tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68848012546297361412024-02-18T20:13:23.444-08:00For the Love of OneAdopting a boy in China with thalassemiaKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-91012005643367181182014-02-22T19:38:00.004-08:002014-02-22T19:38:59.682-08:00How are you?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">How are you? It's a question asked of me all the time. I'm fortunate enough that most are genuine and want to know how we are.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’ve wondered so many times how to write this post. If I
should write this post and if I should then what do I say? How do I encourage
others to continue to adopt children with chronic needs and still be honest with those around me?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m not sure I have the answer to those questions. I’m not
sure of most things these days. But I want to share with you my heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We adopted a little boy with Thalassemia, specifically beta
major. It is listed as a chronic, life-threatening illness. It’s involved and
complicated. Even with a biology background I get lost in the medical files and
terms and medical trials and gene therapy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I knew life would change. I knew that in my head, but it’s
always different than living it day in and day out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me be completely honest for a minute. It’s harder than I
could have imagined to live this out in life. It’s beyond exhausting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’ve traded playdates for doctor’s appointments. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’ve traded girl’s nights out for a good nights rest after a
long day at the hospital. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’ve traded my relaxing mornings or letting kids fend for
themselves for getting up to make sure medicine is mixed properly, measured and
taken in a timely manner. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>two weeks
or so we sit in the hospital. This does not mean that I sit and crochet while
the blood drips into my son’s veins and keeps him alive. It means I get up and
get a slushy for the tenth time to keep him hydrated. It means I coax him to
sleep and switch my Pandora to Chinese music to soothe him after the Benadryl gives
him anxiety. I watch his big, scared eyes stare into me and I remind him that I
will not leave him and he can fall asleep. It means that I wheel his IV cart
into the bathroom with him and try not to die in the mess of cords while
helping him since an entire arm is out of commission. It means I watch the
movie Cars five times in one day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means I debate with doctors and nurses on how to treat
this illness. It means I go home after 6-7 hours more tired than I can describe.
And dinner still needs to be cooked and kids needs to go to bed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We miss a lot more church these days. When your doctor says
a simple virus may cause aplastic crisis you tend to stay home if you hear of
colds flying around the kids at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You try not to worry when the kid behind you coughs in your face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Life changed faster than I thought it would. My family is
different than the average family. Our needs are different. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I finally came through the fog of the adoption crisis, and
the medical jargon. But I’m different. I feel the change. My life has been
touched with the threat of the unknown. Friends talk to me about potty training
and recipes and I think I tend to stare into the abyss trying to remember how
to talk about normal things. How do I get my brain to stop computing and
storing information about phenotyping and blood matching? How do I stop being
the advocate, the momma bear, and go back to being the friend? I get lost in my
roles. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’ll never forget the day the Make-a-wish packet arrived.
Life slammed me in the face. I was so happy for my son, but I held him closely
that night and wiped silent tears with my sleeve. The seriousness wasn’t in my
imagination. It was real. My boy was ill.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The day the doctor called us in to meet with us just to show
us a chart of how ill my son is will be forever seared in my memory. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">My kids are trying to understand that they will outlive
their brother. My kids ask how long their brother will live. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">They are struggling to know how to talk to him appropriately
about life in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they
talk to him about having grandkids? When he says he’ll live to 100 they look at
me with big eyes and I shake my head telling them to just let him talk. My
oldest knows what it means that her brother was granted a wish. My youngest
cries because he can’t have a wish. And I pray and thank God in my heart that
he won’t. And I wonder is that selfish? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am often asked what his life expectancy is. I’m a mother
and I talk often about my son’s life expectancy. Let that soak in for a moment.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talk about my son’s possible death
frequently. I talk of possibilities and chances for life. Let that soak in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all at the end of the day I’m just
a mom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I say to them that some are living to 60 these days with a
big smile on my face. I talk to them about the amazing advances being made. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t mention that a 30 year old and a
40 year old in my circle just passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t mention that his medicine is currently not working. And
then I go home and cry because I realize that if even he lives to 60 I’ll still
be around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I deal with the
constant reality that I will more than likely bury my own son. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Living with chronic illness means I laugh and I watch my son
run and giggle and in the middle of the laugh my heart catches and I remember
to hold these memories in my heart. I remember to thank God for today, for this
carefree moment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;">So, how am I? I'm different and that's okay. God called me to this road and we walk it with faith. </span></o:p><span style="font-size: large;">Would I recommend this life? Absolutely. With every ounce
of my being, I answer yes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe God won’t call you to it. Maybe He won’t ask this of
you. Maybe He will ask you to travel a different road. But if this is the road
He asks you to walk. Walk it, with great faith. Faith that knows God can move
mountains. Faith that knows His way is best, always. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">No regrets. After all I’m just a mother loving her son. Is
it different because he is adopted?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, no way, my heart hurts just as much. But he is my son and I have found a way
to love this new way of life, because it brings me him. </span></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-26622013088271992962013-10-01T15:26:00.001-07:002013-10-01T15:26:12.068-07:00His Bride<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was brushing the tangles out of her hair.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was Sunday morning and we were rushed, as usual.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But then the Lord impressed upon my heart this moment </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of time together. Time that passes so quickly.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, we talked while I brushed her hair.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We talked about breakfast and life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We began talking about worship.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was explaining to her how special our time of worship is to us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was teaching her how we are the bride of Christ</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and that it is the time that we come before Him</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and offer Him ourselves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It is our time to place our lives on the altar before our Groom.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I told her that we know His love and feel His love reigning over us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Because we are His Bride</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and every Bride knows the love of her Groom</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Love is beautiful.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We feel it. We know it. We soak in the glory of love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then she turned to me and asked me with kindness in her voice </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">if <i><b>he</b> </i>was part of Christ's bride.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Moments of teaching her become His moments of teaching <i><b>me</b>.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">She knows his faults. She knows the pain he can cause.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Her concern was for him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God spoke His truth into my heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I turned to her and spoke His simple, yet profound truth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>No, he is not yet part of His bride, but he will be.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>He.will.be.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">She asked me how I knew.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I answered that my God was wooing him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And when he chooses to woo His bride </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">she always comes,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Always.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His love is too beautiful to resist.