The rest of the trip

We finally made it home on May 22. It was a great trip and we received some clarity on our China future. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our trip and we will be happy to give more details...

Monday, May 7 The Pearl Market

Today Sunny and I went to the Pearl Market. It took longer than I remembered to get there. It cost us 57 RMB. On the way home the trip was quicker and only 45 RMB.... imagine that! The Pearl Market is where most Westerners are ripped off the most. They have everything imaginable, clothes, shoes, purses, coats, electronics, you name it. Speaking of names, they are all brand names, by label only. Everything is fake! The also have pearls, real ones and fake ones. You have to know pearls, I don't. However, Sunny does. After many "hello, hello, you need pearls lady? Best price for you," Sunny decides she can find a better quality and price for me in her hometown. We didn't buy much, but had a good time.


Tuesday, May 8 Jonathan's First Pet
Sunny left today. We enjoyed her stay. She and Anna Brooke went on one final outing. They went to the grocery store to buy Anna Brooke's favorite snacks. We all took naps and then got ready to go to...The Kung Fu show! Yeah! We first met two friends for dinner. We thought they had planned where to eat, wrong! We ended up eating at a VERY "local" restaurant. Well, as soon as we got there Anna Brooke had to go to the potty. As many of you know, China is famous for their "squatty potty." Well, when we entered, I honestly didn't know where the actual potty was. Was it the hole in the floor or was it the hole with a small wall around it (that held 2 mops!) Anyway, we chose the lesser of the 2 evils...won't tell you where and got out of there! One of the friends we met had to go. I sweetly smiled at her and pointed to the door. She quickly returns with a puzzled look on her face. I smile and tell her that her guess is as good as mine! I wish I had the camera with me!
Our food was actually good. After our meal Jonathan and I were watching the fish in the tank beside our table. They believe in really fresh food here! Well, a frog swims by and Jonathan starts squealing really loud. We watch it awhile and then a man comes and catches the frog. He puts it in Jonathan's face and tries to get him to touch it. Jonathan is shaking his head and yelling, "Frog back in water!" The man finally disappears. After awhile he returns with 3 more frogs from another tank. Once again he tries to get Jonathan to touch them. Again he shakes his head and yells for the man to put "Frog in the water!" When it's time to go, the dear man comes out with a jar filled with water. He catches the largest frog, puts it in the jar, and presents Jonathan with his first pet! Only in China can you get a pet at a restaurant! Not only did he get a pet, he received a soon to be Mommy frog! Honestly, this man touched my heart. He was so kind and excited to give Jonathan something. Jonathan gave him a hug and a hearty thank you. We then headed to The Kung Fu show. It was truly incredible. The girls loved the show. Jonathan was scared at times, the music was loud and the lights flashed alot. Drew, you would have loved this show. We then headed home. After telling the frog good-night we headed to bed.

Wednesday, May 9 A Day of Rest
We didn't do much today. I took the kids out to play. We also walked in the park. Dwain is feeling pretty rough. He continues to have a sore throat, cough, and doesn't have much of a voice. Our next few days are busy so he rested alot today.

Thursday, May 10 Visit To A Project
We left about 8 am. We were able to visit a project we had visited a few years back. They are doing an amazing work with these precious children! I was able to play with and hold some sweeties. Sarah, I found your little girl. She has an arm injured from birth. She is precious, so happy, and full of life. They all are, she just got to me. Anna Brooke enjoyed "hanging out" with a 16 year old. She is in a wheelchair. This child plays the piano beautiful. Anna Brooke was quite taken with her. We had lunch with the director and 2 of his sons. We then headed back. All 3 of the kids slept. It was a good day for all. Just to let you know, Jonathan's frog continues to do fine in her jar. Jonathan LOVES his frog.

