GOTCHA DAY!!! HE IS HERE, HE IS HERE!!

THANK YOU JESUS! XUEFA IS DOING SO WELL!!! Our guide has left us for the night so we are on our own.  She ordered McDonalds, since we don't know anything else and he wanted a hamburger!! They will deliver for about $1 which is so great because it is a haul to get to it. Under the street to cross the street although I think his little legs could carry him, but my 5 hour sleep and long flights to get here are catching up with me...
I was able to find out that he left his foster family this morning. What a knife through the chest!  They loved him dearly and will miss him. He loved them as well. They gave him a journal with a note in the front cover, they hope he is happy and has a good life.
I received a photo album of many pictures over the last several years. a silver plate of the orphanage and several other things. He came to me and gave me a hug. I didn't lose it like I thought I would, although I had been praying over my emotions as I did not want to scare him.  They said he was a little sad. I used the translator I borrowed from my friend Lauren and told him we would take good care of him. He nodded.We had some time at the Civil Affairs office and then went to get his passport picture taken (we will receive his passport on Friday.) I met one of his teachers.  I left my questions in the room and couldn't think of all I wanted to ask, but he knows all basic math including multiplication and division. YEAH! 
HE IS VERY SWEET!!!! I KNEW I SAW HIS HEART IN THE VIDEO!!! I told him "wo ai ni" at the office, and he said it back.  It means "I love you."  I'm smart enough to know that he probably doesn't love me yet, but he will! Mason is a great big brother again!!  He was letting him put stickers on him and was blowing bubbles. Sweetness! The funniest part was that when he arrived, he arrived with a SWORD!!!!  Is he going to fit in or what??? Jiminy Christmas!!!  It couldn't believe it!! Once he gets some English, he knows a few words, he is going to do so well!! I'll write more later, but I know you mostly want to see pictures so here they are!! Enjoy!

Isaiah 43:5
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

Psalm 118:24 -This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Hallelujah, Praise the Lord and pass the collard greens!!! Hallelujah!!AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!

BTW, the mark on his eye in his passport picture is proof he is a RAY! Everyone has facial injuries including the mama and baba!!

 

Change of plans, but it's all good!

Five hours of sleep!! I can survive on that!!  I remember when my little babies would first get a five hour stretch of sleep I felt like a different person!!!  So, busy morning so far...the sun gets up earlier here!! I woke up first at 4, and went back to sleep! THANK YOU JESUS!! The blinds were a bit open so I saw the light from the sun through the SMOG at 5:30. When I saw the time on my watch I was a little delirious and thought it may be 6:30. I decided if I went back to sleep, I would probably not up! I got up checked the computer and Matt was on so we finally got to Skype again!! My daddy and step-mom called him while we were skyping so he put them on speaker and got to chat with them too!!  That was awesome!! Mason and I got ready for the day and went down for an interesting breakfast. The spread was beautiful, the food was "okay." Spring rolls in the morning is a bit different, only fried eggs available...lots of different Chinese foods, Mason and I went for SEVERAL croissants...Haven't found a Starbucks but will survive with Coke until Guangzhou.

I have to say I am so grateful for Mason being here with me!! He has been so helpful and sweet!!! I mean SWEET!!  Any tears he said he would be "like white on rice" with me!  This is an incredible experience for both of us and I know it makes us even MORE thankful for HOME!!!

Our guide met us this morning @ 8am in the lobby and off to the Civil Affairs office we went. I filled out and signed some documents.  I had to write, with my chicken scratch penmanship my reason for adopting.

I had to keep it simple with we were expanding our family. I could write a book about why we are adopting him, maybe I will one day...I promised to never abandon or abuse him. I promised to give him a wonderful life! I am thankful I have a village surrounding all of us to help with that promise. I had many emotions last night in my exhaustion, today I am refreshed because I had a little sleep and have been covered in so many prayers...thank you so much for all of them!! I have felt each and every one!

The change of plans, Michael was not there this morning to come back with us.  We are heading back to the Civil Affairs office this afternoon at 2:30, to meet him at 3!  We are excited to say the least!

