The People's Park-One Year Ago- September 12, 2008

The Emme Fashion Show

I am not really too fond of this picture... gotta get rid of those 15 pounds. But, I want you to look down at the road. See all that activity? That's not even really crowded. And, again, you can see the love for me all over Emme's face. By the way, her outfit is a 6-12 months shirt, she wore it as a dress.

There's a park behind our hotel. You can't really see it because it is covered by buildings and trees. I kept thinking we should go visit it, but the mornings were full. By noon, we were pooped and then Emme took long naps and yada, yada, yada

Besides, a park is a park, right?? Nope, not in China. This park was more like a children's picture book. Page by page, or step by step, an outsider can learn beautiful things about the people of China at this park.

The park is called The People's Park and once inside I knew why. All through that park, the people and their culture came alive. As we walked in through the gate of the park, we could hear music playing. These older woman, maybe around 60, were dancing a choreographed dance. It was very pretty. And, it's fascinating.

I mean really, can you see grandma's in the US, taking their boom box to the park, making up a dance and then performing it for everyone who walks by to see? I can't help but wonder what in the world they are going to do with this dance once it is perfected. The next person we come to is an older gentleman. He is holding a long stick with a pointed sponge on the end. He pours water on the sponge and then draws Chinese characters. See what I mean? I don't get this either. In that heat, it doesn't take long to fade. Why spend all that time, for something that doesn't last??

So, Fronk (David) (I am not kidding, he acts exactly like Fronk from Father of the Bride.) So, he takes the writing utensil and draws Malia's name (Vince and Mary's little girl) in Chinese. When Fronk is done, he just laughs and laughs at himself. I told you he was funny. He even think he's funny.

The older gentleman takes it and "one ups him." He writes Malia's name in characters that are more beautifully formed than Davids. When the gentleman is done, Cindy write Emme's name using the characters. So, of course, the gentleman rewrites Emme's name... in water. Emme in Chinese. Next, we pass this little guy. Yep, that's his butt cheek. I don't understand the split pants. It seems a bit unsanitary. Plus, wouldn't you just feel violated?? People,(ok... we) are staring and taking pictures of his butt. I guess this is supposed to help with potty training and when the child has to go, he/she squats. Hence, the squatty potty. I will take a picture the next time I have the unfortunate need of one. This nice woman comes over to chat with us. Note- when speaking to foreigners: It doesn't matter how many times you say something, I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU!!!! It doesn't matter how many times you repeat that phrase, I am not going to respond. And, even if I do, you are not going to understand me. We just smile and nod at each other. It's very uncomfortable. FINALLY, Cindy comes up to interpret. The nice lady asks: How old is she? Why is she so small?, etc... Then, she thanks us and tells us we are good people.

Impromptu bands spring up all over the place. I am not going to lie to you and tell you it was beautiful music. Sometimes it sounded like a cat screeching on a hot tin roof. But, these people seem to be having the time of their lives. They are as happy as larks.

How do we know larks are happy??? Seriously??

And, why no shirt?? I mean, I know it's hot but in some cases.... it's just never that hot! These cement balls are called love balls. They are all over the place in Nanning. Yesterday Cindy gave us the story behind them.

Only in the Guangxi Province, they have a festival called the Folksong Festival. From what I understand, it's a big deal. Is is just me, or do they seem to have a lot of these type things that are a big deal??

Anyway, at the Folksong Festival, I know this is going to surprise you, but... they sing folk songs. At some point during the festival, boys stand on one side and girls stand on the other. The girl sings a song asking questions to a boy. Then, the boy sings answers back to the girl. (I am glad I don't live here, sounds like a lot of pressure to me! I thought festivals were supposed to be fun??!) If the girl likes the boy and likes his answers, she throws a ball at him. He has to catch it (more pressure). After the festival, they date to see if they want to get married. Married- geesh! (20 RMB to the first person to tell me what movie that line is from.)

So, as cute little Cindy is explaining this to us, she says, "Now, I am going to sing you a song and then, you sing a song back to me and then we can be friends." So, she sings this beautiful song to us; she had a very good voice. Paul then sang back to her. Now they are friends and I guess I am not... because I didn't sing.

Today, after the park, Cindy took us to a shop off the beaten path. Don't worry, it was safe. And, we bought gifts to give Emme from her province as she gets older. One of those things was a love ball. It was not made of cement. Emme's is colorful fabric with designs on it. Now, the next picture, wow! Let me first say, before we could make our way into the park, we had to dodge the thousands of people around our hotel buying moon cakes. David, in his Fronk voice says, " I hate a the moon festival. I hate a the moon cakes. I hate a the traffic." Paul and I were dying laughing. I don't understand the moon festival. It's the second biggest holiday here. People travel hundreds of miles home to celebrate this festival with family, friends, etc... I can't understand someone in China hating it. I think it's like someone in the US hating Christmas.

So, he hates the moon festival, but in the park when he runs across a Cantonese Opera, he gets really serious and says, "I love a Cantonese Opera, oh, I love it." He was a serious as a heart attack. To us, it looks and sounds like old woman singing into a Mr. Microphone. Mr. Microphone... it's for kids. You know, when you speak into the microphone, it echos and reverberates. But, we have to sit with a straight face and watch this band, excuse me... opera. And, to not offend him, we act like we love it too! Yes, the next picture is a giant rat. Why, because this is the Year of the Rat in China. Last year, in 2007, it was the Year of the Pig. That's when Emme was born- The Year of the Pig. So, last year, yep... they had a giant pig, made out of flowers no less.

