun stuff!

2009-08-15T22:16:00.004-04:00

This past week we had VBS at our church every night, and of course, I never thought to bring my camera. :( Both girls loved all the fun and Megan especially loved the music! It was a great week of learning more about God's plan for our lives. The theme was Mystery @ 12627 (Colossians 1:26 & 27) and it was really neat how the writers created this whole "mystery" at a museum to teach the kids about God's plan of salvation and His love for each one of us. It really was a great week, I just don't have any photos. (I'll have to get some from the official "photographer".)

The previous week the girls and I were at Chinese Culture camp. It was so much fun! Megan was in the xiao ban class (little kids) and Natalee in the da ban class (big kids). They had 3 class rotations and then group games. They had a language class, writing class and culture class where they did Chinese brush painting, papercutting, Chinese knotting, and dance. I was a helper and also took Chinese cooking class. We made some delicious foods and plan to make several of the dishes again.

One of the really neat things in Nat's writing class was that her teacher not only taught them various characters, but in doing so, he presented the story of creation. It was really incredible how through the Chinese characters the Bible could be presented. Her writing is in the photo below on the left, sorry it's not the easiest to see. The girls really enjoyed learning more about their birth country and asked when we could do that again! :)

Right before Chinese camp we had taken the girls to Dutch Village here in our area. It was a beautiful summer day and we all had a great time. Megan loved the swing with Daddy and then they got to walk a goat named Peanut. Actually, the goat waked Megan most of the time. She thought that was so much fun! Later on that day I called her "peanut" as I've done many times before and boy did I get the look. She said, "I not peanut...that's the goat!" Oops. It was a wonderful day to spend together.

4 Months with Megan!

2009-08-03T21:39:00.010-04:00

To those that follow our blog and have hoped to see more updates or photos - I'm sorry! I have not been very disciplined these past few months. In fact, in all honesty....I'm not the same since being home with Megan (which is not all a bad thing). Having gone through international adoption (a 2nd time)... seeing the huge need of families for children...leaving part of my heart in China....struggling with understanding the selfish, "me...me...me/gotta have more stuff" society in which we live... has been somewhat hard. My routines are all off and I haven't felt the best physically...but..... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having our "baby" home with her forever family!! I am so BLESSED to be Mom to another amazing little girl who challenges me to be a better person...and the laughter and joy she brings to our family is wonderful!

So...I'm hopeful that I'll be more disciplined (not just in blogging but exercising...avoiding too many snacks at the wrong time of day....prioritizing my day....)

Well....on to the update of this past month. Seriously, it feels like I just wrote the last post but in reality it was a month ago. ugh.

July 3rd we took the girls to the zoo and then fireworks later that night. Megan loved the zoo...but didn't care too much for fireworks. After the first blast she told Daddy that she was done and ready to go home. She made it through without any tears but just snuggled up to Daddy and tried to go to sleep. On the 4th, after their bath, we did sparklers and Megan thought that was "ahh-some".

Megan has been trying to gain more confidence in riding her scooter....playing "base-a-ball" has been a favorite and she's getting really good at hitting the ball! She's also a good helper for me from time to time. :)

We took our first "road" trip (to WI) with Megan for our China reunion with Natalee's adoption group. She did pretty well on the trip, only asking within the first 15 mintues on the road if we were almost there. How do they learn these things??? It must be part of all kids' genetics. We had a great time with our China family! Megan especially loved her first swim in a pool...watching a dvd in the car...seeing penquins at the zoo....and making new friends, especially Mr. Jimmy whom she adored and had wrapped around her finger.

WE ARE SO VERY BLESSED!

Home 3 months

2009-07-02T08:43:00.004-04:00

Where does time go? It's hard to believe that it's already July 2nd! We have been home with Megan for three months now. There are days that I hardly remember she's only been home a short time - she has adjusted so well!

She is speaking very well, mixing her English and Chinese words. She has no trouble getting her point across. There have been a few times, especially if you're talking to Megan on the phone, that she just sighs heavily and hands the phone to her JieJie (big sister) for her to interpret - it's quite cute. My MIL thought she kept saying "chocolate cake" when Megan was telling her about her birthday but she was really saying "chuck e cheese" - too cute! :) She often say's "holdjewme" - or "hold you me" meaning she want's to be held or picked up. When Megan says "No" - which can be often depending on the day - it comes out "Noah". We are so blessed by our spicy yet caring, fiercly independent yet dependent, talkative yet contemplative, humorous yet serious daughter. She brings us a new depth of joy!

Shortly after her birthday we decided that since she was talking about her foster family in positive ways and telling us things they did together - that we would show her some photos. We had sent two cameras to China before we traveled and they took photos of them together - they are priceless! Megan loved looking at them and got quite excited to see PoaPoa & YeYe (her foster parents). Then we thought we would watch the video of our trip. It was going really well until the part of hearing and seeing PoaPoa and YeYe - that's a whole different set of emotions when you actually see & hear your loved ones that you miss so much. She became very, very quiet and had such a sad look on her face. We talked about the adoption and how God has brought us together as a family - forever and she understood but still wanted PoaPoa & YeYe. She told Daddy later that night, "I go PoaPoa's house far away"....Kyle said "well, some day we'll go back to China"....she interrupted and said "Daddy, we take big plane to PoaPoa". Wow - she get's the fact that she is far far away. It was a sad converstion but we just showered her with lots of love and understanding. It was probably premature to show her the video, we should have stuck with just the photos. I guess hindsight is 20/20.

The girls have enjoyed playing in the sprinkers on the hot days we've been having. Now today, as I post, it's the third day in a row that we've had temps only in the mid 60's - what a drastic difference from a week or two ago!

Happy 4th Birthday Megan!

2009-06-10T23:20:00.000-04:00

Lunch & fun time with Mom, Dad, & Nat at Chuck e Cheese. Megan loved all the games & rides!

Our Chinese class summer picnic. Megan celebrated her birthday with friends at the park. She enjoyed climbing the sand dune several times and saw Lake Michigan for the first time. I think it was probably her first time experiencing sand too. At first she didn't like it on her feet, but once she took her shoes off she was fine.

Opening presents. She kept saying "why" when we said she had presents waiting for her when we got home....but, it didn't take her long to rip into them and find the gifts waiting for her.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! We have been so incredibly blessed to have you as our daughter! These past few months have been so much fun getting to know one another better. It's amazing how God works....He knows exactly what we needed - each other. Megan you have a wonderful personality...full of life and love...your laughter fills our home and our hearts....we love you! Hope you've had a wonderful birthday and that you'll always know how very special you are to each one of us and to your Heavenly Father.

Random Photos

2009-06-09T23:29:00.009-04:00

We've been home now for 2 months and whew, it's busy. I've been terrible at blogging lately and hope to do better. So...in an attempt to catch up a little...here are some photos of the girls and a glimpse at what we've been doing lately.

Dress Up Days...Megan loves to "pwee-tend" to be Dora or a princess. She is just like Nat at this age and changes her outfits several times each day. There was one summer when all Natalee would wear were dresses...well...it seems her little sister has taken a liking to dresses too and will often wear one or two throughout the day. Thank goodness for hand-me-downs and thrift stores!

These babies names were just too cute...the "mommy" was named "Guizhou" (the province she is from) and the "baby" was "Zhong wen" (meaning Chinese language). Megan's language develpment is coming along by leaps & bounds. She understands so much, actually everything really, and she is speaking tons of new words daily. It's so cute to hear her talk because it's a little bit Chinese and a little bit English! :)

SNAKE! SNAKE! Natalee's 1st grade class put on a "ZOO" and she was a snake. Each student had to research information about an animal, create a poster about their facts, make a mask and then participate in the zoo. Family were able to attend the zoo and we received animal crackers at the "concession stand" and we then were able to "feed" the animals. It was so cute! Megan absolutely loved it and wants to be a snake now too! :)

Daddy & Uncle Brian were able to attend the Red Wings game a week ago and saw them win the conference championship - they had a blast! Since then, Megan has been cheering "Go Wings" with Daddy. We found this jersey we had in the back of the closet and she loved wearing it!

Summer-time fun! Natalee finished 1st grade, it's hard to believe how quickly the year went by. We are so excited for summer break and are looking forward to some relaxing days at home...nothing major....trips to the zoo...library....dutch village....park...reading....playing....
just enjoying being together!

And the good mail giveaway winner is....

2009-05-23T22:59:00.003-04:00

Marisa B!

Congratulations Marisa! I'll be mailing you some good mail soon. I hope you too can continue the good mail and bless someone else. Check out Marisa and her family at http://brinksadventures.blogspot.com/

Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Health update

2009-05-18T21:10:00.003-04:00

Today Megan had her echocardiogram at DeVos Children's Hospital. She was a trooper! Our pediatric heart doctor recommended that she have a sedated echo due to the fact that she had such a hard time in his office with the ekg. She definately has some anxiety when it comes to doctors and procedures. But, she did well. Once the IV was in and she was able to sit with me and watch Dora, she was good.

The results of the test show that she has some medical "anomolies" meaning basically God created her super unique but none of them are associated with any medical issues or will require any special care in anyway. The heart looked great and the repair that was done in China was done well. Doctor said she has no restrictions and nothing needed. He wants to see her a few times during childhood just for follow-up. That's it! AWESOME - PRAISE GOD!

She also had an ultra sound of her kidneys done today so we'll get those results from our pediatrician. And, then we will see a geneticist too just to find out if there are any related syndromes which link all her little medical unquienesses together.

We are so happy that God has touched our little girl and she has received a great report!

Butterfly Kisses

2009-05-18T21:02:00.002-04:00

Natalee had her dance recital this weekend. It was beautiful! I'm so very happy with our dance studio, she has really excelled this year. Her dance was to the song "Butterfly Kisses" and was very nicely cheorographed by her teacher. I wasn't able to get video of the dance on my camera but here are a few photos. Great job Natalee!

Good Mail Giveaway!

2009-05-15T20:37:00.006-04:00

Today I received some good mail! My bloggy friend Sarah (http://www.davidandsarahb.blogspot.com/ had a "good mail giveaway" on her blog and I won! So...I too am going to carry on this fun tradition of blessing someone with good mail. All you have to do is leave a comment for me. I'll randomly draw a name from those who've commented that they'd like to receive good mail. Leave your comment by 10 am Saturday, May 23 and then I'll announce the winner. Hopefully the winner will continue the fun and send out more good mail.

