tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57032820927763417082024-03-14T06:41:03.405-07:00Cai Comes HomeKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-59994061770430642312013-01-18T09:50:00.001-08:002013-01-18T09:50:42.397-08:00HopeHope is my word for this year. Gracious, how I have so much to learn still! How we can have peace as well as hope in the very midst of pain and heartbreak. I cannot lie- I was not sad to chunk my 2012 calendar in the trashcan come January 1 2013. Going through my 2012 calendar so that I could write Birthdays and special occasions for 2013, reminded me month by month what we were doing during our wait for Luke...Homestudy visits, DTC, an amazingly quick LOA, I800 approval,etc... It also reminded me of the pain we were experiencing with Kelly- appointments, birthday, school events, and then, the day we flew her to meet her new family. Heartache. And then the months waiting to hear the news from China- the waiting- the hoping. And then the news. But I am writing this with great hope. We are praying that China will change their mind- we have asked them and explained multiple times. We know that they don't typically do. That it will be a pure miracle. And if they do not, we will accept that. With hope. And peace. And believe that God must be up to something far bigger than we can imagine.<br />
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"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-34952155389690878892012-12-07T06:44:00.002-08:002012-12-07T06:44:56.128-08:00Sometimes the answer is "no"China will not allow us to complete Luke's adoption. This is not at all what we were expecting and the opposite of what we were praying for. There is a big hole in our hearts that I think will always be there. While we don't understand this at all, we do know that God loves Luke more than we do and that this is His will. Thank you for your prayers.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-23642744713045697202012-11-28T08:33:00.002-08:002012-11-28T08:33:57.354-08:00MiraclesThey do happen today. That is what we are praying for and believing in. If you would pray for us, we would be so thankful. We were told last night that China will make a decision within a week. Greg and I truly believe that they will allow us to adopt Luke. And we are praying that they will not make us update our homestudy, but pick up right where we left off which would be traveling for Luke. Thank you for your prayers.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-21609618354204437142012-11-27T07:14:00.000-08:002012-11-27T07:14:12.175-08:00Peace From the moment we began Luke's adoption, this is what I felt- Peace. And every day, the Lord led me to scriptures or just little things throughout the day that reminded me of this. We knew that God had placed Luke on our hearts and in our life. I bought myself a small, inexpensive peace sign necklace to help remind me of this blessing and of God's faithfulness as we waited. Every time I would read about peace in the Bible, Luke was the first thought that came to mind. It filled me with such joy, feeling so close to the Lord, that He would "whisper" encouragement to me throughout the days and months.<br />
When our adoption of Luke was placed on hold and as the picture of holding him began to fade, so did my hope. And my peace. And my joy. For weeks now, I have allowed my joy of life to fade. Knowing very well, how very much I have to be thankful for ,each and every day, my sorrow has overshadowed my joy. <br />
We are still waiting to hear if China will allow us to complete our adoption of Luke. We are praying and believing that they will. This is a tough wait. I am praying that God will reveal to me what it is He wants me to learn from this trial. One, tiny breakthrough I have had though, is the hard realization that with or without Luke, I must remain Thankful. Luke is not my Peace. Luke is not my Joy. I can only find these things when I keep my heart and mind focused on Him.<br />
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P.S. For everyone who donated to Mama Kong, please do not worry- I am waiting to hear from her son how I can transfer the money that was donated, to his China account, for her. As soon as it is done, I will let you know. Thank you again.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-30833597213886124612012-10-27T16:26:00.004-07:002012-10-27T16:26:59.587-07:00DevastatedThis is how we felt on Thursday when we received the news shortly after my last post, that we may not be able to bring our son home. We are waiting. I'm not completely sure who we are waiting on or when we will receive some kind of news. We woke up on Thursday morning expecting to travel for Luke in about 3 weeks and we went to bed Thursday night not sure if we would ever meet him at all. Please pray that we will be able to adopt Luke. Our hope is in the Lord and no one or anything else.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-82655782413328483032012-10-25T05:57:00.000-07:002012-10-25T05:57:00.289-07:00Very Close!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are very, very close to traveling for Luke. And we are very excited! Luke has never lived with a foster family, like Cate and Cai did; he has only lived in the orphanage with hundreds of other children. We expect some developmental delays due to this and we are perfectly fine with that! We have been praying for him since the first time we laid eyes on him and know that this is a very special little boy. We have lots of love ready to pour onto him and we can't wait to begin. His name will be George Lucas and we will call him Luke. Luke, because we like the name, and the book of Luke in the Bible has so many great promises. We are naming him George, after "our" George, who when he married Mom, automatically married two little children. Two children who he would have to endure the teen years with and learn to love and accept when surely it wasn't easy. We definitely didn't always agree with George's strict dicipline when we were young, but he stayed by our side and on our side. And while we never called him Daddy, because at the time, we already had a daddy, George was always our father. When our first child was born, we wondered what cute name George would become, but lo and behold, he remained George. But not just any George; "my" George or "our" George. Which just seems fitting. Because it doesn't take an endearing name like daddy or GG, or watever; it just takes a lot of love and acceptance and committment. And that's what George has poured out on us from day one. Even when the times were tough. And that's what we're going to do for Luke.<br />