Speaking of rats, earlier in the week, we asked Cindy some questions about the dietary habits of the Chinese. Paul says, "Is it true that Chinese people eat dog?" She says, "Yes."

And, as I sit here thinking about it, I have only seen one dog in all of China. We've been to two parks in Nanning and I have see nary a dog. I haven't seen a cat either. SCARY!!

So, then he asks, "How about cat?" She says, "Uhh, some people eat cat, but not all." She went onto say that the Chinese often says of themselves, "Chinese people eat anything with 4 legs, except a table."

So, at the park today, we are taking a rest as we are about to melt away, and we see a rat run by. So, of course, Paul says, "Cindy, how about a rat, do Chinese people eat rats?" She says, "Some people eat them. The ones in the rice paddies?" Of course we are looking at her with green faces about to heave. And, she goes on to say, they eat the ones that live out in the fields of rice.

Let me interpret... The ones that live among the rice paddies eat healthy things. SO, that makes a rat healthy to eat. The ones in the city, well, they eat crap! So, they avoid the city rats. Bunch of racists!

You know Paul's next question, "Cindy have you ever had rat?" In her very cute little giggle she says, "Yes." So, Paul says, "Was it good." She said, "Uhh, yes." keeps giggling..." But I not know it was rat. They tell me affer I taste it." giggle giggle giggle. I eat no more affer they tell me."

Well, that makes it better! As I was walking through The People's Park, I had some thoughts. I never really understood why we had to come to China for 2 weeks to adopt a baby they don't want. Today, as I watched the people, I understood. How could I ever explain China or Nanning (her provincial capital) to Emme having not experienced it. I know China by what I hear about their government which naturally carries over to ALL Chinese people for me. The people of China are not the same as the government. They, for the most part, are kind, caring, patient, loving people. They love life, as evidenced by the park. The older people, they don't retire and sit at home. The go to the park and make up dances and have bands and sing. And, they don't care what others think. What a great way to live!

September 11, 2008 Green Mountain Park

This is what we see out every window... all different views from out hotel room. (Pictures explained in post.) Our guide Cindy and Fronk... I mean David (Vince and Mary's guide) Wendy might weigh 70 lbs. Maybe it's because of the concession stands in China (see later picture). The fish... they need a one fish policy in China! I forgot to add this picture the other day. This is all Emme came with. I love that little dress. 2 bottles that I am pretty sure were in a war and grapes the size of Emme's head. Are they kidding telling me she loved them. Honestly, it takes her 5 minutes to gum a Cheerio.

I hope you are all satisfied with the pictures of me (end of post). See what she does when I hold her. She pitches a fit! I hope you feel good about the pain and anguish you caused her so you could believe I was really in China. And, by the way, she doesn't hate getting her diaper changed, her clothes changed or getting a bath. She just hates it when I am the one doing those things. If Paul does it, she's fine. What is up with that??

So, today we went to Green Mountain Park. And, if I lived in Nanning, I'd build myself a hole in the side of the mountain in that beautiful park so I could get away from the 6.5 million people who live in this city. Before I go on, I absolutely love Chinese people! (Good thing...cuz one is my daughter, right?) They are kind and patient. When we walk into a restaurant, someone sweeps us off to the side (usually someone who speaks a bit of English). They give us a picture menu, take our order, allow us to pay apart from the others in line... even at McDonald's. I don't think we treat foreigners this way. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I really do love them. I am sure there is crime, but I feel really safe here too.

Anyway, back to living in Nanning. I am pretty sure that 3 million of those people live right around our hotel. There is a constant flow of bikes, motor scooters and cars. I have said it before and I will say it again and unless you see it for yourself, it's hard to believe, but traffic rules are just a suggestion. Please, let me give you an example. Today, when Cindy and our driver picked us up at our hotel, the area was engulfed in a sea of people. This in part is due to the fact that The Moon Festival is this weekend and apparently, the hot spot to buy these moon cakes is next to our hotel. So, we finally get out of the drive by our hotel that leads to the main road and there are cars and bikes everywhere. We are sitting in the middle of the road of oncoming traffic trying to get over to the three lanes that went North, the direction we needed to go. Our driver, John couldn't get to those lanes, so he just makes a new lane heading north which is in the direction of the oncoming traffic headed South. And, SOMEHOW, this is ok with everyone. No one honks. The cars coming South try to move over for him. Then, I guess John doesn't want to wait to turn left, so he turns right, going RIGHT IN FRONT of the other three lanes of traffic waiting to go North. Again, no one honks or anything. So, he goes down the road a bit, and decides to do a Uturn right in the middle of the road with traffic coming straight at us. Then there are 20 bikes/scooters trying to get across the road and John just goes at them like they are bowling pins. Somehow, by the grace of God almighty, people either veer or stop. And, this kind of behavior is going on all over this city. And, everyone just drives with a straight face acting like this is NORMAL! I guess to them it is. I have yet to see a car accident or any of the 5oo,ooo motor scooters get hit. This in and of itself should tell you how kind and patient the Chinese are. In our country, there would be road rage all over the place.