Mom's 2 blessings

2009-05-10T20:42:00.002-04:00

Natalee was in the Tulip Time kid's parade again this year and Megan dressed in her dutch costume to watch her big sister. I think for Megan's first parade she enjoyed the bands the best. Trying to get a good photo of the girls with the beautiful tulips wasn't so easy - as soon as I put the camera away Megan was all smiles. She loves to take the photos and play with my camera but I guess doesn't so much enjoy being the focus of the photo.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my Mom and Mother-in-law!! You are both such an encouragement and support to me. Thank you for showing me Christ and His love through you. Blessings to you both.

Show Hope volunteering & United Tour concert

2009-04-22T10:48:00.004-04:00

Last night we were blessed to be a part of the Show Hope volunteers at the United Tour with Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith. It was an amazing night....we have been so blessed by the ministries of these two men, especially SCC & Show Hope. We were able to see 122 people begin a sponsorship to help orphans find their forever families - what a true blessing! Brian & Sarah joined us in volunteering, it was fun minister for Show Hope with them. We had the best Show Hope staff - Nick - he rocks! Thanks for all you do Nick!

The Thompson family with Steven Curtis Chapman. His concerts are always full of great worship times and he shares so honestly and deeply from his heart. We always leave having been drawn closer to the Lord and filled with more love and compassion for doing kingdom work. It was a privilege to meet SCC and just thank him for being transparent and real, for his work with orphans and for his encouraging ministries.

We also got to meet Geoff Moore again. We had seen him this past summer at Worship on the Waterfront in Grand Haven and at that time he prayed for our adoption that we were still awaiting news on. He is an amazing man of God, very humble and real. So...it was neat to re-introduce ourselves and he remembered us. Being a part of the kingdom of God and fellowshipping with brothers and sisters in Christ is so much fun....can't wait 'till we get to "Big House" forever with our Lord.

Natalee & Megan had so much fun being together and passing out information about Show Hope. The girls were amazing as it was well after 11pm when we left the concert.

The next few photos are just some cute ones of Megan over the last few days. She continues to amaze us daily as she is adjusting and adding to her English vocab. Last night as it was 11:40 pm and we had the girls in their pj's ready for bed...we're all exhausted and our feet tired...but Megan puts her hands together and says in her sweetest broken English..."daddy, we pray". Of course, still learning how to understand her, we said "pink" as she was in the process of buttoning her pjs..."no", ok, what is she trying to say..."oh PRAY", of course. WOW - home only 3 weeks, just beginning to learn about the love of her heavenly Father, but she wanted to gather and say our prayers before she went to sleep. We have been so blessed!

The girls were having a tea party with their Chinese tea set. Then, because tea wasn't just what they wanted it turned into a "bing chi ling" party (ice cream). :)

Enjoying being together

2009-04-13T21:12:00.003-04:00

Although we've been home now for about 12 days....we're just beginning to get back into the "swing of things". When we returned home, Kyle had caught whatever it was that Nat had in China - high fever, aches & also a bad congested cough. He was actually getting sick when we left and throughout the travel day. Megan was also getting sick just as we were leaving China and now she too was sick. We ended up taking Megan to see the Dr. on that first Saturday home and were relieved to learn that everyone had the good ole' INFLUENZA. I was concerned we had brought some unusual Chinese virus home or something but it was just Flu type A. Whew! So, plenty of fluids & rest for everyone. Thankfully, I did not get sick.

We had a wonderful group of church friends bring us dinner for several days and Kyle's mom came to help us get through the weekend. Thank you to all who helped us and fed us - we appreciate each one of you!!

Fortunately Nat had Spring Break right after we returned home so we had another full week to spend together before heading back to regular activities. Kyle went into the office for a few hours each day towards the end of the week but still wasn't feeling 100%. The girls were feeling better at the end of the week and we were able to enjoyour favorite Chinese restaurant, play outside (even though it's still cold) and do some errands. Here are some photos from our week.
Tulips from Kyle in celebration of our 16th wedding anniversary! He also surprised me with a beautiful necklace he bought in China. I am very blessed to have a husband who loves God and desires to serve Him, loves his family and is committed to our marriage & me. Thank you Heavenly Father for our 16 years together!

Megan could not wait to get outside and blow bubbles! Even though the sun has been out, it has been quite cold and windy. The kids had a great time playing outside!

She wakes up in the morning and says "good morning swingset" in the most adorable fashion! She is learning so much everyday adding lots of words to her vocabulary. Thank you to JieJie (big sister) who taught her some very "important" words - "ooh la la" and "no way". She loves to use them often. :)

Sorry these photos are small - I hit the wrong button. ooops.

Coloring Easter eggs - Megan loves to eat scrambled eggs and she had a hard time understanding that I wasn't going to cook them for her to eat. Eventually she got into it and had fun decorating her eggs.

The girls made door hangers for their door too. They really are getting along quite well. There is of course the occassional spat but I secretly like them (it reminds me that I have TWO blessings now) ;)

Megan has definately started to show her full personality more and more each day. She is quite the entertainer and loves to get a laugh or smile. What joy she brings to our home and our lives!

Daddy and his girls! He couldn't be happier!

Easter morning...While we were in China one of the ways we would try to calm and soothe Megan during her grieving or difficult times was to sing "Jesus Loves Me" and "Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World" along with a special personal song we made up for her. I would sing it to her at night while rocking her and anytime she was distressed. Well...she's a quick learner because when we were in Guangzhou one night at bedtime she just started singing these songs. We were so surprised she had picked them up so quickly. It so sweet to hear her sing these words....we pray that she will come to know the full meaning of these songs and that she will personally accept Christ into her life. It's such a blessing to introduce her to the love of her Heavenly Father!

Having fun dressing up while JieJie is at school.

JieJie is home and together they play well and are silly. I love the laughter & giggles!

Lots of pictures

2009-04-03T07:46:00.005-04:00

Megan on the way to her Visa photo and medical exam. The shops on Shamian Island offer free stroller rental. I took advantage of this as Kyle is unable to join me for this excursion and my back is very sore.

The beautiful Shamian Island, Guangzhou - tropical weather & foliage.

Daddy & Megan after returning from their shopping trip together.

Natalee is feeling a little better and enjoys some wrestling time with Megan & Daddy.

Sisters sipping a mango smoothy on the porch of Starbucks in Guangzhou. :)

Shamian Island should be called "babies and brides" as there are hundreds of both. We have never seen so many brides having their photo shoots - everyday there were at least 10 or more in the park. Megan loved seeing them and would ooh at their pretty dresses.

Natalee in front of the famous waterfall in the White Swan hotel.

Red Couch picture - Megan did not want to sit for her photo at all.

Our Bethany Travel group

Natalee & Megan waiting in Guangzhou for our flight to Shanghai - 8:30 am 4/1

Welcome home! 1:30 am 4/2.

We're Home

2009-04-03T07:10:00.003-04:00

After an incredibly long April 1st - we're home! Our day began at 4:30 am at the White Swan hotel in Guangzhou, China. We then flew to Shanghai and awaited our next leg of the journey - fly to Atlanta. The flight went well, both girls slept almost the entire flight. Natalee is feeling better but not taking in enough fluids which concerns me....Kyle is feeling worse :(

Arrived at Atlanta airport and had another series of "hoops to jump through", fortunately we met another adoptive family on our flight and so we navigated this maze together. We had to go through customs, then wait in a small room for over an hour to receive the immigration stamp on Megan's visa/passport - not a fun experience...then claim our luggage and re-check our luggage for our final flight home...through another security check and finally to our gate for our flight to GR. We were able to call our parents which was great...both girls enjoyed talking to the grandparents who are eager to see us all. Our flight was been delayed by about an hour - ugh - we just want to get home. We had to go to three different gates - of course none of them near the other - before the airline finally decided which gate to use. Natalee still hasn't been drinking much and although she says she feels okay - I don't think she does. Megan has been a trooper.

After being in Atlanta for about 5 hours we finally took off and had a good flight to GR. We were the last plane to arrive for the day and we ended up being the last people in the airport. Thank you to all our family who came to see us and welcome us home!

Megan walked in the house like she'd been here already, took her shoes off and stared wandering around. She found all the toys in the basement and is quite excited to play. We found a cooler of food waiting for us on our porch - thank you neighbors - and both our Mom' helped stock the fridge & pantry with some essentials. Bedtime came easily for Natalee but Megan had a harder time. I think she finally fell asleep somewhere around 3am. Kyle & I are sleeping the in the girls room tonight to help ease the transition.

1pm on April 2nd and both girls are still sleeping - about 12 hours now. I decide we need eat so we enjoy the spaghetti dinner from our neighbors - it was so good. My parents brought over some more cough medicine as both girls and Kyle still are dealing with congestion & coughs. The girls played for awhile and then back to bed around 8pm. Megan is now dealing with diareaha and vomiting, Nat has vomited a couple of times and Kyle has a fever of 102. It's going to be a long few days of recovery for this group!

Up at midnight for a snack and the girls & I watched a video then back to bed....Megan & I were up at 4am for more food and play time...Nat up at 5....Kyle up at 6....now all three are napping and I'm wide awake (it's 7:20am). This jet lag and illness stuff is nuts!! I'm just hoping we can get on the other side quickly!

I'll try to post some photos soon, but Megan needs me right now so I'll sign off.

We're in the Shanghai Airport

2009-04-01T02:24:00.002-04:00

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you all know that we've had a long last few days. My last post on Sunday from Starbucks was the last time I was able to post. Kyle has developed a cold/congestion as well as Megan - Natalee is feeling somewhat better but her fever gave her a rash and just the general not feeling well attitude.

We had a "free" day on Monday and spent it nursing illness and shopping. We were all well enough to join the group for an italian dinner - it was wonderful!! Tuesday we finished some shopping and had our Visa appointment where we had to raise our right hand and say that we swear that all our documents were true and accurate and that we would provide for our children. It was an emotional event for me....after 34 months of waiting...it's all over! We couldn't be happier with our new family - God is amazing!

Today, April 1st, we left the White Swan at 6 am (up and finish packing at 4am), flight from Guangzhou to Shanghai was at 9:30 am. Arrived at Shanghai and navigated the maze of check in's...had lunch and now are awainging the call to board our plane.

