One month ago today at this time we were on a plane from Chicago to RDU, heading home with our new little boy.  I can hardly believe it has been a month since we have been home.  It has been a great time of getting to know Joshua, introducing him to so many special people, and incorporating him into our home and lives! 

He is growing - still small - but growing!  He is still eating everything, which is good.  I'm thankful he likes to eat and is easy to please!  It gets to the point that I just have to stop feeding him...my strategy is to feel his little belly - when it gets nice and tight, I tell him he's had enough for now! 

Today we received his medical records from Maria's Big House of Hope.  This included the surgery notes and x-rays of his hand.  I'm thankful for these!  We are also supposed to receive pictures from Maria's when they finish compiling them together.  I'm looking forward to those! 

We also received his Certificate of Citizenship in the mail today.  He was officially a citizen when we landed in the US, but now we have the actual certificate to prove it!  It still seems surreal that everything has actually taken place - we waited, anticipated it and talked about it for so long!  I am thankful that God had every detail in His hands, that everything happened in His perfect timing.  His plan was far greater than anything I could have come up with on my own.  I thank Him for His almighty hand at work in our lives.  I pray that He alone has gotten all glory for the great things He has done!

I'll try to get some more pictures up here soon! 

Hello to all!  I'm glad to have a few minutes to sit down and write out a few things here on the blog.  Now if I can just stay awake long enough to finish it - and make some sense!

We started VBS tonight at church, which is always an exciting week!  For the last several years I have helped lead the music for the older kids.  I didn't commit to anything this year - at the time not knowing exactly when we would travel to China, and also knowing if we were back I would not have adequate time to prepare for it.  So this year I'm just taking Joshua around so we can see what's going on throughout the church. 

Every year the kids bring an offering and the money goes to a mission emphasis of some kind.  I was so excited to learn that this year the money raised is going to be sent to Maria's Big House of Hope in China!  If you remember, that is where Joshua lived for about 9 1/2 months, from Dec. 2010 - October 2011.  As I watched the video tonight and looked at this beautiful place we actually got to go visit, I was so thankful to know that Joshua had been so well taken care of while he was there.  In my last post I said I needed to share something that God had brought to mind...

Towards the end of 2010, Chad was out of work for about 3 months due to some physical issues.  In October, Steven Curtis Chapman and his family were doing a tour and they were going to be in Durham.  I tried several times to win tickets off of HIS Radio, and finally got through the morning before the concert.  I was thrilled when I was caller #4!  We were able to go to Durham and enjoy a very blessed evening.  All through the night there were advertisements for Show Hope, their organization that helps raise money to help care for orphans.  They were trying to get more people to become monthly sponsors to help give grants to adoptive families, and also help support Maria's Big House of Hope in Luoyang in the Henan Province of China.  All during the night I kept feeling like we were supposed to sign up to become monthly sponsors of Show Hope.  I knew it was kind of crazy - Chad was out of work and we didn't know what was going on or when he would go back.  We really didn't know where $35 a month would come from, but as we've learned  - when God leads, you follow and obey.  At the time there were no prospects of anything adoption related happening for us yet.  We knew we wanted to help a child, so we decided that we would sign up to become monthly sponsors.  It was a leap of faith to fill out the information, but we did it, trusting that's what God was leading us to do. 

As we have been home and I have thought about the timeline of events and how different things have happened it occurred to me - we signed up to be come sponsors in October, our first payment was drafted out in November, and Joshua went to live there in December!  I was amazed when I thought of that and how God works!  We were glad to know that we would be helping a child in some way - little did we know that God had placed our child in the care of Maria's Big House of Hope!  He received such good care there, and also received the surgery he needed on his hand.  I keep pondering all of this over and over, and the conclusion is this:  God is Big!  He is very real.  He is constantly working in the lives of His children, whether we can see it or not.  I am so thankful for Maria's Big House and the work they do in China.  And the other miracle is this - China is a pretty big place!  The fact that Joshua was born in the very city that Maria's is located is God's providence as well, which allowed us to be able to go there, visit and get this piece of the amazing puzzle God has so intricately put together. 

Maybe you would consider becoming a monthly sponsor of Show Hope!  You can visit their website at www.showhope.org.  Read about the marvelous work God is doing for the least of these who are so precious in His sight!     