Whew... I am worn out!

So, we make it to this haven in Nanning where I only see like 100 people in this whole huge park. The first thing we do it feed these fish. If you ask me, by the size of these things, they don't need to be feed. But, what they do need is a one fish policy among this school of fish living in this lake.

Then we climb up the Great Wall of Nanning (it felt like it anyway!) to a 9 story pagoda. Once at the top, we are at the highest point in Nanning, so we can see the whole city. And, with all due respect and somberness, it is very easy to understand how so many people can die here in an earthquake. I have never seen a house in Nanning or Beijing. People live in massive high rises. Many of them should not be able to pass a building inspection let alone stand up through an earthquake. Very sad!

By the time we left the park, we were again covered in sweat. We came back ate a noodle lunch again and sat in this silly hotel room until 6. Emme took a long nap. I read and read. Paul did some work and then worked out.

I can't exercise here because the Fitness Center is behind our hotel in another building. It just looks shady to me. And, I think the pool outside the workout facility belongs to the hotel. But, every time I look down from my room I see lots of Chinese people doing the breast stroke. They all do the breast stroke. I haven't figured this exercise out for them yet. It's not like they are doing the Michael Phelps breast stroke. It is very leisurely. Then, the men, who have on these European bathing suits, hiked up to their chest, go into the workout room and workout in these same shorts with no shirts. It's just too much for me!

Dinner, again with our friends Vince, Mary and Malia: roasted crocodile steak, conger eel spaghetti, superior sharks fin with conpoy and crab cream, boiled fish lip with mustard and ginkgo, ox shin with edible fungus and satay, braised turtle with cereal in chicken sauce, stewed superior fish maw (what the heck?? Actually, I don't want to know) with french mushrooms, stewed turtle with mushrooms OR PIZZA HUT? HMMMMM we chose Pizza Hut. We got a little crazy and got some spicy chicken on our pizza. How about that for wild eating in China??

I'm going to wrap it all up with this final thought... I was looking at little Emme tonight and feeling sad for her thinking about all the time she must have gone hungry. When I thought, "Had she not had not gone through this horrible time, she would not be special needs. If she wasn't a special needs child, she would likely not be ours." What others meant for evil, GOD used for good. (See the story of Joseph in Genesis) And all God's people said..... AMEN!

Emme loves her mommy.... not! Wow, all 12 pounds throws a temper tantrum! Check out those gums! No teeth! None. Nada. Zilch! What dad? Our friends- Vince, Mary and precious Malia. Thank God for them!!:-) On the way up to the pagoda..... The pagoda sideways... sorry, don't know how to turn it around. I get a little excited every time I see I concession stand. Until I remember I am in CHINA! Cup of noodles, pickled who knows what in those jars. Have these people ever heard of soft pretzels, cotton candy or popcorn??? I gotta take some lessons. Here are older woman in 95 degree heat in 100% humidity in LONG pants and LONG sleeved shirts working away. I pull one weed when it's this hot at home and I have to go rest.

One Year Ago-September 10, 2008

I know you all think I am taking the easy way out just reposting from last year... and part of me is. You got me! However, I have really enjoyed reliving last year. Plus, I have been busier than a one-legged man in a butt kicking contest with these kids and school. Who said school was easier than homeschooling? Plus, there has been major drama with Jackson. I'll get to it really soon... I promise! I have several good things to write about!

And, one thing about this post... this was one of my favorite days in China. And, I can't believe I forgot to write about this last year, so I am going to tell you now.

We were walking around this run down zoo in Nanning, Guanxi last year. It was so hot that even Emme was sweating. It was miserable outside. To be honest, we just wanted to hit the hotel room. But, as were ending our day at the zoo, we came up to an area where they were getting ready to have a dolphin show. We all agreed we should watch it. As we are getting closer, we could hear music playing. Paul and I stopped dead in our tracks and we looked at each other... knowing we were thinking the same thing. Then, Paul looked at our cute little guide Cindy and said, "Cindy? Are they singing 'I Hate Myself for Loving You!' in Chinese. She smiled real big and said, "Yeah, yeah. I Hate Myself for Loving you!" I thought we were going to die... it was so funny. Can you imagine hearing a Chinese Joan Jett singing IN CHINESE:

I hate myself for loving you

Can't break free from the the things that you do

I wanna walk but I run back to you thats why

I hate myself for loving you

Seriously... doesn't that look like a person with a costume on?? That picture revealed way more than we cared to see. Who knew this could really happen? I just thought it was in books and on cartoons The act that about gave me a heart attack. What? I don't even know what's going on here. Elaine Benice???

Sorry I was late posting today. I was trying to get more pictures for those saying, "More, more, more!" ALso, thanks a million for the comments and all the emails. I think I would die without them!

Things about Emme I forgot to mention.... She hates, hates, hates getting her clothes changed, her diaper changed and getting a bath. Sometimes she gets so mad and holds her breath for so long before lets out wail, that... I am pretty sure she is going to pass out one of these times. She does not in any way act like a child that is 1 year old. She is very low maintenance. She doesn't try to go anywhere. She doesn't put anything to her mouth. No question is she slow growth and development! Poor thing!