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<em>"Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." Luke 9:48</em>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-17496154843322887902012-10-14T18:13:00.002-07:002012-10-14T18:13:28.350-07:00And the necklace goes to.....<span style="color: red;">SHARON!!!!! Congratulation!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Thank you to every one who donated to Mama Kong. And thanks to everyone who spread the word about this family. We can all keep them in our prayers. I can't wait to tell her how very much she is loved and prayed for.</span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-12078598324875743472012-09-29T08:24:00.001-07:002012-10-01T10:51:55.366-07:00How We Can Help<span style="color: red;">Update- I have been asked about Paypal. If you would like, you can send money by Paypal to my email address below. The funds will sit safely there until we are ready to visit Mama Kong! :) </span><br />
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I have been thinking about this, and this is what I would like to do to get started raising some funds for Mama Kong and her family. I have an 18 inch pearl necklace that we bought from the Pearl Market in China. For everyone who posts a comment or sends me an email saying that they would like to contribute to Mama Kong and her family, I will put your name in a box. It can be any amount that you feel you want to give. Every cent is appreciated, no matter how large or small. It is absolutely the thought and prayer that counts here! We will pick a name out of the box on Sunday, October 14, and I will be sure to announce the name that day. Please tell anyone that you know about this- the more the merrier!<br />
Our email address is <a href="mailto:gksmith@windstream.net">gksmith@windstream.net</a> if you would like to send an email rather than leave a comment here.<br />
Thank you for helping!<br />
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<strong>From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48</strong>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-23154899188519800242012-09-24T08:08:00.000-07:002012-09-24T08:08:07.725-07:00Let's Multiply!If you haven't already watched the video about Mama Kong and her family, please watch it (it's in my last post). I don't have any definites yet, but I hope to fly to Shanxi before we meet Luke. I want to spend a couple of days with Mama Kong and her family. We want her to know that she is loved and being prayed for.And after watching the video, I know that they would appreciate some financial assistance. We do have to make sure that this is safe; only because of the government officials. We don't want to break any of their laws despite how unfair we may believe them to be!<br />
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It's so funny (well, not funny haha) how all of this has really sparked some interesting conversation and realization about how people are, in general. People, as in practically everyone, us, very much included! Do you know how rich everyone that lives in America is? Even the poorest here, are rich compared to most. Why is it that we only care about ourselves, our families here and our needs? We are all in a position that we never have to think about the orphans or the widows or the hurt or the hopeless if we don't really want to. And who really wants to? It's not fun to think about them. It's actually a little depressing. It takes money and time. And who wants to give away precious time and hard earned money? Especially to someone we don't know, will probably never meet; someone who we can pretend isn't even real to us as we sleep in our comfy beds, eat out at nice restaurants, and enjoy so many luxuries. I mean, who would actually choose to step out of our comfort zone to get "uncomfortable"?<br />
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But that is exactly what Jesus has asked of every single one of us. It makes me so, so sad that the "normal" to most of us is a very selfish and worldly way of life. And the "weird" is actually how Jesus calls us to live.<br />
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<em>Go and make followers of all people in the world.. Matthew 29:19</em><br />
<em>"And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply..." Genesis 1:22</em><br />
<em>Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18</em><br />
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Tomorrow I'll post about how you can help!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-83338774093161770562012-09-19T06:07:00.000-07:002012-09-19T06:07:26.319-07:00Two Favors<span style="color: red;">I have two favors to ask of anyone who may be reading this. First, please go to You Tube and type in "Lost Children of the Coal- China". It is a short documentary about a tiny little woman in China who is doing amazing things. It was filmed just this past May. I know that everyone has not been called to adopt, but we are all asked to care for the orphan. There are many ways of doing this. I am going to post tomorrow how we are going to help this tiny but mighty woman. That is where the second favor comes in. I have spoken with her oldest son, and I would love your help in helping this family. </span><br />
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<em><span style="color: red;">"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19</span></em>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-78374028259612442242012-09-09T12:53:00.001-07:002012-09-09T12:53:49.479-07:00A special surpriseOn Thursday a very special piece of paper came to us via Fedex. A piece of paper that we had been praying for daily. One huge step closer to a very special little person. About eight weeks away from holding a little guy who has only lived in an orphanage. Who has never felt the arms of a Mama or Daddy, the laughter of brothers and sisters. And we cannot wait to be the ones who show him.<br />
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<em>I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1</em>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-88651296213052737432012-07-18T08:52:00.000-07:002012-07-18T08:55:51.821-07:00The Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had such a great time at the beach this year! Our family piles into one house and spends a week eating, sunning, playing, fishing, reading, laughing and eating some more! It just doesn't get any better. I can honestly say that it is the best week of the year for us. We are so blessed with such a great family who genuinly has a ball doing everything together! It is always so hard to leave after our beach week together. Thank you, Granny and Granddaddy! We love you so much. <br />
