tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56772572159220974572024-02-19T03:34:15.911-08:00Hand in Hand, Heart in HeartUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-68502489386594534272013-07-16T13:03:00.001-07:002013-07-16T13:05:36.058-07:00Surgery weekI think everyone we know already knows this, but just wanted to update a little. Samuel will be having heart surgery on Thurs, July 18. I am running around trying to make sure everything is in order. Ha! That's kind of funny if you know me very well. I'm mostly just running in circles and doing things that are pretty much meaningless ;) Surgery is scheduled for 7:15 a.m. The surgeon said 4-6 hour surgery. They said if everything goes perfectly, Samuel will be in PICU for 5-7 days. I won't try to explain the surgery, just suffice it to say that the surgeons just kept saying "high risk." There are lots of details that could be prayed for, but I think asking God for a perfect surgery with no complications before, during, or after will cover it. For all those who have told me you're praying, thank you. We sure feel them, as will the surgeons and Samuel. We will post updates on Facebook as we can.<br />
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He is ABLE!<br />
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~Martha<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-44826945482997199872013-07-03T08:30:00.001-07:002013-07-03T08:30:05.237-07:00A prayer journal of sortsSo I've been thinking A LOT about Samuel's upcoming surgery. Surprised, right? Those thoughts include not only the surgery and Samuel's health, but the effects on the rest of our family. I will admit that worry is probably a better way to describe a lot of those "thoughts." We're all familiar with the "what if" game, right? I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit's intervention in my <strike>thoughts</strike> worries. My thoughts turned to prayers already answered just in Samuel's adoption journey. I went back through this blog and looked at the prayer requests and reminded myself of the answers. Here's a synopsis.<br />
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1) Got our pre-approval from China, even when we didn't meet all the qualifications.<br />
2) Home study and medicals complete.<br />
3) Hotel was available during Canton Trade Fair.<br />
4) God's financial provision<br />
5) Good timing for travel<br />
6) Good health for everyone<br />7) Good flight arrangements<br />
8) Samuel would know we love him and trust us<br />
9) Samuel's health would be strong enough for stress of meeting us/getting him home<br />
10) Smooth paperwork process in China<br />
11) Samuel had a negative TB test<br />
12) 31 hrs of travel home went well<br />
13) Heart cath went well<br />
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I KNOW there has been many more answered prayers, but I found these in a five minute scan of the blog. Yesterday, I picked up a Mark Batterson book (for $5 at Mardel) called <u>The Circle Maker.</u> My friend Kim H. had mentioned reading it and I thought, why not? I'm just a couple of chapters in, but it's about <em>powerful </em>prayer. <br />
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So friends, I am committing to praying <strong><span style="font-size: large;">big</span></strong> prayers about Samuel's surgery, recovery, and our entire family during it all. Because I know that my stalkers' prayers were a <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>big </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">part of all of the above, I will share my specific requests yet again.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li>completely successful surgery and recovery with NO complications</li>
<li>doctors say 5-7 day minimum hospital stay - let's pray for 5</li>
<li>my girls will be safe and happy while Matt & I are so occupied with their brother</li>
<li>Matt & I will have all the physical, emotional, and spiritual energy we're going to need</li>
</ul>
Lastly, a personal request. I need to make some big changes personally to improve my health. I can't do it. Pray for me to submit my will to His and do what it takes.<br />
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Thank you, thank you, thank you!<br />
~Martha<br />
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<em><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;">"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Eph 3:20-21</span></blockquote>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-59178292891213167162013-06-15T08:59:00.000-07:002013-06-15T08:59:55.966-07:00I'm so dizzy, my head is spinningAnybody recognize that song? <br />
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Matt & I met with the pediatric cardiac surgeons yesterday. They explained, again, the problems with Samuel's heart. I think, again, that I understand mostly. They also explained what they need to do to repair things. Then they explained the dangers. And there are plenty. From my <em>very </em>surface understanding, the dangers are not really in the surgery itself, but how Samuel's body reacts to the repairs. God made our bodies in such a miraculous way that our bodies adapt and modify when something is wrong. Samuel is still alive today because his body has adapted. Those adaptations, however, complicate things when it comes to repair. One crazy thing we learned is that Samuel's hemoglobin is twice what it should be. Most people's blood is the consistency of water. His is more the consistency of oil. Most people's blood oxygenation level is 100. His is 76. His body is used to these things. They have to be careful not to change either too quickly or his heart will shut down. There are more issues, but honestly, I can't even explain. Matt looked me when we left there and said, "I think I would have rather been uninformed." We laughed, nervously. <br />
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You might be thinking that we knew this was serious and we knew what was coming before we ever went to get Samuel. You are right. We now know some of the technicalities, but we knew this heart defect was not a walk in the park from the beginning. It feels different now because we know and love our son intensely, inexplicably, just like I gave birth to him. The thought of them splitting his chest open, messing with his heart, putting him on a bypass machine, trying to keep him alive during and after that and all that entails <strong><em>feels way different now</em>.</strong><br />
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Now that you're all depressed...the good news. One of the surgeons kept talking about how shocked he was at Samuel's energy. He said he expected us to carry in a very lethargic little boy. Samuel ran around the office, getting into things, talking, busy as usual. He could not believe it. His partner said there is obviously some serious strength in this little guy. Both surgeons also very naturally referred to how God made the heart, mentioned the grace of God, and how we would pray that certain things are or are not the case. They know the Lord and pray over their patients. That is an incredible, incredible comfort. Also impressive was that the cardiac nurse went out into the waiting room while Matt & I talked to the surgeon and explained things, complete with diagrams and a heart model, to Courtney & Cassidy.<br />
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Samuel's surgery is currently scheduled for July 18. The cardiac team will keep researching and keep consulting other surgeons around the country to learn all they can before that. We will be trying to prepare for Samuel's hospital stay. It could be a week or weeks. Our family is tight. We don't like to be separated. We will have no choice while Samuel is hospitalized. Emotions are running high in all of us. <br />
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Here's some specific prayer requests...that the cardiac team will find the perfect information, perfect action plan for Samuel; that we can make good arrangements for our whole family during the hospital stay; that God's peace will replace fear in all of us (extra measure for Cassidy, please); that we will be physically, emotionally, and spiritually ready for this.<br />
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Now...pictures...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkk-6lBMyZAwq4XY3FEjw5EyA958IhoHbBdPJwCuP1DIMyHXWVZZa0K9TaouThg7a69Uwj2UXuLxkDFFZ8TN95r98kG_p8qyD07OGM_EFVheckSAAMIEmK9u7zP-5A_jLOdZnqZUdhd8Y/s1600/Samuel+and+his+paper+clips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkk-6lBMyZAwq4XY3FEjw5EyA958IhoHbBdPJwCuP1DIMyHXWVZZa0K9TaouThg7a69Uwj2UXuLxkDFFZ8TN95r98kG_p8qyD07OGM_EFVheckSAAMIEmK9u7zP-5A_jLOdZnqZUdhd8Y/s320/Samuel+and+his+paper+clips.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Who needs toys when you have paper, pens, and paper clips?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0gnCCDbOo3zGQ525RevZV89ZDjM5IZebMPfmqVe7w5c6BhyphenhyphenKd2vaGHL9Hy096O71C1hjRKmPMqUTUBWtOXAULkBRgtqtULhG8x9fXhWiiuQ3oGou6MsdOZwDQi5asZvb4PTHYg3LUL8/s1600/samuel+ornery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0gnCCDbOo3zGQ525RevZV89ZDjM5IZebMPfmqVe7w5c6BhyphenhyphenKd2vaGHL9Hy096O71C1hjRKmPMqUTUBWtOXAULkBRgtqtULhG8x9fXhWiiuQ3oGou6MsdOZwDQi5asZvb4PTHYg3LUL8/s320/samuel+ornery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was trying to get this ornery little boy to look at me to take his picture. He did eventually, but this picture shows his personality better.</div>
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I was trying to get a good picture of us going to the VBS Friday night program/carnival. It seems this group can't do that, so here's the real us.</div>
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<em><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20</span></strong></em></div>
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~MarthaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-42761474181273875722013-06-02T05:10:00.004-07:002013-06-02T05:10:45.321-07:00Boundaries, updates, stalkersSo here we are, almost 7 weeks from Gotcha Day. Things are kind of a blur to me. Have 7 weeks really passed? It's amazing at how far we've come and a little daunting that we have so far to go. Samuel is communicating with us very well. I really don't know how well others can understand him yet, but we're getting new (and appropriate) use of words every day. His sense of humor is sure evident. Yesterday, the kids and I were visiting with my dad. I told Samuel to point at his sisters and say, "Courtney is a goober. Cassidy is a goober." He complied. He then turned his pointing finger to me and said, "Mama is a goober." Yeah, well, he's figuring me out too. <br />
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As for other adjustments, our little guy is testing boundaries every day as well. If he doesn't stop rearranging and hiding his sister's stuff, we may have WWIII. As a matter of fact, we are going to put a lock on his closet because he's doing the same thing to his clothes and I am struggling with the daily adventure of finding socks, underwear, and clothing for him to wear. Unfortunately, he seems to want to test to see if Daddy is just a big playmate or if he really has any authority. You see, Samuel has a <strike>lot </strike>bit of a temper, and he saves it for his Daddy most often. He'll figure that one out for sure. <br />
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On the "think we've got it" front, Samuel is sleeping well and not waking in fear hardly at all. It's good to sleep through the night and be greeted with a chipper "Hi!" in the morning instead of tears. He is also figuring out that his family members do leave at times, but they always come back. When one of us is away, he asks about them <em><strong>often</strong></em>, but accepts the answer pretty well. Now, Courtney & Cassidy will both be heading to camp/mission trip in a couple of weeks. We'll see how that one goes...<br />
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On the medical front, we are waiting. Matt says I need to be patient. Both Matt and God and anyone who knows me KNOWS that one is a toughie for me. We have done scans and a heart cath. The doctors have seen what they need to see. However, the <em><strong>very capable</strong></em> surgeons have never done a surgery of this kind on a child as old as Samuel. The typically repair kids when they are about 6 months old. The cardiologist is researching and consulting other surgeons for their opinions and expertise. I realize this is a good thing. Overconfidence can result in mistakes. They want to do it right. Got it. <strong>Not patient</strong>. I guess the longer we wait, it's just sinking into me that this is a complicated, risky surgery. I knew that. Now that I have Samuel in my arms and see that smile every day, the reality is harder than I imagined.<br />