I'm glad the airport had free wi-fi so I could send out this message. Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging comments. Just a little while and we'll be home. We leave Shanghai at 3:35 local time April 1 and we arrive in Atlanta at 6:30 pm local time....so it's pretty much an incredibly long, long flight. I hope everyone stays healthy (Megan threw up just as we were leaving the hotel this morning - ugh.) Then, we leave Atlanta sometime around 8:30 pm and arrive in GR around 10:30 pm.

Off to fly home.....blessings from the Thompsons!

We're in Guangzhou

2009-03-29T01:11:00.005-04:00

Hey all, we made to to Guangzhou late on Friday night and to the White Swan about 10:30 pm. It's Sunday afternoon right now and since we didn't want to pay the high cost of internet at the White Swan, we walked down to the Starbucks and are enjoying a caramel machiatto & a mango smoothy on the porch of the Starbucks in the very tropical city of Guangzhou....it's beautiful!! (Sorry no photos today as I left the camera cord in the hotel.) :(

We checked out of the hotel around 2pm and had to wait around in the lobby for Megan's passport. We finally received it at 4:15 and left for the airport. Our flight was late due to thunderstorms but once we were in the air all was good. Megan did wonderfully on the flight, especially once the dinner came and she ate all of her rice plus some of Natalee's. Unfortunately Natalee did not fare as well. She was sitting with Kyle in the row ahead of Megan & I and almost immediately fell asleep. She was saying her head hurt really bad. Once we landed in Guangzhou (1 1/2 half later) she had quite a temperature and was not feeling well at all. I'm so thankful that we met the American doctor with the other agency in Guiyang - he was very willing to check her out once we got to the hotel. The White Swan is about 40 minutes away from the airport and both girls slept the entire way. Once in our room we just let both girls sleep. The night was rough!!! Both Kyle & I were very worried about Natalee! She spiked such a high temperature (silly me did not even bring a thermometer - oops!) and was complaining that her stomach hurt so bad. I was so worried that it was apendicitis. We gave her tylenol and said many prayers.

Dr. John came in the morning to check Natalee out. He said everything sounded good and thought that she most likely picked up a local Guiyang virus. She was in bed all day Saturday with a high fever and not feeling well at all. She started to perk up late afternoon on Saturday and her fever was down to 99.9 (I borrowed a thermometer from another mom). Mom & Megan had to go do the Medical visit alone - it was very hard to leave Nat & Dad in the room alone not feeling well. It's really hard to see your little girl so sick and be so far from home - I know that your prayers, even if you didn't know she was sick - have helped. We met up with the rest of our Bethany families too and they also were praying for Nat.

Medical exam....Megan had to see 3 doctors for the medical reports...ENT - passed no problem....height & weight = 27.2 kg, 97 cm....physical exam the doctor said all looked good but he doesn't think she has had heart surgery. hmmmmm?????? this will be interesting to find out more once we're home. She did so well, not crying at all and was very cooperative.

Back at the hotel we had our noodle lunch and let Mom rest with Nat while Daddy took Megan out and did some shopping and sight seeing on the beautiful Shamian island. It was great that she actually asked to go out with Daddy - isn't that awesome! When they returned we all played in the room for awhile. Then, Megan & Mom were going to go out with the group to Lucy's for supper. However, we had torential rain & thunderstorms which prevented us from going. We waited about 40 minutes and things let up a little so we tried only to go out and get soaked from the flooding in the streets. So...back to the hotel. A few other families & us decided to order pizza from Papa John's which was about a 2 hour ordeal and we didn't even received all the pizza's we ordred. Oh well, it was good and we had good fellowship with new friends.
Natalee was able to join us for pizza and is feeling better - thanks for all the prayers - God is good!

The past two days have been great with Megan! We didn't have any grieving and only a few times of whinning that were not related to normal 3 year old issues. She has been having lots of fun goofing off with Daddy and smiling quite a bit. She is starting to parrot our words and saying some things in English. She will say her name "Megan" but it's not just "megan"...it's "Megan Zhang HuiYi".

This morning I had a meeting for all the finalization of the paperwork for the Consulate appointment...there are mounds of papers so it's wonderful to have our Bethany China Director help us organize all of it and help us...Thank you!. And now...we are enjoying our drinks, updating the blog and will now go shopping!

We hope all is well! Hopefully I'll get a chance to update again before we leave and I'll try to remember my camera cord. Tomorrow (Monday) we have a free day, Tuesday we have Visa appointment and pack up, Wednesday we leave. Wow....it's hard to believe our journey here in China is coming to a close.

Zai jian - talk to ya later!

Only 6 days left - by Natalee

2009-03-26T22:48:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a really cool day. We went to a Miao Village and met some nice people there. We looked through some of their houses. They were not like ours. We played some fun games with them. They were dressed in their traditional costumes. One of the games my dad played with them and he was bopped by some of the girls, which was supposed to happen. When the game ended they took my dad and another Mr. Kysle and Miss Ellen into a small room. They put lipstick all over their faces. The boys were outlined in kisses. My dad looked really weird. Megan was wondering where he went and was glad he came back. The kids got to dance with the people, too. I think my dad may have got some video of me dancing. There was a very hard bamboo game, I didn't try it, but Megan and mommy did. Megan wasn't too sure about it.

Today we are going to fly to Guangzhou. At breakfast we saw our friends Cole, Tian Tian, Miss Beth, and Mr. Kysle. Today is going to be a great day:) I hope I don't go deaf on the plane, like before.
Love,
Natalee

Last Day in Guiyang - Friday, March 27

2009-03-26T22:28:00.003-04:00

The sun just broke through the clouds. It has been cooler the past two days, which has felt wonderful to us Northerners. If you have followed the weather on our blog it has said rain, but we only felt a little yesterday at the Miao Village and it was quite tropical and refreshing. Today it is mostly cloudy, low 60's. Forecast for Guangzhou is for rain and thunderstorms the next 2 days. We'll see, rain was in the forecast here, too, but we have had fine weather.

Today Megan is having her best day ever. She woke up well, no grieving. We played games before bath time, and had good breakfast, with a 3 year old mischief. We have come back to the room to pack up, we have a late check out for 2PM local time. We leave for the airport at 4PM, we are still awaiting Megan's passport. We were told it needs to be signed by the governor, but this should not be a problem. We are not concerned, as everything in China waits til the last minute.

Megan has had one brief grief moment as she sees mommy packing, but it was very brief. She has no problems with daddy carrying her today. This is good, because mommy has a very sore back. Megan and Natalee are playing well, laughing and using the Chinese Ling Doll. Megan is teaching Natalee some Chinese. It sounds great, can't understand it, but it is so cute. I hope we can hang on to this language. The girls will have to do some catch up in Chinese class when we get back. Megan said her name today. She prefers the whole name: Megan Zhang Huiyi.

Have a great night, day, evening, wherever you may be. Blessings, kyle.

Our last night in Guiyang

2009-03-26T08:25:00.003-04:00

What an incredible day we experienced. We were truly blessed today, we actually are blessed everyday, but somedays you may recongnize it more. I cannot say thank you enough to our new friends; Dr. John & Sandra, Ellen, Gretchen, Beth&Kysle, and guide Jessica. We had a great adventure with you all today to the Miao Village. I cannot wait to see the video of the dancing and games. Kysle, Dr. John, and I at one point had a new bride, but I think we gave back the red scarves, so are no longer committed. Words are hard to express this experience. We will share pictures and video upon our return. Thanks new friends!! Looking forward to the next leg of our trip as we all share the same flight to Guangzhou.

Tonight is bittersweet. Our journey takes another step. We sleep for the last time at this hotel. And tomorrow evening Megan will experience her first airplane ride (Only 1 hour 15 minutes). Megan and I continue to bond. Today I received a hug, not out of affection, but out of keep me safe, which is just as good. I even got to pick her up after her nap, which is the most difficult time for her, to try to bring some comfort. (She mourns the hardest after nap times) I wasn't too successful, but she let me hold her.

Megan loves her sister. They have bonded well. Tonight the girls are playing in bed. They are supposed to be sleeping or at least trying to, but are laughing and goofing on their mom. And tonight, I heard it, for the first time, Megan said, 'da da'. It is soft and sweet. God is so good. I can imagine how He must feel when one of His dear chilren addresses Him, 'da da'. What a great feeling this must be. Tonight at prayer time, Megan did not interupt, like past nights. She listened and at the end, I think she was about to try to say, 'Amen', but couldn't quite figure it out. I am so going to enjoy teaching her about our precious Lord and Savior. What a privilege it is that our God chose Kristin and I to teach this little girl about Him. And she has such a bold personality, I know she will accomplish what He has for her for the Kingdom. Baby steps..............................

What beautiful countryside we saw today. What handiwork of our God. Thank you Lord for giving us the opportunity to witness your beauty!! You are the Great, I AM!!

Blessings to all, as some slumber, and as some get to activities; know our God never sleeps or slumbers - He is doing a new thing (Is. 43:19) With love and prayers, kyle.

Miao Villiage trip

2009-03-26T04:47:00.005-04:00

We went to the Miao villiage which was an hour drive south of Guiyang city. The country side along the ride was incredible - photos just don't capture the beauty. These photos are of the lake and fields around the Miao villiage complete with water buffalo. The people were very friendly and welcomed us with a buffalo horn full of rice wine. Our guide told us to make sure we didn't touch the horn or that meant we wanted to drink the entire thing - yikes.

After touring their village we went to watch them perform traditional dances. They invited us to dance with them and then they played traditional games (finding a spouse). Both Kyle & I were involved but Kyle's dance was hilarious! You'll have to see the video!
Natalee thought it was great that Daddy chose a new bride. :) Oh, and she took many of these photos.

There are several different Miao tribes this one is called the "tall hat" Miao and the single point means the lady is married.

Here is Kyle's dance. :) The Miao are a very happy people.

It felt a little like being on "survivor" (my favorite show) it was a great trip and experience! Thank you especially to our new friends Dr. John & Sandra, Beth & Kysle, Ellen and guide Jessica for allowing us to join them on this trip. It was amazing and we enjoyed being able to share it with you all!

Steph - you mentioned that our journey is your new favorite "amazing race" - well it sure has felt like that at times.