I am going to try to do a better job at keeping up our blog. I have said that before so we'll see how it goes, but I would like to print it one day as a little family journal. <br />
The summer has literally flown by, and I have no idea where it went. I can't believe it's time to start thinking of school supplies, and school activities already. Ugh. We enjoy our summers.<br />
The past year has been a hard one for our family. We have experienced a lot of transitions. We are finally at a point of healing. We need it very badly and are ready to heal together as a family of seven.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-13305908850940077292012-05-09T17:31:00.001-07:002012-05-09T17:31:08.905-07:00A Miracle for Mei MeiIf anyone still checks in with this blog, please look at my friend Jan's blog, <a href="http://www.lillymakesfive.blogspot.com/">http://www.lillymakesfive.blogspot.com/</a>. Jan brought home their daughter, Leiney Grace, three months ago. And while Leiney Grace is thriving and loving her new family, she did leave behind a special little friend who she calls Mei Mei (little sister in Chinese). Mei Mei doesn't have the best looking medical file. She has spina bifida. Her feet are also deformed. She has never had surgery to correct them, so she has carries her weight on these poor little feet. They are sad to look at. But one thing you can't miss about Mei Mei is her beautiful smile. When it was time for Leiney Grace to leave the orphanage to meet her family, Mei Mei held back her tears and told Leiney Grace "Go with your Mama and Baba". I think it's time for Mei Mei to meet her Mama and Baba too. Jan and her friend Jennifer have decided to begin fundraising for Mei Mei. They don't know who her family will be, but their goal is to raise the funds for Mei Mei's adoption. Please check out "Moms on a Mission". Every little life is equally important. It's very easy to forget they exist while we hurry through our busy days. While everyone doesn't feel the call to adopt, everyone can help in some way to give a child a family.<br />
Proverbs11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.<br />
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you...Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-18395295413746305212012-04-25T19:11:00.000-07:002012-04-25T19:11:36.053-07:00Last Call For LukeThis may be long. I have been thinking about what to say on this blog since it be will used one more time! Not that it ever gets read! My words are never as eloquent as I would like for them to be or express how my heart really feels. And I have sooo much that I would like to say about how I feel and how we feel and why in the world we are doing this again??!!?? Being placed in the "crazy" category was never really a life goal of mine but neither was having seven children. But things change. And lives..and hearts..and even goals. And I am so happy that they do. See, when we started Cate's adoption, it was pretty much still about us. Cate was a cute little girl with a very manageable special need. But our family began to change a little. We began to have this overwhelming feeling that we should be doing more. That we are here to do a little more. We felt like we have been blessed with so much, and we knew that we had the room in our home and hearts for another child. And then another. And another. I know that some people just can't imagine. Because they tell me. And I understand that too. Because children can be hard and time consuming and expensive. But when they say that God does not call the equipped, He equips those He calls, they were not even kidding. I remember sitting at my computer in China when we were there with Cai. Her special need was feeling quite overwhelming and we were actually surprised with a need that we were unaware of. Greg was here at home and I remember wondering how in the world were we going to do this? But we were given a peace that surpasses all understanding. We have seen answered prayers and healing and a love and peace that only comes from Him. It has had absolutely nothing to do with us. So, the newest member of our family is a beautiful little boy who we have named Luke. He is in an orphanage in the same province that Cai is from, but his orphanage is about six hours away. I promise to post his picture here soon. We would love your prayers for Luke and for our family as we travel this road one last time.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-3018436608269356782011-01-23T16:04:00.001-08:002011-01-23T16:14:39.034-08:00A Fairy Happy Birthday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYDY4G78aBp1xwDfdj5IcABt06yIDnDehPLNQnhYK_XYBR_UyyyD0auM6oRQZNbiWMX3UbVTolkhvEFwW-ep0dmFakAG0w0gb_snGaTkYdUUH4gKQqBuIiGC8B06HdHD4wRNyE7-yQss/s1600/IMG_0613%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565538823623049186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYDY4G78aBp1xwDfdj5IcABt06yIDnDehPLNQnhYK_XYBR_UyyyD0auM6oRQZNbiWMX3UbVTolkhvEFwW-ep0dmFakAG0w0gb_snGaTkYdUUH4gKQqBuIiGC8B06HdHD4wRNyE7-yQss/s400/IMG_0613%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroSt9jaKLzEZsoHtiVig0_sZiFhL5TZAI3JlEAN32SlVJ-e6h3g1pQb3BVjPNKIsCzcbXSo2xt7bi4meAfHs0ybak28PPdknx8HgXIlT3pVD4LfZLIj1IVHUvN33sKtYkrzalT-qlcdg/s1600/IMG_0643%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565538411682511410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroSt9jaKLzEZsoHtiVig0_sZiFhL5TZAI3JlEAN32SlVJ-e6h3g1pQb3BVjPNKIsCzcbXSo2xt7bi4meAfHs0ybak28PPdknx8HgXIlT3pVD4LfZLIj1IVHUvN33sKtYkrzalT-qlcdg/s400/IMG_0643%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQBFSQQ78eiKW6QEeHh7A_2RV-z3G1vfT1MRtPOfWeD1I_Hf87QlREsCWzJdHXKhG9vYbegVV2ujLZ7LSuk748BTpoCGlKi6GCFGz7eYQvKGkh1PEcoEMmLU1oKvwTmix64zIq5ry38M/s1600/IMG_0639%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565538002963597186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQBFSQQ78eiKW6QEeHh7A_2RV-z3G1vfT1MRtPOfWeD1I_Hf87QlREsCWzJdHXKhG9vYbegVV2ujLZ7LSuk748BTpoCGlKi6GCFGz7eYQvKGkh1PEcoEMmLU1oKvwTmix64zIq5ry38M/s400/IMG_0639%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAu8WBDl6-QmaCXCUXj7634Ts4t1QOsg8aOEjBZt_81qFWFgnDf8MkPrpQQGTgLUBGKL025I6YmTu7SQTjbMQvbh2MtB3GCZ9fT_A1A1lfXi072CNuuONYBFChmRwNRiGwP_GlEh8mnKM/s1600/IMG_0636%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565537610950638370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAu8WBDl6-QmaCXCUXj7634Ts4t1QOsg8aOEjBZt_81qFWFgnDf8MkPrpQQGTgLUBGKL025I6YmTu7SQTjbMQvbh2MtB3GCZ9fT_A1A1lfXi072CNuuONYBFChmRwNRiGwP_GlEh8mnKM/s400/IMG_0636%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a> Happy 6th birthday Cate!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-90467477977603442502010-11-14T17:15:00.001-08:002010-11-14T17:32:57.834-08:00The Happiest Birthday!!