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I blabber on and on. Sorry. You want to see pictures, right? Here we go!<br />
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Samuel and his animals have a TV watching party.</div>
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Courtney is training up the child in the important things.</div>
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Samuel wants to ride this scooter like his sisters. He mostly turns it over, but he still likes it.</div>
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We went to visit my mom's grave on Memorial Day weekend. This pic doesn't show Mom's grave, but two of my precious ones. She sure loved our girls and she would have loved our Samuel.</div>
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I laughingly told the nurse in the recovery room after Samuel's heart cath that I needed to post something on Facebook for the benefit of my "stalkers." She replied, "They love you all." I just about cried. I love my "stalkers" and am SOOOO thankful for you. We do feel the love. Keep stalking :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-9288417611595130192013-05-20T12:12:00.000-07:002013-05-20T12:12:04.443-07:00Crazy thoughts<span style="color: red;">Update on Samuel's medical: He will have a heart cath next week to take a look at a few more things. It is rare in this country for a child of Samuel's age and heart defect to not have been repaired yet. They are being extra careful to know exactly what's going on in there before scheduling surgery.</span><br />
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More than two years ago, Matt & I both felt God calling us strongly to something. Maybe in the adoption world. Nothing more specific. We said yes, God, whatever it is, break our hearts for what breaks yours. Later, we realized he was calling us to adopt a son. Later, we saw Samuel's picture and profile and knew he was ours. Yep, I have asked God several times, "Are you sure?" What sane forty something aged people would adopt a child at a great financial cost knowing he has big health issues? We've never told ANYONE that we were sane. Think about it with me, though. I read somewhere that most kids who have Samuel's heart condition have a life expectancy of 5 years without surgery. We gave God a pre-yes. How could we do the sane thing? It was time for crazy!<br />
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Now think about this with me...Samuel is a 5 year old boy. He has all the mental and emotional energy of any 5 year old boy. The problem is that he cannot go outside and run around until that energy is somewhat released. He can't breathe that well. So that energy is pent up inside him a lot of the time. He channels that energy any way he can. So for example, he now knows exactly how much toilet paper it takes to make the toilet overflow; that his bathroom step stool helps him reach lollipops on the kitchen counter <strong>and</strong> that he can eat three before mom finishes her shower and catches him. I now know that Samuel has a temper and doesn't like his plans to be thwarted. To this mom of girls, crazy!<br />
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Some other (better) things he knows...He is loved. Hugs and kisses are welcomed. Baba, Mama, Courtney, and Cassidy will all come running when he calls our names. He will always have plenty to eat and drink. He has lots of clothes and toys to call his very own. He has lots of good (and bad) things left to learn, but I pray he will always "hang his hat" on the <em><strong>he is loved</strong></em> part. <br />
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We also learned quickly that Samuel has a good sense of humor. Here's something that happened in the car yesterday. Samuel was saying Mama over and over again. Matt decided to help me out.<br />
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Samuel: "Mama"<br />
Matt: "Samuel"<br />
Samuel: "Mama"<br />
Matt: "Samuel"<br />
Samuell: "Mama"<br />
Matt: "Samuel"<br />
Samuel: "Hey!" (Matt turns to look at him.) "Shhhhhh!"<br />
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Too funny. Here's a couple of pics.<br />
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Afraid of the bath no longer!</div>
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Corn and carrots are the favorite veggies. Corn is the most fun to eat.</div>
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Blessings to all!</div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><em><span style="color: blue;">"Every decision we make will be driven by fear or love. Who we toss the keys to determines a lot about where we end up." Bob Goff</span></em></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-68762523084707393222013-05-06T08:02:00.001-07:002013-05-06T08:02:39.361-07:00So how are things going?In a nutshell, things are going remarkably well. Perfect? Nope. Too many <em>people</em> involved. <br />
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Samuel continues to adjust day by day, moment by moment really. His language skills are blossoming one word at a time as he realizes what these crazy English words mean. He's been repeating words since day 1, but he is starting to use some words and even phrases appropriately. He definitely has "eat, drink, more, all gone, dog, Courtney, Cassidy, Baba, Mama, hey, okay, I love you more, hey buddy, uh oh" and probably a few more I can't remember. This morning, I handed him a snack and he said, "Thank you, Mama." <br />
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Sleeping pattern is not bad, but I do look forward to sleeping through the night again some day. Most nights, he wakes up crying once or twice. He just needs to be comforted and he goes right back to sleep. I remember getting up twice last night, but I think I'm mastering the skill of not completely waking up while going to his room, giving a hug, and tucking back in.<br />
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As far as our little guy's health status, we don't know a whole lot yet. The cardiologist pretty much confirmed his diagnosis as tetrolagy of fallot. Samuel was NOT happy with the testing done last week, which prevented a completely good echocardiogram from happening. Next week, they will do a CT scan and another echo until general anesthesia so they can get some good pictures. I will admit that when Samuel gets totally out of breath after doing very little, it's disturbing to all of us. I don't look forward to surgery, but I so want him to be able to breath without the struggle. <br />
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In learning to keep up with this busy little boy while everyone else is at school and work, I haven't taken many pictures to share. By the way, I failed to mention Samuel's most familiar words are "Samuel, no." He may think that's his name....hmmmm.....He's also completely comfortable enough with his family to show us a temper when things don't happen in his plan and timing. Yeah, that's not so cute, but it's a good sign ;)<br />
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I had to show the kiddo that the basketball goal was indeed not intended for hanging clothes on! (I'll post about his clothing/hangar craziness later).<br />
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Slam dunk! Gotta enjoy this now, cause I don't think he's going to be exactly NBA height.</div>
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The cutest nerds you will ever see!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-55009813936844109032013-04-26T11:11:00.000-07:002013-04-26T11:11:03.011-07:00For the blog deprived from the sleep deprived<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I apologize in advance if this blog makes no sense. I feel like I'm in a fog and cannot completely think clearly. Jet lag is stupid. Matt & the girls went back to their regular stuff today. I hope they are faring okay. If you see them and they look lost, help them out, will ya? </div>
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Our flights home were pretty uneventful, which is good. It seems Samuel's only relief from the torment of sitting in a seat that long was to go to the bathroom. We did that A LOT. For an incredibly long trip, we could not have asked for better. Actually, for the whole two weeks, we could not have asked for better. Our prayer warriors were faithful, I know that without asking. </div>
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Samuel is adjusting really well. New scenarios are very scary and the only way he knows to express that fear is to cry. The vast majority of the time, he is happy and content. He is completely goofy and likes to make us laugh. I can report that he thinks looking at our dogs through the window is really funny and getting close enough for them to touch him brings on hysterics (the bad kind). One step at a time. </div>
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Nighttime has been a bit of a challenge. He likes his bed and doesn't have a problem getting in it and going to sleep. A couple of times each night, he wakes up and he is very scared. Once he knows we're here, he's good. The parents going back to sleep after that is the tough part ;)</div>
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I will admit that my camera has not yet been unpacked, but here's a couple of cell phone pics. He does like his Lincoln logs, but he only sorts the pieces by size. No building necessary. He also has plain wooden blocks that are three colors. He sorts them by color.</div>
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The Tonka truck carries lots of things out of his room - cars, blocks, whatever. He'd love it if he could figure out how to ride in it. <br />
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For those of you who will be meeting Samuel in person soon, I will warn you that he has a bluish color to his skin. Because of his heart condition, he just isn't getting enough oxygen. We have an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist on Monday for tests. Hopefully we will have him doing better soon.<br />
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I took a really cute video to share. Too bad I can't figure out how to get it here. Forgive me, but I'll work on it later.<br />
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Now, in <strong>completely random order</strong>, here are some things that I enjoy that I had completely taken for granted before this trip.<br />
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*drinkable tap water *ice cold drinks *my house *my van *my bed *food that doesn't involve rice or noodles *my shower that has a not so slippery floor *familiar, pleasants smells *clear blue Oklahoma sky *traffic laws (one car per lane, slowing down for pedestrians crossing the street, use of blinkers, etc) *QuikTrip, Reasors and even Walmart *people who apologize if they almost run you over *two daughters who totally roll with the flow and always rise to the occasion *a husband who puts my needs above his - two different guides looked at me during our trip and said, "He loves you very much." *the POWER in prayer *family and friends who <em>really </em>care about my family<br />
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There's probably more, but the brain is shuuuutttttingggg doooowwwwnnn.<br />
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I promise I'll get my camera out soon.<br />
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Ta-ta for now.<br />
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~Martha<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-47119624189530991252013-04-23T04:41:00.002-07:002013-04-23T04:41:58.611-07:00Coming Home!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A couple of signs at the Guangzhou zoo today that amused me. </div>
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Matt wants to live in a carnivore zone ;)</div>
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This precious lady has helped us every step of the way. Grace is appropriately named. Samuel really enjoyed talking to her in Cantonese about the zoo animals.</div>
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The zoo had statues of all the Chinese zodiac animals. Matt & Courtney were both born in the year of the ox.</div>
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I was born in the year of the rabbit.</div>
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Cassidy the year of the horse.</div>
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And Samuel, the year of the rat (I remember seeing Mickey Mouse a lot for this year).</div>