Happy July 4th week!  I can hardly believe it is July already.  This year is going by so fast that it's making my head spin.  July is always a busy month with different things going on, so I'm sure this month will pass by just as quickly as the others have. 

Last month at this time we had just flown to Zhengzhou, with only a few hours until we would meet little Joshua for the first time.  We were full of anticipation at what would take place, how he would react to us, and how he would adjust to our family.  I am still amazed at the ease of the transition we have had.  Joshua is such a pleasant little boy, happy most of the time.  His biggest dislike is the car seat.  He is getting a little better about it, not fussing quite as much.  Since he is so small he has to be in the infant seat.  But that's about the most fussing he does.  He just crawls all around here with his sweet smile and gets tons of attention from everyone.  I love to hear Hannah and Matthew playing with him.  Joshua loves for Hannah to hold him and is always laughing at Matthew's silliness!  I was watching them yesterday, thinking how undeservedly blessed I am to have been entrusted with these precious souls.  What a responsibility that I am so inadequate for without the help of my Heavenly Father! 

Joshua is still eating everything, and I mean everything we are giving him.  I am feeding him only healthy foods so that he can get the adequate nutrition he needs to grow as he should.  He's getting a tiny bit of meat on those little legs!  I am trying to teach him a few signs so that he can communicate what he needs or wants to us.  I know he'll catch on soon through lots of repitition and teaching.  His newest things to do - he likes to wave and give high 5, oh and stand on his head!

Chad has been busy building a loft bed for Matthew's room.  With the crib in there now, it is pretty cramped, so we decided to create more room in there by putting Matthew up high and being able to slide some of the furniture and toys underneath.  It will look great once we get it all together and organized.

We have continually been blessed by people bringing meals, and showering Joshua with things he needs.  I continue to marvel at God's faithfulness and His mighty hand.  As I look back over the last couple of years, I am constantly seeing the ways that God was working, moving and bringing all of this together.  I'm running out of time now, but I'll share later how a couple of days ago God really brought to mind something only He could have orchestrated. 

Happy July 4th!  We are so blessed to live in this country, even with all of its faults and failures.  When we were in China, we had to go to apply for Joshua's passport.  Our agency rep said that everyone we would see in that place that day was either adopting or was trying to immigrate to the US.  The place was packed with people, mostly Chinese people, trying to apply to come over here.  The freedom we have is a blessing I know I constantly take for granted.  And while that freedom is such a gift, it could never compare to the freedom I have in Christ Jesus!
 
Romans 8:1-2 "Therefore, there is now no comdemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." 
Praise His glorious Name!!!

This is the latest trick he likes to do - stand on his head!

Hello!  I know it's been a few days since my last post.  I'm trying to get back into the swing of things here.  Back to normal - a new normal, with a cute little Joshua to add to the mix! 

We've been home a week now.  I had a hard time Monday and Tuesday finding energy to do anything.  The time change, jet lag and all the excitement finally caught up with me.  I was trying to get some things done, but it was tough!  I usually don't intentionally lay down to take a nap, but it could not be avoided those two days! 

Chad went back to work on Wednesday.  The heat is tough for him I know, but he powers through and works so hard for our family.  I am so blessed to walk through life with him.

As the week has progressed, Joshua is sleeping better each night.  I think the time difference and his new surroundings played a part in keeping him up some.  However, he is doing better each night.  He likes to eat - eats everything - he has refused nothing he has been given.  I am thankful, because he needs good nutrition.    

We have been showered all week by so much love and encouragement.  Our family has enjoyed showing Joshua off to so many that have anticipated him right along with us.  I was thrilled to be able to take him to Calvary Baptist Church yesterday, his first Sunday there.  When we were practicing the music for the morning service, I just melted down in a pile of tears in my little corner.  I was so overwhelmed by God's goodness that I could not contain myself.  I had been thinking all morning how thankful I am that these three weeks we've had Joshua are the beginning of him learning of Jesus.  I think about his past and him being in the orphanage - who would have taken the gospel to him?  How would he have heard the good news of Jesus?  How would he have known that God sent Jesus to die for him so he could be adopted into a heavenly family?  I pray for his future salvation.  I pray that when he gets old enough that he will bow to Jesus in a child-like faith, surrendering his heart and life to Him.        

I better go finish the housework.  I still have one suitcase left to unpack, but I'll get to it eventually.  Right now I hear a little monkey waking up from a nap.  I'd rather go love on him instead!