Friday, May 11 A Full Day
We left at 9 am today. After driving for what seemed like forever, we arrived at our destination. Our driver speaks about as much English as we do Chinese. I wish you could see he and Dwain communicating. It is more like charades and is hilarious! After getting lost and taking us to the airport (for who knows what reason, a sightseeing tour maybe?) we finally arrived. Today's project was so organized and absolutely incredible. These special needs children are so blessed to be in their care. I know the caretakers are equally blessed by the little ones. It was an incredible day, also hard on the heart when you hear where they came from. Today reminded me of the poem about the old man throwing the starfish back. No, you can't help them all, however you can make a difference for some. I am so thankful for our 2 girls and the journey they have made (of course for Jonathan too!)
Tonight we had dinner at a friend's home. It was a wonderful time of food and fellowship. The salad was sooo good! The first I have had since we left. I'm not sure how much time and bleach went into the cleaning of it. I just know it was wonderful. The kids also enjoyed playing with their kids. Oh, before I forget, Mommy Frog had her eggs during the night! We're trying to find a home for her.

Saturday, May 12 IKEA!
This morning I went with 2 ladies to IKEA! I love IKEA. I first visited the store in PA. of course I couldn't buy, but had a blast looking. Ashley Langley, I thought of you. You all wouldn't beleive the prices, so much cheaper in Beijing. We also went to a smaller place like the Pearl Market. My friends saved me much $ on "chinese junk." Meanwhile, Dwain and the kids enjoyed the park. They also found a home for Mommy Frog and her eggs...the canal. They all said their good-byes and dumped her into the canal. The frog is gone, but not forgotten! Jonathan says it best, "Frog back in water!"
Tonight Dwain took the girls back to the Kung Fu show. They had a blast. Jonathan and I stayed here. We played outside and enjoyed our time with the locals and their children. Jonathan had a great time with the little ones. Kids speak a common language, love and smiles. What a lesson for all!
Dwain and the girls returned with a DVD from the show. We all watched it. We now have 3 Kung Fu experts and the apartment is filled with "YAH!YAH!"

Sunday, May 13 Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all! Mama, I am so thankful you are my Mama, thanks for all you do! Dwain and Anna Brooke left this morning and joined 9 adoptive families to visit the Great Wall and training center for the 2nd time. They had a good time. Anna Brooke enjoyed the children again. She especially loves Annie. She met Annie when we came for Sarah Hope in 04. Anna Brooke brought me a flower home. We also had Papa John's Pizza for supper. Now that is a great mother's day meal for us! Sarah Hope, Jonathan, and I stayed home today. We played outside, washed clothes, packed for tomorrow's trip, and best of all...took a nap! We leave tomorrow at 8:30 for the airport. We fly south to see a project. This is the part of the trip we have all been looking forward to. Watch out babies, we are coming to hold you and love on you! We return on Wednesday. I am also going to be able to visit a sp. needs floor of a government orphanage. I am sure it will be a challenging few days.

Monday, May 14 Change of Plans
Well, today has had quite a change of events. This morning Dwain and I got up early. Dwain was feeling kind of uneasy about today's trip. We weren't sure what was up, but we were both trying to be sensitive. We decided to move forward. I had a talk with Him and put out a fleece, if we aren't to go, please clearly show us. Our driver arrives 15 minutes late, he is worried about traffic. You know it's really bad when a Chinese driver is worried about the traffic! We were beginning to wonder if we might miss our plane. Well, in the middle of all this Jonathan throws up twice. We are thinking, ok, maybe we aren't to go. We decide if he throws up one more time it will be our answer. Well, you guessed it, very projectile throw up all over Mama. We decided we are definitely not to go. Who knows why, but we know there is some reason. Please remember Jonathan. He has thrown up 4 more times today and had a VERY NASTY diaper. He is taking his second nap right now. Hopefully he is improving. He has kept down some juice and a couple of crackers. Anyway with this and some more unsaid things happening we have decided it is time for us to come home. We will leave Friday to travel back home. Anna Brooke is complaining of a sore throat. We are also hoping we all don't get what Jonathan has. Anyway, hopefully all will improve and we will be home soon! As much as we wanted to see today's project we know all has happened for a reason. Jonathan, sorry you had to be Mama's fleece! Well, I had better go. More yucky clothes to wash. Jonathan has been through 3 sets today. Not too bad considering he threw up 7 times!