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His power is in His love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God used a small moment to remind me of what is really going on here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Despite trials, and fits and moments of darkness</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His light is shining down on this home</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">through this boy,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my son.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am blessed to be a witness.</span></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-73469053996739447402013-08-18T13:14:00.001-07:002013-08-18T13:14:52.251-07:00Update<span style="font-size: large;">I know it has been a while since I have updated all of you. It's been a very busy summer to say the least. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll update you first on Simon's health. He is doing okay. I say okay because it hasn't been terrible, but it hasn't been great either. Simon remains a mystery when it comes to transfusing him. He is not predictable in the least to be able to estimate when he needs another transfusion. I'm hoping that over time it will become more predictable. It's just nice to have a schedule to stick to and plan things. He is transfused anywhere from three weeks to five weeks right now. His liver is more loaded with iron than we had hoped and we are increasing his medication to reverse that damage. The good news is that it is reversible. The bad news is that the medication itself is dangerous. Please, continue to pray for wisdom in these areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, how have we been adjusting as a family? Well, it's hard, really hard. Most days are a struggle. Please know that we love, love, love this boy, but I am faced daily with the truth that he has been raised not by loving hands in the setting of a family, but in an institution that did not have the manpower to teach my little man how to live in a family.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are lots of areas to grow. Sometimes I watch him and think, "what in the world?" And then I remember. I remember He had no teacher. He had no mother teaching him not to lick his plate after dinner...or his hand and arms. He had no mother telling him not to use her shirt to clean out his ears. Seriously. Things that I take for granted as basic social skills are not so basic when nobody has been teaching them to you. If I'm really honest with you I would have to tell you that most days it drives me bonkers. BONKERS.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He also had no father to teach him how to handle arguments with words not fists. He happens to be excellent with his fists, or legs, or fingernails. His survival skills are topnotch. Survival is natural and it served him well before he came into a family. But now he is here in our family and that transition is, well, still a transition.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mostly, I've learned how desperately I need my Savior. Days are exhausting, nights aren't long enough and I can dig as deep as my heart will let me but it will still not be enough. I wake up tired and I crawl into bed at night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've learned that I have no concept of mercy. Mercy that chooses not to give punishment that is deserved. Mercy that beckons me to my Savior's arms at the end of another failed day. Mercy that whispers my name and tells me to wrap my arms around a boy that hurts those around him. Mercy that tells me to withdraw from the fight. Mercy that gives and never takes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But at the end of the day I cling to those words written long ago, "I trust in the name of the Lord my God." He has planned this path for us and He is teaching us to be more like His son. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And I know that in the end you will find us standing upright. Because the strength of my God will uphold us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You will find a young boy slipping in between his sister and brothers and loving on them. You will see him rising up with the strength of the God of his father.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You will find us laid out on this altar of life. You will find mercy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 20</span><br />
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="poetry" style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="chapter-2"><span class="text Ps-20-1" style="position: relative;">May the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14184A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>answer you in the day of trouble!</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-20-1" style="position: relative;">May <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14184B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>the name of the God of Jacob <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14184C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>protect you!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-20-2" id="en-ESV-14185" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>May he send you help from <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14185D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>the sanctuary</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-20-2" style="position: relative;">and give you support from <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14185E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span>Zion!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-20-3" id="en-ESV-14186" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>May he <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14186F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span>remember all your offerings</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-20-3" style="position: relative;">and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! <span class="selah" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 2em;">Selah</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-20-4" id="en-ESV-14187" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>May he <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14187G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span>grant you your heart's desire</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-20-4" style="position: relative;">and fulfill all your plans!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-20-5" id="en-ESV-14188" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>May we shout for joy over <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14188H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span>your salvation,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-20-5" style="position: relative;">and in the name of our God set up our <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14188I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span>banners!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-20-5" style="position: relative;">May the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> fulfill all your petitions!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="line" style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-20-8" style="position: relative;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-20-6" id="en-ESV-14189" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>Now I know that the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> saves his anointed;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-20-6" style="position: relative;">he will answer him from his holy heaven</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-20-6" style="position: relative;">with <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14189J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span>the saving might of his right hand.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-20-7" id="en-ESV-14190" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>Some trust in <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14190K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span>chariots and some in <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14190L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span>horses,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-20-7" style="position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14190M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span>but we trust in the name of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> our God.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-20-8" id="en-ESV-14191" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>They collapse and fall,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-20-8" style="position: relative;">but we rise and stand upright.</span></span></div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-44762203794877689002013-06-12T16:55:00.000-07:002013-06-12T16:55:21.345-07:00Honor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Simon is adorable, and a handful. We absolutely adore him.</div>
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Life is really hard and really awesome all at the same time.</div>
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When people ask how we are doing I'm not sure how to answer. The truth is complicated. We are doing well. We have all fallen in love with Simon. His brothers and sister adore him and so do we. He is doing well too. But I would say my version of "doing well" and yours may not be the same. For instance, Simon now tattles nonstop, non.stop. BUT this is "doing well." It means he is learning that someone will fight for him and that he does not need to fight for himself. Which <i>believe me</i> is a very good thing indeed.</div>
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It's an exhausting kind of growth we are going through. We are being changed and transformed individually and as a family. Change is never easy. It's hard and painful, but necessary. We are in the middle of the furnace of redemption, but we are not alone. God is surrounding us with His love. </div>
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Am I tired? You betcha. </div>
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Do I handle every day well? Um, no. </div>
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Do I love every minute? No, no I do not. Some minutes are dreadful, truly dreadful.</div>
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There are some things I can't do yet. I can't go on playdates. Heck, I can't go on real dates. </div>
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Real dates, the kind where your husband is gazing into your eyes <i>OR</i> snoring loudly next to you in the theater, they are just not in our realm of possibility right now. Hopefully soon they will be. </div>