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Now, for a couple of zoo animals. We were disappointed to find that the pandas who normally live in this zoo had been transported to the big panda facility in Sichuan for fertility stuff. Sorry, y'all, no panda pics. </div>
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If you have a weak stomach, you may not want to look at the next picture too closely. The giraffe was giving birth. We found this absolutely fascinating. Well, Cassidy just kept hiding her eyes and saying, "Disgusting."</div>
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There were several groups of school children at the zoo. When they passed us, they all smiled and waved and enjoyed saying hello to us in English. So cute.<br />
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We just got Samuel's Visa to enter the US! It's 4:30 p.m. Tuesday here and I am fighting the urge to head to the Hong Kong airport right now and see if we can catch an earlier flight. I'm not gonna, but I sure wanna. We leave the hotel at 5:00 am Weds morning China time to take a 3 hour drive to the Hong Kong airport. We arrive in Tulsa on United 1690 at 10:37 p.m. Weds night (No, I don't expect a welcome home party at that hour, folks). Did the math on the time changes. That's almost 31 hours travel. Needless to say, your prayers are very much appreciated! <br />
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~ Martha<br />
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Parting thoughts:<br />
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Martha Elaine Meadors, it doesn't matter which side of the world we're on, when I'm in your arms, I'm home!!! You are a beautiful, amazing woman and I'm so proud of you. You have been spectacular in this trip. You've been called to be a mommy again, and you're awesome at it!!! I love you!!!<br />
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We have no room for complaint, whatsoever when a car gives us trouble, or a washing machine or refrigerator, or whatever other creature comfort we have goes out. If China is any comparison, the standard of living is far superior in the U.S., even for us middle-classers, than anywhere else on this planet. We are so blessed to live in the country we live in.<br />
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The metro Tulsa area, and Sand Springs fit me just fine!!!<br />
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I'm sick of rice. Ready for a big juicy steak.<br />
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Kids are remarkable, and Martha and I are blessed with three of the greatest kids ever!! Cassidy amazed me with her resiliance, and Samuel is doing the same. He is just as smart as Courtney and Cassidy, and his capacity for studying a situation and figuring out what's going on is nothing short of amazing. Courtney showed remarkable grace when Cassidy came into the family. As a matter of fact, she showed more grace than many of the adults around her did. I remember seathing at times whenever an adult would abruptly end a conversation with Courtney in favor of Cassidy. Courtney always seemed to take it in stride. Courtney now is more like an adult figure to Samuel, and Cassidy is faced with extending the same grace to Samuel and so far she's been incredible. I'm so proud of both my girls, as well as my son!!!<br />
<br />
Oklahoma sunsets are breath taking!<br />
<br />
I'm sick of noodles. Ready for some Mexican food!<br />
<br />
I'm tired of keeping my mouth shut in the shower to make sure I don't swallow any water.<br />
<br />
Samuel will be blessed to have such incredible family surrounding him. His Pappy is the smartest man I've ever known. I love him dearly and the greatest compliment I can give him is that he has my utmost respect. Samuel's Aunt Cheryl is pretty cool too (even if she's a Poke)! I think the world of her. His Uncle Joe might be a bit tough on the outside, but when it comes to Courtney and Cassidy he's always been like a teddy bear, and I think the same will apply to Samuel. Cousin Jacob was always a protector to Courtney, and Samuel is going to be loaded with sisters and cousins, including Ryan, who will watch after him. They can mess with him all they want, but anyone else better lookout... Samuel's Memaw is one of the strongest individual's I've ever know. I have so much respect for my mother and I love her more than words can say. She is an awesome example to Samuel of the ability to persevere and overcome! His Granny was one of the most kind hearted, faithful ladies I've ever known. He never got the chance to meet her, but she's watching over him from heaven along with his Great Grandma.<br />
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The Soul'd Out family he is joining is nothing short of remarkable! The lives of Todd, and especially Mark and Lisa and their families have been so intertwined with ours, that there are very few memories I have over the last 20+ years exclude them. You guys have been friends that stick closer than a sister or brother, and Samuel is going to be able to enjoy not only the music we make together, but the honor and privilege of having his life intersect with theirs. His life will be richer for it, just as Courtney's, Cassidy's, Martha's and mine are.<br />
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His first Sunday in the USA he will step into Olivet Baptist Church and be introduced to many prayer warriors who've helped him find his family. They will love on him, just as they have loved the rest of us. They will help Martha and I teach Samuel about the love of Jesus Christ, and, who knows, might even help lead him to Jesus! (Amie Taber, I've always been a little mad at you - not really!) They will be friends, mentors and brothers and sisters in Christ to Samuel. He doesn't know it, but he will be blessed beyond measure with the OBC family - the greatest there is.<br />
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Thanks to our family, church family, and China friends for helping us. We will never forget how you've blessed us.<br />
<br />
I don't necessarily prescribe to the notion that it takes a village.<br />
<br />
But it's sure nice to have the right ones there to help!<br />
<br />
All our love!<br />
<br />
~ MatthewUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-67125175900322632112013-04-22T06:44:00.001-07:002013-04-22T06:44:57.569-07:00The US Says He's Ours Too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Big Day! We cleared our consulate appointment. The US agrees with China that this little fellow is a Meadors.</div>
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A visit to Shamian Island was so nice. They have little shops with traditional Chinese wares. So many less shops than 8 years ago. Made us kind of sad that so many have gone out of business.<br />
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Statues on Shamian are so fun.</div>
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Lucy's Restaurant serves American food! We all enjoyed. </div>
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Samuel has a hilarious imitation of Cassidy. You'll just have to see it to appreciate it :)</div>
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The evening held a river boat cruise on the Pearl River. It was a wonderful change of pace. Isn't Courtney pretty?<br />
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Out on the deck looking out on the lights. Beautiful.</div>
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Entertainment inside - no, it wasn't Matt, but Samuel thought his balloon on Dad's head was funny.<br />
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The family on the river boat.</div>
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The Canton Tower view from the boat. </div>
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The adoption is DONE!!! So glad to have the U.S. consulate appointment behind us! I was kind of surprised at how nice it was to see a full sized U.S. flag upstairs in the consulate. Guess when you're this far from home anything from there is nice. After the consulate appointment we enjoined a visit to Shamian Island, where the U.S. consulate used to be, and where we stayed when we got Cassidy. It was nice to be someplace where there was less hustle and bustle. The Island is like a peaceful retreat for us Okies who aren't used to a city of 15 million. Martha and the girls enjoyed their shopping. The riverboat cruise was nice. I wouldn't recommend it for the cuisine alone, but we thoroughly enjoyed the sights.</div>
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The family dynamic is still developing. Samuel is so smart, he's learning quickly. He can identify your nose, ears, mouth - becareful with the eyes! It's remarkable to think that when we pass through customs in San Francisco he will become a citizen of the USA.</div>
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One day left in China. All we're doing tomorrow is to visit the Guangzhou zoo. Once that's done we'll be preparing for our very early departure Wednesday morning.</div>
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I would like to thank, again, everyone who has prayed for us and helped us in any way. I can never thank you enough! It's amazing to think back to 17 years ago when we were doubting we'd ever have a child and now look at us. We've got a Courtney, Cassidy, and Samuel!</div>
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Thank you Lord for your goodness!</div>
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~ Martha and Matthew</div>
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<em>"Every good and perfect gift is from above,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> who does not change<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> like shifting shadows." James 1:17</em></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-69803748664867414692013-04-21T05:04:00.000-07:002013-04-21T05:06:12.284-07:00Good day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg596YuAvNSCmcZmf1Fc1Ddcu5pozjhTTuAL4dgx_10ZO_QSBxuoEpxFw4XjosrGK9A4e1Y7TpjN4eX7larIjb5nUKMtzx8VLdqGgDFnk1DrdzFEN51BSKAMNhyk8L3_kQlIMOB1ZwQjMA/s1600/flowers+in+lobby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg596YuAvNSCmcZmf1Fc1Ddcu5pozjhTTuAL4dgx_10ZO_QSBxuoEpxFw4XjosrGK9A4e1Y7TpjN4eX7larIjb5nUKMtzx8VLdqGgDFnk1DrdzFEN51BSKAMNhyk8L3_kQlIMOB1ZwQjMA/s320/flowers+in+lobby.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqqq0nKD9aQ_yFVbviwZXPt0n5uCoRj7LgY-nknCd0ry5l0_TttimmW1mSZk0KvsHGF8Noj3iGWYfCYPISe4TlYFY-ZbLEZEX7-5yj6mLeBEMB-7DKSAqQdJOYNBoaIImtIcPQOUK4w0/s1600/flower+ball+in+lobby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">We finally took the time to take some pics in the lobby today.<img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqqq0nKD9aQ_yFVbviwZXPt0n5uCoRj7LgY-nknCd0ry5l0_TttimmW1mSZk0KvsHGF8Noj3iGWYfCYPISe4TlYFY-ZbLEZEX7-5yj6mLeBEMB-7DKSAqQdJOYNBoaIImtIcPQOUK4w0/s320/flower+ball+in+lobby.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Garden Hotel lobby has beautiful fresh flowers that are brought in every week. They are arranged differently each week too. They are so pretty and make the lobby smell wonderful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8GGxIlTZ78muhiWZFNKqaYfyNPcKplCttfomLh4RUNOXRu3gLhjmlkl1UjeQktIyVWL2MDnJYYZgPB8ecFg7k0mfO4Zdn9UztkA6J9jU5u-2f1zlmtSXinEZR4euyzItivTvfoBh0Bs/s1600/Cassidy+squirrel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8GGxIlTZ78muhiWZFNKqaYfyNPcKplCttfomLh4RUNOXRu3gLhjmlkl1UjeQktIyVWL2MDnJYYZgPB8ecFg7k0mfO4Zdn9UztkA6J9jU5u-2f1zlmtSXinEZR4euyzItivTvfoBh0Bs/s320/Cassidy+squirrel.JPG" width="320" />Hee hee, have you seen the movie "Up?" Look at Cassidy..."Squirrel!"</a><br />
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Big smiles from the little man. He loves his stroller.</div>
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Courtney's beautiful smile.</div>
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The weather in Guangzhou was perfect today. Lower temps and humidity made for a great day to visit a local park. </div>
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Cassidy had to practice her gymnastics jumps. An older lady came by to ask our guide about our curious family. She commented that Cassidy was very graceful. </div>
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Man made lakes in the park.</div>
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We enjoyed a little shopping today, but we were much more in the mood for the serenity of the park. It was a good day! Consulate appointment tomorrow.<br />
~Martha & MatthewUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-7732967734471784952013-04-20T05:56:00.000-07:002013-04-20T05:56:08.304-07:00Good News on TB Test!Good news for today...Samuel's TB test was negative and we got his passport. Now we've gotta wait around for the Consulate appointment and for his visa to be added to that passport. <br />