The girls just woke up from their nap so I'll have to get going...It's very bittersweet to think that this is our last night in Guiyang. We have enjoyed being able to "be Chinese" in a small part these past 10 days here in Guiyang. Getting to know the people, experience daily life to a point, see the sights, hear the sounds...these are all so important to sharing with Megan her birthcountry. Tomorrow afternoon we fly to Guangzhou to finish the adoption process. We'll meet up with several other Bethany families and do our last bit of shopping. Thanks again for all your support, prayers & comments we love it. Blessings to all, Kristin

Thursday, March 26 - Miao Village

2009-03-25T19:01:00.003-04:00

Today we are privileged to get a tour of an ancient Miao Village. We thought we were going to do this the other day, but the cost was too high. We will be touring with another adoption agency's group; the cost is much more reasonable, less than half of what our travel guide was going to charge. The trip will be about 50KM, and take about 1 hour 20 minutes by small bus. (They had room for us and invited us last night at dinner to join them.) This was supposed to be the day we tour the orphanage, but the details for that are still being worked out. Tomorrow is our last day in Guiyang City. We continue to be blessed with wonderful weather. Another high 60's today, with part sun. Our flight to Guangzhou is scheduled for 6:40PM Friday, which is 6:40 AM in Michigan, the same day. Only 1 hour 15 minute flight.

Some quick facts on the Miao People:

Animists (believe in spirits)
More than 8 million lost without Christ (89%)
Trapped by persecuting governments
Isolated by high mountains
Only 3 of 80 Miao languages have Scriptures
Poor and oppressed
Friendly and hospitable
Lovers of music, dance, and art
In need of the Good News

Have a blessed day!!

Kyle, Kristin, Natalee, and Megan Zhang Huiyi

Wednesday - Hebin Park

2009-03-25T05:00:00.004-04:00

Big sister & Little sister - these shirts were gifts from a friend and they both look so adorable today. Megan woke up in a good mood today and was giving everyone "high 5's". She's not much for smiling for the camera unlike her sister, but we have had quite a few smiles today and yesterday afternoon. Today we went to Hebin Park near the center of the city. It was a beautiful, peaceful park with lots of flowers, trees and people enjoying the day. Today the weather is quite cloudy and a very refreshing 55 degrees. Daddy carried Megan all day today and she did so well!

The girls rode on their first amusement park ride together. At Hebin Park there are several fair type rides. Megan said she wanted to but once the ride started she wasn't so sure, Natalee liked it though. After the park we walked to the People's Square where there were many flying kites and remote control planes. The Wal**art is located here - it's an interesting building with these two triangle "tops" that you enter into and go under the ground. We couldn't go in because shortly before we got there they had a fire in the store. The tv news crew was there and you could smell the smoke in the air. We then walked trying to find the "bird and pet market" but took a wrong turn. After figuring out our mistake we walked to where we though it was - not sure we really saw it though we did see nice things around the city.

We had our usually lunch of noodles and the girls played for awhile before nap. Megan still grieves alot after waking up from naps. We sure are enjoying the city of Guiyang and spending time with our girls. I just mentioned to Kyle that I'd like to go to Margaritas restaurant for supper....I miss the variety of foods available at home... I guess that will be one of my first meals once home. Hopefully Megan will like Mexican food - the resturant here in the hotel has a "mexican" buffet during the night but let me tell you...it is nothing like the authentic stuff at home and there are some very interesting dishes???

Blessings to all! Zai jian! Kristin

PS - thank you Rachel for your advice on skype... unfortunately the laptop we brought with us is an old one and it doesn't have a microphone built in. :( Bummer...we'll know better next time.

Playing with Daddy

2009-03-24T20:56:00.005-04:00

Last night after dinner we had some fun time. I think Kyle already mentioned that he was able to carry Megan on our walk. She is starting to open up to all of us and show her personality. There are still times of mourning and then there are also times that I think she is just being a 3 year old and exerting her independence. I hope you're able to see the video and hear her laugh - it's too cute.

Day 7 with Megan - Wed. March 25

2009-03-24T19:27:00.003-04:00

7:25AM in Guizhou China. No fog this morning, just a lot of clouds. We will have to take an umbrella with us to the Park today. Our guide is taking us to Hebin Park. Tomorrow is another free day, but we have arranged with the Bethany office in Beijing to take a tour of the orphanage. We will see how Megan is doing and proceed with caution.

As for Megan, after her nap yesterday, she saw mommy looking through the video camera out the hotel windows and wanted to see, too. She is too short to see on her own, so I reached down, picked her up and showed her the street life, the buildings, and anything else that caught our eyes. She whimpered a bit at first and then enjoyed the view and probably forgot who had her. Mommy quickly put our walking back pack together, with snacks, water, gatorade, silverware for dinner, and she said lets go for walk. We left the room, Megan still in my arms. We took a 40 minute walk, and Megan never left my arms. It was a very good feeling, whenever she got a little fussy, I would lightly sing, 'Jesus Loves Me', and 'Jesus Loves the Little Children'. We saw some new sights, got some new pictures, and crossed some busy streets. (We've realized if you can cross a street in China, you can do anything).

After our walk we ended back at the hotel and it was dinner time. So we went once again to the hotel Aroma Restaurant. Megan didn't like the dish we ordered for her (fried rice/pork chop - it came covered with ketchup). She did however love the french fries on Natalee's plate, she also helped herself to the fresh sliced cucumbers on Natalee and Daddy's plates. Daddy's sandwich was served without the cheese, so they gave us a complimentary plate of fruit. Megan loves watermelon, so this was helpful. After dinner we went back to our room, Megan let me carry her again. We played some games, laughed a lot. Megan still won't let me get too close for affection, but this is a step. Thanks for your prayers. (our struggles are turning to breaking old habits that her 'foster grandpa' may have contributed to - whenever things don't go her way, she cries for him- 'ya ya') I am confident that she will continue to bond with us all!! Afterall, we are a nice family - and the locals always tell both our girls that, 'lucky little girl'. It is actually Kristin and I that are truly blessed by God, to have such the privilege to care for two China dolls.

Dinner cost 124.20 RMB. This converts to less than $19 USD. The last conversion rate we received was 6.7584. Rates have ranged from 6.6000 - 6.7689. There is a $16.89 difference per $100 USD. We are doing ok with our budget. All monies that were set aside for the adoption are still accounted for. We still have some fees in Guangzhou to pay. We found a friendship store yesterday on the map. It is a bit of a further walk, but friendship stores are for the tourists. The only bad part is you cannot bargain for prices. You must pay ticket price. That is what I miss, we haven't had much bargaining for souvenir opportunities. We couldn't bargain at the Museum the other day, either.

Everyone have a blessed day and/or night. We already are!!
Blessings,
kyle.
PS. I received my first 'five' today from Megan, she has given fives to Mommy and Natalee, but not til today for daddy. We are making steps. Thanks again for the prayers!

About Guiyang - 1:25PM, Tuesday March 24

2009-03-24T01:29:00.004-04:00

I actually am losing track of what day it is. I think it is Tuesday in the afternoon. If you are looking at the weather on our blog, today it is not accurate. It did rain last night while we were all sleeping, we woke this morning to heavy fog, which burned off by around 11:30am. Today it is actually another 70 degree day, partly cloudy. The blog says its still raining and 49.

Guiyang City is about 3,300 feet above sea level. The city sits in a pocket surrounded by mountainous hills. Visibility is not the best, so it is hard to see the mountains in the distance. The population of the city is over 2 million people, making it a rather smaller China city. There are over 150,00 people belonging to over more than 30 ethnic groups. Such as the Maio, Dong, and Hui, which Megan gets her Chinese name from (Huiyi).

The Bouyei people are famous for making the Batik material. Natalee bought some of this yesterday. Yesterday we also got to see a more modern part of the city, overlooking the main river Nanming He. It is very beautiful scenery, but very dirty. Our guide said that the river use to be 'crystal'. It ain't crystal no more. The park we were in saw many locals playing games; cards, chinese dominoes, and some strategy game on a board similar to chess, all pieces were made of wood and looked hand made. The people continue to be very friendly, and light up when you say, 'hello'.

There are many schools around the area of our hotel. All children attend in uniform, according to there school. The children really enjoy speaking with Americans. They are very friendly and will wave and say hello to get you to respond. We were out today during lunch break. As best as we can tell, the children get a break at lunch and can go home, or explore, or whatever; I'm not sure.

Today, on our free day, we attempted to find the bottom of that 300 foot hill. We walked and walked. Megan and mom did really well, the walk was mostly uphill. We found that the apartments are built at the foot of the hill. So we claimed this hill to be private and unavailable to be climbed by foreigners. We did however, get a better look at the Guiyang Tower (Guiyang City's version of a space needle). (It is a TV station) We can see this Tower well from our hotel room, but cannot get a picture of it from street level, because of all the tall buildings. We had a good walk, and it got better on the way back, as we got a treat; bing qiling. better known in the states as ice cream. It was wonderful. And not too far away, so we will be back.

The city has over 20 hospitals. We saw the one yesterday from the street where Megan had her surgeries. We also saw a big screen monitor, like you would see in Time Square. It was playing an NBA game, I saw the Milwaukee Bucks, but we were in taxi so didn't see who they were playing as it was in Chinese and we were moving. That part of the city is very modern, with high rises like Beijing. We drove through what looked like the business area, very professionally dressed people. We are located in the Central Eastern part of the city. Central Southern is where the river is and more modern buildings. But the ancient parts are preserved. We saw a very old structure that looked like an old fort. We asked our guide about it, and he said, 'that is an old strucure made of ancient stone.' We could have figured that part out. Communicating english is still difficult. But we laugh and go on and fill in our own blanks.

Right now Megan is taking a nap. Today she walked a bit with her sister and gave mom a break. This is a good step. She still misses her 'grandpa' very much. (my professional opinion: he gave her a sense of entitlement - this will be a battle to break) She does let me help her, just won't let me touch her, comfort her, or carry her. She is playful today with Natalee. Day 6. I am very much reminded of how our God so freely gives His love to His people and how He must feel when they reject it. I am right there. But, this, too, is making me stronger, and I know God is preparing me for such a time as this. Megan did sit in bed last night and listen to me talk with her. I spoke of how great our God is, and His plans for her, and how much I love her. She listened, she listened. She is so precious. Only a few short days of no holding her, but a lifetime full of love. Natalee brings me great comfort. She is such a special gift from God. She has been great. I know she must feel left out sometimes, because Megan needs more attention. But she is handling herself well. I am very proud of her!!