Busy the last few days

Saturday, May 12 - Heidi will update soon. We are all doing fine. The frog laid her eggs Friday and we let her and the eggs go today in the canal. Hopefully they will make it...

Heidi also went shopping at the local IKEA and another local place. She went with a couple of friends and they had a great time. More later...

Monday, May 7 - Tuesday May 8 - The Frog - Jonathan's first pet

Tuesday, May 9 - Heidi will have to tell the story abou the frog. Besides going home from dinner with a pet frog in a jar we were also able to go to the Kung Fu show. Sunny also flew out this afternoon to return home.












Monday, May 8 - I can't remember what happened but Heidi will update. I'm just the picture guy.

Friday, May 4 - Sunday, May 6 - To the Great Wall We Go!

Today we headed out to the Great Wall. The ride there was interesting, very HOT, NO Air, and the holiday traffic was unreal! Everyone in China was going to the Great Wall today. The drivers here create their own traffic lanes.
I kid you not, there were at least 3 lanes in 1 1/2 real lanes on the road. Jonathan was waving at the people that were VERY close beside us. We could have jumped in their cars with no problem! We made it safely, that's the main thing! It was very hot and crowded at the Great Wall. Jonathan was again THE attraction. He was tired and we didn't stay long. It was Sarah Hope's, Sunny's, and Jonathan's first time there.
We got their pictures and left. After that we went to the LH Orphan Training Center. The kids really enjoyed their time there. The girls loved playing with the older girls. Jonathan loved playing with the balls they had. We got to meet the Kennedy's. They are the couple now working there. They are really sweet. Dwain enjoyed his time with them. He is still sick so he enjoyed sitting and talking with them. Sunny also enjoyed her time there. She could really relate to the childen's situations. We are looking forward to being able to spend more time with the kids later.











Saturday, May 5 Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Peking Duck

Today Sunny, Dwain, and Anna Brooke went out. I stayed at the apartment with Sarah Hope, and Jonathan. There was NO WAY I was taking by blonde boy out in the holiday crowd! We played on the playground, played inside, and took us a long nap!
I sure was needing that nap! The crazy trio braved the holiday crowds. They went to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City first. Anna Brooke really enjoyed the Forbidden City, she told me all about the emperors and how they lived when she got back. I haven't gotten as much school done as I would like. Oh well, it's not every day you can take a Field Trip to the Forbidden City! (or China, or Great Wall, or orphanages,....) By then they were getting hungry. Sunny was wanting Peking Duck, so to the Peking Duck they went. They all ate duck. I am so glad I was home! The kids and I had left over spaghetti! Dwain's friend, Elizabeth, came over tonight. She lives in Shanghai. She is a very dear lady. We enjoyed our time with her. Everyone enjoyed their day.


Sunday May 6

We all stayed in and rested this morning. It is so hot and dry here. Jonathan's nose is really messy. I am sure it is allergies and the pollution. The pollution is bothering all of us some. Anna Brooke and I take turns wheezing. We took the kids out for a little while. It was pretty hot, they didn't last long out there. After naps all the girls headed out for shopping with Sunny. We went to some famous street that is lined on both sides with department stores. I didn't buy anything. Sunny got some things to take back to friends. She was excited to buy a Peking duck to take back to her friends. The girls were hungry so Sunny took us down this side street for food. It reminded me of carnival booths with foods. However most of these "foods" were on sticks....starfish on a stick, seahorse on a stick, bugs that are still moving on a stick...ok, do you get the idea? Well, the girls settled for chicken on a stick. That I thought they could handle. Anna Brooke ate half of hers and wanted something else. We spotted fruit on a stick. She had strawberries dipped on honey or something sweet that was hardened. It was really good. Dwain couldn't believe I fed them off street food. I said, "Hey, they were hungry and you said street food was your favorite here!" Hopefully we won't be up all night with sick kids!