We came back to the hotel dropped of some of our things and then head to a local market to pick up some bottled water, cokes and a few snacks. Most everything is in Chinese so we are thankful to have Michelle assisting.  There are illegal taxis that were trying to get us to use them and she said no. Of course we had no idea, and don't know the laws since apparently it isn't against the law to DRIVE YOUR CAR ON THE SIDEWALK OR EVEN DRIVE YOUR SCOOTER THE WRONG WAY DOWN THE STREET! Every man, woman, child for themselves!!  It is quite comical. It's civil since they don't seem to have road rage.  We would have had several shootings I'm sure with the driving I have witnessed! She said everyone knows how to drive this way and it's not a big deal. I would not drive here, as I love my bubble of CR210!!!

Heading soon to the hospital! Note the picture!!

Not really, heading back to the Civil Affairs in a bit, and then one more trip there tomorrow! Hope to see the Yellow crane tower tomorrow or Wed as well as a few other sites, before we head to Guangzhou on Friday afternoon!

This is the last week of school for students here in Wuhan, summer vacation will start next week!

Hoping and praying we are able to make an appointment to visit the orphanage this week.  I think it will be helpful for all of us.  Foster family visits in this area are prohibited so it is doubtful that I will be able to meet them. We shall see.
Thank you again for all the prayers and thanks for continuing to pray for all of us!!
Just about 2 more hours and Michael will be with us!! God's peace to everyone!

We are in Wuhan!

We made it thanks be to God and the many prayers being said!! KEEP THEM COMING!! I am wiped out, physically and emotionally, and there is much more to come!! Off to JAI at 4am Sat morning, through Newark, then delay in Newark, strong winds, plane too heavy they won't re-route to a different runway...we sat and sat and I prayed and prayed. this was not sitting well with me at all, so I clung with all my might to the One that has been the leader on this journey...after that delay we finally arrived in Shanghai...I can say now, that the flight home will the LAST time I EVER fly this far away!! Not a fan of flying to begin with, but we had about 3.5 hours of off and on turbulence that was extremely difficult to face, alone, so more praying, and then some more praying!!  The entrance into Shanghai was overwhelming...I believe I was the only blond in sight, and Mason the only blond/auburn pre-teen...(pre-teen??what is that all about???) Anyway, we made it though immigration, then customs, then to get our bags then walked to the other side of the airport WHICH IS HUGE!! Trying to find English speaking people, being laughed at, YIKES!!!  I didn't have tickets (only electronic) for this flight and also had to recheck bags since we had to pick them up from the previous flight...UGH! Were we tired??!!  Got situated and waited an hour til the number was called...then a shuttle to the plane, and also had to carry our backpacks (WHICH ARE FILLED TO THE GILLS) and also one carry on, up the stairs to the plane...now we are sitting on this plane just about 15 minutes and took off for Wuhan. The second hour almost did me in...I was ready to be done with flying!!! We made it to the airport and our guide was waiting for us after we collected our luggage,,,Her name is Michelle. The car ride to the hotel was about 40 minutes....we managed to get her to take us to mickey d's since we were hungry and that seemed "safe" to eat...don't let them put ice in the drink...I forgot and then Mason threw it out when I remembered...we don't need to get sick!!! Hooked up the internet and then was trying to hook up another plug, blew a circuit, all the lights out in our room and thought I shocked myself!! It sparked, but it was fine. I called the front desk and they can and fixed it quickly...I think I know what NOT to do!  !
Skyped my sister Jane, Matt was at church and hers starts later, plus she is an hour behind...trying to stay awake a few minutes so I can skype Matt, but might not make it!!
Meeting the guide in the morning at 8am, to head to the Civil Affairs office to meet our new son!  I can't begin to describe any of this really!!  Please pray for his heart, his acceptance of his new life with our family. We want the very best for him and pray that we can give him that.
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!!
Stay tuned for "GOTCHA DAY - JUNE 25TH, 2012!
BTW - the time difference is 12 hours

VBS, B-12 and ready to go!!!