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Because, guys, this face <b>owns my heart</b>.</div>
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I cannot plan activites. I often can't head out to friends houses or girls nights out. My life is different right now and that's okay.</div>
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It's okay, truly. I don't resent it. Right now I have a little boy who needs me desperately. He needs to know that I will never leave him, that mommy and daddy are here for good. He needs to know that he can trust my decisions for him. </div>
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It is tiring, but right now I am honored to walk beside him on this road. </div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-7188087295375023582013-05-27T11:59:00.000-07:002013-05-27T11:59:10.881-07:00Quotables<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing special, just some quotes that I love.</div>
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Simon is sick today, so I'm enjoying time to </div>
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be a little creative.</div>
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We will have to go have his hemoglobin checked tomorrow</div>
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to see if his fever lowered it faster than usual.</div>
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We may be headed back for another transfusion...</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-39974934653587978312013-05-09T06:20:00.003-07:002013-05-17T07:01:19.172-07:00The Medical AbyssWe are stuck in the medical abyss of questionable diagnosis. As a mom I am struggling as I watch Simon deteriorate each week until its time for another blood transfusion. His eyes get a little more yellow, he wants to just sit on the couch, he gets really cold, he gets cranky.<br />
I like answers.<br />
I like solid evidence that I can see and follow.<br />
I like knowledge and books and reading to understand things better.<br />
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I don't like doctors not having answers.<br />
I don't like two separate and very different diagnosis.<br />
I don't like the thought of bone marrow tests.<br />
I don't like the unknown.<br />
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But that is where we are today.<br />
We are in the belly of the unknown with no great outcomes.<br />
If you are interested in the great debate of Simons medical mystery feel free to ask questions or look up Thalassemia B major and Diamond Blackfan Anemia.<br />
I've been in close contact with both foundations and am thrilled to find that either way we have an amazing support team!<br />
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In the middle of all the phone calls, appointments, blood draws and hospital visits is one of the bravest boys I know, our Simon. He is amazing.<br />
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These days he is discovering freedom and the ups and downs of it.<br />
He has tried to ride a bike for the first time and discovered that falling down means getting hurt.<br />
And that getting hurt means mom comes running.<br />
And that mom kisses bruises and bandages cuts...even the fake, made-up ones.<br />
He has tried ice cream and discovered that too much leads to tummy aches.<br />
And that mom is worth listening to.<br />
He has learned that when he cries at night someone comes to comfort him.<br />
He has learned that tantrums don't get you out of time outs.<br />
He has planted flowers and is learning that beauty is worth waiting for in life.<br />
He has learned to walk up and down the stairs and that hard work has benefits.<br />
He has learned that he can color a picture and that mommy and daddy will proudly post it on the fridge.<br />
He has learned that someone in his life is crazy, over the top, smitten with him.<br />
He has learned that he is part of a family.<br />
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He makes me furious one moment and rolling with laughter the next. In the last 5 weeks I've found my way to falling in love with this boy. Some days are immensely difficult and some days are immeasurably, beautifully filled with joy.<br />
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I want answers for all of Simons tomorrow's and I'm working hard to get there, but for now I'm so thankful to be a part of Simons today.<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ckEJVxulQ-YfC7R7cNWAQybC9D18gbfpoip6R3JgKD9VWhfqyRiSZHMPLCn7HhkOAV6KdZhC36hgFURsIZlNhJT6v-Cra5kqpwK5ZfuE9jfvPBx9D-XjmfZ-8c663PpxjhZ49sfwPQ-G/s640/blogger-image-911585996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ckEJVxulQ-YfC7R7cNWAQybC9D18gbfpoip6R3JgKD9VWhfqyRiSZHMPLCn7HhkOAV6KdZhC36hgFURsIZlNhJT6v-Cra5kqpwK5ZfuE9jfvPBx9D-XjmfZ-8c663PpxjhZ49sfwPQ-G/s640/blogger-image-911585996.jpg" /></a></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-58301162179244036352013-05-03T07:24:00.000-07:002013-05-03T08:03:56.271-07:00An open letter to adoptive parentsI have been guiding my children through the lessons of life that adoption is bringing to our family and I have been hearing the echoes of my Savior speaking to me in those lessons as well. One of my children really struggles with mercy and grace. Everything is black and white, right and wrong and this one will fight to the bitter end over the smallest thing.<br />
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As I sit there and pour out wisdom I can't help but feel a check in my spirit. I have pounded two lessons recently and here they are. First, choose your battles wisely and second be gracious enough to allow others to make mistakes. Life is a long road and we are all often wrong even when we are doggone positive that we are right. So, weigh the balances and choose to take your stand on worthy ground. Whether or not something is green or blue is not worthy ground. I took out my Bible and said that truth was worthy ground.<br />
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God often allows us to make mistakes and learn our lessons from our consequences. As a mom sometimes I allow my kids to do things that I know will not end in smiles because I know that one more nagging comment won't mean a thing but a scratch on the arm might! I allow them to be wrong sometimes. I allow them to learn on their own...sometimes.<br />
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Jesus set forth His example when He dined with sinners and had awkward conversations with strange women by the wells. I doubt that they all had great manners or knew all the right things to say. Have you ever sat with the oppressed or beggars? They don't usually smell great and can say the craziest, most offensive things! Yet, He was a gracious guest in their homes. He didn't berate the woman at the well for all of her mistakes. He spoke the truth with grace. <br />
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Here is where the adoption community has been on my heart. We are a unique group of people with amazing strengths. We are compassionate, sensitive, loving and steadfast. We have to be or else we will never be able to do this whole adoption thing. But with those great strengths come great weaknesses. We are overly sensitive, over zealous and down right stubborn. <br />
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We choose this road for many reasons. But we often fail to give grace to others that don't understand our choices. We write post after post about what not to say to us and what not to do and what to do. Can I propose that we do exactly as I instruct my own kids? Can we choose our battles wisely? Can we be gracious enough to let someone be wrong and allow God to work in their hearts? I fear sometimes we are so loud that the gentle voice of God is drowned by our passionate cries for justice. I fear we as a community have become prickly bushes that others are afraid to go near. They are afraid of saying the wrong thing so they simply say nothing and we lose our chance to educate.<br />
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There is a time and a place for us to stand our ground, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that commenting on our child's "different" hair or skin is probably not it. Becoming angry when someone asks who your child's father is won't educate anyone and certainly won't leave a good taste in their minds for our community. Be gracious. Tell them the story, tell the tenth person that day about your adoption journey. Let them comment on your child's hair or skin and tell them how much you love that part of your child. When they ignorantly ask questions that spark our stubborn streak take a step back and remember that we are all ignorant in some way. There are things in this life that we don't understand too! So answer with grace and kindness, assume the best. There really are not that many people that are cruel on purpose. <br />
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When they are dead wrong and offensive speak the truth in love and walk away graciously. We live in a strange world within the adoption community and we sometimes forget that the rest of the world is not out to get us. They simply don't understand, and that is okay. We need to be okay with that. We need to listen to their rude questions patiently. We need to let them stare at our strange family while they assume that the Middle Chinese son had a different baby daddy from the other three kids. We need to break the ice and laugh out loud at their silly questions. We need to tell them how we traveled the world and gave up our lives to find our children and that our marriages are in fact still blossoming and our blended family is not the result of a straying spouse!!<br />
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Stay the course, laugh a little more often, take your battle stance on worthy ground and be gracious. <br />
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Passionately, sensitively, lovingly yours, <br />
Another crazy adoptive momma.<br />
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-68920514834180746542013-04-18T08:48:00.000-07:002013-04-18T08:48:42.940-07:00Progress and QuestionsSimon is doing far better emotionally. He still has a hard time with sharing and being told no, but the tantrums don't last nearly as long. Hallejulah!<br />
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We, his parents, are adjusting back to our normal time zone. Our tummies are adjusting back to U.S. food. Craig has had time to read a few pages. I've had time to...well, maybe eventually I'll have time to do something!<br />
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Signs of Simon's progress:<br />