Thursday, May 3 - Sunny arrives

Dwain took the girls to the airport today to get Sunny. They were very excited to see her.She will be staying with us for a few days. She brought the girls beautiful evening dresses. They were so excited. I am sure the girls will beg to wear them to ch. as soon as we get home. Watch out FBC, the latest in Chinese evening wear will be coming to you soon! We went to the grocery store and Sunny chose the foods. She cooked us a Chinese meal that night. Everyone enjoyed some part of it. Dwain and Anna Brooke enjoyed it all. Keep Dwain and Jonathan in your thoughts. Dwain has the sore throat and little man has a runny nose.

Sunday, April 29 - Wednesday, May 2 Remaining days in Jiangxi

Sunday we went to visit Sissi's daughter's school. The first grade visit was quite chaotic.
The children were overexcited and pretty much out of control. The third grade visit was better. It was music time. The children sang some beautiful songs for us. We were glad for the experience, however, I left thinking there was NO way I could ever put my kids in a school like that! Later that evening Sissi took me out shopping. I'm talking real, China street market shopping. I have always wanted to do this. Dwain kept the kids and took them swimming, thanks sweetie! It was starting to get pretty crowded for the holiday. I found Jonathan some cute leather shoes for about $4, I also got the girls some hair clips. You could pretty much buy whatever you needed there.
Monday we stayed around the hotel until after naps. The computer cord arrived and Dwain needed to do some work. I took the kids out to the playground for a while. After naps Sissi and her daughter met us. We took Sarah Hope to have her nails done. We had promised her we would. She was so excited. It ended up all the girls had theirs done. This was Sissi's daughters first time. Her school won't allow fingernail polish or any type of jewelry. The girls had a blast. After that we went back to the hotel and played.
Tuesday we went to Sissi's home and visited with her family,(her parents, husband, and daughter). Her Daddy had also cooked a great meal for us. The girls really enjoyed their time with XianXian, her daughter. That evening they met us across the road from our hotel. Every evening they have a musical fountain show. It was very crowed because of the holiday.
Wednesday morning I went out with Sissi for one final shopping trip. We went to porcelion road. Jiangxi is known for this beautiful artwork. We went to a few shops and then returned to finish packing. We left Jiangxi at 3:30 that afternoon. We had a great week here and take so many precious memories with us. I am always a little sad when we leave the girls' hometowns. I just wish their birthparents could see them and know they are loved and happy.
Our flight was 2 hours, all went well. We are glad to be "home" in our apartment. Sunny, our friend we met 5 years ago, comes tomorrow. She will be staying with us a few days.

Saturday, April 28 Big Girl's Day Out

Today Anna Brooke had a special day with Mama and Sissi. Dwain kept Sarah Hope and Jonathan. They got to go swimming and play on the play ground. Sissi took Anna Brooke and I to the Nanchang Orphanage today. This orphanage has 90% special needs children. They also have programs started my Half the Sky and Holt. We weren't allowed take any pictures inside. We were able to see 2 preschool rooms, the little sister's room, the Holt baby room,the Holt foster care area, a Holt program for older girls, and play with some children outside. We saw a precious little one, about a year old, she was blind and had CP. The Holt babies room got my heart. This room is for very sick newborns.One wee baby was so blue. He needed heart surgery. The government provides surgeries, however I wonder if he will make it long enough. Their was also a beautiful little girl with a cleft lip/palate. The program for the older girls was neat. All had some kind of disability. The Holt staff trains them in sewing, knitting, etc. Anna Brooke and I bought a small quilt they had made. In the middle is the Chinese Character for love. They couldn't believe we wanted to buy one. It was 60 US$, so expensive here. That's the best $ I have spent on the trip. The five girls split the $. I really like this program, they are teaching them a skill that will help them become somewhat independent.
We really enjoyed our time outside with the children. This was a highlight for Anna Brooke. We also met a couple of beautiful kids with Down Syndrome. We were encouraged to take pictures and help find them homes! I can get you more information if you are interested. Later Anna Brooke told me she really wanted a big brother. I asked her who and she said the boy from today. She loved the boy with Down Syndrome. She said he was sweet and that if we didn't give him a home he might not get one. How precious. We can't adopt them all, however, I am so glad both my girls can experience these sweet children and understand their needs!
After the orphanage we went to get our fingernails done. Last time I was in Jiangxi we did this as a special treat for Anna Brooke. This was also a treat for me. I have only had this done 2 times, both in Jiangxi! I had a full manicure and Anna Brooke had her fingernails and toenails painted, all for about $8 . I really enjoyed my day with Anna Brooke. Dwain also enjoyed his with the younger 2. They had a big time swimming.