Have a blessed night, or day, whatever time it may be in your part of the world.
Blessings,
kyle.

Message for my cousins

2009-03-23T20:49:00.002-04:00

Hi Emily & Aaron, I miss you a lot and I can't wait to show you Megan. It's been a fun time here but I'm not sure I want to live here. It's a fun place. Today is very soggy, I couldn't see anything out the window this morning. Not counting today it's been very sunny and hot. A couple of days ago in QinLing park we met some girls at the cave in the park, it was really fun and we heard the second best song in all of China. We have more Americans at the hotel now and um....sometimes we see them at breakfast. I hope you're having fun at school and Caravan. Miss you, love Natalee

(Hi Emily & Aaron - we miss you too and look forward to you playing with Megan! Love, Aunt Kristin)

We have a toddler in the Thompson house!

2009-03-23T09:11:00.007-04:00

Natalee with the video camera. Like Father...like daughter. Those of our China family from Natalee's adoption will get a kick out of this photo. :)

Here's Kyle watching the play-by-play of the first round of the U of M game. It's amazing that this die-hard fan of the Final Four basketball tournament can not even care about it because he is with his family in China! Some of you will know the story of our honeymoon and the UofM game about 16 years ago - all I'll say is "Weber & time out". You'll know what I mean ;) He honestly isn't even concerned with it this year - I'm sure next year he'll have Megan filling out the brackets though. :)

The iPod has been great for calming Megan down. I put on the children's Chinese songs and she quieted right down.

This was yesterday (Sunday afternoon) playing "Find a friend" in Chinese (similar to hide-n-seek). We had so much fun and Megan laughed a lot.

This lady is keeping her top spinning by whipping it with a "bull" type whip. It was quite interesting and our guide said that many peoople do this as a form of exercise.

Jiaxiu Pavilion

Today Megan has exerted her toddler three's - her will! There have been a few times we've had to establish boundaries and she is not liking them so much. We sense she was the "little empress" in her foster family, getting her way many times. I guess we'd forgotten those trying moments when Natalee was three. But, to make those moments even harder is that we don't really understand each other very well.

This morning after trying to brush Megan's teeth - which has been unsuccessful - I was finishing getting ready when I see Megan go to the counter where all the food & snacks are and find the roll of Oreo cookies. Now, up to this point she has not wanted most of our "American" snacks although we did buy these in Guiyang. She reached up and grabbed the bag, openend it and helped herself to a breakfast oreo. Way too cute!

We didn't see many smiles today - she has been quite sad and often breaks out in tears. It's hard for her when we go out around town because many times she sees older people and they remind her of her foster parents. She especially doesn't like it when they talk to her. It's good that she grieves as that will lead to healing and full bonding and attachment with us. Keep praying for us, we can feel the presence of God with us. We have all been healthy....safe...and happy... praise God!

(Thanks for all the comments too.. Natalee especially looks forward to hearing from home.)

Oh...speaking of hearing from home...we tried again to call both our parents but our hotel is not equipped to handle an international calling card. Go figure????? So...since we don't have the PandaPhone (China cell phone to call internationally) I'm not sure we'll be able to. You do have our hotel number but it would be too expensive and you'd never be able to tell the front desk staff who you wanted to talk to. Having our blog has helped a lot but I know Nat really wants to talk to her Grandparents. Please know we've tried - sorry.

Good night from China - hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Kristin

10 days in and what do I know

2009-03-23T04:59:00.002-04:00

We are more than half way through our trip. It is hard to believe that what you wait for, 3 years, finally comes, and then its half over. I know that I am enjoying our time in China. I know that our God is so great that all things are possible. I know that God's love extends way beyond Michigan. I know we are a very blessed people back in the States. Life is so much simpler here in China. It seems more busy, but that is just because it has so many more people. I know that I appreciate what I have and our precious little gift God has given us. I had a client mention to me right before leaving on our trip that they wished they could do things over. They felt like they have wasted life. My thought is that as long as you are breathing, you can still make a difference, you can still turn out to be somebody. I have learned a few things in China, just by observation. The people are so much more helpful. They seem to care more. And I keep coming back to that Brandon Heath song, 'Give me Your eyes'. So many people going somewhere, why have I never cared. Well, I know that the time is now, for such a time as this. The harvest is white, and the workers are few. We must be about our Father's business. And that business, is all over the world. And I am called to West Michigan, that I know. Thank you God for giving me your eyes. Help me make a difference in your world. What a blessing this trip is to our family. Thank you for all your prayers. We sense them daily. Please know we are safe, feeling well, and excited to see the next site.

Tomorrow is a free day for us, and Kristin has high aspirations. Our hotel room looks across at a very large hill. From the street level it must extend over 300 feet. Kristin wants to climb it. She's feeling light on her feet. It does look quite interesting, and I bet the view is incredible from up there. We see many people flying kites from about the 150-200 foot level. We haven't really seen people at the top. We'll see, we've been blessed with great weather, so you will all have to ask Kristin if she climbed the Guiyang Hill. Two days ago at the park, she didn't feel like climbing the 378 feet to the top to view the buddhist temple, and that was with stairs. We don't know if this hill has stairs. Like I said, we'll see. (Oh, and mom, yes, we will be careful)

So wherever you may be today, make a difference that is eternal.

Blessings,

kyle.

Natalee's thoughts - Monday, March 23

2009-03-23T02:44:00.002-04:00

Today was such a cool day. We went to Jiaxiu Tower and a cool Chinese Museum. When we were at the tower we saw a cool looking game, it had a little top thing hand made of wood, and a guy had a stick with a string on it and he whipped the top with the string to keep it going, it was really neat. Make sure people aren't close by you or you may accidentally whip them.

At the museum there was more like a store than a museum. But they did have many artifacts or fossils from way times ago. We spent time in the store buying stuff. I bought a Chinese flute, it is a traditional Miao instrument. I also got a batik. This is something I can hang on my wall in my room. It has butterflies on it and my mom told me that it is special to Guizhou. We met a nice man at the museum, too. He spoke very good english, mom says he is self taught by listening to BBC. He gave daddy a business card and asked him to email him when he gets back home. He was impressed to speak with us Americans.

It has been a great day. Megan and mommy are taking a nap now. Mommy is very tired because she has to carry Megan a lot. But this is getting her good exercise.

love,
Natalee

Encouraged by friends - Kyle's thanks

2009-03-22T19:18:00.004-04:00

Today is Monday, March 23. The time is 7:09AM. The temperature is the coolest it has
been so far, around 60, with the most fog/mist we've seen. The sun has been good at burning
off the fog, so hopefully today, as well.

I want to say thank you to my good friend Jimmy in North Carolina for some encouraging words.
It is good to know someone knows and can understand what us western dads go through. We are
popular with the locals, but our hearts break, because we just want so much to hold our daughters.

Megan did sit on my lap yesterday, when Kristin had to take Natalee to the restroom (toilet - in China).
And she wimpered, but she at least sat with me, looking and anticipating her mommy's return. I am so
glad that Megan has bonded well with Kristin, she really needs her mom. And I know in my heart that
she will soon warm up to me.

Today we are going to visit Jiaxiu Pavilion and a local minority village - called the Mao people (its pronounced Meow, like a cat says). We have word that 2 other American families are in town now to adopt their little
girls. They are from different adoption agencies, but at least it will be good to see someone who speaks our language. On our walk yesterday to the grocery store it was very obvious that we are the only Americans in the city. But, the local people are very friendly, and light up with smiles when you speak to them by just saying, 'hello'.

Sundays in China are no different than other days, maybe less traffic, but the workers keep working, construction keeps going, and life is still very busy. We had a treat last night at a store called Holiland. It's a cake specialty shop. We were hoping they had ice cream, but we had a piece of black cherry chocolate cake and it was very good. (Priced reasonable, too, 10 yuan- converts to $1.48 USD) The USD is just not worth what it use to be, and things are more expensive 6 years later.

Have a great night, or morning, depending on when you get a chance to read this.

Blessings,

Kyle.

PS. Jimmy, technology is amazing, I actually got to follow play by play of the second half of the Michigan, Clemson game. Wasn't able to do that with the Oklahoma game, so thanks for the update, and I hope you're right! Thanks friend!

Random Thoughts from Kristin

2009-03-22T08:46:00.003-04:00

it's about 70 degrees outside, somewhat sunny, and there's a slight humidity in the air but almost everyone has long sleeve shirts and jackets on - we are quite warm
Natalee wonders who "ben gay" is :) I said I wish I had brought "ben gay" along and she said "why, who's he?" :) My back is not used to carrying around a toddler again, just further proof I'm getting older
I will have buns/hips of steel though carrying Megan around (the hip carrier has helped greatly) :) and if our math is correct I'm down about 10 pounds - easy weight loss = a trip to China :)
Megan is very neat and clean little girl, always wanting to wipe her nose or mouth if anything is on it-sounds like Kyle's daughter right! ;)
Natalee is very patient with us as we tend to Megan's needs and she is also extremely helpful!!
Peek-a-boo and hide & seek are universal games
Taking Chinese classes for the past 3 years has helped us communicate immensely! Thank you to our teachers Becky Laoshi and Joecy Laoshi!
I was remembering back to just before we received our referral and Kyle asked me how well I thought I could communicate in Chinese. My response was about as well as a 3 year old. Isn't God amazing...that's how old our daughter is! Between Natalee and I we are able to remember most things and answer or reassure her in Chinese. Praise God for his goodness! (Oh, and I took a "cheat sheet" with me just in case I forgot things. :))
Megan loves "sashi" aka shrimp, watermellon, noodles, and "tata" aka candy. Natalee likes the "tata" too likes her noodles a little less spicy, likes the pineapple and yogurt and wishes she could have the shrimp too.
Our adoption agency is awesome! The China specialist, Shiyan, has called us several times to check on us and make sure everything is going well and to our satisfaction. She is such an encouragement to us as well and we appreciate all she has done for us!
I'm hungry for a taquito dinner from Margarita's restaurant - chips & salsa! MMM - there isn't many choices around here, no McDonald's, Starbucks or KFC. I think Natalee would love a big spaghetti dinner with garlic bread. I better stop thinking about food right now, my Teddy graham's just aren't cutting it. .....
Okay, my brain is slowing down now. 9 pm is "late" for us here in China. Our guide told us it wasn't safe to be out in the town at dark and this hotel just doesn't have much for us to do plus we have two tired out girls by about 7:30 so...early to bed.
Thanks for listening to my rambling...good night - or good morning for most of you as you're probably getting ready for the day - I believe it's Sunday. Enjoy the Lord's day.