   

Hello to all  - this time from USA!!!

Friday was a day filled with packing and getting ready to come home.  We had some final fun times with our newest friends - especially trying to get group pictures!  We had family pictures made, a big group picture, and then tried to get pictures of all the adopted kids sitting together.  That was fun!  They were all dressed in their little Chinese outfits and looked simply precious. 

We received the visas Friday afternoon, then left the hotel headed to Hong Kong to spend the night.  Four of us families rode in vans to Hong Kong - and that van ride was quite the adventure.  Those guys weaved in and out of traffic like crazy - which made for a very nauseating three hours!  By God's grace alone we made it there!  We were there for the night, then headed out of Hong Kong for home.  The flight was long and at times turbulant.  Joshua did well and slept off and on for alot of it.  We arrived in Chicago and had a long layover there.  It grew longer as there were many delays for our RDU flight.  It was supposed to leave at 7:45, but finally left at 10:20.  With the time change, we made it here about 2:45 Sunday morning.  It was great to see home again! 

We had a wonderful homecoming with quite a few surprises from some wonderful friends!  A few awesome friends had 4 boxes of diapers sitting here waiting for us.  Another dear one had a basket full of goodies for Joshua.  She even had printed out some of the pictures from the blog and had them framed.  Then some sweet friends had stocked our fridge and pantry so we would have some food when we got back home.  When we walked in Matthew's room, we were blown away to find a crib set up, complete with Lightening McQueen bedding and filled with gifts for Joshua.  We are completely humbled and so blessed by these acts of kindness and care.  God just keeps right on outdoing Himself - proving over and over He provides all that we need, exactly when we need it.  He is simply amazing!

Joshua has continued to do well and seems to enjoy home.  He's just been exploring his new surroundings.  I've noticed him playing with the carpet some - rubbing it and pulling at it.  He likes the magnets on the fridge and all of Matthew's cars.  He is eating well and has filled out even in just these two weeks.  His smile is precious and his laugh contagious.   

I've sat down a couple of times to try to reflect on so many things learned throughout this whole process.  I haven't finished or compiled all of my thoughts yet - first of all, due to exhaustion and trying to readjust to the time change.  I keep falling asleep!  And second of all, there is so much to tell.  I'll have to gather my thoughts and emotions and hope that I can come close to making sense of that fact that God would be so gracious to let us travel this road and bless us in countless ways.  I'll continue to blog some.  I've enjoyed that it has helped me ponder the things that God has done, and I pray it has brought Him glory in the process.  He is worthy of all praise, honor and glory in all things. 

Thanks for reading.  I'll post more pictures later!

Hello!  Thank you for praying for Hannah.  She has been much better today, and so far the rest of us are ok, too.  Keep praying - in hopes that nothing hits between now and flying home Saturday. 

Today was the last full day in Guangzhou.  We started early so we could all head out for our meeting at the US Consulate.  Every family in our group took the "oath" at the same time.  We had to raise our right hand and swear that all of the information we gave to the US Consulate is true to the best of our knowledge.  Then we had some paperwork to look over and sign so Joshua can receive his visa tomorrow.  We should get that around 4, then we will take about a 3 hour ride to Hong Kong to spend the night and fly out Saturday morning.  We were going to take the train, but after talking to our agency rep, she said the van ride would be much easier and probably cheaper.  So, about 4 of us families are doing that instead of the train. 

We are excited about coming home to familiar surroundings, languages and faces; however, there are a couple of things I will miss about China.  First of all, the families that we have been priviledged to meet and share this journey with here.  We were put together - not by our adoption agency - but ultimately by a sovereign God who knows us all intimately and personally.  We were put together with people we had never met before to share one of the biggest events of our lives, and we are leaving as friends, forever bonded by this most amazing experience.  This reminds me again of how our Master Weaver works, every stitch is placed perfectly.  We are all looking forward to sharing emails and pictures in the coming months of how our children grow, develop and flourish in their new families.  Joshua, Jack, Anna, Allison, Tori and Larry are all going to new homes and new lives with families that are so thankful for the chance to raise them as their own.  I will also miss the comical chaos of watching the never ending traffic - not being in it, but watching it!  And I must be honest and admit I will miss the nice housekeeping lady that makes my bed and cleans my bathroom each day!  :-)   