Friday, April 27 Feng Chun Lian Warm Welcome Home

Today has been an incredible day. As a Mama to a child that has missing links to her past, this day has been better than I ever dreamed! We went to the Fengcheng SWI today. They called twice on the way to see where we were! (Remember, when we adopted Sarah Hope they told us she was the favorite.) We arrived at the new orphanage to a welcoming group. We saw many faces we recognized. I spotted one of her ayis on the balcony and waved. The other ayi, the one who handed her to us was waiting outside our van. I made eye contact and waved at her. Her face lit up, I guess because I recognized her. When we got out Sarah Hope was surrounded and hugged by all. Of course she was their LianLian, their lotus flower had returned. They had a sign over the entrance of the orphanage welcoming her home. It even had her name on it in Chinese characters and spelled out! Sarah Hope was a little timid at first, but quickly warmed up to them. She was very comfortable with her ayis and let them hug and kiss all over her. They presented her with a gift. She gave them all the photo albums we brought. She had also picked out pearl necklaces for them in Beijing. We told them she had helped choose them. They quickly became all teary eyed. The staff brought out Sarah Hope's file. The orphanages keep these on the children. It has info and a few pictures. We learned that the ayi that gave us Sarah Hope was the one that found her! Maybe that is also why they were so close. She told us she was wrapped up and in a little box beside the civil affairs building. (This was located in front of the old orphanage.) There was a note. However, we were told the police have it on file. But get this, the note actually had her birth time! June 17, 03 at 3:15 pm. The ayi found her on the 18th at 9:30 am. I can't imagine having to give my baby away a few hours after birth. However, we are so thankful a safe place was found for her to be placed! The file also had her tiny footprint from the day she arrived. Also a picture of her, with the shirt on she wore when she arrived. Dwain videoed and took pictures of each page. I am so thankful we know and have met both of the ladies that found our precious girls! During all of this Sarah Hope is charming all. She sang J. Loves Me for them. We were able to thank them for the part they had in her life. We told them we had pr. for someone to love and care of her until we got there. They were the answer. We also told them that Sarah Hope pr. for the children in China and her ayis. It really touched them. The visit was amazing. The kids were sooo good. OK, so you all know they're not always that way. Honestly, they were almost perfect! Everyone kept commenting on how good they were. They wanted to know what we did. (Let me tell you, this country we are in has extremely spoiled children. Guess that is what happens if you can only have one.) Well, Dwain took advantage of this and told them how we teach them and about our "extended" family. The ayis later shared some of their memories of our girl. They each held her and gave her a special message, Dwain of course caught this on video. They told us she used to love to eat chicken feet! UGH! At lunch they brought her one. She took one look and said, "What is that?" When we told her she yelled YUCK!! It was so funny. She sat between both ayis. They both fussed over her and fed her. IT's no wonder she was spoiled when we got her! After lunch we went to downtown and walked around. She and Jonathan got to ride in some little cars. They loved it. We then went to a place to have the ayis and Sarah Hope's picture made. They turned our great. It was then time to say good-bye again, for the second time. There were more tears, however I don't think it was as painful as the first time. We told them they would always be a part of our family. We promised to send more pictures and hopefully come back again for a visit. We got on the bus and within 5 minutes Sarah Hope was sound asleep. What a big day for a little girl. Once again, we are so blessed by our girls and for all we know about them!