QinLing Park

2009-03-22T01:16:00.004-04:00

QinLing Park was beautiful (and hot)! There were people everywhere and everyone was very friendly -smiling at us and wanting to talk to either Natalee or Kyle. Kyle even met a group of college girls (I think he already mentioned that - but here's the proof). The monkeys were everywhere and not shy at all! One even stood up and grabbed at our guides legs getting the bag of bananas he had brought us as a gift. These monkeys were cute but very greedy. It was a very nice day and wish we could have spent more time there. We had a quiet afternoon trying to rest and then went back to the playroom. Megan didn't want to eat much dinner and we even ordered her favorite - seafood rice. We opted not to have the local favorite of braised dog Guiyang style or roasted dog with vegetable spring rolls. I'm doing much better with my sensitve system and only had that one bad incident at the Great Wall. We are so blessed to be in this beautiful country with our beautiful girls.

Photo Update

2009-03-22T00:45:00.003-04:00

We are having so much fun with our two beautiful Chinese blessings! As Kyle has mentioned, Megan is going through some rought grieveing times but with our love and patience it seems to be lessening. Just pray that she will bond with Kyle now as there is very little that she is letting him do these past couple of days.

As you can see in the photo, Natalee has taken to Daddy's love of video-taping. We don't have nearly the number of hours from Natalee's adoption trip - which is okay as we had to have "dramamine" to watch it all.

Thank you all for posting comments, we love to read them, especially Natalee. We had hoped to call home last night (Sat here - Sat am at home) but Megan was struggling so we all ended up falling asleep. Kyle has done a great job posting what's been going on so I'll just share a few more photos. Blessings everyone, thanks for your prayers!

Daddy's thoughts continued

2009-03-21T20:33:00.002-04:00

I just got that last post in. Our computer completely shut down and Windows conducted a complete diagnostic test. Fortunately things are ok. Our anti-virus program has caught some viruses trying to get in, and all is currently healed.

My thoughts have been mostly on Megan and remembering how hard it was when Natalee didn't want much to do with a 6'3" blonde guy with blue eyes. I can understand why Megan doesn't want me too close. However, she does ask for help when Mommy is not available. So baby steps are good. And I did get to hold her on adoption day and she was good with this. Its mainly the grieving process, and I'm not the main comfort, or any comfort at this point. It will just take time. Just keep praying for this healing. It is completely natural for her to go through, but painful to experience. Just love on her, just love on her, just love on her. Natalee has been a big help.

Thanks for all your prayers,

Blessings on this Lord's Day!

kyle (daddy)

Daddy's thoughts

2009-03-21T19:55:00.003-04:00

It is Sunday morning at 7:47AM. The temperature is around 70. Before we left for the trip rain was in the forecast everyday, but we have been blessed with wonderful weather. Hope we can bring this all home with us. Yesterday would have been perfect day for our April 21 golf event. 78, sunny, and light breeze.

Every morning we wake up with a light mist, fog, then the sun burns it all off. The sun is once again bright orange this morning. A little less traffic today, but still alot of people going somewhere. Reminds me of the Brandon Heath song, "Give me Your eyes". God cares so much for these people, and I am certain His heart breaks for them.

Megan continues to grieve. She has happy moments. Seeing her yesterday at the park was a real joy. She was pointing and laughing at many things. It does us good to get out of this hotel and go do stuff. Unfortunately, today is a 'free' day for us, so nothing officially is scheduled for us to do. We will most likely go for a walk. We have found the taxi drivers quite accomodating. I think they are privileged to have Americans in their cars. They speak to us and make jokes, and drive very excitedly to get us to our destination. We have not felt unsafe, as everyone drives crazy in China. With all the craziness and amounts of people we have only seen one accident, and this was just a fender bender. We do hear sirens from time to time, but don't know where they are going.

Yesterday at the park I got the opportunity to speak with some Chinese college students. They wanted to try their english. Then they wanted a photo with me. I remember the days when you wanted just one college girl to even look at you, but yesterday, I had 6 or 7 so excited to meet an American and speak with them. They invited our family to tour their University. However, we heard it is too far off to take taxi. They attend Guiyang University. They were helpful for Megan, as they shared some sort of bread snack with her, this was good, because Megan didn't eat a good breakfast. (Her grief moments are spread more out, and have come at meal times - this is a concern, because she needs to eat) At least she is drinking plenty of water and she likes lemon lime gatorade, so yes - a Western drink.

I have been warned that my time on is shutting down 28 seconds and counting , so I will post herea.

Blessings,

kyle.

Natalee experiences

2009-03-21T19:42:00.002-04:00

Today (Sunday)we got up early, this was unusual. Megan normally sleeps in alot, but was the first one up today. We are kind of being lazy though, we are still all lying around in our PJ's. Last night was my best sleep; I slept on the couch and it was much more comfortable than the bed. The bed is rock hard.

It's really fun being in China. Yesterday was a lot of fun, we went to Qin Ling Park. It is a very large park, Michael said over 450 hectares, whatever that is. The first thing we saw was the golden monkeys. And they were jumping everywhere. They really like bananas - and Megan looked jealous. They also like water or anything out of a bottle. On the way back down the path the golden monkeys stole our guide's bananas. Mommy tried to kick the monkey away, but it was determined to get the bananas. (golden monkeys run around this park, like chipmunks in the states) - it was quite interesting. We bought Megan a golden monkey (it was a stuffed wa wa)

After the golden monkeys we saw some white birds. And Megan seemed to like the birds, too. We did not buy a bird, because they are just birds. And we don't need a tweeting bird anyways. We took a taxi home from the park.

We were going to make an international call home last night, but we all fell asleep before we could do this. So maybe today we will try again to make a call.

Love,
Natalee

Photos

2009-03-19T20:16:00.001-04:00

Guiyang

2009-03-19T20:03:00.004-04:00

These are some photos of Guiyang looking out from our hotel room and one along the road as we drove into the city. The others are on our walk back from the grocery store the first day we arrived, notice the construction right along the road as we walk by - no safety features - oh and there was a big bus on my right as I was walking & taking the photo.

Good Morning - Friday March 20

2009-03-19T19:27:00.002-04:00

The local time is 7:18AM in Guiyang City. It is warm, very tropical, a light mist is falling and the sun is not quite awake (hiding behind fog/clouds).

The girls are still sleeping, Kristin is getting ready for the day, and I just finished reading the comments posted to our blog while we slept in China. Thanks to all of you who have been following our amazing adventure. Technology is amazing that I can be sitting here in Guizhou, China and within seconds send a message to USA. And what is more amazing is that I actually am able to do it (I know some of you are laughing right now).

Today is a free day for us, nothing on our schedule. We hope to do some local exploring. Taxis are farely reasonable, if you can trust them to get you back to the hotel, because no drivers speak any English. That has been our biggest struggle with our hotel staff, as well. On our trip yesterday to the Civil Affair offices for the finalization of Megan's adoption we saw beautiful parks and scenery. Our immediate view from our hotel is very facinating. (very third world). I haven't figured out directions, but it is possible that our hotel views are east/southeast. As I type I can see the sun peaking through the clouds and fog coming over a very large hill probably a half mile from our hotel. We are on the 14th floor.

The sounds are of many car/truck horns, and of consruction workers. The street in front of the hotel is being repaired. We can cross the street by going under through a tunnel passage. We do not have to go far to find a local shop that sells snacks and pop and bottled water. We will have to find some ice tea sweetened with lemon for Megan, as this seems to be a favorite of hers. We are not sure about the caffiene, but at this point are not too concerned about it. If it brings her comfort, we are all for it.

Megan has a very unique and beautiful smile, her laugh is deep. She knows what she wants, and communicates in Chinese very well. Unfortunately, her parents and sister are struggling with understanding. Megan has been very patient with us. Yesterday afternoon, we found that the hotel has a small play area, so we spent some time there with the girls. They enjoyed playing together. Megan demonstrated hopping on one foot, and is very good at this for extended time period. I am definitely facing east. The sun this morning is bright orange, and is going in and out of clouds as it rises. Despite the street noises, it is very peaceful.

The girls are still sleeping, it is now 7:35AM. I am going to try to find the Michigan game on-line. I saw they made the big dance. This is the first year in our entire marriage that we did not fill out brackets, and you know what? I am totally good with it. Our family is right where God needs us right now, and I am thrilled to be here. It is a true pleasure and privilege to serve our God. He has richly blessed us. Thanks for your prayers. Keep praying for Megan's grieving process, this will take time. She is so precious! A gift from God!

Blessings to all,

Kyle

PS. You know that Panda (Polly) we sent Megan in January, well she has it with her all the time. Isn't God good. All the Time!!

Gotcha Day

2009-03-19T09:58:00.005-04:00

Our flight was early today (8:50) and went smoothly. We landed in what seemed like the "tropics" as it was much warmer (although Beijing was unseasonably warm while we were there) and you could feel some humidity in the air, plus there were trees with leaves and flowers blooming too. (Hopefully the cold will all be gone by the time we get back home!) Our guide brought us to our hotel and explained the day to us...we'd be getting HuiYi around 4 pm. So...we needed to get everything in order. Our guide got us a taxi and we went to get some groceries at what could be considered the "Guiyang Wal**mrt" - it had everything (and our guide is a young man who obviously doesn't do the grocery shopping;)

This afternoon we were busy setting up our little "house" for the next 10 days and trying not to get to nervous about what is about to happen.