<span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy7ysNIE0juXnvdNJq7jCTWLbVQKo7JN6mU3EzKR6PdHunNtuGWVnu7hmwy6zhQM1uLswpb1Exg7d3YkV3od8MFamXSArJfEAQZXN6hsZLbVT_YxrM6lHzYy6A0DMkWSMK0qba8Mqn0Y/s1600/IMG_0352%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539579832421118450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy7ysNIE0juXnvdNJq7jCTWLbVQKo7JN6mU3EzKR6PdHunNtuGWVnu7hmwy6zhQM1uLswpb1Exg7d3YkV3od8MFamXSArJfEAQZXN6hsZLbVT_YxrM6lHzYy6A0DMkWSMK0qba8Mqn0Y/s400/IMG_0352%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvymCn_R2V9CuWdNqFQG2WhqyUA5mPbLT_XCA2081gtUZJEWB-iTkfpIa3idYD0Y-lWbnuNuvI493cR2u30zH_YTx5tu45AQmyvYKCsmwJWS95ECjuVWKDSb9xc5Bw2UG7sxjfiybjM4/s1600/IMG_0339%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539579441568673650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvymCn_R2V9CuWdNqFQG2WhqyUA5mPbLT_XCA2081gtUZJEWB-iTkfpIa3idYD0Y-lWbnuNuvI493cR2u30zH_YTx5tu45AQmyvYKCsmwJWS95ECjuVWKDSb9xc5Bw2UG7sxjfiybjM4/s400/IMG_0339%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a> Happy Birthday to Cai! Cai has been so excited about her birthday! I have to admit, I was pretty excited about her birthday too, since it is her first with us as her family! She wore a smile ALL day long! It was so sweet. She was just so happy! She loved her pink princess table cloth, her pink plates, her cake, and of course her presents. I'm not sure whether she had ever opened a present before- she wasn't really sure what to do at first. But she caught on fast! </div><div>I know it's a little mushy, but today I kept thinking of her first Mama- the Mama that wrote on a little piece of paper Cai's birth date and time, so that someone would always know. And I know she was thinking of Cai today too.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-50995892116478857522010-08-28T11:31:00.000-07:002010-08-28T11:54:48.944-07:00Our First SB Clinic AppointmentOur first appointment was made at MUSC's Spina Bifida Clinic when we were in China. It was made for August 24. Before I met Cai, I couldn't wait for that date to get here- that's when we would learn more and form a plan of action for our daughter. I love action. It means I'm doing something, heading in a better, positive direction! But after I held our daughter and knew our daughter and loved on our daughter, I began dreading that darn appointment. For all of the reasons I thought I wanted it. It would mean we would have to DO something. Different. That probably won't be much fun. Certainly not for her. Or us. And it will be anything but easy.<br />We prayed for that appointment, and the doctors, and the tests. Our friends and family prayed. And we felt God's hand the entire day. Cai did great- even during the not so fun tests. The doctors and staff were very kind and seemed very knowledgable. They didn't even feel that right now Cai needs an MRI of her spine, so no surgery ( a definite answered prayer). Her kidneys look great so no surgery there either! We will start physical therapy to help her strengthen her legs and feet. I guess if you could say there's a downside, it would be that after another test in December, we will have to start intermittent catheterizations every few hours to help Cai's bladder empty. It's just not working like it should, and we need to keep her kidneys healthy. I knew this would be a possibilty, but hoped it wouldn't be our plan of action. We continue to pray for healing for Cai's little body and truly feel very peaceful. She has amazed us with her courage, her humor and her strength. We love this little girl so much!<br /><br />" It is right, and I would say even good, to grieve the pains and brokenness of this world and the way it manifests itself in our bodies. But grieve with hope, knowing that HE might be shown more glorious through the most broken parts of our lives.- unknown"Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-91669153917525686982010-08-18T11:20:00.000-07:002010-08-18T11:38:16.736-07:00A little of this, A little of that<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_p63YURalj9vdNu5c2pJ55cSgFOE4Lq7O9yZ6EZFmDzedrCkt59mv7hv8fJ9_j4FO8Bx2bCmA44kuSuoadDu4b1LI8vwpLg-n1ZFvG7n947bNoBHQrqu9LanwGy8bZdRo0SamB81Quo/s1600/IMG_1008%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506819133969769874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_p63YURalj9vdNu5c2pJ55cSgFOE4Lq7O9yZ6EZFmDzedrCkt59mv7hv8fJ9_j4FO8Bx2bCmA44kuSuoadDu4b1LI8vwpLg-n1ZFvG7n947bNoBHQrqu9LanwGy8bZdRo0SamB81Quo/s320/IMG_1008%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> After Cai's haircut- not one tear!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VXiAlGmv3uBvPI-EQpm70vWbsJeOxyRGDMb_3Py8A4s9A9cmA3ZtVzGaIQGJbnzrEnBv5JArpJ-vkWsNtpGg63lyI9L4VPrt1LHsU-5ctJrRhAEe2owajioNcYsjnSD3IErdLIcVh_I/s1600/IMG_1003%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506818803626718178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VXiAlGmv3uBvPI-EQpm70vWbsJeOxyRGDMb_3Py8A4s9A9cmA3ZtVzGaIQGJbnzrEnBv5JArpJ-vkWsNtpGg63lyI9L4VPrt1LHsU-5ctJrRhAEe2owajioNcYsjnSD3IErdLIcVh_I/s320/IMG_1003%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> Cate's new glasses!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_xzZyI0I3oiScFcFz3uj5toqCY_H54NIjZqhs4PTMjXUt92TC4MwS6NnbK4uFbplAQhZBSd3QOIXqgTqNKUUNEhzOA6K7cjDl9CYGR2TZeVmMCh6wADT4q2LCNuJESCFzUGXFlwgdMA/s1600/IMG_0985%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506818361008734130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_xzZyI0I3oiScFcFz3uj5toqCY_H54NIjZqhs4PTMjXUt92TC4MwS6NnbK4uFbplAQhZBSd3QOIXqgTqNKUUNEhzOA6K7cjDl9CYGR2TZeVmMCh6wADT4q2LCNuJESCFzUGXFlwgdMA/s320/IMG_0985%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> My grandparents with Some of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Note the cast on Rion's arm- skim boarding accident only 3 hours after arriving at the beach!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmm-12rkRqbVltVHFA4Uueo5nrLu1ObiwjmdQhhC_hg5GdgbUYUlP5UEzWzA98Hyv08XH2imre-RSlqleSNEzF6zlujlUDUzyc0KcE2V9HuYPTHohC6rWewoneEOe7XhlFLiVpmGnRvw/s1600/IMG_0970%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506817663500200226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmm-12rkRqbVltVHFA4Uueo5nrLu1ObiwjmdQhhC_hg5GdgbUYUlP5UEzWzA98Hyv08XH2imre-RSlqleSNEzF6zlujlUDUzyc0KcE2V9HuYPTHohC6rWewoneEOe7XhlFLiVpmGnRvw/s320/IMG_0970%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> Cai- having a great week at the beach!