Jiangxi Province

Thursday, April 26 - Well, after almost 3 years, Sarah Hope is Back in Jiangxi!
She seems to be excited. We were beginning to wonder if we would ever leave Shanghai. After seeing Kim off, we find out our plane is delayed. We know it will be awhile (ends up being 5 hours) because they take us to a hotel to rest. Sarah Hope and Jonathan got their naps. Dwain and Anna Brooke got us some snacks, we missed lunch due to the delays. Not a very clean place. Something in the place tore up my allergies. Hopefully we didn’t catch any thing there. We finally head to Nanchang around 3:30. Sissi met us at the airport. She is our facilator from our first trip. It is so good to see her again. She is amazed how LianLian (Sarah Hope) has grown. She comments how beautiful she is. It doesn’t take her long to also find out how loud she is. Sissi also says, “I think she is a little strong-willed also.) LITTLE? That’s the understatement of the year! :) Sissi told us we go to Fengcheng Orphanage tomorrow and that there will be a surprise! Sissi also had the girls some gifts hid in the room…. Beautiful dresses and sandals! How sweet!!

More to come...

Shanghai for two nights

Tuesday, April 24 – Off to Shanghai
We left Hefei today. It was very hard for Anna Brooke. She cried and didn’t want to go. Please continue to lift her up. Six year olds shouldn’t have to feel all that she is experiencing. However, we know it was all part of the Master’s plan.
If there hadn’t been a loss, we wouldn’t be a family. For that , we are thankful!
Shanghai is unreal. There are so many huge buildings. All have their own unique design. Our driver dropped us off at our hotel. We all go in… after quite a while at the desk, Dwain tells us we are at the wrong hotel. There are 2 hotels with the same name. We call the driver, load up and go to “our” hotel AGAIN. When we arrive we know there has been a mistake. This is a Chinese hotel, not a western one. Dwain goes in and finds out it’s only a 2 or 3 star hotel. Not really the place we want to stay with the kids. Dwain gets on the phone with his friend and asks her to find us a nice place! Margaret, his friend get us 2 rooms at The Regent. This hotel is unreal! Not quite the Hampton Inn we are use to. Margaret says it would costs $350 per night to walk in and get a room. Thankfully she got us a much better price online. Margaret brought us dinner and we had a nice visit with her. Now we are off to bed!

Wednesday, April 25 - Another AWESOME Day!
Good news! We are on China time! Sarah Hope and Jonathan slept until 6 and Anna Brooke made it until 7. Hopefully the days will be easier now. We have had such a fun and special day. We left this morning and went for a little sightseeing. Dwain took us to ride under the river.
The kids loved it,there was music and a laser show. We then went to see the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Kim and Anna Brooke went all the way to the top. Dwain and I stayed and went to a coffee shop, the younger 2 were asleep.
Next we met Victoria and her husband works in China. Her family is American. We were able to see some wonderful “projects” they have going on. She took us to a great restaurant in an “ex-pat ghetto”. There we met Carol. Carol and Victoria have organized a group of 25 ex-pats. These ladies go and visit the orphan children that come to the local hospital for surgeries. These are surgeries that Love Without Boundaries provide. These ladies have decorated the babies rooms. They hold and play with them. They also provide food and a much needed break for the ayis. Ok, I have to stop and brag a bit. Dwain and Brad connected these ladies with LWB! Carol and Victoria took us to the hospital to see 14 babies! A team of neurosurgeons from UCLA are there performing life changing surgeries. The girls were quite taken with the babies. However, Benjamin was a family favorite. He was born with fluid on his brain and has an enlarged head. His fingers are also webbed together. Benjamin is so bright and cheerful! Sarah Hope loved him and said she thought he wanted to be in our family! He will be having surgery tomorrow to correct his problem and reshape his head. Please keep him in your thoughts. Our family knew LWB was a great organization. However, it is awesome to see the little lives they are changing! Sarah, know the $ your books are bringing in is going to excellent use!
From there we went to Victoria’s home. Wow! It’s a beautiful home with a great backyard along the river. The kids LOVED playing with their children, aged 11 and 8. It was nice to see them play. They really haven’t had the chance to do that since we left home.
Kim leaves tomorrow. She has been such a blessing to us. We are really going to miss her. Dwain says reality sets in tomorrow! Well, it’s time to go. I’ll close with a quote from Anna Brooke, “Mama, it’s been a really fun day!” Sure is nice to hear her say that after she has had such a tough few days!