4:00....we go down to the lobby and there sits this beautiful smiling little girl with a "grandma & grandpa", our guide and an adoption official. We were totally shocked to find out that Megan has been living with a foster family for the past 3 years, we knew she had been with a foster family after her heart surgery but were not aware she still was. This was really great news as she has received excellent care!! But, it has also made the transition that much harder and we weren't fully prepared for that. The foster mom had so much to tell me that I could hardly take it all in, there were so many people all crammed into our hotel room (which is fairly large but still)...yes, we were in our hotel room. The hotel did not have a meeting room for us and later we found out that this meeting was to take place off site at the Civil Affairs building. Well, it didn't and I think that may be an extra part of Megan's grieving(more on that later). So...grandma is talking and giving us all kinds of "instructions", Megan is playing and is quite friendly with us....all sorts of "officials" are talking and asking us questions....yikes. God has answered a huge prayer of mine....that we would recieve some information and photos about Megan's early years! Praise God! One of the first things "grandma" did was hand me a black bag and inside was a baggie with a personal letter and dozens of photos. She didn't want me to open it then but when I did I was overjoyed at the treasure she had given us and Megan. We also learned that "grandma" believes in Jesus and is a Christian - how incredibly awesome is that!!! She did however indicate that she had not talked to Megan about Christ but you know for sure that grandma has been praying for her! What another blessing to this mom's heart! "Grandma" & "Grandpa" left quietly without much notice...they had said their goodbyes and such and Megan did really well. We had more discussions with the orphange and adoption officials and played ball together. It wasn't until we started getting ready for bed that she realized what has happened and the tears started flowing. It just broke our hearts that the only thing we could do for her was to hold her and love on her....nothing could make the pain go away. She cried for about two hours and then fell asleep next to me in bed. She slept okay but was still weepy in her sleep even. It will be a process of grieving and we pray that God would speak to her little heart and help her to know that she is with her forever family.

Her smile is precious and infectious...her laugh is deep...she is tiny and determined...she is friendly and yet reserved...she knows what she likes and knows when she wants things...she is our daughter!

PS...

I'm posting this on Thursday night at about 10:30 Guiyang time...so first our computer is set to home time and will post the time according to Zeeland...second...I can't seem to get photos to load tonight and I'm tired of fighting with the computer...so I'll try tomorrow.

I'm tired and heading to bed...I know I'm behind on sharing what's going on as there has been lots going on...appointments and officials....not being able to speak much Chinese and NO one speaks English here at our hotel so that's a challenge....anyway...more later. Thanks for all your comments we did read them today.

Blessings to all back home!

Beijing Day 2 - Part 2

2009-03-19T09:28:00.005-04:00

Okay...so this afternoon I had Megan on my lap sleeping and I tried to nap too but I couldn't. So, Kyle tried his hand at blogging as did Natalee and I walked them through the steps. He was so amazed that he could check his email and post a blog from CHINA :0 the world truly has gotten smaller with all our technology.

Well, on to Beijing Day 2....last night was a rough night...Natalee has been dealing with allergies/cold due to the environment and such so she was really restless last night. I was going through a ton of different emotions...being overwhelmed...feeling like we weren't prepared....grieving the loss my girls may experience at leaving their homeland and someday coming to the realization that they have biological family in China....worried how Megan would react....just about everything came out tonight. But after many tears and prayer together with Kyle... I woke up this morning feeling much better and no anxieties at all. God is so good....his mercies are new everymorning and great is his faithfulness!

We first went to Tian'amen square and Natalee danced. It was very crowded and busy and there are still security checks left after the Olympics so it took a few minutes just to get in. We then walked across the street and through the gates & courtyards to the Forbidden City. Although we have seen this before, it is still such an amazing site! Natalee was intrigued by it all and it's enormous size. Our guide was very informative but right now I couldn't reacal alot nor could I even type all that we learned. After these walking tours we received a "riding" tour through the Hutong area on a rickshaw. The Hutong area is a serious of quadrangle neighborhoods of old China. The specific Hutong we visited had been in the family since 1932...it's a very culturally rich tour and one in which we'd have to show you some photos and explain everything (so ask us about it sometime).

In the afternoon we had a few hours rest (well that is Nat & I - Dad had to go exchange money at the bank). In the evening we went to the Beijing Flying Acrobatic Show....which was really neat. This was our first time seeing this show and Natalee loved it.

Back to the hotel to pack & get to bed for our early morning flight to Guiyang....we're almost there Megan!

Experiences in China from Natalee

2009-03-19T02:12:00.002-04:00

I am really happy that I got Megan, even though later on we might not get along. To me it seems like that whenver we push something on our Ling Doll, Megan laughs (Ling is a little Chinese doll that speaks some Chinese phrases). I think China is a great place. Beijing is much different from Guiyang City, because many people were selling things in Beijing. And in Guiyang City there is no one around us bothering us (Beijing has many street vendors - peddling to the tourists). Our hotel in Guiyang City is like an apartment.

And I miss my family a lot.

But if I got a place to choose from living in USA or China, I might not know which to choose.

When we are done with something we don't pick it up, because its a hotel and its not our room, so we only have to be tidy at the end of the day. (Random Natalee thought)

Love,

Natalee

China Blessings!! - Esther 4:14

2009-03-19T01:47:00.002-04:00

Disclaimer: this is Kyle posting, and not the English teacher

What a whirlwind of emotions. It has been such a blessing to bring Natalee back to her birth country. And it is just that to her. She is 100% American and proud of it. She came to climb the Great Wall - did that, she came to dance in Tianemen Square - did that, she came to see the emperor's throne @ the Forbidden City - did that, but most of all she came to become a big sister & yes, she did that yesterday. She is so helpful, and we are so blessed.

Many before our trip got to hear my testimony of how God revealed to me, through the book of Esther - how special Megan is and she is His child and we have been chosen by Him to go get her and raise her. This trip continues to remind me of God's amazing grace. He cares so much for His people. One of the officials from the orphanage has chosen the Western name Esther and she has played a key role in our adoption processes. (She speaks English better than I write it) - I didn't need any further confirmation, and do not have any doubts, but last night was a rough one, (as I am sure Kristin will update you on) and our God is Great! Out of all the names someone could choose????????????? I cannot wait to get little Zhang Huiyi home, actually, I can a little. I absolutely love being in China. Kristin will probably tell you mostly about Guizhou, so I will keep you in suspense - one hint: the countryside is gorgeous!!

My post is mainly to express God's goodness! And how I know that our little Megan will accomplish great things for His Kingdom someday. She already has brought much joy to the Thompsons with just a little wave today at our adoption meetings. Her and Natalee get along well. They will be great sisters.

And to let you know it is really difficult to express emotions through typing. We are happy, excited, sympathetic, concerned, sometimes anxious and even frustrated, but our greatest is blessed!! We are so grateful to our God for His amazing gift, because every good and perfect gift is from above!!

Blessings to you all and thank you for your continuing prayers. Please be praying specifically for little Megan as she adjusts to her new family and grieves her past.

Beijing Day 2 - part 1

2009-03-18T23:28:00.003-04:00

Okay...I'm going to have to go back in time right now as we just now got internet service figured out in our room. I'll just give you a hint right now but will save the rest of the news for the next post....but all is well and she is beautiful!! I've got to get some lunch for everyone right now and get the girls down for a nap but then I'll post more...It has been very very busy these past two days.

Beijing day 1

2009-03-16T09:07:00.006-04:00

Tonight as I sit here in this beautiful hotel my mind is racing....thinking so many things that I'd like to share with you all...too many to really put into words....and often so hard to express too. So...I'll share a little about our day today and some of my thoughts.

Our day began with a short meeting with our Bethany worker and then we were off on a long day of touring and shopping. We started at the Cloisonne factory...and shops :) ...had lunch at a nearby Chinese restaurant (Natalee now understands what we've been telling her for so long about trying new foods even if they look different - she didn't do too bad - fortunately one of our dishes was sweet & sour pork so that was good)....then a long ride to the Badaling section of the Great Wall. Natalee's first words were "cool". She was pretty overwhelmed I think....just the size and grandure of it all but also the people! She loved the gondolla ride up the mountain....Mom however didn't fair so well. :( Even though I've done this before on our first adoption trip, it didn't go so well (I didn't have my gondolla buddies Tim & Margo to keep my mind off the ride and make me laugh). My dislike of heights combined with motion sickness and a very sensitive "system" all sent me to find the first restroom I could at the Great Wall. Let's just say that I've added another very unique location that I've needed to use the facilities!! It was not a highlight of my trip...but I did feel much better.

We walked for quite awhile on the wall...which is incredibly steep and I don't remember being so winded and weak-knee'd before...I guess that's what 6 more years does to the body. Natalee fell asleep on the ride back to the hotel but perked right up when we got back. Our guide gave us a map of our neighborhood so we decided to take a walk to find some supper and a few groceries. Her "few blocks" were quite long but we found a KFC and grocery store.

We've realized that over the past 6 years since we've been here the price of everything has drastically gone up (as it has everywhere) .... but we were looking for a nice piece of jewlery for Kyle's mom at the restaurant/store we ate at for lunch...anyway...we were looking at a jade/silver bracelet. The lady pulled it out and placed it on the counter for us to see...then she explained that it was some specific type of jade set white gold. I asked the price and she said some astronomical number in yuan so I did the conversion on the calculator to find that the cost was.......ready Mom?.......$6,256!! Yes, that 6 thousand and some change! So...sorry we didn't get you a jade bracelet but does the thought count? :)

It's been a good day...tiring and tomorrow we go to Tiannamen square, Forbidden City & Hutong tour then rest at the hotel and to an acrobat show in the late afternoon. Continue to pray for us...safety & good health...bonding with Megan....health for Megan....we'll keep you updated and please post comments, we'd love to hear from you too.

Thanks!

We've arrived!

2009-03-15T11:50:00.002-04:00

We left our house at 6:40 am on Saturday, March 14 and arrived in Beijing at our hotel at 11:30 pm Sunday, March 15. Whew! What a day ....or was it two??? We had good flights, no problems. Landings always get the best of me but once I'm firmly planted on the ground again my tummy settles down. Other than being just a really long series of flights...everything really did go smoothly! Natalee had a little bit of trouble on the long leg from Minne to Tokyo with sleeping and hives....but after some medicine the hives settled down and so did she. She has been a trooper!

We have to meet our guide at 9am for our day of touring. Oh, we were picked up by our guide tonight and we have a personal driver who's taking us around in a new Buick mini-van. ;)

Both Kyle & I have commented at various times just how "surreal" it all feels still...that after such a long wait we are going to meet our daughter in just a few days.

One more thing and then I've got to get some sleep....Nat was having a snack when we arrived in our hotel room and she asked..."mom, does 'guides name' know God? I hope so." So do we sweetheart but we can sure show her his love through us these next few days.

Wan an....good night!

Our bags are packed and we're ready to go!

2009-03-13T21:38:00.002-04:00

Two...One...

