Only 8 Days

So amazing that we have only had Will for 8 days. It seems like he has always been a part of us. He is playing in the hotel room as I am writing this, picking different songs from the iPone (already a pro) and dancing. Pretty cute!

Tomorrow is our last adoption hurdle. Our consulate appointment is at 7:30, and then one more day until we are home! It is going to be interesting to merge this new life into our old. I am so excited for Will to meet all the family and friends that have been fervently praying for him. Jake and I are clearly resting in the blessings of the Lord with this sweet boy. It is a peaceful, joyous place! One I cannot wait to share with you all.

Last night we went on a dinner cruise on the Pearl River. It was beautiful and really fun. The way the Chinese people flock around Will is so unusual to me. Definitely a different culture thing. They all seem so kind and happy that we are making Will part of our family. They often say "thank you" and pick him up and play with him. Like I said, very different from America.

Today we are going to the market to pick up a few souvenirs and tonight we are going to Jenny's house for dinner. Hope all is well in USA. Look forward to seeing you soon!

Mer

Great Day in Guangzhou

We had a fabulous day today. An acquaintance named Jenny lives here in Guangzhou. She was our personal tour guide. We ate breakfast at a beautiful restaurant overlooking a beautiful lake and park, walked around the Old City, and had a VERY authentic lunch (I'm talking pigeon with the head on the plate for garnish). I am so amazed by the hospitality of the Chinese people. She had never met neither Will nor I, but treated us like family. It was great to see the non touristy city. At one point we were the only caucasians around. Lots of fun.

We just returned from a group dinner with the other adoptive families in our group, and tomorrow are headed to the pearl market. Will is doing better. Still has a cough, but is sleeping and eating better. He has even come to Mama a few times today! What a joy!

As always, here are a few sweet moments

Love,

Mer

Aunt Jenny Qi

Technical Difficulties... REPAIRED!!!

Just a few pics to update everyone.

We've had some minor internet issues, but hopefully have sorted those out.
Longer entry tomorrow to catch everyone up.

Gotcha Day...So Far So Good!

Our little guy is here! What a fun morning for us. He was slightly withdrawn at first, but he is warming up great. Lots of big smiles and flirting and playing. Taking his first nap now. Hopefully it will continue to be this smooth. Fingers crossed. Jake has already taken 260 photos today, so I will post a few.

Tomorrow is Will Day!!

Jake and I were talking earlier. Even though we are in China, and tomorrow we will be getting our new son, it is still hard to believe.

 Heading up the wall....

Made it to the top! As high as I was going, anyway!


We flew to Zhengzhou this morning, and spent the day with our guide for this leg of the trip. Her name is Vivienne, and she is darling. We saw the local Walmart, picked up a few things for tomorrow, and now are just relaxing. Only one more night until our lives totally change!

God has given us such a sense of peace. I know that He will be reveling in the joy at our union with Will tomorrow. He ordained this before the beginning of time. What an awesome thought. I continue to think about that, and am strengthened to know that His hand guides us. "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:4

I cannot wait to meet this precious boy tomorrow. To hold him in my arms and show him a mother's love is such an honor. Thank you for celebrating with us! "He tends his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11

Ni Hao from Beijing!

We made it! Thankfully our trip was quick (as quick as a flight to Chicago and 14 hour jaunt across the world can be)! Our guide, George, is fantastic. He has taken us on a whirlwind tour of the city, including a FREEZING rickshaw ride in 10 degree weather! I am amazed at how differently the Chinese live. Being here reminds me how very blessed we are! One woman we visited has to leave her home just to use the bathroom, and if she wants to shower she has to visit a bath house. Hard to even imagine.

So thankful for such a wonderful first day in Beijing--especially the heat in our great hotel room. Off to the Great Wall in the morning. Love to you all!

Mer

2 weeks and counting!

I cannot believe that in 2 short weeks we will be heading for China. It has been such a long wait to get our new little man. But the Lord is good, and has blessed us with patience and many great moments with Jack and Ellie while it is still just the four of us.

Though I have "stalked" many adoption blogs over this last year and a half, this is my first official personal entry. Please bear with me and pray for us as we embark on this path that God ordained before the beginning of time! What an amazing thought! With the Father in charge there will still be challenges, but this new chapter of our life will most definitely be a success!!