1. Little orange backpack that he never, ever let go of in China sits in the corner of his bedroom EMPTY! He is finally feeling like a permanent resident of our home.<br />
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2. The bathroom door is occasionally CLOSED when Simon is in there.<br />
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3. Simon ate some chicken!<br />
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4. He can be in the same room as the dog without screaming like death is waiting to catch him by surprise.<br />
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Medical update:<br />
The group of specialists working with Simon are questioning his diagnosis. At first this sounded good, but the new names of blood disorders they are throwing at me are actually worse. I thought we were at the bottom of the barrel with Thalassemia b major but apparently not. Right now they are thinking he has something called Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA) which has a high predisposition for cancer and the lifespan is about 40 years old.<br />
I've been throwing myself into the research and talking with the doctors and asking lots of questions. I see where they are coming from based on his blood work but I'm probably still in denial and pushing for other tests to rule out a few other anemia's first.<br />
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We have yet to see the cardiologist to find out the extent of the damage done to his heart and if he does have DBA then it is very likely that he will have heart defects as well.<br />
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Keep us in your prayers as we try to fit in all of these doctors visits and research and phone calls and still find time to bond with our new son and find time for family time. If you are a friend please keep calling. I can't often get to the phone between appointments/tantrums/sleeping but I appreciate your thoughts and your invitations to things even if I can't accept them yet. You are all amazing and your support humbles me daily.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-55195074033765822442013-04-05T01:58:00.001-07:002013-04-05T01:58:27.708-07:00Real lifeThe real life part of adoption is hard, hard work and we are in the thick of it. Simon is home and adjusting. Adjusting would be the key word in that sentence. He can throw a heck of a tantrum. Getting comfort from another person is a completely foreign concept to him so holding him and trying to calm him down does very little good. But we just stay the course. Someday it will click. At some point he will realize that our arms are loving and kind and he will discover that they are comforting. So, we hold him and rock him and sing to him for hours on end.<br />
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Yesterday he threw a tantrum to end all tantrums at naptime. He was screaming in my face and punching his bed and throwing the blankets and the pillow. Then he would calm down to where I could safely hold him and I would rock him and sing to him and lay him down and it would start all over again. Around and around we went. I prayed for grace and understanding. I sat with him in the middle of his bed while he was angrier than I could have imagined for one so small and I talked to him. I told him that I get it. I do. He's furious. I would be too. He's been ripped from everything he knows and stuck with this crazy American woman who can't even cook a Chinese noodle properly!! He's gone from never answering to anyone to being surrounded by safety and controls. Everything he has ever known has just changed. It's for the better, but he doesn't know that yet.<br />
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It reminds me so much of my relationship with my Heavenly Father. How many times has He set me on a course that was for my own benefit and all I could see were my own fears? How many times have I railed at Him and tried to run away and all the while He was singing His love over me? I try to cling to these memories while I love on my Simon. And I pray for grace, lots and lots of grace.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-81747540924601248462013-03-27T04:55:00.001-07:002013-03-27T04:55:17.353-07:00Touring China<div style="text-align: center;">
The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity and touring. We're just waiting on Simon's U.S. Consulate appointment tomorrow where he will be issued his visa to return to America with us. Once he steps foot off of the plane and onto U.S. soil he will be a brand new citizen! How cool, right?</div>
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So, here are some pictures of the last few days</div>
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Our first church service together. The first time Simon heard "yesu ai ni"</div>
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Jesus loves you</div>
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Chen Clan Academy</div>
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Amazing ivory carvings</div>
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The art of paper cutting</div>
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Oh, look, Flat Stanley made it to China!</div>
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Pearl Market</div>
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In which I stole my friends idea and bought Simon's</div>
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future wife a strand of pearls which</div>
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I will give to her on her wedding day</div>
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with a picture of Simon holding the pearls in China</div>
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as a little boy.</div>
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Playing ball</div>
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Pearl River Cruise</div>
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Standard Chinese Adoption photo</div>
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Squatty Potty</div>
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Ack!</div>
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I was begging for Christ to return at this point </div>
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of the journey.</div>
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I am also currently dehydrated in my attempt to </div>
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avoid a second use of these things.</div>
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Visit to the Buddhist Temple</div>
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People, people everywhere!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsKKf31RmH2fesvPiPhC66BEKwONSHXC0ZUocPVdWUNZM3TKtoII5bKSQpqpxBD54N6X4oRNXz1U5EaKQ9MNc9qIxMIMSFWQ1e-wbUv5hTTo1ojNslQqopQprR_XQ3Z-zZOmZ-1YhGfAP/s1600/tower+of+people+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsKKf31RmH2fesvPiPhC66BEKwONSHXC0ZUocPVdWUNZM3TKtoII5bKSQpqpxBD54N6X4oRNXz1U5EaKQ9MNc9qIxMIMSFWQ1e-wbUv5hTTo1ojNslQqopQprR_XQ3Z-zZOmZ-1YhGfAP/s320/tower+of+people+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Whew! That's it. Gotta get up for Simon's Consulate appointment</div>
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tomorrow morning first thing! </div>
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We head for home in just four days. Awesomeness.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-40741835447050275692013-03-23T15:22:00.002-07:002013-03-23T15:24:30.552-07:00Simon<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, man this kid is a charmer!</div>
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People stop us everywhere to tell us how cute he is and then to tell us how young we look. (guess some things are cross cultural! I keep assuring them I'm not a teenager...)</div>
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*Simon knows his name now</div>
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*Simon can say please although it sounds like "pleuchese"</div>
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*Simon has excellent slurping and chomping skills, just excellent.</div>
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*Simon randomly wants to take baths, really, really long baths</div>
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*Simon sleeps very well</div>
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*Simon takes up the entire bed as he rotates 360 degrees all night long</div>
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*Simon gives amazing hugs</div>
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*Simon loves practicing the names of all the family members</div>
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*Simon is a ridiculously picky eater. Ahh, another one to add to the family!!</div>
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*Simon yells all the time when he talks (imagine the crazy chinese man on karate kid) </div>
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*Simon's eyes will eat you up</div>
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*Simon has to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes</div>
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*Simon loves watermelon juice and hates watermelon </div>
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He is such a remarkable boy. I lay awake at night and can't believe he is actually mine and he is actually here with me. So many miracles wrapped up in such a small body. I feel like being near him is like walking on Holy Ground because God is so clearly present in every single ounce of this story.</div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-70602400425809335152013-03-21T22:48:00.000-07:002013-03-22T01:28:57.272-07:00Orphanage visit part 2<br />
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I had to wait to write this post. Yesterday I was too angry to write it out, but I want to write it while it's still fresh in my mind.</div>
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There are no words to describe seeing so many orphans. I've seen pictures. I've heard stories. But when they reach out to you and tug on your skirt and lift up their arms you realize </div>
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You. Had. No. Idea.</div>
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Not a clue.</div>
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They were covered in scabies and dirt and layers of filthy clothing. </div>
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They were deformed and sick.</div>
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And I realized on that day that <i>I had never seen anything so incredibly beautiful</i>. </div>