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwjsBcNWo5tYSQRqs24cBbMW5xtocELpmhhtlNrnm8y7-ahaJJ9882LsEZu5ioc7245ntEIiiTPwj29dZfnJPo08oe15AdEzeLVllmgTW4CvWwtOy1kaKhgn7kEe-q7vP0Y1v6rWbVZM/s1600/IMG_0940%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506817080801766642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwjsBcNWo5tYSQRqs24cBbMW5xtocELpmhhtlNrnm8y7-ahaJJ9882LsEZu5ioc7245ntEIiiTPwj29dZfnJPo08oe15AdEzeLVllmgTW4CvWwtOy1kaKhgn7kEe-q7vP0Y1v6rWbVZM/s320/IMG_0940%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> Do they look happy or what?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-58657527290727292522010-07-18T12:10:00.001-07:002010-07-18T12:22:48.402-07:00Daddy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyp4r3BNbMuWgReWzaFTJkBKtMKRt7cHeB-shXAWR6FWQ3moHRzja1QAnhsBCAnTUPWagtHFIdVTBsUBenyzFXWzZRUHNiwB5ROWqwIHTcnkZFOnAEbpnKSE0PHKF9WllcLpP0hvXQoM/s1600/IMG_0914%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495326530592105442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyp4r3BNbMuWgReWzaFTJkBKtMKRt7cHeB-shXAWR6FWQ3moHRzja1QAnhsBCAnTUPWagtHFIdVTBsUBenyzFXWzZRUHNiwB5ROWqwIHTcnkZFOnAEbpnKSE0PHKF9WllcLpP0hvXQoM/s320/IMG_0914%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfOQTBEKzuhrtgy6h7O7RBeje5FuTj6ZEaz_XJdv1KkG6iIA043xsbbU0XrGQ8I79j-PIZ5VZcFkN4Pxlv-wzVB7W8KMJnsSHNymGVt5k2oxJ7FI0uTS9z7kVvUvD4ebATi1lSSoas34/s1600/IMG_0913%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495326091300520914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfOQTBEKzuhrtgy6h7O7RBeje5FuTj6ZEaz_XJdv1KkG6iIA043xsbbU0XrGQ8I79j-PIZ5VZcFkN4Pxlv-wzVB7W8KMJnsSHNymGVt5k2oxJ7FI0uTS9z7kVvUvD4ebATi1lSSoas34/s320/IMG_0913%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a>I love watching Greg with Cate and Cai. Cai has only been home for five weeks and she already knows how special her daddy is. You can see it in her eyes. Greg wasn't able to travel to China with me so when we arrived home, although both of our girls had seen pictures of their "Baba", they weren't quite sure what to expect. But their daddy's love for them and for our family can't help but be felt. His words are kind and gentle and his love runs deep. He has taken on the task and answered God's call to be a father to the fatherless. And we are so thankful for him!<br /><br /><div></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-8330950373617425322010-07-09T14:09:00.000-07:002010-07-09T15:00:12.870-07:00Where do I begin??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRVVBTY9NqxxpuCg_TU46f1acJRK9Mim96yTITAWUSV8CqVW9yh76Oic7oFGj_yUqd-rnEym_aYkzhaMgNVciDvJ6uioXUlSs3wV7CMaof58eGSKV9av5kfgZuag5IBonyJ15bflDQzE/s1600/IMG_0846%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492029572136549730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRVVBTY9NqxxpuCg_TU46f1acJRK9Mim96yTITAWUSV8CqVW9yh76Oic7oFGj_yUqd-rnEym_aYkzhaMgNVciDvJ6uioXUlSs3wV7CMaof58eGSKV9av5kfgZuag5IBonyJ15bflDQzE/s320/IMG_0846%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-JuDmBlGUJh7LkxbK2p5LsjcT9WK5t4F-ONkUTUHBOhNqSzMycujjYIMVXYZaufzmvXnVHfcAHf3wApzL_iOi7KUgwkQDJGnEE9WCEq8usA8UKcl2PyJur-5ceZLyYQMd3DtdJOo8WU/s1600/IMG_0838%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492028824114930802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-JuDmBlGUJh7LkxbK2p5LsjcT9WK5t4F-ONkUTUHBOhNqSzMycujjYIMVXYZaufzmvXnVHfcAHf3wApzL_iOi7KUgwkQDJGnEE9WCEq8usA8UKcl2PyJur-5ceZLyYQMd3DtdJOo8WU/s320/IMG_0838%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvC8awluf_GRPHQIyGsuTJo7ntAcGQbYqjiqYNnRNA5XNHxNTfjYBeGuewNg2VaCIhCgPFUxyJyai8WmApWTceE4-Mr0w1CxaMLKuG7nE-xNQ3Cv0ADIcxGUMhNFk4A-EbWNqH6HMS4w/s1600/IMG_0823%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492028562781867010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvC8awluf_GRPHQIyGsuTJo7ntAcGQbYqjiqYNnRNA5XNHxNTfjYBeGuewNg2VaCIhCgPFUxyJyai8WmApWTceE4-Mr0w1CxaMLKuG7nE-xNQ3Cv0ADIcxGUMhNFk4A-EbWNqH6HMS4w/s320/IMG_0823%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIg-ylXwPR642LgIpESDxZtYfiYtqyA91-mSxu0EBLhRp6Ko5kmfJOjXoj1R_NBlVrz0XuK1TWOAm52KUTJuuObrCUfl12UHhG4B-2FjX68tVjozBDRa9oCNIG0FZrIiYkT7r7_a3mqkA/s1600/IMG_0876%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492027243213825602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIg-ylXwPR642LgIpESDxZtYfiYtqyA91-mSxu0EBLhRp6Ko5kmfJOjXoj1R_NBlVrz0XuK1TWOAm52KUTJuuObrCUfl12UHhG4B-2FjX68tVjozBDRa9oCNIG0FZrIiYkT7r7_a3mqkA/s320/IMG_0876%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Where do you start when you haven't updated in a month? It has really felt too big for words. Cai is doing great. She is a beautiful, sweet, funny little girl. Her adjustment has amazed us. And we are so thankful. We truly feel that she was meant to be a part of our family. And like Cate, it already feels as though she has been here forever. Her language is coming right along- she mimics everything, she calls us all by name and follows simple commands, so she is obviously understanding a lot that we say to her. I think her English will take off just as Cate's did. She has bonded very well to us and loves to give and receive kisses and hugs. She is a very loving little girl. She is a great sleeper, she loves the pool, the beach and the boat (yaaaa!) Now, some have asked about Cate and Cai- the love connection definitely is not there yet! They are finally having some sweet sister play times, but usually they are competing for attention or for the same toy, food,etc. And it goes both ways. Cai is equally as competitive and strong willed as Cate! It is really quite funny when I'm not pulling my hair out! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Now, for maybe the not so rosy part! Cai's medical issues have felt very overwhelming at times- usually after a doctors visit. We knew that we would be faced with some, so most was not a surprise, some were. Without completely invading her privacy but realizing this is just part of Cai's life as well as our families life, Cai was born with a spinal meningocele which has affected her walking as well as her bladder and bowel control. These are all nerve related and while we can manage them, there is no "fixing" nerve damage. So, many things we are simply taking day by day. We won't actually have our first clinic visit until August when I'm sure we will have to schedule several scans and tests that probably won't be very fun, but will help us begin a plan of treatment. Even in the most overwhelming moments, I have not for one second doubted that this was the perfect little girl for our family and we wouldn't trade her for the most healthiest child. All it takes is one look into her beautiful face and we are reminded of what a gift she is to us!