Today

Well, today we skipped the ol' breakfast buffet and had pb&j for breakfast. Never tasted so good!

Then, we met our guide in the lobby at 9:30 am so we could go to the zoo. We rented a stroller at our hotel first. It's $1 a day. Emme is so small that it's hard to hold her. Plus, she starts to break your back after awhile.

We met our friends from Texas, Mary and Vince and their guide David, at the zoo. David cracks me up! He is exactly like Franc (pronounced Fronk) from Father of the Bride. I'll have to post his picture tomorrow. I think you'll laugh just looking at him. Not because his physical looks look funny but because I think you can tell he is a funny guy just by looking at him!

So, the zoo in Nanning. Wow! This zoo is nothing like zoos in the US. And, I don't mean to sound like the Nanning zoo has one up on us- cuz... they don't! It is beautiful as far as the landscape goes. It's very green, big beautiful palm trees, lots of flowers, etc... But, the rest of the zoo looks very run down.

Before I tell you about our experience there, you should know that the heat today was oppressive.

We were all drenched in sweat. Emme was getting a heat rash. So, I was in no mood to take pictures.

The first performance started and I was waiting for that Candid Camera Crew to pop out. I thought, "These people can't be serious." It was the cheesiest thing I had ever seen. There were Russian performers and this lady was trying to dance all fancy, kinda like the gymnasts do, only without all the flipping. And, she kept moving her hands to make us think we should look at something only there was nothing to look at. Once she almost fell. The performance area was a ring and the red stuff the were dancing on was like a sheet. So, it'd get all bunched up in areas. Poor lady. She was all dressed up, dancing this horrible dance and about broke her neck for an audience of maybe 50. Then, they had cats running along these stilt looking things. Stilts with small plates on the top. It started low and would get high and then get low again and the cat would run along the length and then back again. Then, she takes this other poor cat and he starts walking down these parallel bars (like the male gymnasts) with his arms. CATS!! Common household cats.... AT THE ZOO!! Aren't we supposed to see things elephants standing on a beach ball or men sticking their heads in the mouths of lions. We are watching cats. One more time.... cats.

So, then I look over and see what I think is a person in a bear costume. Again, I thought how ridiculous... as if that's going to be funny. So, the bear comes walking- like a human- over to the ring. It was then that I realized- THAT'S A REAL BEAR! It was no question a male bear and because it was a real bear trying to walk like a human, he looked like a fairy. Fairy bear. The bear did some pretty impressive tricks (see pictures). Then, the monkeys came out to join him and they all started riding bikes. Real bikes! Not bikes with training wheels. We were dying laughing- a bear and 3 monkeys riding bikes.

The final act was the 3 Chinese men running on those wheels. I about had to take a nerve pill when it was over. At the end of their performance, two of the guys were running on the outside of the wheels with black bags over their heads. Then, they took the bags off and one guy stayed on. He kept jumping when the wheel would get to the top and EVERY time he looked like he was going to fall. I hated it!

So, you can tell we had a very entertaining morning! Really, it may not be the USA but it is great memories!

We arrived at 10 and left by noon. There were not many animals and it was too hot.

We came back and ate lunch in the hotel room. Noodles in a cup- just add hot water. We have a hot pot.

We stayed in the hotel again all afternoon. It's too hot and crowded. I feel like Beijing and Nanning make NYC look like the country. Plus Emme took a really long nap.

We met our friends for dinner tonight- KFC.... ummm boy. The highlight was getting a strawberry sundae for Emme. She could not get enough. Then we were walking around the city with Mary and Vince and the KFC did not agree with my system. We had to get a cab and get back to the hotel. (I know... too much info.)

Stay tuned for more exciting time in Nanning!:-)

Emme -Officially ours on September 9, 2008

That's a funny face she likes to make... not a cry! This picture was taken right after we got back to the hotel with her. Her little dress was actually cute. The whale was giving her kisses. We see lots of smiles! This is what we did all day, laid in bed and talked and played with her! Waiting for camera flash... she likes the camera. Paul feeding Emme her bottle and having her listen to worship music. We keep trying to show everyone how small she is, but in the pictures, she always looks normal. Paul's hand is bigger than her head. Scrawny legs! Listening to worship music.

Emme had a bit of a rough night last night. We had to wake her up because a family photo had to be taken by 8 pm. We had to put a cold rag on her eyes and everything to get her to open them. As if the poor thing hadn't been through enough already! After the trauma, she settled down and laid between the two of us. We all three drifted off to sleep.

She woke up sometime during the night and I feed her a bottle. I don't think she was really ever awake for the feeding, so putting her back down was not an issue. She woke at 6 am. So, she slept about 10 hours last night.

Weeks before we left for China, Paul kept telling me that Emme was going to like him more. He even claimed to have had a dream about it. Well, it's true. If he is out of her sight, she starts crying like there's no tomorrow! I am ok with it! We had a very wise woman, who has adopted 8 children, tell us that that would likely happen. She likes me... just not like she likes him.