I've looked at each of these children and families, wondering what God's purpose and plan is for each of us.  Why did he place Joshua with us, or Jack with Stephen and Jennifer?  Why was this child placed in our care?  What is it that they will learn from us that will fulfill their God given purpose in this life?  And what is it we will learn from them that will ultimately fulfill God's purpose for us as well?  That's where I have to seek God's guidance and instruction - just like I've tried to do with Hannah and Matthew (though I haven't always sought Him nearly as much as I should.)  I trust that God - the perfect parent - will lead as we seek Him for wisdom in all things.  I'm reminded of James' words - "If any of you lack wisdom He should ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to Him."  God will graciously give wisdom when I actively seek and ask Him for it. 

I'll have to pack up this computer tomorrow and don't know that I'll have a chance to post anymore from this side of the ocean.  I am in tears as this part of the journey comes to a close - tears of sadness, joy and excitement, but most of all - tears of amazement at a faithful, gracious God who has held my hand through this great adventure.  I must say this - if God calls you to do something, no matter how big or out of reach it seems - do it.  Follow Him.  He is trustworthy and sure.  He is good and kind.  He is out for your good and His glory. 

Thank you for encouraging us, praying for us, loving us and anticipating Joshua with us.  We're looking forward to introducing you to the cutest little monkey in all of China! 

      

Hey, ya'll!  We're trying to teach Stephen and Jennifer all about "ya'll" - they are originally from Ireland, but now live in Wisconsin.  They need to learn some good ole southern words!!!

Just a quick post to ask for prayer for Hannah.  Apparently she picked up a stomach bug and my sweet girl was up all night sick.  She seems a bit better now, but still a little nauseous.  She has been so very helpful to us through this transition, always looking after her brothers and making sure they are taken care of.  Please pray for a quick recovery.

Also, please ask the Lord to spare the rest of us from it, if it's His will.  We leave here Friday and spend the night in Hong Kong, then the long flight from Hong Kong to Chicago is Saturday.  I dread the thought of a 15 hour flight with any of us having a stomach bug.  But the Lord knows of this, and I trust Him completely in whatever His will is. 

Thank you!

Good evening!  (A note to Brandon - I have learned that in Chinese!)

Hope you all are doing well back home!  We are all tucked in the hotel room, bunking down for the night as you begin your day there.  I thought I'd fill you in on the events of the day before I turn in.  I certainly am not used to going to bed early.  At home, I'm always up late - but after a while, there's not much to do in the hotel room but go to bed! 

This morning started off for our group with an optional trip to the zoo here in Guanghzou (I think I spell that differently every time!)  Our family along with 2 others headed out, hoping to see some animals.  I'm like a kid when I go into a zoo, so I was very excited!  It was very hot, and oh so humid!  If I close my eyes, it feels like I'm standing in NC on a hot, summer day!  We saw monkeys, tigers, giraffes, elephants, zebras, a rhino, hippo, bears, and most exciting for me - panda bears!  I haven't seen a panda since I was a kid, so I was looking forward to that.  Despite a little rain shower at the beginning of the trip, all went well and we had a very nice time. 

This afternoon was filling out and getting paperwork ready for the US Consulate in a couple of days.  Last week was taking care of adoption deatils on China's end, this week is taking care of the details for the US.  We go back to the clinic tomorrow morning to check the results of Joshua's tb test, which I'm expecting to be all clear. 

Earlier today I was looking through some of the papers that have been given to us since we've been here.  We were given a photocopy of the newspaper ad that was run to look for the parents of ZanBo. There is also a "certificate of abandonment," saying that he was left, adequate measures were taken to look for parents or family, but none came forward.  I can't imagine being abandoned, left helpless and alone with no one to care for me.  Thankfully because of Jesus, I won't ever know what that's like.  "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you."

Thank you to everyone that has cared to read what are sometimes rambled up thoughts in my crazy mind.  I'm humbled by the love and prayers that have held us up through this.  Thank you for bringing a smile to my face and tears to my eyes through your comments.  Makes me feel closer to home as I read them.  We miss you and are looking forward to seeing you again soon!    

Enjoy some of the variety of God's creation...

Notice all the animals in the water - trying to stay cool!

Brown bear taking a swim.

A white tiger

Wiped out from all the riding!