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I sat in the midst of them and held them. I told them they were beautiful. </div>
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I told them they were handsome.</div>
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I told them Jesus loves them.</div>
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I don't know how as a Christian I could not be angry as I looked around and saw those that the world has shut away. <b>We</b> have shut away. We have gone about our business, our lives and pretended not to know their utter devastation. We have pretended that an orphan crisis is something exaggerated by passionate fanatics. We have avoided the topic in our churches. We have ignored them. We have failed to teach people about orphan care.</div>
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We did this. We did it ourselves by pretending and choosing to close our eyes. </div>
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We brought this on them. We didn't just forget, we <i><b>ignored</b></i>. </div>
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I am undone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHYPkAISwj5EOlsPB9g2AS-_1oQF5mZORAZKmurT5_5bUCvSOwOm4PedCE8kYmr4s4bVlclhQH2w-ftsgbZJKCmwQWcetTyXUWGczqVUsVTA_GvHuZuYDaZsd_R5lCMzmNrMD748CgKAW/s1600/DSCF5455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHYPkAISwj5EOlsPB9g2AS-_1oQF5mZORAZKmurT5_5bUCvSOwOm4PedCE8kYmr4s4bVlclhQH2w-ftsgbZJKCmwQWcetTyXUWGczqVUsVTA_GvHuZuYDaZsd_R5lCMzmNrMD748CgKAW/s320/DSCF5455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are the ones we have ignored.</div>
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We have said the cost is too great and banished them to rundown orphanages </div>
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so that we can pretend that the world is good and kind.</div>
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But it's not kind to them is it?</div>
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We say we follow Christ. </div>
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And yet we have no part of "true religion" James 1:27</div>
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We told him that the cost of his redemption is too high.</div>
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We told these babies that the sacrifice it too great.</div>
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We told them we couldn't handle their needs. </div>
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We told him that he has too many fingers and we can't love him.</div>
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We left her behind.</div>
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I know this is a forward post, perhaps even harsh. If I sound angry it's because I am. I'm angry that we have decided that <i>our</i> lives are worth more than <i>theirs</i>. I assure you that I include myself in that "we."</div>
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I walked away to screams of "mama, baba!" I cried and cried on the van ride home because I had to leave them behind not knowing if they would <b>ever</b> have a mama and baba.</div>
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May God forgive us.</div>
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May He give us the strength and courage to follow Him, wherever He leads.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-619408062201070562013-03-21T22:25:00.001-07:002013-03-21T22:25:23.788-07:00Orphanage visit part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSF3WdamBSXu4UftYX6ZZ82D30dlNruVpuMP_swOcPPPxH8j3hfID-s2qPfmKu7VoATEBvNUjf92gppOtflhX6P9PLMwgdY2DfyQy95PGGgT1uiE4p3lLl9o2i1Ts3geKKbZVcXo7qOlO/s1600/DSCF5428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSF3WdamBSXu4UftYX6ZZ82D30dlNruVpuMP_swOcPPPxH8j3hfID-s2qPfmKu7VoATEBvNUjf92gppOtflhX6P9PLMwgdY2DfyQy95PGGgT1uiE4p3lLl9o2i1Ts3geKKbZVcXo7qOlO/s320/DSCF5428.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">Yesterday we were able to go and visit the orphanage that Simon has lived in for the past four years. I wasn't prepared at all. Nothing could have prepared me. The two hour van ride through huge Chinese cities was a sight to behold. People stacked upon people in apartment building that are back to back and 20 stories high. I've been to big cities...these are bigger, much, much bigger. The city of the orphanage is a wealthy city. You could see the difference the minute we crossed the border. The shops and stores and apartments weren't as dirty as we have seen everywhere else.</span></div>
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We first stopped at his "finding spot." A finding spot is what we call the place where they were abandoned and then found. His spot was in the massive pedestrian street with shops all over the place. He was found in the second story of a McDonalds building there. We went and I could almost sense his fear. Our guide said she thinks he remembers the place. That seems unlikely, but his reaction to it was palpable. The minute we got to the second story he begged to leave and go back. As I walked back down the stairs with him in my arms my heart broke for the mother that walked down those same stairs without her baby in her arms. I snuggled him closer and kissed his sweet face so thankful that I was leaving <i>with</i> him.</div>
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On his adoption day we were given a copy of the letter than his parents left with him. It said, "We hope a warm hearted family will come and care for our son. He has thalassemia and we cannot take care of him."</div>
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Sobs. </div>
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Then we headed to his orphanage. I really wasn't sure how he would react to going back. But he seemed so excited. The minute we got out of the van he ran off and into the orphanage. Downstairs they have a small room with a stage where they have celebrations and events. </div>
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Then we took the elevator up to the fourth floor. This is where I started falling apart and Craig went dead silent. I tried not to gasp. I think I succeeded, but really I'm not sure. Pictures cannot capture the state of my son's former home. Let me describe it in words. There were tiles broken everywhere, holes in the walls, dirt and trash everywhere and puddles in hallways and buckets to catch water from leaky ceilings. The smells can't even be described. Now, take all this in realizing this is one of the best orphanages around.</div>
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Let me take a moment to sidestep and tell you about Simon. In the van ride over I was having one of those moments where pride was rearing its ugly head in my heart. I was thinking I was going to an orphanage and would show them the love of my Jesus. How blessed they would be. </div>
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(For real...oh. my. word.)</div>
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But God has a way of putting you right back into your place.We walked in and my son rushed into the classrooms handing out the candy we bought for the kids. I expected him to go to his buddies, but do you know what else he did? </div>
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He ran off down the hall before I could stop him and the staff choked up as they told me that he wanted to include the ones that are "severely diseased that no one will ever adopt." He went to the room of the lowest of the low and <i>touched</i> each of them as he gave them candy. Then, as if that wasn't already humbling to my oh so proud little heart he went back to his classroom to his best buddies and pulled out his backpack. </div>
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This is the backpack he sleeps with, goes to the bathroom with, panics if he can't find it because he put all his new toys into it that we purchased him. Do you know what he did? He pulled out his new toys and gave them away. It was all he owned in the whole world and he smiled while he gave it away. </div>
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I may have planned on showing the light of Christ, but in that moment I <b>knew</b>..<i>.it was shining on me</i> instead.</div>
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Simon and the director of the orphanage who clearly loved him!</div>
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Giving away his new toys</div>
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The play room </div>
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A nanny who was NOT happy that he was not in multiple layers. (It was almost 80 degrees!)</div>
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Checking out their new toys</div>
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His very best friend, Patrick (who will be going home soon!)</div>
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At this point I started realizing he was a favorite...</div>
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The nanny's asked for our email so they could keep in touch.</div>
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I have no doubt that he was SO loved and I am incredibly thankful.</div>
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Simon's bed is the second from the right.</div>
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Baba pulling it together for a picture</div>
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The room Simon started in as a baby. </div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-78214889875562679082013-03-19T04:59:00.001-07:002013-03-19T04:59:38.842-07:00Jun Jun<div style="text-align: center;">
Sweet boy goes by Jun Jun his nickname from his orphanage. We call him Simon Jun Jun for now. </div>
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Finally got some pictures to post! Woohoo. Here we go.</div>
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Apparently, that is all I can load. It's cutting me off!</div>
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The difference between these photos and today is amazing. </div>
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Gotcha Day was hard. He was terrified and SO quiet. He just starred into nothing all day long.</div>
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Today he gives kisses freely, says Wo Ai Ni (I love you) and gives huge hugs.</div>
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He cackles laughing when I try to say things in his native tongue and butcher it. </div>
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I can only hope I'm not swearing or saying something terrible!!!!</div>