I have been depleted (B12)this week...BUT restored by VBS (and a B12 injection...I have a significant deficiency which means injections every 2 weeks, plus sub-lingual every day...it's obvious when the 2 weeks is almost up, as I am usually so exhausted and beyond sleepy and can hardly stand up!!)
I know I already said this, but this is one of my most favorite weeks of the year!! EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!! EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!!  My arms fly up when saying this! How true it is!! Matt Ray and I are proof of this statement and scripture!!  Not just because of what is happening right now, but because of where we have been, to get to where we are now!  Miracles have been in our life, time and time again. I am so thankful to be able to recognize them, maybe not at first, but eventually I get it. I am getting God's plan!! I am so humbled to be leaving in 7 hours to be on my way to bringing a child home to be in our family, but most importantly to hopefully and prayerfully bring a child to know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! CAN I GET AN AMEN???!!! WHOA!!! DID I MENTION I AM GOING TO CHINA??!!  THE PERSON THAT DOES NOT LIKE TO FLY OR BE OUT OF HER LITTLE BUBBLE, LIKES TO STAY IN HER "SAFE" PLACE, DOES NOT LIKE TO BE AWAY FROM HER HOME OR FAMILY????!!!! YIKES!!!
Today's bible point..No matter where you go, TRUST GOD!! and scripture
Joshua 1:9  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Yes, he has commanded and I know He will be with me time and time again!!  My next post will most likely be from the opposite side of the world!!  I pray my VPN works through the "great FIREWALL of China."  I am hoping to blog each day and recap the events of the day. Please bear with me!! 
I hope to be in my hotel by 10pm Sunday night, which will be 9 or 10 am Sunday morning! Enjoy the VBS celebration at church!!! Can't wait to see the VBS Video recap!!
Mason and I will meet Michael sometime on Monday, like I said before, we are the only country that actually works on a schedule so I have no idea what time, but I know it will be on Monday!! 
Thanks so much for continued prayers and check back, I hope I am able to post within a couple of days!!
God's Peace to all as Mason and I Fly Away! Love that song!!!

VBS continues, anticipating takeoff!

The Bible Story today...Jesus is crucified...we followed the cross around as many of the children helped to carry it after Jesus had fallen...then He was nailed to the cross...at noon the sky was dark and then it was finished.  My son, Mason played Jesus today...as I closed my eyes and listened to the story and looked up and saw my son with is head drooped and somewhat lifeless, it took my breath away...What a sacrifice...indescribable...How was she able to hold herself back and watch her son take his final breath and die??  She was able to do that because "Everything is possible with God." She knew the plan and she had to trust Him. He made it possible for us to have a Savior to forgive us of our sins and pay the ultimate price...for me??? yes, as unworthy as I am, He died for me!  He died for all of us...I am coming apart at the seams to share God's love with Michael!!  I have a plan for our flight home...it's not a huge plan, but I am really excited about it.  I have some "track" pants I had hemmed for him and they will be PERFECT with our VBS shirt from this week. There was an extra one and the children's ministry director said she would be thrilled for him to have one of these shirts!!  So, he will wear the VBS shirt on the flight home!  The theme is written on it, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!! God is the reason Michael is coming here to join our family!  It is all Him!! AMAZING!! I can't believe in less than 36 hours, Mason and I will be boarding our 1st flight heading to China!!
With that said, I need some sleep!

VBS and getting ready to fly high in the sky!!!

Oh my goodness!! I am leaving in 1.5 sleeps!!!  My niece, Hannah counted "sleeps" instead of days in her early years, so that is how I count!  I say .5 since Friday night is not a full "sleep" because my flight leaves at 6:15 AM!!!  International flights, arrive at the airport check in 2 hours prior to your flight...I didn't know that until a friend informed at the swim meet last Saturday!! UGH!!! It will be fine! I will breathe when I am on my first flight (with a surgical mask to steer clear of the many germs!!!)

VBS WEEK!! One of my favorite weeks of the year, and this year is PERFECT!!! I didn't know the theme until a couple of weeks ago, and all I can say is WOW!!! It is difficult to describe the meaning of this week...

Let's back track a bit...last year - it took A LOT of prayer for my husband to say YES to GOD and this little boy (click on the tab at the top of the blog to read "Our Story from the Beginning" if you don't know it!! If I had not been living this, I would have a challenging time believing it!!)
So Matt FINALLY told me I could inquire about this little boy...ON JUNE 23RD, 2011!!!!!!! I AM LEAVING ON JUNE 23RD, 2012 TO BRING HIM HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!! GOD IS SO AMAZING!!!! I went back through my emails since I am terrible about deleting them and saw my desperate pleas on June 23rd for some wonderful Christian ladies to help locate our son, he was still listed just the day before!!  I came to find out he was already spoken for by another family!!!oh, how my heart ached!! I felt forsaken by God. I truly thought this was our son....well, HE WILL BE IN JUST A FEW DAYS!!! I ALMOST have my bags ready, waiting on a few more items in the laundry....it will be done later today, so I can breathe a little easier...

Back to the theme of VBS...Mark 10:27 "Everything is possible with God." You don't say???!!!
We are living it!! One year ago this Saturday I thought I would never meet this precious child of God...1 year later, I am not only meeting him, but I am bringing him home to be our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend...God has amazing things planned for his life!