         

Hello everybody!  I am assuming you are all snoozing away there in the States..  We've just finished a quick lunch here in the hotel room.  We've pretty much either had Chinese, pizza or McDonalds while we've been here.  I will definitely have to go back on a diet when we get home!

The hotel we are in now is a little city in and of itself.  Many stores and places to shop right here in the hotel.  There is a Starbucks, which I plan to visit one time while I'm here.  There is a McDonalds across the street, but if I have to eat another McD burger I'm going to puke.  So for lunch, I went to the 7-11 which is right outside the hotel and bought some Skippy peanut butter.  The label is in Chinese, so I couldn't read it and accidentally bought crunchy, which Matthew doesn't like. I can eat crunchy or creamy, but prefer creamy. So I went back down to the little market in the lobby and found some creamy, got bread from the bakery, so now we are all happy!

I know I'm a couple of days behind on the updates, so I will fill you in on the last few days.  I told you in the last post about the visit to the Shaolin Temple last Thursday.  We got back around 5:30ish, so a few of us took the 15-20 minute walk down to Pizza Hut for supper.  One guy came to take our order and when he heard us speaking English, he just walked off and found someone else that could speak it a little.  We asked for bottled water to drink, and they brought us 4 glasses of boiling hot water!  They didn't have bottled water, so we had to settle for Coke. It is hard to find cold drinks, they're chilled - but not cold.  And napkins, I tell you, if I ever come back to China I will be sure throw a pack of napkins in the suitcase!  Then we decided to go to a store that is kind of like WalMart, but supposedly nicer - 2 blocks farther down than Pizza Hut.  It was ok, but it was hard to find what we needed.  Then we had to make the journey back, after walking all day, in the heat and humidity, dodging mopeds, motor bikes and bicycles.  It was close to 10 when we got back to the hotel.  Needless to say, that's why I didn't blog that evening, we all crashed!

Friday we were able to sleep in a little.  We had to begin repacking and getting our stuff ready for the flight out Saturday.  And Friday was a special day - my BIG boy Matthew turned 8!  I can hardly believe my now middle child is 8 years old.  So glad we got to celebrate it in China!  His request was to go to McDonalds for lunch to get ice cream.  So us and Stephen, Jennifer and Jack went down to McD for lunch.  As we were walking back, we stopped at the park and took a few pictures.  Our agency rep had found out that it was Matthew's birthday, so she had the hotel prepare a cake for him.  Several from our travel group came up to our room to help us celebrate.  We had a good time together and enjoyed the yummy cake!  We are so thankful for Matthew - he fills our home with singing and laughter! 

Saturday was the flight out.  It was supposed to depart Zhengzhou at 10:30, but was delayed and we didn't even board until after 11. We arrived safely in Guangzhou and will be here until Friday.  We had an appointment this morning - Joshua's visa photo and physical.  He also had to have a TB test, which we will have to go back for the results in a couple of days.  At 27 months old, he is a whopping 14.8 pounds.  He is so small, but he is so sweet!  He is proving to be quite a goofball and has the cutest personality!  He had his first restless night last night, so he is napping away right now.

We are having a good time, but are looking forward to the familiarity and comfort of Stillbrook Court!  Pastor Brandon says that every physical circumstance can have a heavenly application and lesson.  The thought just occurred to me that I'm longing for home.  But Stillbrook Court, as pleasant and comfortable as it is, is not my ultimate home. I long for my heavenly home, made possible for me by the shed blood of Christ so that I could be adopted into His family.  At this hotel, I have seen so many nationalities and so many different people.  Makes me think of what heaven will be like -people from every nation, tribe and tongue, joined together in worship of one great, amazing God! 



Our tour guide Timothy - pray he believes what he reads in the Bible!

I think he has anger issues!

He needs a shirt on!

One of the monks burning incense

Pagoda Forest

Entrance to the temple

Bikes and mopeds everywhere!

My sweet boys! Joshua has quite a cowlick!

The birthday boy!

He wasn't sure what to think of the puddle.

I am so blessed!

Stephen, Jennifer, and Jack

Photo taken from the plane - what an awesome Creator!

             

Hello, again - this time from Guangzhou!

Sorry for the delay in posting - Thursday night I was just too tired!  Friday and Saturday I had trouble getting on the internet and therefore could not post anything.  But we flew out of Zhengzhou yesterday and arrived safely in Guangzhou in the afternoon. 