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We had a long day of not doing much. Samuel continues to grow and test. He is like a little parrot, repeating so much. I love the way he says Cackidee (Cassidy) and Courtmee (Courtney), but he doesn't really call them by name yet. He just yells, "Hey!" As far as using appropriate words, he says Baba (Daddy), hey, and thank you. He volunteers kisses, they are like lipless mouth pops, but the sentiment is there. This evening, he started using the sign for all done. That was fun. He gets those little boy impulses to throw things at his sister's head and such. That's not working out great for him. He's also learned that when he mimicks, even if he is being told no, that he can sometimes make us laugh. Tonight at dinner, he wagged his finger back and said no. It was too funny to keep a straight face. <br />
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In some ways, little Samuel acts like a five year old. In some ways, he acts older. In some ways, he acts younger. Samuel simply cannot stand for things to not be in their proper place. After we finish eating, he wants the dishes all stacked. All the shoes in the room have to be together. He has reorganized the books and papers on the desk many times. Trash has to be promptly thrown away. I can tell he has learned to be a helper. He is not socially where most 5 year olds are because he simply hasn't had the opportunity to learn. He seems to catch on very quickly, so I am anxious to see where he will be as his English language skills improve and he is exposed to more situations.<br />
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Samuel has thought Courtney to be quite funny most days. He was treating her like a naughty little brother today. This picture was taken yesterday.</div>
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This is also a pic from yesterday. This is the view out of our hotel window. This bit of blue sky as the sun was setting was the first we had seen in days. I really can't tell half the time if we are seeing clouds or smog. This is SUCH a huge city.</div>
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~ Martha<br />
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Quiet today. Got out a couple of times, but not a lot of sightseeing to be done within walking distance of our hotel. The schedule, however, picks up from here on out. I think we're all at the point where we're pretty homesick, but we're avoiding talking about it. I can report that we've had discussions on whether we'd eat Mexican food at Chimi's first, or steak at Outback when we get home. Right now I'd guess it's fifty-fifty.<br />
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The girls are awesome! They're so good with Samuel, even when he's being a little toot. Courtney gets frustrated with him, but I can tell she also feels a certain level of responsibility for him as well. The family dynamic is forming, and it's fun to watch it develop. I just continue to pray that it develops in the manner the Lord would have it.<br />
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Hopefully more to talk about tomorrow. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support!<br />
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~ MatthewUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-85610716875154109022013-04-19T06:53:00.001-07:002013-04-19T06:53:37.025-07:00Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another quiet day in Guangzhou. We had no official appointments today and our guide was busy with another family. We spent the day in our hotel for the most part. We did walk over to the Starbucks for a sandwich and drink for lunch. It was really good. Matt found the fitness center for a work out while the rest of us visited the children's playroom. Samuel enjoys the change of pace and playing in a place where there's not so many "no's." Courtney found a couple of NHL games for her and Matt to watch on her ipad today. That was fun for them. We've been watching the two Addams Family movies this afternoon. Not great cinema, but kind of amusing, and it's in English. <br />
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New discovery today - the reason for Samuel's temper tantrum with his sisters yesterday was that they messed with his backpack. We packed a few little toys in that backpack and gave it to him a few minutes after we met him. I noticed today that he wasn't playing with the toys in it. Matt picked it up and starting rummaging through it to find two little cars that were in the bottom. Samuel came completely unglued. Sad reality of orphan life. He's never had his own "stuff" before. He would rather keep it packed up and safely his than to take the toys out and play with them. He did finally calm down and play with the cars with Matt, but then he promptly packed them back up and hasn't gotten anything out since. Makes me sad. Can't wait to get home and let him see all the toys in his room that are all his. <br />
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Tomorrow is another slow day. Results on Samuel's TB test will be in tomorrow. Praying for no news, which is good news. Our guide will pick up his passport tomorrow as well. Sunday is a shopping day, much to Matt's chagrine. Monday will be very busy - go to US Consulate to take oath, go to Shamian Island for shopping, followed by a river boat cruise at night on the Pearl River. Tuesday holds a visit to the zoo (Cassidy can't wait to see the pandas), then getting Samuel's visa so we can head home with him on Wednesday! Sorry for the long diatribe - I needed to progress to the coming home part ;)<br />
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I want to end my part with thanks again for prayers. Our guide just keeps talking about how incredibly well Samuel has handled everything. We know that's because of answered prayer. We are here because of answered prayer. So I continue to request, knowing that He is listening.<br />
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Requests: Continued health and safety for us all, negative TB test, smooth finish to paperwork, for Samuel to physically and emotionally handle that long trip home well.<br />
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Now, for the pictures...<br />
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Mr. Samuel is a slapstick kind of kid. Finds the physical play hilarious.</div>
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Any boy who has ever played with Matt know that the shirt over the head is always involved. Samuel thinks that's funny too.</div>
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He thinks Matt's funny in general. Wish we had a video of Samuel trying to do the Donald Duck voice like Matt. Too funny.</div>
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~ Martha</div>
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Martha mentioned our realization today of Samuel's hangup with the backpack and it's prized contents. Totally floored me. Possessions are something we take for granted. Our kids take them for granted. How many cell phones are in your household? We have 4. Computers? Four laptops and an iPad. Three cars, three TVs, clothes, jewelry... Well, you get the point.<br />
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So much stuff we've collected, while Samuel treasures a $2 hot wheels car. Makes me wonder what else I might take for granted in my life. Close friends? Family? Freedom? All of the mercy the Lord pours out in my life on a daily basis.<br />
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Samuel will learn that his cars and backpack aren't going to be taken from him. But our job is to teach him the truly important things along the way. We want him to discover that a true friend is more precious than gold. We want him to learn that he has the love of a family that will never give up on him. He'll never lose our love. No matter what.<br />
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Most of all, our desire - no, our responsibility, is to introduce him to the only One who loves him more than we do. To the One who laid down his life so that Samuel might live. <br />
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From the day Courtney was born Martha and I felt this weight that she know the Lord. She accepted him during VBS at our home church of Olivet Baptist Church. From the moment we met Cassidy, the heat was back. We had to know that she belonged to our gracious God. Martha had the priviledge of leading her to Jesus one afternoon in our home. <br />
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Then we felt that the greatest assignments in our lives had been completed. <br />
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Now it's back. The niggling in the back of my mind. That need to know that Samuel will live forever.<br />
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If I could, I'd give him mine, cause I know where to go to find it. But I can't. He has to find that for himself. But I can, and we will, do everything possible to introduce him to the Lord.<br />
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It's the greatest possession he could ever have.<br />
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~ Matthew<br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;"><span class="red">"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and
vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.</span> <span class="red">For
where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:20-21</span></span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-83108157777551709722013-04-18T07:21:00.002-07:002013-04-18T07:25:33.999-07:00Medical exam completed/hard questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Family photo op outside of the Chen Ancestral Hall in Guangzhou. Incredible artistry from the past and present in this museum. The picture below was probably my favorite in the museum. You see, I fancy myself a decent "stitcher." This picture is embroidery. Real art. Unbelievable.<br />
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More photo ops.</div>
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Ivory carvings. The intricacies are amazing.</div>
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The Meadors kids!</div>
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Our sweet guide spends much time explaining things to Samuel in his native tongue of Cantonese.</div>
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Samuel continues to laugh, smile, mimic, and test those boundaries. He's picking up on things so quickly. What a smart, resiliant little guy he is. He went over to spend time in his sisters' room today while we filled out - yes, more paperwork. After a while, they called and asked if we would come get him. He was having a little temper fit for his sisters. Getting comfortable? Yep. He has also relaxed into cuddles today, which is a very positive side of the getting comfortable. <br />
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Prayers for a negative TB test would be appreciated!<br />
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~Martha<br />
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Today we had Samuel's physical and blood draw for TB. He did great on the physical part, except that he wouldn't cooperate for the eye exam. However, we did not like the blood draw at all. There was much weeping and gnashing of teeth during and after. Fortunately we had a sucker handy and that made all better. He is such a good kid - just like big sisters! Don't know how Martha and I got so lucky with our kids, but they're all great.</div>
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Samuel continues to get to know his family, just as we continue to get to know him. He did learn about the corner a couple of times today - it's not his fave place to visit! :-) The next couple of days are going to be very quiet for us. Nothing scheduled for tomorrow, and just a little bit of shopping (yip-eee) for Saturday. We're all at that point in the trip where we're ready to head home, but we've still got too long to go to really dwell on it.</div>
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I've got to address something that has been eating at me since we got to Guangzhou. It's actually one thing that has really slowed down our sightseeing and robbed us of some fun - especially during the evening time - and that has been the proliferation of beggars on the streets outside our hotel. It's something that's been on my heart for several days now. The street just to the west of the hotel is referred to as McDonald's street by most of the tourists, but Courtney calls it Starbuck's street. This street could be such a cool place. There are noodle shops, a Thai food joint, a Pizza Hut that serves much more than pizza, and of course a Starbucks and a McDonalds, just to name a few. There are some other cool shops and street vendors as well.</div>
