The rest of Gotcha Day

I am in awe as I sit here gazing at our sweet sleeping little boy. Only a loving Father could put such peace in little Kian's heart. In actuality we are strangers to him yet he trusts us enough to fall asleep in his new daddy's arms and sleep so soundly. And I want thank every one of you because it is your faithful pr@yers over the last few months that are being answered. Thank you, thank you! I know we have many trying and difficult days ahead. But for tonight I am savoring the peaceful moment, the love and support of family and friends, and seeing pr@yers answered!

As we were Skyping our children and parents at home tonight, worn out Kian fell asleep in his daddy's arms. What an exhausting, life changing day it has been for him!

Mon 11/3 - Gotcha Day

At last we got to meet our new son! So many emotions! You Liu (his Chinese name which we will use for a few days until we transition to his new name) gave Craig a hug immediately and patted his beard. We gave him a package of fruit snacks soon after meeting him which he immediately started sharing with Craig & I. While we were at the Civil Affairs office, he was a very busy boy...he had brought his backpack with the items we had sent him in a care package in it. He was excited to show us everything. He had been well prepared ahead of time to meet us. As he pointed to pictures of us in the album we had sent him he called us "Baba" and "Mama". You Liu is a very independent little guy! He wants to do things himself. Typical 5 year old!! He has been in preschool in his orphanage and has been working on colors & numbers. He seems very smart....but then we are a little biased. 

You Liu with nannies from his orphanage

               At Civil Affairs office

                   With Baba

                   With Mama

               Loves his drink cup

I have struggled to get very good pics of him. He is too busy to sit still long enough for a good picture!😊

Only a few more hours!

Only a few more hours and we meet our son, the little boy who the Father has placed on our hearts...who we have pr@yed for...and grown to love so much! My heart is so excited, yet I think of how much Kian's world is going to change in a few short hours. I am trying to keep in mind the feelings I had as I stepped off the plane into a different culture. Those new sights, sounds, smells...that is just a taste of what our dear son is going to experience as he steps into our world. We are so thankful for One who can comfort hearts! He cares much for the sparrow...and how much more He cares for us!

Sun 11/2 - Exploring near our hotel

This morning we rested up and then went out to explore the streets near our hotel.

In front of our hotel

A balcony

Fruit market

Shoes for sale

We followed this lady on our way back to hotel 

Fri 10/31 - Sat 11/1 Travel

So very excited to be here and thankful for safe travels!  From the time we left home Fri morning, it was 33 hours until we arrived at our hotel. Our trip went smoothly, but was very exhausting! Neither of us slept well on the plane so we only had quick naps here and there.

Catching a nap in Seoul, S. Korea

It is for real!!!

We have our tickets!!! In less than 3 weeks we will be headed to China to get our son! I can hardly believe we are finally at this stage...after all the paperwork and waiting...it is going to become a reality! We leave Indianapolis on October 31, and will return on November 14.

Travel Approval

Another exciting step today!! We received travel approval! However, due to a trade show in Guangzhou (the city we will be in while in China) during the last half of October, we won't travel until Oct 31.

We want to thank everyone who supported us through our t-shirt fundraiser! 67 shirts were sold, raising over $1000! It is fun to see "chosen" shirts around!!! May the Lord bless you and your giving hearts!

We ask for prayers as we draw closer to our travel date. Prayers for Kian's little heart as he faces adjustment and grief over the loss of all he has ever known. Prayers of peace for Craig & I as we leave four children at home to pick up our son in China. Prayers for the four big brothers & sisters as they say goodbye to mom & dad for a few days and then adjust to a five year old joining their nice, tidy life. Prayers for the millions of orphans who still don't have a family. 

"God setteth the solitary in families..." Ps. 68:6