This morning we went to breakfast at the hotel as it was included in our cost. When we walked in, there were 3 large areas of food set out. Very quickly, we learned that we would not be eating much off of that very large spread of food. When you come across, sauteed pigs feet bloody with leaks (yes, that was the exact wording!), it kinda ruins your appetite. We had fruit and a muffin. But, Emme girl ate like a champ. She had rice congee, lots of pineapple and some watermelon. Today, she has taken a couple of bottles and she has eaten everything we have given her. Gerber fruit puffs, banana, apple juice, and even a bit of pizza!

It is really sad, but honestly, I think she was starving. She needs newborn diapers. 3-6 month clothing does not even fit her. Even the adoption officials were blown away by how small she is.

We received lots of pictures of her when she was younger and she was really chubby... at least her face. We also found out that she had two different foster moms. I am not sure what happened nutritionally. Emotionally, she's very happy. Maybe the foster mom was too poor to feed her properly. Who knows??!! I am thankful for the care she received. I am really thankful that she's mine and I have her now. I am constantly trying to shove food down her:-)

Anyway, after breakfast, we went to do paperwork and appear before adoption officials. They asked us why we wanted to adopt from China. They asked if we were happy with her. They even mentioned her being really small and needing extra care. We had to promise we would never abandon her or harm her. As if we would go through all we have been through to abandon her or harm her! Guess they have to asked.

After the official stuff, we went to the Chinese Walmart Supercenter. Emme was so excited to go shopping that she slept the whole time. I had to get her some socks because her skin is transparent and I am afraid that at any moment she is going to freeze to death in 90+ degree weather. (That may be a little dramatic. I worry about her in the air conditioning.) We also bought her some rice cereal. Then we bought some food rations so we don't starve to death. Fruit, Pb&J, chinese noodles (that's our idea of Chinese food!)

Next stop- PIZZA HUT! After no dinner and a very small breakfast, we needed something that tasted like home. I normally hate Pizza Hut, but this was like manna from heaven.

Dinner tonight- McDonalds. I met a lady online (Mary) and we got our girls at the same time. Her little girl is Mahlia and she is beautiful. I think we both need to talk to another American around some American food. Mary's birthday was yesterday... great birthday gift, huh? So we are going to celebrate with some cake too. I am a bit leery about this cake eating. Here's why... The Chinese are having a big holiday Monday. It is the Moon Festival. So, everyone is buying these mooncakes. Our little guide, Cindy, said we needed to try some. So, she was helping us pick some out. I would hold up package and ask her what was inside (because there is something inside all of them). I held up the green one and she said, "Green beans.'' I held up the blue one and she said, "Seafood." SERIOUSLY, can you see why we would have trouble eating here??? I think I settled for one with red sugar and one with strawberries.

A few more things about Emme... She sits and plays and plays and plays- with ANYTHING. Toys, paper, books, the remote control. She laughs. We have been sitting by her all day in this hotel room playing with her. She finally got to the point where she let me cuddle her and love on her and she even reached for me. Yesterday, when I would go to reach for her, she would shake her head 'No'. She can sit very well by herself. However, she doesn't do well on her tummy and she is not the greatest turning over off her back (This may be because we have her on the bed. Who wants to lay her on the hotel room floor?) She most definitely can not crawl and I am not convinced that she can go from laying to sitting or from sitting to standing.

She is doing great though! We are in love with her. She is a very precious gift from God. We are certain he matched us with THIS little girl.

You know, we fought and screamed when we didn't get the other little girl. It was very difficult. Emme has fought and screamed (not much, but some) because she has been taken from the known into the unknown. However, in both cases, God was and is working. He knows us better than we know ourselves and he can see the big picture. I need to learn to trust him more.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.

Happy Emme Day!!

One year ago today, we received one of the four best gifts we've ever been given. Here is my post from one year ago: September 8, 2008

Paul was up this morning at 2 am. I was up at 3. We left the hotel at 5:40. Our flight left at 7:40.

We arrived in Nanning at 11:09. We meet our guide Cindy... who is as cute as she can be, by the way. She told us we would to get our little girl at 3:30.

She and our driver dropped us off at the hotel. We exchanged some money and ate lunch. The hotel has 3 restaurants and told us one of them had Western food. So, of course we went there. Yea! They had a hamburger and french fries, so we both ordered that.

It was all I could do to choke down half of the hamburger. They may serve Western food but they have no idea how to cook it. The hamburger was mushy. I am pretty sure they boiled it! YUCK!

We still had an hour before we left so Paul read about OSU football and I started a new book.

Finally, it was time to go. We were to go to a hotel a bit down the road and the children would come there. (Even though we were not with a group, everyone adopting had the same appointment time.)

I met up with a girl and her husband who I had talked to online. Then, other families started arriving. I saw one baby but we had to wait to be called.

We didn't wait long because we were called first. The orphanage director brought her in. Neither Paul or I cried because when the director came walking in, I said, "Is that her???"

I can't even begin to describe how little she is. She's lucky if she weighs 12 lbs. Honestly, she looks like one of those babies you see on tv... like the Feed The Children program. I am not trying to be funny. Really, it's a bit stressful. I am afraid I am going to hurt her.

They told me to give her water before I give her a bottle. I am afraid that's the problem. Any advise? Don't you think she'd get filled up on the water and then not want to formula??