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But there are also beggars on the sidewalks, strategically stationed about 75 feet apart. These aren't just any beggars either. Several of them are so deformed that it makes me wonder if they've been surgically or forcefully altered. Several of the them are prostrate on the sidewalk, wearing nothing more than a loin cloth, flopping around a pan or hat lying by them. It breaks my heart to see such human tragedy, but it disturbs the girls terribly - so much so that they don't want to get out at night. To be honest, it disturbs me too. I'm not sure a caring person could walk up and down the sidewalks and not be troubled by such a sight. We found similar images on the sidwalk outside the Forbidden City in Beijing.</div>
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What disturbs me more, is that I've got this sickening feeling that someone is profiting off these poor souls. See, they're not out there all day every day. Most of them couldn't get out there on their own if they wanted. Yet, by 5PM or so, there they are, and they seem to be precisely placed about 75 feet apart, as if they each have their own turf. Someone is leaving them there and someone is picking them up - as far as I can tell, without even so much as a cup of water to sustain them.</div>
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It also bothers me at how easy it appears for everyone to walk right past them, or in a couple of instances, step right over them while on their way. Have we, as a society, become so calloused to the human condition that we've lost compassion? The question applies to me first and foremost. I've left money in the past and I'm going to leave more, but I find myself wanting to do more for them. Yet I mostly just walk by them, not knowing what it is I could do, and trying my best to avoid looking at these people on my way to my fancy room in the opulent Garden Hotel. These beggars need the Lord as much as anyone. And he loves them - as much as he loves me. I don't know. I don't know where the line is and what I can do to truly make a difference. Maybe leaving money does allow someone to buy food for them. But what if some evil person is pocketing most of it and using only enough to keep their cash cow alive? I have no answers - I'm not smart enough. Just questions and disappointment in myself for not doing more. To quote Casting Crowns: "If we are the body, why aren't his arms reaching?"</div>
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I would ask that everyone who reads this stop long enough to pray for these poor individuals. And I pray that all of us can do what we can to make our corners of the world better.</div>
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For all my failures, I'll rest my head tonight knowing that I'm making a difference in the lives of two former orphans.</div>
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~ Matthew </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-46349242784601735352013-04-17T05:11:00.000-07:002013-04-17T05:11:03.626-07:00Quiet day in Guangzhou<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Samuel is continuing to do amazingly well. He has been mimicking lots of words, but today as Matt came into the room, he pointed and said, "Baba!" That's Chinese for Daddy. Sweet, sweet moment.<br />
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Our daughters continue to be amazing. Samuel loves his sisters and they love him.<br />
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Below, you will see Samuel's ornery look. He is definitely a little stinker. We are working on that balance between making sure he completely trusts us and teaching him what no means. We've tried no in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. He doesn't respond appropriately to any of them, so I suspect he understands and is just being stubborn. <br />
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We decided to try to swimming pool today. When we stopped to take his t-shirt off in anticipation of swimming, he dropped his drawers too. I was laughing so hard, it was hard to help him get them back up. As far as swimming, it was an epic fail. The water was cold and Samuel hated it. I should have known that. We ventured out to a store today and got some more Diet Pepsi and snacks, as well as a stroller for Samuel. He just gets winded really easily we have too much walking ahead of us to carry him everywhere. He cried really hard the first time we put him into it, but decided quickly that it was not only okay, but fun. He giggled every time we hit a bump in the sidewalk. <br />
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Just paused posting for a serious Samuel melt down. His sisters have their own room and he did not want them to leave. I then put him into the bath, further making him mad. We saw some serious temper, but Daddy's firm "no" stopped the fit in its tracks. He's now snuggled up in Daddy's lap. I'm thinking we have some nasty show downs in our future, but I think the fact that he's comfortable enough to show his temper is actually probably a good thing. Can't be all roses, huh?<br />
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Enough for that...gotta go back to the cuteness.<br />
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We made a trip to the police station today and had Samuel's picture taken for his passport. He was a little sleepy and enjoyed a snuggle with Courtney.<br />
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Here's a video we took at Pizza Hut. Yes, Pizza Hut is our favorite place here. The pizza is really good as long as you avoid some of the more creative pizza toppings. Interesting note...at Pizza Hut you can get everything from pizza to pasta to steak. Made me think of Taco Bell in the movie Demolition Man.<br />
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I look forward to hearing those words voluntarily and with him completely understanding what he is saying.</div>
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~Martha</div>
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Martha gave you a good description of the day's events. Tomorrow is a busy day. I don't look forward to taking Samuel for his physical appointment. It isn't going to be pretty. As Martha mentioned, Samuel has been testing us a little more. Maybe it's me being a "glass half full" kind of person, but I do believe that's a good sign. It's a part of the process. He's going to test the boundaries and we've got to set them. Neither of us relish this, but as sweet as he is, he's also a strong-willed five-year-old boy. He needs to know we love him enough to set and enforce the boundaries. I get tickled at the girls. They hate it if I get the least bit stern with him. Today he was reaching to stick his finger in an electrical recept and I said "No." He stopped, looked at me and turned back to the recept. I jumped up and slapped his hand away before he got his little finger in it. He frowned at me and held his hand, but walked away. I thought the girls were going to beat me up, though. I was the bad guy with all 3 kids for a little while, but it didn't take long before we were all on good terms again. Such is the life of a dad with a new son.</div>
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Wouldn't trade it for anything!!!</div>
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~ Matthew</div>
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<em>"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they
will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6</em></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-35092931407679509462013-04-16T05:32:00.000-07:002013-04-16T05:32:00.578-07:00Officially ours!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Absolutely could not be going better with Samuel. He is silly, crazy, ornery, stubborn, and tries to make us laugh when we tell him no. Wrestling with Dad and sisters comes naturally and completely cracks him up.<br />
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His backpack is a prized possession. He packs it, unpacks it, and packs it again.<br />
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Samuel is not the only one having a little fun. There is a small play room in the hotel for the kids. Our visit there tonight resulted in much sillyness.<br />
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Peek-a-boo!</div>
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Rocking and rocking!</div>
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Aunt Cheryl...notice the OU shirt? Matt wanted to make sure you saw it ;)</div>
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Today we went to the Civil Affairs office and finished our paperwork as far as China is concerned. We promised that we want him and will never abuse or abandon him. Well, duh ;)</div>
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We then went the very long way around to the store (my fault) to buy Samuel some shoes that actually fit and were boys shoes, not girls. We are all happier with that.</div>
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Tomorrow, we go to the local police station to apply for Samuel's passport.</div>
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~Martha</div>
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Hi all, Martha wanted me to tell you she ended abruptly because Samuel was sitting in a chair yawning really big and she wanted to try and give him his first bath. We'll see if it turns out like trying to give Cassidy her first bath - exactly analagous to trying to bath a cat!!</div>
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Samuel slept fairly well last night. It took us about an hour to get him down, and he slept until two when he woke up scared and crying, so I scooped him into bed with us. He woke up again at about five, once again scared. I had to turn a light on, and when I did I saw that his eyes were still closed. I said something to him and he opened his eyes. He looked at me and then Martha and stopped crying and snuggled back in. Good sign.</div>
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I hear much wailing, hold on.... Getting our hair washed can be traumatic!</div>
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We enjoyed a pretty good day today as we continued to get to know each other. As Martha told you, we finished our China paperwork. You can tell that lawyers and politicians have had their fingers in the adoption process because it takes a small forest of trees to complete the paperwork. Sheesh.</div>
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Other than that, as Martha mentioned, Samuel is wonderful. He is 100% little boy. I don't think that playroom will ever be the same! :-)</div>
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We had our first showdown today! :-) I had put a stool away and he wanted it back out. I said no, and he locked eyes with me and began pulling it back out anyway. So, I took it from him and put it back where I had it and told him no again. Needless to say, this displeased him greatly. He pouted at me until I made a funny face at him. He laughed, and I no longer wore the title of bad cop.</div>
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I have so much on my mind that I want to say. Hopefully soon I'll be able to get it out. Suffice it to say that I am continually amazed by the grace God pours out on us every day, in every breath.</div>
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~ Matthew</div>
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<em>"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Corinthians 13:14</em></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-16671273192268380902013-04-15T06:22:00.001-07:002013-04-15T06:22:58.736-07:00Gotcha!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The streets on guangzhou are horrible! there are people lying on the streets begging for money. Getting Samuel was amazing though.<br />
~ Cassidy<br />
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Waiting, waiting, waiting; what seemed like forever was in reality probably only thirty minutes. Then we see him, he sees us. He is very studious and will watch you before he decides how he feels about you. It took only a few minutes for him to warm up to us in the hotel room. He looooves to repeat whatever you say (he's a quick learner), and he loves it when you praise his actions. My favorite moment of the night: we were talking about where to go for dinner, Samuel sleepily rubbed his eyes and put out his hands in that universal "pick me up" motion. I was more than happy to oblige. <br />