</div></div></div></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-56936032717054154762010-06-09T07:06:00.001-07:002010-06-09T07:10:31.449-07:00Consulate Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCU8SigxEuonMWK25fr_G-MwqAMPzCLaayQIi0g-EeTnEGxrtIczM7YTJFbQA2E9TurmUuBrNoVvch-DY9mIM_kldq4XgPcLAH_oDjueuM9Z82PBfvMfluiXCPUfvhBLDlpmUEUvAzbwI/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCU8SigxEuonMWK25fr_G-MwqAMPzCLaayQIi0g-EeTnEGxrtIczM7YTJFbQA2E9TurmUuBrNoVvch-DY9mIM_kldq4XgPcLAH_oDjueuM9Z82PBfvMfluiXCPUfvhBLDlpmUEUvAzbwI/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480775776720581922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bPLSr8Zx3-PfVRO556jVk_LufEk7eXYWJcESb_RB3Co-W1Gd_LLNEa5or6m6JZfuVfFYQeIMdCs5J2a0MseV626T1gUAfFXJDhfNaEyOWVsMigQK4jbTyQT7LQZkg0Be1yQBWkbCrx4/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bPLSr8Zx3-PfVRO556jVk_LufEk7eXYWJcESb_RB3Co-W1Gd_LLNEa5or6m6JZfuVfFYQeIMdCs5J2a0MseV626T1gUAfFXJDhfNaEyOWVsMigQK4jbTyQT7LQZkg0Be1yQBWkbCrx4/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480775754662745890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLmpuplqAW9EznvB8Ub2MzY2JU_TeunpLrizeVrpMv6XkCQzRF5Xrq6ewnGce1mGivKiL13DJPTKLBtvkoCFRnLo_a2-TgJRuRe_2XLUYVhg5QDY-Vjai2y3a6hcgo9248_I_iKXSODw/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLmpuplqAW9EznvB8Ub2MzY2JU_TeunpLrizeVrpMv6XkCQzRF5Xrq6ewnGce1mGivKiL13DJPTKLBtvkoCFRnLo_a2-TgJRuRe_2XLUYVhg5QDY-Vjai2y3a6hcgo9248_I_iKXSODw/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480775739375913986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tseW0mjrlop3HHHquiIb8nTSFXH3WKjwNtA-kLucqfTJh0bmul_glSWGdY-W4a8p8ZaFnJVIBfwEsPhiO1rUoGvZKMLH6JnZSELSGY3xFVoR03ArJdpRsavDB4l8j-ZTypeJacPKrNU/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tseW0mjrlop3HHHquiIb8nTSFXH3WKjwNtA-kLucqfTJh0bmul_glSWGdY-W4a8p8ZaFnJVIBfwEsPhiO1rUoGvZKMLH6JnZSELSGY3xFVoR03ArJdpRsavDB4l8j-ZTypeJacPKrNU/s320/4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480775324261401618" /></a><br />Today was the day that we went to the consulate as a family to take our oath. Our paperwork was prepared yesterday and in order so today was a breeze! Simon first took us to a restaurant where we had a huge delicious meal. We all shared many dishes and they were so good! At the consulate they just called us up indidvidually, we signed a paper, and then all of the families there took an oath together. I became teary as I held Cai and realized that we were finally at the end of this part of our journey to become family. It's a difficult, emotional road, but worth every tear shed. As I told Greg this morning, I already can't imagine our lives without Cai or hers without us. Today, she willingly went to all of the people in our group and gave me lots of kisses. Until now, when I kissed her, she would wipe mine off! I don't think she had ever been kissed before. Tomorrow will be our last day with the Pierce family since their flight leaves early Friday morning. We will really miss them. Pressley has made such good friends on our trip! He has loved our guides and really likes hanging out with them. He is also a real ladies man here! The women at McDonalds love him and every place we go shopping, we have to wait for him while he poses for pictures. He'll be in for a real reality check when we get home!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-22688881342520406882010-06-08T12:21:00.001-07:002010-06-08T12:27:02.741-07:00Another Shopping Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSmgPcpqfPGuNBrDhcRC4pcDZxJw5uQVNdPco63DDBw-WaiXon0Ld2FbflkMct7c1OG2pYDIZfaYsW3gL-R-f7KKUu7aAD1H57ffBbwxMUQfLibG8i8GDk0sV2yu5yYPZnOw1sJ2KB9w/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSmgPcpqfPGuNBrDhcRC4pcDZxJw5uQVNdPco63DDBw-WaiXon0Ld2FbflkMct7c1OG2pYDIZfaYsW3gL-R-f7KKUu7aAD1H57ffBbwxMUQfLibG8i8GDk0sV2yu5yYPZnOw1sJ2KB9w/s320/6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480485890745827138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ7sN0TYlieCjRxp0pXpMC04nSAzsV9WWn85lrzHD-XsfgBSfOaYmPHv437rQtit3lO00Dc3ctds5KJYg_SqvolxRlgXnUz9SQZrY3UGJ6FB8L5X9a3dXXszFXxeoPTjvYeW9xBZ4nxs/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ7sN0TYlieCjRxp0pXpMC04nSAzsV9WWn85lrzHD-XsfgBSfOaYmPHv437rQtit3lO00Dc3ctds5KJYg_SqvolxRlgXnUz9SQZrY3UGJ6FB8L5X9a3dXXszFXxeoPTjvYeW9xBZ4nxs/s320/5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480485670788740354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nLUMKkNAjTx5jcpxLICRmjHShfzD1ooo9ZRiHy5obGaBvaexRUCCZUoT4IkBndQQGJQ-K4Bn7RU8kV-67aH4SgHi9pBX-jUrYvb11HJL_sTj8KVJawKTWwXySM9Ug2U8wxWW0kM1gKU/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nLUMKkNAjTx5jcpxLICRmjHShfzD1ooo9ZRiHy5obGaBvaexRUCCZUoT4IkBndQQGJQ-K4Bn7RU8kV-67aH4SgHi9pBX-jUrYvb11HJL_sTj8KVJawKTWwXySM9Ug2U8wxWW0kM1gKU/s320/4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480485663287771906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sBAqZ1hH5QGnC9tr0vTRr3xlrTUugAyBt0ccZ57OamxcaLN6qcZC3Qa1qStVtOBz6CKiQoEeeNZRmq2KMLDPRFlgCKL0TRnkYqMB6D1CGqytpatK9WVRaZ_T1-xdFsI1efi6OMeX__U/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sBAqZ1hH5QGnC9tr0vTRr3xlrTUugAyBt0ccZ57OamxcaLN6qcZC3Qa1qStVtOBz6CKiQoEeeNZRmq2KMLDPRFlgCKL0TRnkYqMB6D1CGqytpatK9WVRaZ_T1-xdFsI1efi6OMeX__U/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480485654982485810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOTtJs4dly0lwXJyJK_7OYQI2ftVLhfs0VrOYuCXHBot8jVmsRYdHJG_Y8Zl09HwerEaaxy2moTKaZhs3BfDdzbnUGGMeFL5IJDbFKWI19Q5JXYf-iiSDJ7kFjIrDoYWEW9SIuephTP8/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOTtJs4dly0lwXJyJK_7OYQI2ftVLhfs0VrOYuCXHBot8jVmsRYdHJG_Y8Zl09HwerEaaxy2moTKaZhs3BfDdzbnUGGMeFL5IJDbFKWI19Q5JXYf-iiSDJ7kFjIrDoYWEW9SIuephTP8/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480485651245199826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21o2Iu596Qy2v7T78AscOg_Wx99elQnmoqnILOuOtMzhutgnWbcKm8VTioTohCFDlV4fP5Av2K8DfEFCCZ9TJuOBQX5gyIX1uvyODtSfHI9vqHCgQb5yLGGN1vNXoYdLomBl38n6YzcU/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21o2Iu596Qy2v7T78AscOg_Wx99elQnmoqnILOuOtMzhutgnWbcKm8VTioTohCFDlV4fP5Av2K8DfEFCCZ9TJuOBQX5gyIX1uvyODtSfHI9vqHCgQb5yLGGN1vNXoYdLomBl38n6YzcU/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480485645864685938" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">Today was a big shopping day on Shamian Island. We thought we were pretty much done, but the shopping was too good to resist! We took a taxi to the island- very easy and inexpensive. We met the Pierce family and another family for lunch at Lucy's. It was really good! After that, we shopped more until we were all too tired to go on! Tonight we are having our supper delivered to our room and hopefully going to bed early. I think we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tonight, we'll be able to say, only 2 days from tomorrow! Tomorrow, Simon is going to take us to eat at a dumpling restaurant and then we will go to the Consulate to take our oath. Next, all we need is Cai's visa which will be issued on Thursday. We are down to the very last steps!