She won't take a bottle from us yet. This does not surprise me- part of the adjustment.

I should tell you the positive things... I am just completely in awe of how tiny she is.

She is beautiful! Just gorgeous! She didn't cry at all when they gave her to us. As a matter of fact, she laughed, smiled, talked and played. When we got back to the hotel, of course I tried to feed her first. But, then she just played and played and played.

Then, all of a sudden, she looked around. Her lip puckered and she wailed for the next 15 minutes. So sad!

SHe cried herself to sleep. She has had lots of changes. She had to go back to the orphanage (about 1 week ago) after leaving her foster mom. Then, she was in the car for 3 1/2 hours to get here.

She is still sleeping now. I am not sure how long I should let her sleep. We'll never get to bed tonight:-) This is what I asked for! I am ok with it! We have her!!!

One Year Ago

One year ago, here it what was happening in our lives... in China!

September 5, 2008

Yea!! We made it! Wow! That's about the only nice thing I can say about that plane ride. (Gotta keep the testimony up! )

It could have been worse! There... that's another nice thing!

I have a splitting headache because my body thinks that it's 11 am and it needs it's coffee. But, my China clock says it 11 pm. So, I am going to get to bed!

However, I do have to mention that it is obvious people are praying for me! I felt it all day! I was so peaceful. Meet up with a family in Detroit that I had met on line. We traveled the rest of the way together. In Tokyo, we met an amazing older gentlemen and his wife. I heard her pray the sweetest prayer, out loud, with her eyes open about getting to her hotel and the Lord surrounding her. How can that not bring one peace?? They, along with some other family members and friends, were going to go play with kids in an orphanage for two weeks. We had a really fun conversation with them. We also meet an American family whose son is competing in the paraolympics in Beijing.

Tomorrow... Forbidden City and acrobat show! More then! Keep praying! Emme only has 2 more whole days without a mommy and daddy!

September 6, 2008

I have this group of people who are supposed to be praying for us, hopefully everyone is praying everyday. However, I specifically have 14 people- one assigned to each day. And, my question is this, who has Friday?

Whoever it is.... can you pray harder?? I went to bed with a pounding headache. I woke up all through the night with a pounding headache. Paul made me drink a bunch of water this morning- thinking I was dehydrated. I ate a granola bar that I brought and took a sinus pill and some motrin. Then I threw up. Yes, me with the cast iron stomach - not Paul, who throws up all the time. And, now, I can't quit going to the bathroom. I don't know how in the world I am supposed to eat anything this morning. So, please pray! This is not the way I was hoping this would start, but God is bigger than all of this! I know the enemy really wants to get at me!

I will post again later today after we move out and about and actually see some of Beijing- if I can stay out of the bathroom!!:-)

September 6, 2008 Later in the day....

I wish there were words to describe this day. There are none to suffice.

I will say that I always thought I wasn't made for foreign travel... and now I am certain of it. Don't get me wrong. I am going to enjoy every second I am here..... but....

A couple of things... First of all, I don't think that I am sick from the food or anything else in China. I had one of the worst headaches known to man. Paul thought I was dehydrated (Who made him the doctor??) So, he made me drink a lot of water. The water was the only thing I threw up. Then, I get all worked up about not feeling well and being in CHINA and my stomach goes crazy. Hence, the vast amount of time in the bathroom- that's what happens when I get nervous. Sorry for the detail, but I wanted to be clear that it was my nerves and not food.

Next, he thinks we should go eat. Before I go into detail about the eating, why didn't anyone warn me about the smell in China?? And, what in the world is the smell?? It's everywhere! It makes my stomach do flips... and not the good kind of flips. So, we go to eat breakfast in the hotel. I could barely look at the food. I got 2 tiny pieces of french toast and some cereal. I took ZERO bites of anything! The thoughts of the unrecognizable foods combined with the smell... no way I could eat! We were to meet our guide at 10 am in the lobby so I ate 1/2 of a poptart that we brought.

Then we were off to the Forbidden City. It lies to the north of Tiananmen Square and rectangular in shape, Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex and covers 74 hectares. 74 hectares is about 1000 miles... at least that's what it felt like. It was interesting and very big!

After the Forbidden City, we went to heaven. Our guide took us to some massage place. It was beautiful. Paul and I were taken into this room with really comfortable chairs and a tv. We had our feet washed and massaged for the next 70 minutes. It was amazing! Then, we left that room and had our neck and back massaged for 30 minutes. Yes, that is 100 minutes of massaging. And, guess how much it cost?? For both of us??? $60 US dollars! And, worth every penny.

It was about 3 pm by then and we hadn't eaten so our guide took us to this restaurant next door to the massage place. I left heaven because that smell smacked me in the face the minute I walked in the door of that restaurant. As were walking to our table we passed lots of things floating in jars. In one of the jars, there were sea horses, lots of them. So, I asked our guide, whose name is Grace, "WHAT IS THAT??"