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Lots of smiles.</div>
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He definitely has some "fun" tendencies. Ahem. Cough. Sputter.</div>
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Tendencies like throwing tantrums in the middle of busy roads.</div>
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Roads where pedestrians do NOT have the right of way.</div>
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It's all good. Momma rescued him.</div>
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At the adoption finalization he told the judge he likes us and wants to live in America. </div>
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Land of the free, home of the brave ya'll.</div>
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Today was a good day.</div>
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Good night world.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-48904344513029990422013-03-18T05:46:00.001-07:002013-03-18T05:46:48.302-07:00Gotcha DayWow, what a day! I don't even know where to start.<br />
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* Woke up and made it to the supermarket to get some noodle bowls with our amazing buddies, Sonia and Lori<br />
* Headed to civil affairs office to get Simon<br />
*Waited with 25 families<br />
* Saw Simon through the curtain and waited to be one of the last families to get our son<br />
* Cried as soon as he came out<br />
* He automatically went to daddy (baba)<br />
* He screamed and kicked when they handed him over to us (incredible heartbreaking moment)<br />
* He reached for baba and calmed right down<br />
* He is slowly warming up to me<br />
* We brought a book with Chinese words and he loves showing us them and teaching us his language<br />
* Went to dinner with friends<br />
* Came back for bathtime<br />
*Watched some kids shows (I have no idea what they were saying!)<br />
*Cuddled in bed until Simon fell asleep<br />
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Tidbits of the day:<br />
Simon LOVES his baba. He strokes his arm and even gave him a kiss! When it was time for bed he crawled into baba's bed and reached his arm over to snuggle him.<br />
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He's not so sure about me yet. He isn't rejecting me but will refuse me over baba. I really couldn't care less. I'm so thankful that he is bonding with at least one of us already! Besides, I'll win him over eventually with my totally amazing awesomeness. Right???<br />
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After we got here he didn't cry at all. Which broke me. Shouldn't a five year old who just left everything they have ever known be sobbing hysterically? Nope, he just looks a little unsure of us but that's it.<br />
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He came with one grocery type bag with a pair of pants and a book we sent. That's it. That was my boy's whole world. Sobs*<br />
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He keeps all of his new things in one backpack and stores them all neatly away. When we left for dinner he took everything including his old pants. I think he thought we were taking him somewhere new to be dropped off. It just about did me in when I saw him packing up his things.<br />
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It was a beautiful day. It was a heart wrenching day. That about sums it up.<br />
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And my good friend Sonia has all the pictures from the day and I'll get them up tomorrow after I download them to my computer!<br />
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Goodnight world. I'm going to go watch my baby sleep.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-88427126862005933042013-03-17T09:46:00.000-07:002013-03-17T10:10:22.786-07:00We are here!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We are here! We made it! Everybody sing the hallelujah chorus!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our internet connection is very sporadic but I'll try to get pictures up for you all later!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bullet list:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">* Made our flights on time</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">* Threw up from motion sickness while one plane. May or may not have crawled to the bathroom on all fours while clinging to the walls for support. (I consider it payback for missing morning sickness)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">* Got lost in Hong Kong by ourselves. Missed our train due to getting lost. Met some very nice and helpful Chinese people in the middle of the Hong Kong ghetto. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">* Fell asleep the second night at 5pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">* Got a phone call at midnight that our fire alarms were all going off at home and the fire department had been called</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">* Will pick up Simon in 14 hours which makes all of the above completely <b>worth it all</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Turns out the fire alarm was just due to bad batteries. Phew. I will still have a house to bring Simon home to.)</span></div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-42604816558482381722013-03-11T16:41:00.002-07:002013-03-11T16:41:47.516-07:00Here we go<div style="text-align: center;">
We leave for China in four days! </div>
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I can't believe it.</div>
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I will hold my boy in one week from today.</div>
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One week!</div>
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I have waited a lifetime for this moment.</div>
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Since I first read the book about Gladys Aylward when I was 8 years old </div>
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I have dreamed of China.</div>
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I have loved its people, its culture and its land.</div>
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God had plans. Big plans.</div>
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He planned for me to read a book about China</div>
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when I was 8 years old</div>
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and fall in love with its people</div>
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its culture</div>
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its land.</div>
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He planned for me to travel across oceans and mountains</div>
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and adopt one little boy that stole my breath away.</div>
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All for love. Because He first loved us. </div>
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We love because He first loved us. </div>
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This is grace. This is redemption.</div>
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This is earth shattering.</div>
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This is my son.</div>
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Here we go, Friends.</div>
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Here. we. go. </div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-33425544014701599752013-03-04T16:00:00.001-08:002013-03-04T16:05:58.761-08:00The Torture of the TA waitI've questioned posting this one. I don't want to sound whiny or weak. But I want others to have a real picture of this adoption journey. So...<br />
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This wait for the Travel Approval (TA) is torture.<br />
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There is a blanket sitting and waiting for my Simon. I've heard that some moms sleep with them each night. I can't do it.<br />
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There is a teddy bear that is stuffed in Simon's orange backpack. I can't even look at it.<br />
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There is a pile of clothes that belong to Simon that I can't bring myself to wash.<br />
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I am so close and yet so far away. My son is waiting on the other side of the world. And as far as I know he has no idea that I am coming yet.<br />
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He is waking up right now and going through another routine day and has no idea that his mama and baba have been climbing every mountain in their path and running this unending race to get to him.<br />
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He will go to bed tonight without praying with me, without even knowing there is a God who has been watching him all this time.<br />
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He had another transfusion and I rejoice in that. I do. It is keeping his heart beating until I get there. But I missed it. I missed ANOTHER trip to the hospital. I missed another needle poking.<br />
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I want to be there and hold him. I want to whisper in his ear that it's okay. I want him here in our hospital with nurses that will spoil him silly.<br />
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I want to be done. The urge to hop on the next outgoing plane is almost unbearable.<br />
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So, if I seem distant or loopy please forgive me. I have a one track mind right now, to get on that plane and gather my son in my arms and cry my eyes out knowing that this is finally over and that he is fully mine.<br />
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I'm not afraid. I'm not discouraged. I'm excited, but at the same time I'm done with this waiting. This waiting nonsense is for the birds.<br />
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There you have it. Truth. The ache of this wait.<br />
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<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-84204781751332159532013-03-02T06:38:00.001-08:002013-03-02T10:38:46.783-08:00Friends helping friendsI have been so blessed to meet some wonderful ladies on our journey to Simon.<br />
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They have<br />
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held me up,<br />
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carried me along,<br />
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prayed for us when things were falling apart,<br />