Joshua is still doing amazingly well with this transition.  He is sleeping well, eating well, and looks healthier even in these last few days.  We are discovering he has quite a cute little personality as we have gotten to know him more. 

To catch you up on the last few days activities...Thursday was a free day, so our rep set us up on a tour.  We all went as a group to Shaolin Temple, which was a couple hours drive from our hotel.  It is a Buddhist Temple, with a beautiful architecture and a long history.  It was interesting to tour and see many monks walking around - young and old.  Some of them looked to be young teenagers.  We saw monks burning inscense along with people going up to kneel and pray to Buddah.  I found myself very sad to see so many praying to a god who cannot see, hear or love them - yet they are so dedicated to him and their religion.  This temple is surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenery, created by a God who desires to save these people from their sin.  I'm so very thankful to know Him!

We had a very good tour guide, named Timothy.  He was very nice and had a great personality.  As we were on the way there, he told us that he had been reading the Bible to help him learn English, and that he was in the book of Kings.  I wondered if he was a Christian or not.  Later in the day before we were just leaving there, he and I were actually the only two around for a minute.  I asked how long he had been reading the Bible and he said 7 years.  I told him I was glad he was reading the Bible, then asked if he had read about Jesus yet.  He answered yes.  I told him that I loved Jesus and believed in Him, and that I was glad he had read about Him.  He just smiled.  He then said that the Bible is where he gets his wisdom from.  He never said for sure whether he was a Christian or not, so please pray for Timothy.  Pray that if he has not believed the truth of the gospel that his heart and mind will be illumined by the Holy Spirit!   

Matthew was a celebrity again as he had about 3 people wanting their picture with him.  He just smiles and goes with the flow. 

I sure hate we're missing church again today.  I know in a little bit CBC will join together to worship our awesome God, we miss it greatly!  Hannah said the other day she was ready to go back to church! 

I'll post more later - we have to meet our group downstairs in a few minutes.  I've been on time for everything - this has been a trip of miracle after miracle!  :-)     

Oh man, what an eventful day we've had!  God got us safely to Luoyang despite the morning traffic rush.  Of course, I haven't seen any difference in the traffic at any time - morning, noon or night!  There are always cars, buses, people walking, mopeds and bicycles in constant motion.  It is hysterical and somewhat frightening at the same time to watch the chaos...it's like a good game of Frogger!  :-)  May the fastest one win!

The passport office was crowded but we were in and out in no time.  We should receive Joshua's passport in a couple of days.  Then it was off to the orphanage.  He had fallen asleep on the way there, so part of the time we were in there he was asleep in my arms.  We were able to see the room he was in, the nannies that took care of him, and the crib that he and another little one shared.  It was naptime, and all the children were on the floor sleeping in a nice, neat little row.  I'm thankful to have in my mind the picture of where he was.  I know these people take care of these children the best they can with what they have.  The nannies seemed to love him and were happy to see him again.  The other couple that was with us, Stephen and Jennifer, were able to meet their son's nannies and see his room, too.  The orphanage director was very gracious and wanted to take us out to lunch.  We headed down the road to a nice restaurant and ate, and ate, and ate...  Everytime I was just about to call it quits, the waitress would come in with yet another dish.  It was all very good, and we didn't want to be rude and not eat what was brought in, but we were all miserable when we left!  The good thing is that it's mostly vegetables and meat, so it's not too terribly bad, right?!?!  Then it was on to the next stop...

Their finding places.  Most children are abandoned somewhere and the police then take them to an orphanage.  Stephen and Jennifer's son was left at the entrance to a park.  We rode by there and got their picture taken - no longer a picture of a little baby abandoned at a park, but a picture that is now complete with a mom and a dad who love this little boy very much.  Then we headed off to Joshua's finding place.  He was left in the dermatology ward of a hospital.  We didn't go inside, we just stood outside and looked around, trying to soak up all the questions wandering around in my head at that moment.  It's something I can't comprehend, but wonder what God will bring from something that seems so hopeless and senseless.

Ok, I know some of you are really wanting to know about my earlier post.  We're not bringing home more than one child or anything like that!  This past Monday, God gave us the gift of Joshua.  Throughout last night and today, He gift wrapped this package so beautifully that I'm still trying to process His goodness!  Now you know that I give tons of details when I tell something - but you are going to have to hang in there with me on this one...