~ Courtney<br />
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Without further ado....pictures!<br />
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Yes, he is doing THAT well. It took a few minutes to warm up, but man, did he warm up. He's tired now and we'll see how bedtime goes, but so far, Samuel has been amazing. So many new sights and sounds for him today, and he studies every new thing very closely. He spent a long time this afternoon mimicking everything anyone said. He was funny and he laughed out loud at himself. We are overjoyed and could not have asked for a better day. Wanna see a video? I knew you did.<br />
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~ Martha<br />
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Where are the words? There are few moments in life that are so joyous as adding a child to your family. This one is right there with the others. Samuel is amazing. I hear Martha's beautiful voice singing to him as she rocks him, trying to get him to go to sleep. And even now, with him crying and fighting sleep, I just can't imagine a day that could've gone any better. He is so smart, so funny, and such a joy! His million megawatt smile could melt the coldest of hearts. When he's nervous he gets very quiet and studies everything. I can just hear him thinking "Okay, the Mama is a pushover, but the big dopey looking one might be kinda tough."<br />
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Martha is incredible. Since August 2nd, 1997, the day Courtney LeeAnn was born, she has been my hero. So patient and loving. Sitting in the Civil Affairs Office, anticipating the arrival of Samuel and his entourage (nanny and orphanage director) she crackled with nervous energy. She was like a big ball of raw nerves. She cried with every other adoptive family as they met their children and laughed and cried with every smile from the children. Then she cried just because! As we waited, I searched her lovely brown eyes and found the soul of a beautiful, loving and caring person and I fell head over heals with her all over again. Who would've dreamed, 30 years ago, that the Lord Jesus would take us down the paths we've gone so far? And I know the best is yet to come!<br />
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Courtney and Cassidy are awesome. They are going to be the greatest big sisters! Before we left our room, in our last moments as a family of 4, we gathered and prayed. Hearing their sweet, earnest prayers filled my heart with equal amounts of pride and humility. Proud of the people they are becoming and humbled by the power of their prayers. No pretense, no groping for just the right words. Just coming to God on simple, honest terms. They both had tears in their eyes at the orphanage. Courtney is such a natural with kids!!! Some day, in about 30 or 40 years, when I let her get married, she is going to be a great mother. Her eyes light up around Samuel and she is so free with a smile for him. Cassidy is a proud big sister. She helped Courtney wrangle Samuel when we stopped at the market after leaving the CAO. Courtney held one hand and Cassidy held the other, and they all three held my heart. She shared her pizza crust with him at dinner, and that's like asking a hungry lioness to share her meal!<br />
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It is amazing to believe that after such a long journey we are finally a family of five. The Lord has blessed us beyond belief. When I look at my wife, daughters and son, I wonder how did I ever deserve all of this. God is so gracious.<br />
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~ Matthew<br />
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<em>"For the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-19006598233899790222013-04-14T07:05:00.001-07:002013-04-14T07:05:55.185-07:00Hello From Guangzhou!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday morning at Tienamen Square</span></em></div>
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We landed in Guangzhou around 4:30 this afternoon, about an hour later than anticipated due to delays in Beijing. We are soooo glad to have arrived at this point in the journey. While Beijing was fun, for us laid back Okies it's nice to get away from the huge city of Beijing and it's population of 30 million to the sleepy city of Guangzhou and it's 15 million inhabitants! </div>
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Our guide for this portion of the journey is Grace - an appropriate name if you ask me. She picked us up at the airport and took us to the hotel. I'm not even going to talk about how nice the Garden Hotel is, I'll let Martha do that. Just suffice it to say that they don't usually let peoople like me in a place like this! The beggars on the street. Martha is speaking to that tonight. I need time to process.</div>
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Not sure how well I'll sleep tonight. A constant prayer of ours has been that the Lord go before us to prepare Samuel's heart, but yet I find myself half expectant that he will not like me at first. That's okay, cause either way I'll still be his daddy! Here I am, at 46 years old, on the other side of the world and I'm about to be a daddy to a 5 year old Chinese boy! Who woulda thunk it? Only God the Father can write a story like that!</div>
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~ Matthew<br />
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We spent the day traveling, so we took no new pictures. Matt mentioned the hotel. Grace told us the Garden Hotel is the nicest in Guangzhou. It is very opulent, roomy, kind of an oasis from the crazy outside world truthfully. This is the hotel chosen by our adoption agency for all of its families. Because tomorrow is the start of the Canton Trade Fair, the hotel is incredibly busy with business travelers from all over the world. I can tell they feel more at home here than we do. Don't get me wrong - I am SO HAPPY to be here. Like I said, it's kind of an oasis. We are very near some good restaurants and stores. We ate at a Thai restaurant tonight. All of us ate well for about 20 US dollars. The same street has Starbucks, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, 7 Eleven.<br />
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Here's the difficult part. On our way to & back from this restaurant, we have to cross a crazy street. Chinese drivers will not slow down for pedestrians. They will just hit you. Scary crossing! <br />
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The other, much more difficult part, is the beggars on the street. I'm not talking just homeless people (and I am not downplaying that), but people with serious deformities lying on the sidewalk. So hard to walk by knowing there's really nothing we can do to help. So hard to watch our girls see that. Just hard, especially walking back to our opulent hotel with a full belly. I can't get the image out of my mind, that sick feeling out of the pit of my stomach. Don't know how to react. Completely at a loss. <br />
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Enough rambling. My brain is full. Here's a few more pictures from yesterday. This is the funny sign of the day. Again, you'll have to click on the picture to see the close up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00_m_JRyDgyK9_bewdd0jogJiOgipuAmqACJubpnWo2jILJZAGpAk4PRliwTgm9vQpWicclhi6E5JQj7aGz-uCpRXRNPaTFKabE1LuaeoNCx7ews8Agupx388vv1NAjj9_sKrXXAv3P4/s1600/Funny+Pic+Summer+Palace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00_m_JRyDgyK9_bewdd0jogJiOgipuAmqACJubpnWo2jILJZAGpAk4PRliwTgm9vQpWicclhi6E5JQj7aGz-uCpRXRNPaTFKabE1LuaeoNCx7ews8Agupx388vv1NAjj9_sKrXXAv3P4/s320/Funny+Pic+Summer+Palace.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the lake adjacent to the Summer Palace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY2VZNlofAxCcOkwqj2YOh6C19f-mhoUO2wtnwN8TtEdtKO_2pFZBL4ZFkZdjGqRPYyQ5BSocSZMlttXSO1o4ZPg4tDj7yRutgFObX31WJB1bSrIwGFauyRs0vbfAWkyYD9WQLFj9cEE/s1600/view+from+summer+palace+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY2VZNlofAxCcOkwqj2YOh6C19f-mhoUO2wtnwN8TtEdtKO_2pFZBL4ZFkZdjGqRPYyQ5BSocSZMlttXSO1o4ZPg4tDj7yRutgFObX31WJB1bSrIwGFauyRs0vbfAWkyYD9WQLFj9cEE/s320/view+from+summer+palace+garden.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's part of the Forbidden City under renovation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSOfwNVMP0Gkm0WUI567q5yEBQ1N6vHmUTeSIPXDc5DtanSGyxEqO2y9BtYHJl6ncqWVRMfjFFKdvDyjp5rxT8tnt4heeHv6kU0ktgBmu97P4CKLOTr79fVBSN7zS_qa7_mQTj7koL2Y/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSOfwNVMP0Gkm0WUI567q5yEBQ1N6vHmUTeSIPXDc5DtanSGyxEqO2y9BtYHJl6ncqWVRMfjFFKdvDyjp5rxT8tnt4heeHv6kU0ktgBmu97P4CKLOTr79fVBSN7zS_qa7_mQTj7koL2Y/s320/DSC_0105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Interesting fact learned about the Forbidden City and Summer Palace and apparently houses in China as well. The thresholds in both palaces are like 6 inches tall. You have to step over. Our Beijing guide explained that these are to keep out "devil spirits." They believe these spirits can't jump over these thresholds. The guide said her childhood home had thresholds like this. They also represent the father of the family and are never to be stepped on, only over. Cassidy found that funny and stepped on every one she had a chance to from there on. Ornery girl. <br />
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Tomorrow is THE DAY. We will meet Samuel at last. What a bundle of emotions I am. I'm tired and words are failing me.<br />
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Please pray for us - that Samuel will just know in his heart that we love him and that he can trust us completely; that we will know how to meet his needs; that his health will be strong; that we will all stay healthy; that the overwhelming parts of this trip will not be overwhelming but that God will teach us what He wants us to learn from it all.<br />
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Thank you all! Good night.<br />
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~Martha<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-30672809127982594612013-04-13T05:12:00.000-07:002013-04-13T05:13:42.933-07:00Experiencing History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEucuxMrOZAdpPz9nuMupBI43FlDpUBt8w_TCd5_SZZ96zg3tJtg1-hzfS24Imiloq4sXAittmjnRF928ZubOc_DZMTk_IyZH40VhPzdkZNjB675YA4TTQRO4do1kjOAgUv_vIAtWcFOY/s1600/family+summer+palace+cherry+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEucuxMrOZAdpPz9nuMupBI43FlDpUBt8w_TCd5_SZZ96zg3tJtg1-hzfS24Imiloq4sXAittmjnRF928ZubOc_DZMTk_IyZH40VhPzdkZNjB675YA4TTQRO4do1kjOAgUv_vIAtWcFOY/s320/family+summer+palace+cherry+tree.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>Under cherry blossom tree at Summer Palace</em></div>
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The forbidden city and the summer palace was cool to see i'm still </div>
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excited to get Samuel.</div>
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~Cassidy</div>
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Today was very interesting, the Forbidden City, Tianamen Square, and the summer palace all in one day. I feel like on this trip we are hearing a lot more about the history of these places, and doing less and less of the main touristy stuff. I think I like the summer palace the most because of the more nature-friendly atmosphere: the lake, the garden. It's a very nice walk along the lake and the breeze off of it is awesome! The Forbidden City is huge, and most people tend to go more on the main path-straight through-but I really liked it that we went to parts that weren't jam-packed with people. Three hour flight tomorrow, maybe I can finally shake this jetlag! </div>
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~ Courtney</div>
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And on to pictures! Below is the entrance to the Forbidden City. See all the people? Yeah, we were feeling a little overwhelmed with the crowds today. Fascinating place, though. Everything is incredibly ornate, as this was a palace for the emporers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApTN_7EVR22WswwXoo2h10A-hi-0k__VPYXIXuuR_u3dpFcykzTZ2D4k4Ev38xveEZ25onbq83VE_vf0TRr04ovY45wogiuu7mnH5t5zEji-oTIIB3cvw5kqa6iGgf1qEeU3dCShK_V8/s1600/crowd+entrance+to+Forbidden+City.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApTN_7EVR22WswwXoo2h10A-hi-0k__VPYXIXuuR_u3dpFcykzTZ2D4k4Ev38xveEZ25onbq83VE_vf0TRr04ovY45wogiuu7mnH5t5zEji-oTIIB3cvw5kqa6iGgf1qEeU3dCShK_V8/s320/crowd+entrance+to+Forbidden+City.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