Hefei - Day 4

Monday, April 23 – Wow! What a day!
I hope I can relate all of today’s events without crying. It has been quite a day. This morning we visited the Dong Xi vegetable market (Anna Brooke’s finding place). Many of you may remember our visit in 2004. We actually met the lady who found Anna Brooke when she was a baby. We took a picture of the lady with us today. We had no idea if she was still there. Maggie showed a man the picture and he pointed to a side section. Dwain immediately spotted the lady. By the time we made it to her there was such a crowd that we could hardly move. She was thrilled to see Anna Brooke again. She told us a gain about finding Anna Brooke. She also said there was a note, but she didn’t know what it said (she can’t read or write). We were able to get her name and address. We will send her some pictures so she can see Anna Brooke grow. We love this market! The people are very poor. However, they are so happy and friendly to us. We were able to thank the lady for her part in our daughter’s life. We told her she was a part of our family. She hugged us and had tears in her eyes. We had almost made our way out to our bus when she appeared again.

She gave Anna Brooke a bag of homemade muffins she had made and was selling. With one last hug and a wave she disappeared again. We are so thankful and blessed to have found her again.

Next we headed to Hefei SWI, Anna Brooke’s home for her first 13 months. They were excited to see her again. We gave them a photo album, some of Anna Brooke’s stationary and a suitcase full of school and craft supplies. They then took us to see some of the orphanage. We went to see Anna Brooke’s room. Good News…it is now a play room which means there are not as many babies as there used to be. Actually there are now 400 children (500 when Anna Brooke was there). Half the children are healthy and are with foster families in the country side. The remaining 200 are special needs and stay at the orphanage. We were able to visit Sunbeam village, started by Half the Sky. This provides Foster Care for special needs children. The family’s have 6 children to care for.

We met a beautiful girl maybe about 13 or 14. She has to use crutches to get around. She showed us a notebook full of beautiful drawings. She loves to design fashions. Her art was unreal! We were all quite taken with her. Kim was especially interested in her. I’m going to contact Half the Sky and find out if she is in their big sister’s program. She definitely has talent.

It was a great visit. We are thankful that Anna Brooke was at that orphanage. However, we are so thankful that we were able to become a family and she wasn’t one of the children left behind.

From there we went to Meishe’s school. The children were so excited to see us. Actually, that’s an understatement. I have never seen kids so excited! We were the first foreigners the teachers or kids had ever seen. They all had us little homemade gifts. They were so proud to give them to us. They sang some songs for us. We gave them a lot of schoolsupplies. They had never seen glue sticks or washable paint before. A special to Josiah, Titus and FBC… You made some children very happy! We then headed back to the hotel and crashed. We went out to eat that night. It was a very special day. Please remember our big girl. I won’t go into details. I will just say she now understands adoption and the loss that has happened. She is grieving her birth parents. Please lift her up! Thanks!

We are still alive!

Dwain left the cord to our computer at the apartment in Beijing. So, we have had very little contact with the outside world. However, the cord arrived today in the mail. Yeah! I will be slowly updating the blog in my spare time. Here goes….

Saturday, April 21 – To Maggies’ House We Go
Today we went to Maggie’s home. The girls were excited to play with Meishe and her toys. Jonathan really liked her husband. I think he was also quite taken with Jonathan. He was much better this time. Last time we were here in Hefei he was recovering from a motorcycle accident. After visiting for a while we went and met Maggie’s mother-in-law for lunch at a local restaurant. The same one as last time. However, there was no hot pot (ox stomach cooked in duck’s blood…yummy!) this time. At home I wish I had more time to eat. However, when we are at local restaurants here, I’m so thankful my 3 children keep me busy helping them eat! The busier I am, the less time for me to eat WHATEVER it is they are serving. Anyway, we enjoyed our time together. That evening Kim, Maggie, and I went to a local shopping area. It was so hot and crowded. Remember, this is Saturday night in China. When we got back everyone was in bed. It’s only about 6:30, guess it will be another early morning. Tomorrow we are going to see Granny Zhang and Qiao!