</span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-5416320499234912742010-06-07T04:12:00.000-07:002010-06-07T04:18:19.116-07:00Shopping Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGeaEvST2u98i4O8YAz01qJZOWusbnBcniMkbQRBFDYENp2NWlI8nBfq_ztX1poI6b376r6y6oV4RifHuZkWlXRD06Uaf-K3a-gGQvqCYSTKWufqOU-w0pb18yuMjKvM_V_l-ymlEn2k/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGeaEvST2u98i4O8YAz01qJZOWusbnBcniMkbQRBFDYENp2NWlI8nBfq_ztX1poI6b376r6y6oV4RifHuZkWlXRD06Uaf-K3a-gGQvqCYSTKWufqOU-w0pb18yuMjKvM_V_l-ymlEn2k/s320/5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479989428017345650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxspQVdoMibsLlldVw2s2rSftVfZ_xPvmrHZF0sNfRxxZCEhylbiGmvKjTZgguPuf8iVTFy6coqDINnte-uKCLSQ3bM2XjByzIIdZAiNDDphmUxtVMXE1l_mXee-O5etXjzPWFxdbn8Bk/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxspQVdoMibsLlldVw2s2rSftVfZ_xPvmrHZF0sNfRxxZCEhylbiGmvKjTZgguPuf8iVTFy6coqDINnte-uKCLSQ3bM2XjByzIIdZAiNDDphmUxtVMXE1l_mXee-O5etXjzPWFxdbn8Bk/s320/4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479989418371536178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVvj0w9rEnWOfSgpWdKaYi5j8H5lkdc7kEiBq60RxsXEKXFRdB03cN1Lo4dtV6G2eaYorNkq89l4iWjqZygEy26qYQ-4P7N1Coeb3xFwQGNjgXWsNkyneaVBueQiLdx1OmYk1sXFqvmo/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVvj0w9rEnWOfSgpWdKaYi5j8H5lkdc7kEiBq60RxsXEKXFRdB03cN1Lo4dtV6G2eaYorNkq89l4iWjqZygEy26qYQ-4P7N1Coeb3xFwQGNjgXWsNkyneaVBueQiLdx1OmYk1sXFqvmo/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479989408122432626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0spIkmatXQPR9oV5ZwISl3j2dw0EjajyLFVJzivmm9bAq4sSTc5fpNDIjdk0ldYQyQb-Lnq40OI2hPsJiuCb1K5e0-T6rrOi5tV1MdKraTEgnqVg5PxgYc1GTxc0OZzDdI3KkZfU4GI/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0spIkmatXQPR9oV5ZwISl3j2dw0EjajyLFVJzivmm9bAq4sSTc5fpNDIjdk0ldYQyQb-Lnq40OI2hPsJiuCb1K5e0-T6rrOi5tV1MdKraTEgnqVg5PxgYc1GTxc0OZzDdI3KkZfU4GI/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479989399839727906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVdKoiGhqm_oHN8u5MWCpn2WidRcBH4cKDOGHD0uYq1wxeuv4my8K3ivIyLw8BDQH2i6fBG1-xinJahV1ysAAuhpggxuolE8ZoqoKvCKnmgKtW7sxFew2N5syiLYNV-NCu7y34Yq3rOY/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVdKoiGhqm_oHN8u5MWCpn2WidRcBH4cKDOGHD0uYq1wxeuv4my8K3ivIyLw8BDQH2i6fBG1-xinJahV1ysAAuhpggxuolE8ZoqoKvCKnmgKtW7sxFew2N5syiLYNV-NCu7y34Yq3rOY/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479989396574869010" /></a><br /><div>Today we started by going to the medical examination building to have Cai's TB skin test read. It was negative thankfully. As soon as we walked into the building she started tensing up and by the time we reached the place where she had to have her shots and where they read the test, she was screaming and trying to get away. The entire, overly crowded clinic had their eyes on us. It didn't take long at all and we were out of there! She is one smart cookie. As soon as we left, with a little candy, she was fine. Then Simon took our crew to a shopping plaza right off of the island. First, we walked through an open market where they sold lots of unusual things- mostly for medicines and soups- dried lizards on sticks, turtles, dried sea horses, and scorpians ( alive). Then we did a little more shopping. The boys have has a fun time bartering and love using their chinese money. They think they're loaded! I gave them 100 yuan to spend which is $15 and they think their rich! We were able to find some really inexpensive DVD's that actually work! Pressley is feeling much better today and is watching one of his new DVD's now. Cai is still doing great- we have found that she absolutely LOVES candy and french fries. She just cracks our entire group up to hear her shouting for Pressley and Rion. They actually egg her on just for a laugh. She is so funny and so cute! As fiesty as she is, when it's time for bed or nap, she just lies down and goes to sleep! Another answered prayer!</div><div> </div><div>For those are getting ready to travel and have asked, the Garden Hotel is wonderful! I would definitely recommend staying here. It's easy to get to the island when you need to, but also has plenty to do around here. We are in a suite and it is very spacious, which is so nice. The breakfast buffet is delicious and at least as good as the White Swan. There are lots of restaurants around and are easy to get to- The island is definitely torn up and almost impossible to get around with a stroller. Sadly too, many of the shops are closed. We were able to get to Jordan's and I know Jennifer's is still there too. Tomorrow we are going there by taxi and stay for a few hours, but I honestly think that's all we would need.Please let me know if you ahve any other questions!</div><div><br /></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-27336051633424857542010-06-06T16:34:00.000-07:002010-06-06T16:41:05.579-07:00Safari Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o_YLY5OyTfh4jUxOk1b7mZ7Ua6YFF9ER8xLO4xPpPr4-cy411FDkiTK0F5cvvDYh-HZyBpXGNR8V9g6WTs5aukrydN2_M2aRDL1qwkkdcR_wff3oulvu9D-oN_NJU_3VtGtxWD3edBU/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o_YLY5OyTfh4jUxOk1b7mZ7Ua6YFF9ER8xLO4xPpPr4-cy411FDkiTK0F5cvvDYh-HZyBpXGNR8V9g6WTs5aukrydN2_M2aRDL1qwkkdcR_wff3oulvu9D-oN_NJU_3VtGtxWD3edBU/s320/6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479809809475534050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroOFFji3zFRyGHbxyesfyZEvGh7P-Yj_kVHCD3kT1tDlYlO9Gk9Tqx81xO396w7p_DHkezSeGoBKQDVAfO45nQNs79gKOFOOxTbQhgVJ6gho1uL1mihtvUchW-K8tsndsaO2atItuJQw/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroOFFji3zFRyGHbxyesfyZEvGh7P-Yj_kVHCD3kT1tDlYlO9Gk9Tqx81xO396w7p_DHkezSeGoBKQDVAfO45nQNs79gKOFOOxTbQhgVJ6gho1uL1mihtvUchW-K8tsndsaO2atItuJQw/s320/5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479809630354893858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mn8h1c2bbJWX0Grm3frSbsTlSgQGjHb5-Dgof-eb4b91nnexyWZoYUDSke-sz-DvV93B7Ms-R1ZDRLvaQB3KIz-8LrMEkzt_nS3D7MesOmqehJleCI7OLBZtlkXLqDdOUqxJQd9ZWoE/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mn8h1c2bbJWX0Grm3frSbsTlSgQGjHb5-Dgof-eb4b91nnexyWZoYUDSke-sz-DvV93B7Ms-R1ZDRLvaQB3KIz-8LrMEkzt_nS3D7MesOmqehJleCI7OLBZtlkXLqDdOUqxJQd9ZWoE/s320/4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479809623856376130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnPQyF_PsSSSZa_xG5-Mls6iMkSmBGhL4oJ1U-lA_NlF0QgsZLTPSJloewW1_8o8P3NH5GhKykDQ14laO4y5ko5aHjHzh6ldlkLIqugrNT7swv0B9qA5rUFU6tAnzte0Vj7Ks73s0CNs/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnPQyF_PsSSSZa_xG5-Mls6iMkSmBGhL4oJ1U-lA_NlF0QgsZLTPSJloewW1_8o8P3NH5GhKykDQ14laO4y5ko5aHjHzh6ldlkLIqugrNT7swv0B9qA5rUFU6tAnzte0Vj7Ks73s0CNs/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479809613639402754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwLYb2-m1kZiZ3p10kOqAuQttXPcFljHyevKKBFvbh1MlHIJ-W2frSzFl07KnOdsvfT8laiLjyY1ODqQ66IG59veslpVOGdJ9zMii8KdBoR3EDMTv3rWekgaweu5zfDTFSZprXxlV-JE/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwLYb2-m1kZiZ3p10kOqAuQttXPcFljHyevKKBFvbh1MlHIJ-W2frSzFl07KnOdsvfT8laiLjyY1ODqQ66IG59veslpVOGdJ9zMii8KdBoR3EDMTv3rWekgaweu5zfDTFSZprXxlV-JE/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479809611214870050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lHZBf5k6JBD0bWGMYsIR9ViFQjdrb3JCVmY5HqczabTb6Djhdo0wl6E78_964f-gMH_WT4-UEYVZvi7dSaDRG6vZ6aXnhCZyMym8gafgT1LO7PJU1twZ216FbWq8mhrWwq4bWlYuHMs/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lHZBf5k6JBD0bWGMYsIR9ViFQjdrb3JCVmY5HqczabTb6Djhdo0wl6E78_964f-gMH_WT4-UEYVZvi7dSaDRG6vZ6aXnhCZyMym8gafgT1LO7PJU1twZ216FbWq8mhrWwq4bWlYuHMs/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479809600859422034" /></a><br />Today we went to the Safari Park here in Guangzhou. It was a fun outing although very hot. Rion hasn't felt good the past 2 days and has been unable to eat anything. We are praying that tomorrow he will feel better. It's hard too, to feel bad so far away from home. Pressley has been such a trooper but had his first meltdown tonight. It started when he saw Coconut, our dog when we skyped, but then cried that he just wants to go home. We all do. Cai is doing great. I couldn't imagine her being any more perfect for us. It is so cute and funny how she calls after Rion and Pressley- she calls them by name, loud! She is also warming up to Mimi and loves to call Mimi too. We love the Pierce family and have spent lots of time with them. I can't say how much it helps having them here with us. We are so thankful. Tomorrow we will go back to the medical clinic to have Cai's TB skin test read and then we will be finished with that part. After that, I believe we will do a little shopping. Tuesday will be the day that our guide will take all of our paperwork to the Consulate- we need to stay in our room to be available foe any questions that may arise- hopefully there will be none! Then, on Wednesday, we go to the Consulate to take our oath. Ok, on to the pictures!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5703282092776341708.post-72112306513394931212010-06-05T05:50:00.000-07:002010-06-05T05:58:38.156-07:00Guangzhou<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw5qt5mdC3lHcqr7lRXaxl3kgVWTXmgKrZpIriqm1v4-SOwM09yKfaRaqAMVpMZ_U0gWM3vORuK0knJ4g7HgFiNMEbBe5IlWINrZzQ1MMLMKTQEoSUKxc3e8Jm8XXurCDz3II4IP23J4/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw5qt5mdC3lHcqr7lRXaxl3kgVWTXmgKrZpIriqm1v4-SOwM09yKfaRaqAMVpMZ_U0gWM3vORuK0knJ4g7HgFiNMEbBe5IlWINrZzQ1MMLMKTQEoSUKxc3e8Jm8XXurCDz3II4IP23J4/s320/5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479272059893679490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8R9YRWB9UmD7DwLl_WJ5oNf8rk9nEFDAPAaCv57Eo5A-CRULPYLHYn34Z_AkWnPHLIv3a8TpMLgbB9LSGWUwcwT-5JZa5LrdcXxGvqfOfHdFVrbI9GswOBtvg8FK3utID80iW4_2Xpo/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8R9YRWB9UmD7DwLl_WJ5oNf8rk9nEFDAPAaCv57Eo5A-CRULPYLHYn34Z_AkWnPHLIv3a8TpMLgbB9LSGWUwcwT-5JZa5LrdcXxGvqfOfHdFVrbI9GswOBtvg8FK3utID80iW4_2Xpo/s320/4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479272055430214946" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8R9YRWB9UmD7DwLl_WJ5oNf8rk9nEFDAPAaCv57Eo5A-CRULPYLHYn34Z_AkWnPHLIv3a8TpMLgbB9LSGWUwcwT-5JZa5LrdcXxGvqfOfHdFVrbI9GswOBtvg8FK3utID80iW4_2Xpo/s1600/4.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">Wuhan.</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbJWP6mPtpwF3ORsiTd_fccurFG2ok0b_qDmVULgyBr0H9cvLObOMRGsNxWkwSRMhaUkvLxFHPehrtSY6oO6CAzYYDOHoV3q1CGhMueV_UetUz41MVBTsVXgeOEC8-KZSKB3OrCi_MyQ/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbJWP6mPtpwF3ORsiTd_fccurFG2ok0b_qDmVULgyBr0H9cvLObOMRGsNxWkwSRMhaUkvLxFHPehrtSY6oO6CAzYYDOHoV3q1CGhMueV_UetUz41MVBTsVXgeOEC8-KZSKB3OrCi_MyQ/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479272046817227954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">On Shaiman Island Guangzhou. Cai had to come here for her medical exam.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBShLN1zQXi_x6PTpcYSnkbX_G3_uYukXFqVNu2QExT4750XrQ3W0V4w3Xp1uBysRPLPqQVLIQ1W1vTpahdc9PboJSNyhM6sNkXJnePQn84bvZLqbZ8Fx5nd9Vtr-RfoQ66oAH308KtI/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBShLN1zQXi_x6PTpcYSnkbX_G3_uYukXFqVNu2QExT4750XrQ3W0V4w3Xp1uBysRPLPqQVLIQ1W1vTpahdc9PboJSNyhM6sNkXJnePQn84bvZLqbZ8Fx5nd9Vtr-RfoQ66oAH308KtI/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479272040219588834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Wuhan...so sad.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfP44eT7qEciofCB1s8toGFB3CUyFFyWxONk-ZdqboZCiEWyL_W74xVTKXZ4CpepuZasuzQ2ZJ8J4ZgfBS3bS4htQEy6QXiNiATCXlmxK-TqC5Iy939rRCddZj4V2AdMdCDI5U0GYQQQ/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfP44eT7qEciofCB1s8toGFB3CUyFFyWxONk-ZdqboZCiEWyL_W74xVTKXZ4CpepuZasuzQ2ZJ8J4ZgfBS3bS4htQEy6QXiNiATCXlmxK-TqC5Iy939rRCddZj4V2AdMdCDI5U0GYQQQ/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479272028862915266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is outside our hotel in Guangzhou.</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div>We made it to Guangzhou last night- the best part was when our guide told us he was also meeting another family with our agency- it was the Pierce family and Tina and I have been emailing one another during this adoption. So, we all shared a van and checked into our hotel together. It is so nice being with another family here! Our hotel is the Garden Hotel and it is beautiful! I don't have many pictures to share- this morning was Cai's medical exam. She cried and cried and was really scared. She is 32 pounds. She had to have 4 shots plus a TB skin test. It was really hard and I cried too. We are trying so hard to establish trust and it hurt me that I had to hold her for so many shots this early. Cai is fiercely independent- she wants to feed herself and do so much for herself. I can tell though, that through her brave, independent little self, is a scared little girl who needs Mama. She wants to sit in my lap with my arms wrapped around her when we go anywhere. She likes to go off and follow her brothers but even in the stroller she likes to know where I am. She can say Rion and Pressley and when she doesn't see them, she will call for them or go to find them and give them a piece of her mind! We are so ready to be home and are just counting down the days. While I know this is just all part of the process, this is just a hard trip. I can't wait for everyone to meet Cai!</div><div> </div><div><br /></div></span></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02959414399910008191noreply@blogger.com6