I gotta tell you, she may speak English, but I don't know what the heck she is saying half of the time. I did get that it is some sort of alcohol... for men. I didn't ask anymore questions. And, those of you who have been here, I know there are things that I am going to see that are far worse than this, but I couldn't even look at the menu. Salted duck liver, duck blood soup... I was done.!! Paul ordered some form of Kung pao chicken and Grace ordered tofu. I ate about 3 bites of rice and one bite of the chicken, while gagging!! I am not sure if I believe anything is really chicken.

After this, we went to an acrobat show. That was amazing! I LOVED IT! I didn't know people could do things like that with there bodies. It was really one of the best live performances I have ever seen. But, the smell, yep! It was there too!

We were dropped off at our hotel for the evening. We decided to play frogger down the road to find McDonalds. Someone once said that the traffic rules in China were at best suggestions. Truer words have never been spoken.

We made it to the Golden Arches. The smell had followed us down the street and it too stopped when we stopped. I choked down a cheeseburger. Besides all the reasons listed above as being reasons why I would have to choke something down, I had another reason. Last week when I mentioned to my brother that McDonalds was in China and that would probably be all I could eat... he told me that it was made out of rat meat.

There really are reasons for everything. Now I know why I gained 15 pounds waiting for this little girl! (I am hoping to leave everyone of those pounds here.)

Speaking of little Emme girl, I honestly keep forgetting why I am here. That's why they send us to Beijing first. They have to give us time to get used to the culture shock.

So, we are going to bed. It's 8pm and we are dead. I am typing to the sound of Paul sawing logs while I watch the paraolympics opening ceremony on tv. Yep, there are just down the road. Seems like I shouldn't be watching them on tv.

Tomorrow Emme will spend her last day without a family. We are headed to the Summer Palace and The Great Wall. I wonder if the smell will be there??

P.S. Please don't feel left out if you don't have a day to pray. My friends had a shower for me and everyone signed up for a day. If you don't have a specific day, that means you have to pray everyday. And, as you can see, I need it!

September 7, 2008

10 HOURS LATER!

We left this morning at 9. It is now 7:20pm and we just returned.

We were woken this morning by very loud thunder and pouring rain. I was so sad because I didn't think we'd get to go to the Great Wall.

We ate breakfast in the hotel again. I did much better. I had a few bites of things I couldn't stomach. I had a bite of congee, a bite of fried rice and a bite of cereal. I can't even eat cereal in China because the milk tastes different and it is warm (or at least warmer). I did get down 2 whole egg whites and a piece of bread.

We met our guide in the lobby and we were off to the Great Wall. It took about an hour to get there. By the time we were close, the rain had cleared and the temperature was perfect.

The Great Wall is in a beautiful area with tree lined mountains. The Great Wall is just as magnificent as I had imagined. What I didn't imagine was how difficult it would be to climb. You'd think I'd have a clue because when I run from the basement to the bedrooms upstairs I am sucking wind. I was really sucking wind and my legs were on fire! At the beginning of the area we started climbing, it was about a 90 degree angle. The steps are not even... just to make it a bit more difficult. Some are as easy as taking a normal step while others were like taking giant step after giant step. I think we made it to about the 4th tower up. It got easier as it went up, it wasn't so steep. Coming down, especially the area that was at a 90 degree angle really jarred my knees. They hurt tonight.

After the Great Wall, I was about to eat my own shirt. I was so hungry. I have hardly had anything to eat and climbing that wall took everything out of me. Good thing we were on our way to lunch.

We stopped at some place for shopping and eating. We were able to learn about Cloisonne I have a lot of appreciation for that art now... never really liked them before today.

At lunch, we had a form of Kung Pao chicken again. But this time it was really good. They had also put lots of other things on the table but we didn't touch anything else. Grace, our guide, had also ordered Sweet and Sour Pork for us. I don't eat pork. The rest of the stuff was unrecognizable. I don't eat what I can't recognize. She didn't eat with us and wasn't there so we didn't feel bad not eating it.

After we left that place, we were on our way to the Summer Palace. Now, it's quite obvious that there are many cultural differences between us and the Chinese. The food- that's a big one. I forgot that one of the menu items from the day before was insect heads or something like that. Personal space among cars, bikes, people and buses is non-existent. The Chinese are very patient that way. No one ever seems to get really upset when everyone and everything is converging together. I really like that about them. But, the one thing I will never understand is what I saw when we were almost at the Summer Palace. There was a grassy area with some trees, but it was not an area that was dense with trees. I could see buildings through the trees, etc... But, I did not expect to see a grown man squatting down taking a poop. WHAT IN THE WORLD??? He had to have known people could see him. Have you no shame??? There's nothing else I can say about this so I am just going to move on.

When we got to the Summer Palace, I think I was going to have to resuscitate Paul when Grace said that the Summer Palace was 4 times as big as the Forbidden City. But, the Summer Palace was much better than the Forbidden City. The Summer Palace was beautiful. It was surrounding by beautiful gardens, flowers, a lake... We walked around for 2 hours.

After this, Grace and our driver Trevor (are we supposed to believe these are their real names?) drove us by the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube... very cool to see in person. It's even more impressive then it looks on TV.