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counseled me,<br />
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and told me what to do when I was lost in the world of adoption limbo.<br />
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They. kept. me. sane.<br />
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Mostly.<br />
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They have done all this while dealing with their own struggles on their own adoption journeys.<br />
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We're all in the same boat right now, wondering what just happened to the costs of traveling to China to pick up our babies. For whatever the reason it seems that costs have increased in many areas and we are all coming up short, but trusting that God's hand is still working even now.<br />
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There are lots of great last minute fundraisers going on.<br />
Here is a list. Get shopping.<br />
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Ipad mini raffle<br />
<a href="http://countingdownagain.blogspot.com/2013/02/adoption-raffle.html?m=1">http://countingdownagain.blogspot.com/2013/02/adoption-raffle.html?m=1</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/VintageCoutureTiffany">http://www.facebook.com/VintageCoutureTiffany</a><br />
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Wild Olive Tees fundraiser (details on left side of blog)<br />
<a href="http://www.whitneygang.blogspot.com/">http://www.whitneygang.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Shop today and type in Allen Family Fundraiser when checking out<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/UndertheCarolinaMoon?group_id=0">http://www.facebook.com/UndertheCarolinaMoon?group_id=0</a><br />
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Another auction<br />
<a href="http://aroadhome.wordpress.com/">http://aroadhome.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-49951576909925212262013-02-26T12:09:00.001-08:002013-02-26T12:09:21.430-08:00Auction<div style="text-align: center;">
We are officially waiting for Travel Approval.</div>
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That's it. One official letter that says we can come get our boy!</div>
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Ahh!!!</div>
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It's Crunch Time.</div>
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It's panic time.</div>
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It's oh-my-word I have so much to do time.</div>
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Average time spans for Travel Approval are anywhere from 9 days to 25 days.</div>
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Those are subject to change...without notice. </div>
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So, keep us in your prayers. We have asked that due to Simon's medical needs that they expedite</div>
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that travel approval.</div>
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Asking doesn't mean they will.</div>
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Let's pray that they will!</div>
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We are hosting one last fundraiser. Travel costs have increased, government fees have increased </div>
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and we have found ourselves just a few thousand short.</div>
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I'm not worried. Really.</div>
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I've seen God move much larger mountains.</div>
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So, we have an auction on facebook. There are starting bids for each item. </div>
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To bid on an item you only need to place your dollar amount in the comment section below the picture.</div>
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Items will be added until Friday and the bidding ends next Tuesday March 5th at noon. </div>
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Winners will be announced that evening and contacted through facebook after winning.</div>
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Payment for items can be paid through a paypal invoice or by mailing a check. </div>
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It's up to you. </div>
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We have been very blessed to have lots of etsy stores donating amazing items.</div>
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Don't miss out on these great prices!</div>
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Here is the link to the facebook page:</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simons-Adoption-Auction/338948849544987">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simons-Adoption-Auction/338948849544987</a></div>
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Here is the link to the album of items on facebook:</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.339821899457682.66765.338948849544987&type=3">http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.339821899457682.66765.338948849544987&type=3</a></div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-6839484773190504972013-02-23T05:41:00.000-08:002013-02-23T07:20:51.369-08:00A Tiny BumpWe are nearly there. It seems we have hit every bump in the road possible. We certainly have hit every major holiday in both countries and it has slowed our adoption down much more than anticipated. We are waiting on our Article 5 (immigration) which should come this week. SHOULD. Will you pray that it does? Then we just wait for travel approval which gives us permission to enter the country.<br />
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We have hit one more bump in the road. I consider it a small bump after all the mountains that have fallen before our eyes. We recently received word that some fees increased. Yikes. Not what I want to hear at the very end of this journey. We will also be traveling during yet again another holiday season. Which, unfortunately increases our traveling fees greatly. We would wait but frankly our son's health doesn't give us that luxury. We are racing him home and straight to a hospital. I am confident that God has this. He knew about this long before we were hit with it.<br />
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In an effort to cover those unexpected final costs we will be hosting an auction in the coming week. So, please check back as I work to get all of that set up. There will be some amazing things at great prices!<br />
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I also have some necklaces made by Rebekah Blocher to use for fundraising. I only have a few days left before I need to send them back. So if you would like one please let me know quickly so that I can place them aside.<br />
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They are $22 dollars a piece and $2 for shipping. Please leave a comment below to order them</div>
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The cross is SOLD!</div>
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Brown Circle SOLD!</div>
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Red Heart SOLD!</div>
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Dragonfly and Dots SOLD!</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-35630919304712494702013-02-18T06:07:00.000-08:002013-02-18T06:07:01.837-08:00Moving Mountains<div style="text-align: center;">
Matthew 17:20</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="22" cellspacing="0" class="mainbk" style="background-color: #b9e3ff; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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Today a mountain moved. Impossible became possible. I am bowing before my Savior thanking Him for His faithfulness. </div>
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We were told our next step in the process of our adoption would be delayed nearly a month because our agency's in country rep would be taking a long holiday for Chinese New Year. To say that "momma bear" came out would probably be putting it lightly. My son has defied the odds and survived longer than expected. My son has fought valiantly to live each day. My son has gone to bed every night for four years not knowing if he would die right there in his bed in the orphanage. Every night for a full year now I have gone to bed begging God to spare his little life and to let him know what a hug feels like, to let him know that this "condition" does not make him unworthy. </div>
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So when I heard an extra month the crazy adoption lady came forward in full force. I asked them if they would support me if I could find a way around this. If I could find someone else to deliver our papers to the embassy would they help me? They said yes. I went crazy for a full week emailing people in China, emailing friends that work for other agencies, calling our State Representative. </div>
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You get the point.</div>
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Momma Bear, folks, Momma Bear.</div>
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I heard a thousand no's in that week. I hit so many brick walls! Everyone said it wasn't possible. I pounded the pavement every single morning and didn't quit. I told my husband if there was a way to do this I. would. find. it.</div>
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One little southern voice called me back and offered me hope. She said she wanted to help and she would look into it. She called me back late that night. Late, really late. But I didn't care one bit. She did it! She found a way to do the impossible!</div>
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So, today against all odds a mountain moves. Our paperwork is being shipped to someone who isn't getting paid, someone who is going out of her way to hep our son. It should arrive on Thursday and be dropped off. </div>
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Then we wait a few days because our State Representative has already given the embassy a heads up to expedite! Woohoo.</div>
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Then we send all the paperwork back over for one more short stop before we are issued our TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!</div>
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Then we get everything in order, make our tickets and get on a plane to finally, finally, finally go get our son. </div>