As I read last week on another blog...we are plan B for XueFa...plan A was for his parents...I don't know their story, but I feel that they must have thought they could not care for him so he was placed where he would be found...THANK YOU GOD that he was found but it took MANY years for us to know about him.  I pray and pray for his heart...he now, will forever be our son and we will forever be his family. I know God has taken care of all the preparations for us to bring him home...he is one of us, I am humbled and grateful...we all are...as I received an email from a new mom 2 days ago of a little 5 week old baby, just diagnosed with Achondroplasia...she is alone, but reaching out for support...It was a scary, unknown world that we were "thrown" into almost 10 years ago, but now I can't imagine not being "Welcomed into Holland!!" God is so good and this has been an amazing journey thus far...looking forward to seeing Michael's sweet face in just a few days!!
Apparently, the US is one of the few countries in the world that likes to "schedule" life....I asked when I would be meeting our son...just have the day, Monday, but no time designated. JUST GO WITH IT!  Okay, I will...If I can pack 3 people in 2 carry on suitcases and 1 checked bag for 2 weeks, I can do anything!!! ;-) I'm quite sure no one outside of my house knows my issue of living out of suitcase...It is one of my least favorite things to do. I am a HOMEBODY, we are all homebodies!!! We have made a life here, and there is no other place is like it, just like Dorothy said, "There is no place like home!" As of today, we will be back in our "special place" in 16 days as a family of 6!!

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

The Holy Spirit at work!!

The Holy Spirit was sent to us, ALL OF US! He is alive and well and in action! We have been amazed to watch the actions of the Holy Spirit!!!
As you may recall, at the beginning of this journey, we did NOT have an envelope marked "ADOPTION FUND." We had some emergency funds set aside, for emergencies...(and there have been some!)
The financial gains that have happened during this journey can ONLY be explained by the HOLY SPIRIT working in others to help us bring Michael home.
I applied for SEVERAL grants. Lots of work involved. Some writings of others I have read on the Internet why they would or wouldn't apply..."Would you bother applying for grants, it's a lot of work??? it's too much work, we don't know if we will get it, we make too much money, they won't give it us, why bother?"  I'm sure glad I did bother and not worry about the work involved. YES IT WAS A LOT OF WORK, BUT IT SHOULD BE!!! You should not get it without a cost...I just thought if it was meant to be, then it would be...so out of the 8 or so grants I applied for, 2 jumped on board.  That is 25%!!! We get to share our story with EVEN MORE PEOPLE!! We will be able to SHOUT OUT about what God has done to assist our family to bring one of HIS precious children home!! Anonymous from church giving to our "Asian Ministry" jumped on board with help from the Holy Spirit, after my 17+ minute Testimony/Cursillo talk at church from the lectern (what an experience!!!) another couple jumped up with the help of the Holy Spirit, people coming to our garage sale, people that couldn't make it to the garage sale and then sent a check in the mail, our chip in account, airline miles, a check in the mail that said, "please put this towards your trip and this towards a party for your boys upon your return," an envelope placed in my hand at a swim meet with a note that said, "After reading your blog a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to do something to help! I had this jewelry sitting in my closet and I sent it off, and this is the amount that they gave me for it..." A friend's parents, "we want to help." Another check in the mail, "just want to be a part of this!!" THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVES AMONG US!!!

We were humbled to have this "call" from God, and even more so looking at more of His work at hand...How can one not believe, have faith?? Not that I would have lost faith if all these wonderful people not financially assisted  in our journey, BUT it is so amazing to be a part of someone walking with the Lord.  They will remember forever when they think of our Michael that their generosity helped bring him to his family!!! That is truly awesome!!!

James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
I do not want to leave out a VERY important aspect of this journey....PRAYER WARRIORS!!!  Thank you to all of our prayer warriors!! I had sent a post on another site requesting pictures of people and families that had advocated for our son for the past several years...I have only received a few so far...

SO ANYONE READING THIS BLOG POST THAT HAS BEEN PRAYING (or contributed) PLEASE EMAIL ME A PICTURE AND PLEASE ATTACH YOUR NAME AND CITY/STATE!!! I want to put together a collage picture or photo album for Michael so he can see some of the people that have been praying for him!!!  I pray this is something that one day he will treasure, I know I will!!!
Thanks for continued prayers!!! God's Peace to everyone!!