This journey started for us 4 years ago.  It was shortly after Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter was killed in a tragic accident.  She was adopted from China, and was five years old at the time of her death.  After that, I was constantly checking Steven's website for updates, finding out how I could pray for their family.  I had so much emotion over their situation, so I kept going back to his site every couple of days.  The website has a link to lots of adoption information, so out of "curiosity" one day I clicked on it.  A couple months later I ordered an information packet from an adoption agency - still just "curiosity."  Little did I know God was going to light a spark that would lead to the events of these last few days.  After Maria's passing, their family worked together with the Chinese government to build "Maria's Big House of Hope."  It's a place where children are sent for various reasons - they need to be adopted, they have special needs that can be met there, and there are even children there who are terminally ill.  I've followed the information about it for a while, and Chad and I are monthly sponsors of their ministry.  When we found out about Joshua and where he was from, that his orphanage is in Luoyang, I remembered that Maria's Big House is in Luoyang, too!  I had hoped that maybe we would be able to visit there if at all possible, simply because of the significance that their tragedy has had on our family.  I had asked the adoption agency about that, and they said we should be able to arrange a visit. 

Stephen and Jennifer also wanted to go, because their son had lived at Maria's Big House for a while because of a special need.  Since we had to go to Luoyang today for the passport application, Stephen had been in touch with Cathy, a Show Hope worker to arrange a visit.  They wanted to take their son to show the people there what God had done, and thank them for their care of him.  He emailed the lady and told her that another couple wanted to go with them.  She told him to ask what our child's name and birthdate was, that she would check to see if maybe he had ever been there.  I gave him the information, but just knew that Joshua had never lived there.  Last night right before 10:00, Jennifer emailed me and said I would not believe it, but Cathy had emailed her back and said that Joshua WAS in Maria's Big House...he had lived there for about 9 months!  I could not believe it - we were never told that.  And remember his "special" need - an extra thumb on his right hand - he had surgery at Maria's Big House and the thumb was removed by a doctor from Vanderbuilt that was there on a mission trip!  When we saw him for the first time on Monday, we certainly noticed it was gone, but had no idea when it had been removed.  All of the nannies there remembered him as soon as they saw him.  They were so happy to see him and to see that he is being adopted to a family.  We were able to see the room he stayed in as well as the crib he slept in.  It is such a beautiful place - very bright and colorful all throughout.  I was so thankful he had been in a place like Maria's Big House.  I had been thinking that we would never know what the last two years had been like for him.  Cathy emailed me a link to a blog that Joshua had actually been mentioned in!  I went on it and saw a couple of pictures of him actually getting the surgery done!  We were able to talk with one of the doctors there who knew about Joshua's surgery.  And the director got our contact information so she could send us pictures they took of him while he stayed there.  We will get his records and x-rays of his hand, all the information about his stay there.  That was such good news to this mama's heart, and more proof to me of God's intricate detail in each of our lives. 

These details in our story - the fact that out of the Chapman's pain came our walk along this journey...that our child stayed in this place of love, hope and care...the place that was born from their tragic loss...that He placed us in a travel group with Stephen and Jennifer - otherwise I probably never would have known all of this...Also, when the children are at Maria's they are given an English name.  Zan Bo had been given the name James - which I have spent so much time in the book of James the last few months - it's where God led us so beautifully to our fundraiser that helped us get here..."Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..."

As I stood there today looking at the faces of so many children - "the least of these," - I was overcome with emotion and had to leave the room for a minute.  I'm so grateful that God has given me these pieces to the puzzle of the life of my son.  I pray that I will be more concerned for those who need to be cared for and loved.  These children deserve a home - a mom and a dad who will love them and care for them, regardless of any special need the world wants to throw them away for.  Because of this day, I will never be the same.  I'm more convinced than ever that the Master Weaver is weaving a beautiful tapestry in each of us.  One by one, the threads seem so ordinary and  unfinished.  But when His work is complete, how beautiful we will be, a display of His splendor!

Joshua's orphanage

Outside of the hospital where he was found

Maria's Big House of Hope

Operating room where Joshua's surgery was performed

Abby, one of the awesome workers at MBHOH

The room where Joshua stayed, all the nannies and caregivers

His bed

I am so smitten with this face!