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Keep praying, friends. I have never been so convinced of spiritual warfare. </div>
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But I have learned a lesson. My God is mighty to save.</div>
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Mountains no longer intimidate me.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-29048054403814197332013-02-14T12:24:00.001-08:002013-02-14T12:24:29.990-08:00This one<div style="text-align: center;">
This one needs a family. Could it be you?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><img alt="Photo: FEATURED CHILD OF THE WEEK: THOMAS</p>
<p>Total Madison Adoption Associates agency fee of $6500 is waived!!</p>
<p>Date of Birth: April 1, 2002<br />
Special Need: post-operative hermaphrodism</p>
<p>Thomas is active, energetic, bright and more extroverted than other kids. He sometimes makes funny faces to show his happiness! He can be obstinate when he's in a bad mood, but quickly changes after a kind word from his caretaker. Thomas has great curiosity about everything, and he's always up for new adventures! </p>
<p>Thomas has normal intellectual and physical development. He received corrective surgery at age 3 years and has recovered fully.</p>
<p>For more information, please contact Sara@MadisonAdoption.com" height="403" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/r270/c0.0.336.336/p403x403/600483_600629269953785_17903256_n.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.796875); background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.949219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.949219); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.949219); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.949219); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.046875) 0px 3px 3px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 606px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="403" /></span></div>
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Thomas was born April 1, 2002.</div>
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He has post-operative hermaphrodism.</div>
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A fellow MAA family met him while in China and they said, “He was very sweet. This little guy wants and needs a family. Please consider him.”</div>
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The folks at Madison really want to find Thomas a family that he can call his own. So, much so that the total Madison Adoption Associates agency fee of $6500 is waived!! This little guy is important to us!</div>
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Thomas is active, energetic, bright and more extroverted than other kids. He sometimes makes funny faces to show his happiness! He can be obstinate when he’s in a bad mood, but quickly changes after a kind word from his caretaker. Thomas has great curiosity about everything, and he’s always up for new adventures!</div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Thomas has normal intellectual and physical development. He received corrective surgery at age 3 years and has recovered fully.</div>
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For more information, please contact Sara@MadisonAdoption.com</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-68650020795325575452013-01-30T13:21:00.000-08:002013-01-30T13:21:09.534-08:00FriendsI have come to realize that although the waiting of this adoption feels like torture most days yet it is precisely because of that waiting that I have made some wonderful new friends and connections.<br />
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They are my lifeline. Nobody understands the pain of waiting like another adoptive mommy. It's pure therapy to reach out to them and know they honestly, 100% get it. God is so good to remind us that we are never alone and that He is with us each and every step.<br />
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While we are in the home stretch I'm living vicariously though those same friends as they blog about their time in China. I'm loving all the pictures that give me a glimpse of what is ahead of me. I cry over these blogs. No joke. Tears, buckets of tears.<br />
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Adoption is beautiful and miraculous, and grounded in brokenness. It's heartbreaking to see the nanny that sobs as she says goodbye to the baby she has been loving for the past years. It rips your heart out to see and hear how these kids are grieving. They are too young to understand and all they know is they are being handed to strangers by the same people they have loved and attached to and then those people leave. And their new mommy and daddy don't speak their language!<br />
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But it's also beautiful to see them grow attached to their mommy and daddy. It's amazing to get to see those pictures of those first attempts at bonding. So, until we get to have the experience ourselves I'm soaking in all the news of these ladies!<br />
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Go check out their blogs:<br />
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<a href="http://ourlittlepinkchinabare.blogspot.com/2013/01/gotcha-day.html">http://ourlittlepinkchinabare.blogspot.com/2013/01/gotcha-day.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://fortunateblessings.blogspot.com/2013/01/china-day-4.html?spref=fb">http://fortunateblessings.blogspot.com/2013/01/china-day-4.html?spref=fb</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.growingourfamilyto7.blogspot.com/">http://www.growingourfamilyto7.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amountainawaits.com/">http://www.amountainawaits.com/</a><br />
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<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6884801254629736141.post-12240130713172131822013-01-16T07:36:00.000-08:002013-01-16T07:39:06.481-08:00Mine<div style="text-align: center;">
It came. Fifty five days of the longest waiting of my life. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to starting to have some doubts. But here it is! </div>
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LOA!!! Also, known as the Letter of Acceptance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyLSQzw41codCevBK77d_F2FtPA-JcQ4qKY3Yy5NP12X6_NkSgJIkLcpMGbXW03k51yPJZa0cE7ybqZ5Z5FyhawSBTTsHLx7ng03Z4fEUcU6WUkHWVyi3u0f6kYmXMtU6CZS8TLdYElmC/s1600/LOA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyLSQzw41codCevBK77d_F2FtPA-JcQ4qKY3Yy5NP12X6_NkSgJIkLcpMGbXW03k51yPJZa0cE7ybqZ5Z5FyhawSBTTsHLx7ng03Z4fEUcU6WUkHWVyi3u0f6kYmXMtU6CZS8TLdYElmC/s320/LOA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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He's mine, really, truly mine. </div>
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This is a book I bought almost two years ago now when we were still in the domestic foster care program.</div>
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Little did I know, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hysTzZ3KfQ9mjuzKgHovzsrL6XAQticLH4pkIkbRZBvzOWUJCnFblN5QBEgjpf5y-t0Af8x5V7painuZfWEtEr9gEzoYwfRblxS-J85paNOeXkl8uu-flJceyA4UpntuiilLnWZruvwI/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hysTzZ3KfQ9mjuzKgHovzsrL6XAQticLH4pkIkbRZBvzOWUJCnFblN5QBEgjpf5y-t0Af8x5V7painuZfWEtEr9gEzoYwfRblxS-J85paNOeXkl8uu-flJceyA4UpntuiilLnWZruvwI/s320/book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are so, so close to the end. Maybe only 8 weeks until I can finally hold my son. </div>
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All we have left is to get our immigration approval, apply for our visa's for China</div>
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and then wait for China to issue approval for us to enter their country.</div>
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That's it!! Then we get to fly to officially make him a Hurst.</div>
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We are also so very close to finishing with our funds. </div>
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In order to help push us to the finish line I made this bracelet to sell for only $10!</div>
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The verse I have claimed over and over again is Zephaniah 3:17</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="22" cellspacing="0" class="mainbk" style="background-color: #b9e3ff; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr valign="top"><td class="bluebk3" style="background-color: #fffefd; background-repeat: no-repeat repeat;" width="98%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="btext" colspan="2" height="20" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gQW4uzlovCGppRSKRCI4AqX966BKC-O7HuEAHKCWFi6wbQv0pDGKQF28lAB3crgNysAu9vyobzVVCoMKAsBVt5XjGZgBODlrjIcZ1mmpGP_zapKgDbLu1SUMTsBbmcA4VBESDmmLlLwN/s1600/Might+to+Save.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gQW4uzlovCGppRSKRCI4AqX966BKC-O7HuEAHKCWFi6wbQv0pDGKQF28lAB3crgNysAu9vyobzVVCoMKAsBVt5XjGZgBODlrjIcZ1mmpGP_zapKgDbLu1SUMTsBbmcA4VBESDmmLlLwN/s320/Might+to+Save.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the process of our adoption this little boy has grown up...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8zI58NE2T8bzfNFz1KvrSy7iJ4JDZVy4C8jsCjjSHqtEfmvxatFfRBl7Xu_iwKQmI78TIlG_jiv7FsCN7difsR-DAXpBqZ7EjyESahRjzyjr-zCesXKe8TOfXd2AuM8zbExOai6Fk8qi/s1600/2012_07_04_18_22_228221441751120638_187893325_Hefe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8zI58NE2T8bzfNFz1KvrSy7iJ4JDZVy4C8jsCjjSHqtEfmvxatFfRBl7Xu_iwKQmI78TIlG_jiv7FsCN7difsR-DAXpBqZ7EjyESahRjzyjr-zCesXKe8TOfXd2AuM8zbExOai6Fk8qi/s320/2012_07_04_18_22_228221441751120638_187893325_Hefe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Into this handsome boy. My heart aches to make that smile come back.</div>
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Soon, little man, soon.</div>
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Hang on just a little longer!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqswurD41IfeyD78-CsUBDjmiN1d9UBE0urqa8bEEvCkG_A4gOwDfHodD0fqb6tsMyZJfwX2grt7dVt09dL2wYHfzM-1OPRAf1Ap2qIm_8n8ZYfHH0koBDGMTWbn1PzPE2wOhPRKppYwIL/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqswurD41IfeyD78-CsUBDjmiN1d9UBE0urqa8bEEvCkG_A4gOwDfHodD0fqb6tsMyZJfwX2grt7dVt09dL2wYHfzM-1OPRAf1Ap2qIm_8n8ZYfHH0koBDGMTWbn1PzPE2wOhPRKppYwIL/s320/IMG_0459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have learned a lesson. My God truly is mighty to save.</div>
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And He chose to save this one.</div>
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My heart overflows.</div>
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Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322175570866335746noreply@blogger.com5