2009-03-13T21:27:00.002-04:00

Okay...it's actually only 9 hours before my parents pick us up for the airport and then we begin our journey to China. But...yesterday, day two in our countdown...was packing day. My mom came over and we spent all day packing and making sure we had everything needed. Thanks Mom! Today was a "normal" day, actually kind of quiet. I brought Nat's science project in this afternoon and she explained it to her class. She will be missing the Academic Showcase at school so we did her project early. Tonight we reminised and watched the video of Natalee's adoption. Hard to believe that was 6 1/2 years ago. God has blessed us so much...and we're ready to receive our next amazing blessing. It was 34 months ago (may 2006) that we began this journey to our daughter. God has stretched us through this process....our faith has deepened and our trust made stronger. This verse meant a lot to me during both our adoptions and it was given to me by one of my former students who has an wonderfully compassionate heart.

"But these things I plan won't happen right away, slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place, it will not be delayed." Habakkuk 2:3 Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Four....Three....

2009-03-10T20:12:00.003-04:00

Today I was able to get the house all cleaned and we enjoyed our last night of dance and Chinese classes (at least for a few weeks). I can now say "I can speak a little Chinese" - in Chinese. ;)

Tomorrow I'm going to start organizing "piles" for packing and at night we have our Caravan kids group at church. Three days...wow...it's almost hard to believe that we're this close.

Six...Five

2009-03-09T14:20:00.003-04:00

Luggage....UGH! Last night we decided we'd better figure out exactly which luggage we were going to take for checked bags & our carry-on's. Well, after measuring everything it looks like our bag is about 3" too big and empty it weighs 15 lbs thus only allowing us to pack 35 lbs. Yikes! On our first trip to China the bag started out at 83 lbs but I got it down to 74 lbs... there just doesn't seem like anyway possible to take our big bag. So...we'll have to borrow some luggage. Oh well....

Eight....Seven...

2009-03-07T15:03:00.003-05:00

The countdown continues....yesterday we did our last minute shopping and now have everything we need for travel and Megan. Today we continue getting our long list of "to-do's" completed. It's surprising just how many tasks there are to complete before leaving for a long trip. We never realized how many "hats" we each "wear" until we started making a list of all the things we needed to do and all the responsibilities of each "hat". It can easily overwhelm me when I stop to think about each day and what needs to be done, but I can't allow myself to go there....it is what it is...and I know that it will all fall into place.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness....the Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him..." Lamentations 3:22-23,25

NINE more days until we leave...

2009-03-05T22:15:00.004-05:00

the count down has begun! Today I focused on Beacon of Hope tasks....worked on our insurance issues....enjoyed a field trip to go maple sugaring....visited a friend and her new baby (she's adorable)....took care of household stuff....actually made dinner & ate with my family....caught up on my favorite TV show....now, off to bed and get rested for day #8!

Prayers Answered!

2009-03-03T14:15:00.002-05:00

I received the call a little while ago from our courrier service that our Visa's had been picked up - they are approved and we will have them tomorrow!

Praise the Lord!

Now...we wait for our final itinerary and we're on our way to Megan!

Minor Turbulence Today

2009-02-25T13:53:00.002-05:00

We just received a phone call from the courrier agency that takes our Visa applications to the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC. The officials are inquiring what "Beacon of Hope" is and what our positions there entail. Yikes!

Without going into full detail here (ya never know who reads our blogs) please be in prayer that the officials at the Chinese Embassy will approve our request to go...without any problems!!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Travel Dates Set - Megan here we come!!

2009-02-17T12:42:00.004-05:00

Today at noon, my phone rang. As I answered the gal on the other side said, "Hi, Kristin, it's Sarah." I replied but wasn't very excited. In my mind I was thinking it was my hairstylist who I had run into yesterday at the grocery store & had asked her to call me to set an appointment for Nat. But then....the "Sarah" on the phone responded with ..... "are you ready to go to China?" (or something like that - my mind immediately went into hyper-excited mode so I'm not 100% sure what she really did say).

God is so good and always just on time! This morning I was listening to Selah and my emotions just took over as I was pouring out my heart to God...my desire to hold my little girl....the fact that it's been 2 1/2 months since we've had her photo ..... wondering why we had not yet heard about our travel plans when another family got their's over a week ago....and I was really feeling sad. But...our God is good - all the time - all the time - God is good!

Okay....so now.... our travel plans...

We leave on Sunday, March 15 headed for Beijing. We will sight see and let our bodies adjust to the time difference. Then, we arrive in Guiyang, Guizhou on March 18 and that should be our "gotcha day". Our Consulate Appointment is March 30 with travel home on April 1. That's 18 days - yeah!!! We are so excited!! Praise God for he is faithful!

Waiting...waiting...still waiting....

2009-02-11T22:07:00.004-05:00

Okay - we should be getting our travel information any day now! We've been waiting since Jan. 5th. Chinese New Year ended yesterday (after their 15 day celebration) so the government offices should be up and running. So....we just wait!

.....still waiting.....waiting some more....everytime the phone rings we eagerly anticipate that it's our SW giving us the news.

I was just re-reading the travel procedures from our agency and there was a comment that once we get travel approval it's like the last 12 minutes of delivering a baby - it all comes very quickly! I guess that means we better seriously get things ready to go. I think I actually work better under pressure. And, knowing I'm on my way to bring my daughter home - you better believe I'll get everything done fast.

Well...join us in praying for our travel information to come yet this week. There are other families that we've met on-line and through our agency also waiting. We all just want our children home.

Xi Nian Kuai Le

2009-01-23T16:09:00.002-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year!
Click on card above to view

Queen of Organization

2009-01-23T10:06:00.003-05:00

Yes, that's me.....I try to be organzied in life but sometimes it becomes an obsession. Right now I'm in obsessing about getting all the girls' clothes organized in their shared closet & dresser. My next organization project is my photos (yes, even a CM consultant can need help sometimes).

Here's a photo of our mountain of adoption paperwork that is of course .... organized! This is a MUST if I want to stay on top of things and be ready when we need any documents.

I think the file weighs about 13 lbs - that's a lot of paper!

Update

2009-01-20T21:42:00.003-05:00

We've received some updated measurements on Megan - no photos though. :(

At 3 years 6 months, Megan is 33 lbs. - 38" tall - has 5 1/2" feet and has 20 teeth. I looked back at Natalee's measurements when she was 3 years 2 months .... she was 31 1/2 lbs. - 37" tall and had about 20 teeth as well. So...Praise God she's right on track!!

Package is on it's way...

2009-01-13T20:44:00.005-05:00

After trying to get our package to Megan mailed out last Friday, it finally went out today. We were having trouble finding an international carrier that would get the package to Guizhou. We tried several carriers but no one said they had service to that part of China. So, we opted to go the safe route and use the service from RedThreadChina. My only concern now is that the USPS guy who helped me fill out the customs form told me correctly. He was definately not the most friendly or eager to answer my questions. I could tell that he was oh so thrilled to be at his job today. Ugh! So, we're praying that our package arrives in China to Ann safely and then on to Megan.

So....Here she is....Megan Lee HuiYi Thompson

2009-01-06T16:34:00.006-05:00

We got the call yesterday from our Case Worker that BCS had received our LOA (letter of acceptance) and we could now post her photo.

Her Chinese name is Zhang HuiYi and we are naming her Megan Lee HuiYi.

Megan means....precious, joyful
Lee is in honor of both my middle name & Kyle's (plus his dad & brother)
HuiYi is her Chinese name and means .... intelligent, wise memory

Our Adoption Testimony

2009-01-06T16:14:00.004-05:00

Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher once said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." The first step of our journey to bring home our second child began on December 23, 2005 when we submitted our formal application to Bethany Christian Services. Our journey has been long! It has been filled with wonder and questions and yet it has also increased our faith in our Heavenly Father.

Shortly after we returned home from China in 2002 with our first child, Natalee, we knew that God had another child in store for our family. We deeply desired to begin our second adoption right away but finances kept us from qualifying. We began to earnestly pray that God would provide the way for us to adopt again. God answered that prayer and our Dossier was sent to China on May 31, 2006 requesting a "non-special needs child as young as possible".

We were so excited to be "paper pregnant" and began right away at raising funds for the adoption related expenses. We started off with our church helping us with a yard sale which made over $800. We applied for several grants and received one from Shaohannah's Hope. We were thrilled! Everything seemed to be going so well. However, over the next several months to a year, the process of referrals from China was almost at a standstill. We began to question God and wondered why things just weren't moving "fast enough". Emotionally the journey began to wear us down.

In the summer of 2007, our Adoption worker emailed us a list of special needs children that the agency had received. She said she knew that we had not specifically listed a child with special needs on our dossier but perhaps we would like to look at the list and prayerfully consider if God was speaking to our hearts. We did, we prayed and began to consider these children and their unique beauty and needs. Could God be leading us to journey a new path?

Over the course of the next several months, God began to change us....little by little as each new list of special needs children was released we began to pray and diligently search the heart of God. We opened our hearts to things we never would have thought possible on our own and we found ourselves requesting the opportunity to parent many of these children. Although God did not answer these requests they way we had wanted, our faith was being stretched and our reliance on Him deepened. We began to pray diligently that God would reveal our child to us before the end of 2008.

And, God answered that prayer!! We received the referral of our daughter on November 25, 2008. She is a beautiful 3 1/2 year old girl who has had some health challenges in her short life. She has had two surgeries and she was born without her left thumb. To say that we were prepared right away to accept this referral would not be honest. We had to fall on our knees in prayer and in searching our hearts and God's before we felt His complete wave of peace over us, reminding us that every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father. We then could see how God had been changing us...preparing us...for the daughter He had planned.

His gift was here! It's been a long journey, not always easy...but along the way we have learned so much about ourselves and God. We've been given perfect peace and joy as we complete our journey to bring our daughter home!

We are blessed beyond measure!

Entering a new dimension - blogging

2009-01-05T23:57:00.003-05:00

Well....I'm expanding my knowledge...trying something that I'm sure most people have been doing for a long time now...I've entered the BLOG world.

For awhile now I've been thinking about it and reading other people's blogs and have finally decided to share our journey of life with you. So...enjoy...I hope you are blessed somehow by what you will read here.

However, since it is almost midnight and my contacts are literally falling out of my eyes...I must depart. I will have to begin my story tomorrow.

Goodnight.