Close to this Olympic area, Grace took us to learn how to drink tea properly. Who knew? It was educational. We bought some tea. But, we really only bought the tea because of the free gift that came with the purchase of tea. Let me explain. There is also a proper way to prepare tea. This tea was not made with bags. It's just the leaves. So, the water that needs to be poured over the tea should be about 95 degrees. So, the cute little Chinese girl teaching us about the tea, pulls this little toy boy out of a cup of water. She poured cold water on his head and nothing happened. Then she poured the hot water on his head and he peed it out all over the place. Can you imagine how much Jackson is going to love that? As if he needs anymore encouragement to pee in places he's not supposed to... but we couldn't resist.

Our final stop-Grace and Trevor dropped us off at the 'fake market'. You can buy any name brand you can think of there... I guess it's fake but you could fool me! But, I didn't buy anything because I was a nervous wreck. There were girls in pink shirts everywhere yelling at us to buy things. If they even thought you might be interested they would attack you. Paul kept saying, "Don't make eye contact, don't make eye contact!" So, what was the point of being there, we couldn't look. I had had it. I knew it was time to leave when I lost Paul for a minute. I turned around to see him holding a shoe.

He was carrying the camera bag and this girl puts a Nike shoe on the bag. He kept trying to give it back to her and she wouldn't take it. Then she says to him in her broken English, "Take it, it gift."

So he says, "What am I going to do with one shoe?"

To which she replies, "You have to buy the other one!"

I hear him bust a gut, put the shoe down and run for me. All the while she is yelling, "You can't do that!"

Seriously, can you see us in China??

We ate some pizza for dinner and walked back to the hotel. It is 8:12 pm and Paul is again sawing logs. Walking for 8 hours will do that to you!

WELL, TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY. We are getting up at 4am to be picked up by Grace and Trevor at 5:20 am. Our flight is at 7:40 am. I am not sure what time we get Emme, but I am sure by this time tomorrow night, our little angel will be in our room listening to her daddy snore. Until then......

P.S. We will post pictures. If you can believe it, we forgot our cord to download the pictures onto our computer. We bought a cord tonight. So look at this post again so you can see today's pictures of the Great Wall, etc... Don't worry... no pictures of the pooping man!

P.S.S. Today was a great day!! Thanks for praying!

Understatement of the Year

To say that Jackson hates school would be.... well, the understatement of the year. There is no way to convey to you the amount he has cried. He cries from the time he gets off the bus until he goes to bed. When he wakes up in the morning, he instantly starts crying.

It's been a joy.

By 7:25 in the morning, I am ready for a really strong drink. And, I don't mean coffee.

He is relentless and persistant and ANNOYING! One of these days, those first two character qualities may pay off... but they are not going to work on me.

I don't have the gift of mercy... unless maybe you're an orphan or sick.

I may feel sorry for him if he weren't so discontent when he is home. We can get home from swimming all day, pull in the driveway and he'll say, "I'm bored. There's nothing to do!"

It's all I can do not to reach around and smack him upside the head!

He wants planned activities for every second of the day? Welp, he's in luck! School runs on a schedule. Math, reading, recess, lunch... ha!

I'll give it to him though, he can lay it on thick and for hours at a time. I thought I'd give you a run down on the things I've heard this week. Please keep in mind, this is a very small list I am going to give you. I WISH I were exaggerating when I say this goes on for HOURS at a time!

"It's just not my kind of school!"

"I'm not used to Christian school."

"They don't even care if I have a stomach ache! All they care about it God!"

"Do you know what I like best about school?"

"What buddy?"

"When I get to go home!"

"I never got the chance to be homeschooled."

"I don't want to go to school. It's not my dream come true. My dream come true is to go to homeschool."

"Mom, I have a cough and I don't want to give it to the whole school."

"It's embarassing for me to cry."

"Well, then don't cry!"
"How am I suppose to not cry?"


"I haven't done homeschool in my whole entire life. 1st grade is a good time to homescool."

"I didn't cry today because Mrs. ____ (principal) checked on me every hour."

"I really want you to change your mind soon so I don't have to go to this school or any other school."

"Will you feel my head? I think I have a fever."

"My stomach hurt so bad today, I almost threw up. Do you want me to throw up at school?"

"I'm not going to school in the morning. Don't wake me up. I'm tired. I need to sleep in."

This is coming from the same kid that pitched a fit last week because I thought he was sick, let him sleep in and took him to the doctor. He was so mad that I didn't get him up and let him ride the bus.

And, finally, he's never off. He's always on his game.

Tonight, I had him in the shower and he yelled for his towel when he was done. I opened the door to the shower to hand him his towel and I said, "Whoo! That's a hot shower, buddy!"

I went into the girls' room and was getting Emme ready for bed. He comes in, towel around his body, face flushed from his 140 degree shower and says, "I take really hot showers when I am sad."

Anyway, the list of pleading goes on and on and on.

He really is miserable. He doesn't play when he gets home. He doesn't eat much. He falls asleep before we put him in bed.

Should I remind him that he used to be so bad that I had to put him in his room and put TWO gates up so he couldn't get out? It was the only way to regain my sanity. And, yes, two gates...one on top of the other in the doorframe of his room... BECAUSE HE COULD CLIMB OVER ONE!

Should I remind him that he had to sleep in crib tent so I didn't have to chase hime back to bed 10 times during a nap or at night?

Naaa! I think I'll just hold him and love him. This too shall pass, huh?