For lunch, we had what they call Beijing noodles. It took a few bites to get used to, but it really was good. It was not a tourist place, but where locals eat. That was fun. <br />
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This is in front of the man made lake adjacent to the gardens of the Summer Palace. It was beautiful here today with a nice breeze coming off the water.</div>
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Tiananmen Square is just amazingly big. This square can hold 1,000,000 people. Today there weren't quite that many, but plenty crowded. Lots of Chinese tourists, actually.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRFLVrkwwXYzkiwe8GRzCJsA2JBs7l_5edgJCPZN5yFoKw6nhkWugIYt3BgsjOdSJzjK4tOYY_HiVpB03TztsCnNlggen10JCmOBBGKOKT1vKwESAgNm0seYO-PhnjbO-ysjCOvVXzxM/s1600/Tiannamen+Square.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRFLVrkwwXYzkiwe8GRzCJsA2JBs7l_5edgJCPZN5yFoKw6nhkWugIYt3BgsjOdSJzjK4tOYY_HiVpB03TztsCnNlggen10JCmOBBGKOKT1vKwESAgNm0seYO-PhnjbO-ysjCOvVXzxM/s320/Tiannamen+Square.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were told this was a light day for Beijing traffic. Mercy! I have never experienced constant traffic like here.</div>
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This photo was taken in the garden of the Forbidden City. It was really pretty as well.<br />
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Here's the sign of the day. If you click on the picture, you will be able to see the sign above the shop door that reads, "God Save the Streaking." What that means, I will never know. The other funny today was on our menu at lunch. I got a picture on my phone, but can't get it over to the computer. In the description under a menu item, it said, "The city flavor explodes a belly." Didn't want THAT to happen!<br />
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Sorry the pictures are kind of in random order. We went to Tiananmen Square, then the Forbidden City, then lunch, and finally to the Summer Palace. This has certainly been an interesting couple of days in Beijing. We have seen and heard a lot of history of this nation. Always interesting to hear how the guide's view (and probably information) differs from ours on former rulers and leaders. I am looking forward to going to Guangzhou tomorrow and getting ready to meet our son on Monday! Indescribable.</div>
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~Martha</div>
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Another fine day seeing the sights in Beijing. I still get chills in Tiananmen Square, but I never said anything to our guide. I hate to admit this, but the giant portrait of Chairman Mao on the North end of the square kind of gives me the creeps. As the generations pass, it seems that Mao's legacy lessens. The current generation doesn't worship him as a god as past generations have, but they still revere him as a great leader. It's almost like they have never learned of his treachery and tyranny. Yes, he did good things for the country, but at a large price of souls. </div>
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The Forbidden City is incredibly rich in history. It's amazing to see the rooms where emperors roamed so long ago. The detail in the architecture is wonderful. The extravagance is a little much for me, but you can appreciate the workmanship in the structures, furniture and belongings.</div>
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It was sad to exit the Forbidden City and run into beggars on the street. Your heart breaks for them. We ran across 3 or 4 in a row whose bodies were deformed and broken. Sights that we just don't see back home. It sure makes me thanksful to the Lord for His unending grace and mercy in our lives!</div>
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The Summer Palace is like a miniature Forbidden City in architecture and design, but I think we all preferred it. The grounds were slightly less crowded than at the Forbidden City, and the highlights there are the beauty in the gardens and nice breeze coming off the lake.</div>
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Tomorrow is a travel day. We fly to Guangzhou in preparation to get our son on Monday. I can't can't get the images of those beggars out of my mind. Lord willing, Samuel will never experience such an existence himself. The reason we came here is fast approaching. I think we're all nervous, but expectant.</div>
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~ Matthew</div>
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<em>"For I know the plans<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11</em></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-63477999901605472302013-04-12T04:44:00.001-07:002013-04-12T04:44:20.040-07:00Great Wall visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LTRz4apumb6XUSHFAEyDNjI0zZrgZXskkuJ5-DcLWTP-yMd1xLlFG_Wg_SBuCFLX5kYunttsGQGJsBToUgLLf_ummFwwUzaOV1rrfiEzfTr0FMFTeaQsmmj2yX-imZgDZRxXkg9G05M/s1600/Great+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LTRz4apumb6XUSHFAEyDNjI0zZrgZXskkuJ5-DcLWTP-yMd1xLlFG_Wg_SBuCFLX5kYunttsGQGJsBToUgLLf_ummFwwUzaOV1rrfiEzfTr0FMFTeaQsmmj2yX-imZgDZRxXkg9G05M/s320/Great+wall.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What a beautiful day to visit the great wall with temperatures in the 70's, and a light breeze which made it perfect for climbing the steeper parts! Eight years ago we visited the wall at a spot closer in to town, and while it was still way cool, this one was better. First off, the weather conditions today sure beat the 30 degree temps we experienced on our way to get Cassy. Secondly, this was further out and slightly less touristy. To start, we took a ski-lift partially up into the mountains, breathing in the crisp cool air and soaking in the scenery and sun. From there we began making the climb from tower to tower, stopping in each one to take pictures and revel in the views. Amazing to think we were standing on a piece of history about 2,000 years old! I'll save some of the description for Martha and the girls.<br />
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Thanks for all the prayers, they're appreciated more than you can imagine! Three more sleeps until we see Samuel!<br />
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~ Matthew<br />
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The mountains were so beautiful. Unlike the North American Rockies, the peaks are very jagged. Just look different. The Chinese lettering on this mountain says, "Follow Mao." </div>
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Here we are on the Great Wall. </div>
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I'm thinking this might show a little of the steepness of the climb/descent on the wall. One thing that makes it hard to walk is that the angles are steep and the steps are uneven in height. You sure have to concentrate on the height of each step. It looks about like this between each tower - steep downgrade then back up. About halfway into this trek, I was kicking myself for not doing a little "gonna climb the Great Wall" training regimen before we came. My leg muscles were literally shaking by the time we got back to where we started.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXF0WqPcDw1TxC4Lpy8yNMB-IRZ0JFpFQcmq_0dHOLGhJGivTAYU5Xl73fledcMhXENAP9L8pjG4Pod-h3aMlHlIBc0pG6t2qdOi4T1FNBbCxrP8_B5RnCZB6jGXdJlNpslEABwzUpuY/s1600/View+out+hotel+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXF0WqPcDw1TxC4Lpy8yNMB-IRZ0JFpFQcmq_0dHOLGhJGivTAYU5Xl73fledcMhXENAP9L8pjG4Pod-h3aMlHlIBc0pG6t2qdOi4T1FNBbCxrP8_B5RnCZB6jGXdJlNpslEABwzUpuY/s320/View+out+hotel+window.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the view out of our hotel window. I had forgotten the busy hustle bustle of this city. Walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street is completely crazy. You can get run over by bicycles, scooters, or even cars wherever you are it seems. We listen to car horns honking constantly. Sure reminds me how much I love the slower pace of good old Oklahoma.</div>
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Below is the funny sign of the day. I hope you can read it. The Chinese translations into English crack me up. I wonder if English translations into Chinese are so bad. The section of the wall that we visited had the option of going down from one of the towers riding a taboggan down a stainless steel plume. We chose to take the ski lift chairs back down, but it did look like fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mF-Hs3ur9tY1FCfZW0wI-tXCU9gnsgflsJp-AFtAvGBRN8k5oHeOtCPs8Bp73F0P6elzVanHxOkosvtzsNYEDmnmxSt2Wi0IQEpR7V4qRRxqJghH7PJkE7r7lKISaRKc7XdhGDnfO9w/s1600/funny+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mF-Hs3ur9tY1FCfZW0wI-tXCU9gnsgflsJp-AFtAvGBRN8k5oHeOtCPs8Bp73F0P6elzVanHxOkosvtzsNYEDmnmxSt2Wi0IQEpR7V4qRRxqJghH7PJkE7r7lKISaRKc7XdhGDnfO9w/s320/funny+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had lunch at a restaurant called The Schoolhouse after our visit to the wall. It was a tourist place, good food, high prices (they DID have a COLD Diet Coke, which made me happy.) Dinner was at a Chinese restaurant across from our hotel. Really good fried rice and we all ate for about $10. We will probably go see them again tomorrow night.</div>
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We are all pretty wiped out and headed back to the hotel tonight. Tomorrow, we visit the Forbidden City, Tiannamen Square, and the Summer Palace. Lots of walking, but not so steep :)</div>
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Good night all!</div>
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~Martha</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-78562303083600798912013-04-11T06:49:00.000-07:002013-04-11T06:49:42.843-07:00Hello from BeijingWe made it! The weather around Chicago caused us hours of delays, but we made our connection and here we are. We all faired well and are exhausted from a lack of sleep. Our guide met us at the airport and got us checked into our hotel. We visited the 7 Eleven across the street for water and some snacks and now we're preparing for bed. Tomorrow we go to the Great Wall! More later when I can form some thoughts.<br />
<br />
~Martha<br />
<br />
<br />
We made it to beijing and tomorrow we are going to see the great wall!<br />
cassidy<br />
<br />
<br />
Hey all! Well, aside from the four hours of delays everything else went according to plan. We're all very tired but glad to be here. Flight here took us up and over the Northern edge of Alaska, so not quite as close to the North Pole as last time. Big day tomorrow. We'll keep you posted!<br />
<br />
p.s. Ask Martha about the revolving doors!<br />
<br />
~ MatthewUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-56604619005853020462013-04-09T17:56:00.000-07:002013-04-09T17:56:06.023-07:00Countdown!A little over 10 hours till we leave on a jet plane. Wow. Seems so surreal right now. I've checked everything on the to do list and we will be packed once the dryer finishes with that last load of laundry. <br />
<br />
Here's a quick run down of schedule and such. The time difference - China is 13 hours ahead of CST. We will arrive in Beijing Thurs afternoon (their time). We will try to get acclimated to the new time zone and do some sightseeing on Friday & Saturday. Sunday we fly to Guangzhou, where we will meet Samuel on Monday. Exactly the timing of everything else, I honestly can't tell you. We will make a visit to the orphanage, have a medical appt for Samuel, interview with Chinese officials about the adoption, have an oath taking ceremony at the US Consulate. In between those things, we will do sightseeing and shopping and whatever else our guides suggest. <br />
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We will be blogging hopefully daily. As always, we are thankful for your prayers and words of encouragement. <br />
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One more sleep (theoretically - the sleeping part, that is).<br />
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Love to you all!<br />
<br />
~MarthaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-54245359819436215252013-04-08T04:58:00.001-07:002013-04-08T04:58:48.472-07:00Humbled and Commissioned<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It’s Monday morning, just 2 more
sleeps as Martha likes to say, until we leave for China and Samuel.<span>
</span>Yesterday morning, two pastors that I respect, look up to and love joined
with other members of our church family – a family that we adore – and
surrounded Martha, Courtney, Cassidy and I to pray for us and commission us in
our journey to bring Samuel home.<span> </span>What a blessing to have people
whom I know are better than I could ever dream to be place their hands on my
shoulder and carry us to heaven in prayer.<span> </span>I am truly humbled.</div>
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But the lesson in humility didn’t
just start.<span> </span>It’s been carried out for about a year now.<span>
</span>When we took the leap of faith and embarked on another adoption journey
back in March of 2010 we knew in some part what we were getting into.<span>
</span>We knew it would be a long, long road with mountains of paperwork to
climb and oceans of red tape to wade through.</div>
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We knew there would be
worries.<span> </span>Money, Courtney, Cassidy, and acceptance/approval by
friends and family all hit the list.<span> </span>We told you that we wanted to
be transparent in this whole process, hoping that anyone who might be interested
in adoption would be inspired to take the ride and provide a family to a
precious child – and at least one couple has!</div>
<br />
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But let me swallow this lump in
my throat and tell you about what we didn’t expect.<span> </span>Our family on
my mom’s side, the Wells, passing the purse (albeit a Texas Longhorn purse) and
taking up a sizeable collection to get our funding kicked off at last summer’s
family reunion.<span> </span>We didn’t anticipate at least 4 incredible
families from our adoption network of friends paying far more, and then some,
than what we asked for our fundraiser t-shirts.<span> </span>Our second parents
(and you know who you are), have done more for us than we could ever repay –
although I pray I get the chance to try!<span> </span>No less than half a dozen
individuals/families from OBC have contributed to the cause and some more than
once.<span> </span>I like to think I’m a writer, yet I will never be able to
come up with the words to express our gratitude.<span> </span>You have
overwhelmed us with your love and generosity.<span> </span>Thank you!</div>
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That’s just the money
part.<span> </span>Family and friends from around the world have encouraged and
lifted us up in prayer.<span> </span>Coworkers and neighbors have invested
themselves in our saga.<span> </span>Your encouragement has meant more to us
than you will ever know.</div>
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We knew our brothers and sister
in Soul’d Out would be at our side, they have been for over twenty years now –
day after day, week after week.<span> </span>We’ve shared far more than just
music together.<span> </span>You guys have been there – Sink or Swim and we
love you guys with all our heart!</div>
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Olivet Baptist Church is an
incredible church family, as already alluded to above.<span> </span>But I don’t
think we realized how much they would invest themselves into the
adventure.<span> </span>We’ve had prayer warriors lifting Samuel and us up on a
daily basis.<span> </span>There hasn’t been a week go by when we didn’t get a
word of encouragement from a church member.<span> </span>I could write an
entire different blog post on how the OBC family has been intertwined in our
lives for over 26 years and I hope to some day.<span> </span>But suffice it to
say that I am a grateful member of OBC.</div>
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I think the last thing I didn’t
expect was how the Lord would use all those mentioned above to teach me
humility.<span> </span>Not just in Sunday’s prayer, but in the events of the
last year.<span> </span>You see, I’m not really all that proud about most
things – I never felt there was much in myself alone to be proud of.<span> </span></div>
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But for all of the lowliness I’ve
always felt inside, I’ve come to realize how prideful I’d become in one certain
area, and that’s in letting (or rather, not letting) people help.<span>
</span>I’ve never asked for a handout (not even from my parents) in my life, and
I’ve taken pride in that fact.<span> </span>After all, doesn’t the Bible say
that if a man doesn’t work he doesn’t eat?</div>
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Oh, I was okay with selling
books, t-shirts or whatever to raise money, but don’t give it to me.<span>
</span>Huh unh.<span> </span>I’ve always taken pride in providing for my
family.<span> </span>I’ve been proud of my self-sufficiency.<span>
</span>There’s that word again.<span> </span>One of the seven deadlies.<span>
</span>Yep, I’m guilty.<span> </span>It has pained me to have these gifts
lavished upon us.<span> </span>Made me feel like a beggar.<span>
</span>Needy.</div>
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But isn’t needy exactly what I
am?<span> </span>I’m in need of God’s love, grace and redemption every single
day of my life.<span> </span>And God has graciously used family, church family
and friends to drive this through my stubborn pride and hard head.<span>
</span>They’ve been like heavenly sledgehammers, pounding away with unsolicited,
unmerited gift after gift, teaching me that it’s okay to let others help – maybe
they’re just following a calling from the Lord.<span> </span>Maybe they just
want to be a part of something greater than me and my foolish pride.<span>
</span>I ask for the Lord’s help then stubbornly try to reject it when it comes
from the hands of His children.<span> </span>What a dummy I can be!</div>
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I’m not self sufficient.<span>
</span>My hope, my abilities, whatever shred of good that might be in me comes
from Jesus Christ alone.<span> </span>I am nothing without Him.<span>
</span>Oh, I’ve always known that – even wrote songs about it.<span> </span>But
I guess it never completely sunk through to my heart.<span> </span>Now I truly
understand what it means to place your trust in God Almighty and not your own
abilities.<span> </span>Accept what He gives, in whatever form it comes.</div>
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And it only took the Lord
forty-six years and hundreds of fellow believers to bring me to this
realization!<span> </span>Not bad for a guy whose neck size is bigger than his
IQ, huh?</div>
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To all those mentioned in this
rambling blog, thank you.<span> </span>Thank you, thank you, thank you!!<span>
</span>Thanks for the surprises and love.<span> </span>Thanks for the tears of
joy you brought to Martha and I, and the lessons in humility – as painful as
they might be.<span> </span>Did I say thank you?</div>
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I make you this promise: I will
be faithful to the calling of raising my son.<span> </span>I will love him
completely and unconditionally, just as I do my daughters, and try my best to
point him to the cross.<span> </span>I will rely on the Lord to help me teach
him what it means to be a Godly man.<span> </span>I will hit my knees daily,
realizing my need and my shortcomings as a model to my children and ask Abba
Father for help.</div>
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Then accept it when it comes.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i>“I thank my God every time I
remember you.<span> </span>In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with
joy…”<span> </span>Philippians 1:3,4</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">~
Matthew</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-74837587366648536972013-04-04T06:43:00.000-07:002013-04-04T06:43:04.360-07:00The roller coasterWe leave for China in 6 more sleeps! <br />
<br />
Even as I say that, I am really questioning if I am dreaming. <br />
<br />
Two years ago, Matt & I agreed that God was telling us to jump on the adoption roller coaster again. <br />
As I was laying awake one night thinking of all that entailed, I thought of a title for the new blog I was planning on creating to chronicle the ride. Hand in Hand. Heart in Heart. Didn't know where that came from, but I went with it. <br />
<br />
A year later, we saw a picture of a little boy on an e-mail from our agency. They were calling him Simon. I don't know how, but Matt & I knew that he was ours. It's unexplainable. We just knew. He was on their special focus list. Why? He has a serious congenital <strong><span style="color: red;">heart</span></strong> defect. He also has a malformed <strong><span style="color: red;">hand</span></strong>. I honestly didn't connect those conditions with the name of our blog until much later. So you don't think God is in the details?<br />
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So now, we are so close to traveling and there are so many details. I will not bore you with my to do list, but I will excitedly tell you that it's dwindling. No, Samuel's room is not ready yet. But it will be. Are there things that I'll forget to do? Yep, but I trust God won't let me forget anything truly important. <br />
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I am trying hard to take deep breaths often and remember that He is in the details. I'm trying to relax and enjoy the ride. I need to let go of the handle, throw my hands up in the air, and scream with delight. By nature, I'm more the hold on tight, close my eyes, groan, and wait for the ride to stop kind of person. But I AM TRYING!<br />
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We can't express enough our thanks for <strong>every</strong> prayer said on our behalf, <strong>every</strong> dollar of hard earned money that has been given to us, <strong>every</strong> time someone asked how it's going, <strong>every</strong> word of encouragement. Knowing that those prayers will continue as we travel and as we come home ready to address Samuel's medical needs is more comforting than you will ever know. God has brought us here. There is NO DOUBT about that. He'll stick around for the next chapters too.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: blue;">"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: blue;"></span></em><br />
<span style="color: black;">Now, back to that to do list.....</span><br />
<br />
~MarthaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-76645199686723458702013-03-26T13:52:00.003-07:002013-03-26T13:52:46.375-07:00New pictures of Samuel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzMH00DC5bZKsib1UdufTpEaCOGl9kKKEQF0mFrORpgdURsHxkB8D65Gtn7Ne2rmSlZP9IHucsrgw4vXuK8qGhppeRzja2ZEqH3FUl73PzkUXkZ_deY5_3gPRjceS997GuCb7utMI5Y8/s1600/Samuel+up+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzMH00DC5bZKsib1UdufTpEaCOGl9kKKEQF0mFrORpgdURsHxkB8D65Gtn7Ne2rmSlZP9IHucsrgw4vXuK8qGhppeRzja2ZEqH3FUl73PzkUXkZ_deY5_3gPRjceS997GuCb7utMI5Y8/s320/Samuel+up+close.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc5qcAtNJKMUGMmhW2O_4k10glYvgcdXqDGZlZSREFv5Iua59mvyzxzuL1tMuSP43u0jMOzvRgTkvyzWPGB4etwwH2OwukBntb8qdDzPPTz5Nyh3OB4cQv5D77mUIgfgenAPGTU0ndEM/s1600/Samuel+hello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc5qcAtNJKMUGMmhW2O_4k10glYvgcdXqDGZlZSREFv5Iua59mvyzxzuL1tMuSP43u0jMOzvRgTkvyzWPGB4etwwH2OwukBntb8qdDzPPTz5Nyh3OB4cQv5D77mUIgfgenAPGTU0ndEM/s320/Samuel+hello.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
The Lifeline workers who saw Samuel both describe him as sweet. Looks sweet to me! Love seeing a smile.<br />
<br />
We got some updated medical information. Not bad news, but please pray that his little body will handle the stress and flights well. <br />
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Isn't he cute?<br />
<br />
~Martha<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677257215922097457.post-23828334981043013082013-03-26T07:49:00.001-07:002013-03-26T07:49:20.891-07:00Travel approval!!!!We officially have travel approval and a confirmed consulate appointment! I am working on flight arrangements today, but it looks like we'll be leaving for China April 10.<br />
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Funny, I have anticipated this news. Longed for this news. Waited impatiently for this news. I've made lists for preparing, lists for packing, lists for everything. Now all I can seem to accomplish is running around in circles, accomplishing nothing, and saying "Oh my goodness!" Expectant mom ADD. It's a scary thing.<br />
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We should have new pictures and an updated medical report today or tomorrow.<br />
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Prayer request ~ best flight arrangements, wisdom on what/how to prepare Samuel for the trip home, good prices on air & hotel!<br />
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Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!<br />
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~MarthaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0