Sunday, April 22 - A Special Visit
We woke up early again this morning. For the second morning in a row we ordered room service…cheese pizza! Who cares if it’s 4 am in China, it’s about supper time at home! We took the kids swimming around 7 am. After that we cleaned up and went to the breakfast buffet around 9:30. It rained all day. We just played and rested the remainder of the afternoon. At 5:00 Qiao and her little boy arrived. Qiao is Granny Zhang’s daughter. She is the one who handed us Anna Brooke the day we got her. We were excited to see her, however we were also sad because Granny Zhang wasn’t able to come. She had hurt her back and couldn’t come. We were able to call her and talk to her a little. We had a fun visit with Qiao and her son. She was very happy to see Anna Brooke. She gave Anna Brooke 2 sets of beautiful earrings. Anna Brooke loves them and keeps asking when she can get her ears pierced. It was a special evening and we feel blessed to have spent time with Anna Brooke’s “extended family.” Tomorrow will be a busy, emotional day. We go to the Dong Xi Vegetable Market, Anna Brooke’s Orphanage, and Meishe’s school. We miss you all!

Updated News Flash - 2nd tooth pulled in one day!

Anna Brooke has now lost four teeth!

Will the tooth fairy find us in China?

NEWSFLASH....Anna Brooke lost her third tooth today! Her first top front tooth was pulled by Dwain at 5:30 am this morning. The other one is ready and she is going to let Kim pull it tomorrow. Granny and Linda where are you when we need a tooth pulled? Anna Brooke has decided she likes the tooth fairy better than Chinese traditions. In China they throw the tooth up on the roof for good luck, or something like that. No money, what a rip off!

Well, we made it to Hefei yesterday. It was a short flight, but a tough one. All the kids ears bothered them. Anna Brooke had a hard time. Her allergies are terrible here. In Beijing there are some kind of trees that have things that fall and make it look like it is actually snowing at times. That plus the pollution is giving her a tough time. I guess all of that made her ears worse. She was looking pretty bad at the end of the flight and feeling like she would throw up. Maggie, our dear friend, was waiting for us with flowers in hand. Her daughter Meishe was with her. She is 5. She calls Anna Brooke her American sister. She was allowed to leave school early to come meet us. Her Grandma had bought her new clothes and shoes for our arrival. We came to the hotel and slept for a few hours (we had been up since 3:30). We then met Maggie and she took us to see the new section of Hefei. What a ride, a hot bus and lots of bumps equals a family feeling yucky! The new area is nice, however it was farmland. The local residents were forced to move. Maggie told us that they were given new homes that were the same size as their old ones. I said that they must have a hard adjustment. She says most are happy because they have a new home and a bathroom. Hope they are.

Today we are going to the vegetable market, Anna Brooke's finding place. Will probably be very busy because it is Saturday. Should prove to be quite the experience. We hope the lady that we met before will be there. (She is the one that found Anna Brooke as an infant.) Later today we will go to visit Maggie's home. Hope all is well at home. We miss you. Keep us in your thoughts! Heidi

Busy Day

Today has been a busy day. Sarah Hope and Jonathan finally went back to sleep at about 6:30 this morning and slept for 2 more hours. Anna Brooke never went back to sleep after getting up at 3:30. She lasted all day until we got back and crashed at 5 pm. (We all crashed!)





We went to a local mall to a Starbucks (Kim HAD to have some coffee) and then went to a local restaurant for lunch, great food! Yes, they even had veggie dishes that I loved! We then walked around Tian'anmen Square and took pictures, showed Kim the entrance to the Forbidden City, and walked through some beautiful parks. Once again Jonathan caused a scene wherever we went. I think his picture is on every cell phone in China by now.



All the young girls want to hold him and have their picture made with him. Our family even caused an accident today. Two older ladies were looking at us and had a bike accident! Thankfully they were going slow and weren't hurt. We heard them laughing.



After all that we went to the Pearl market and then home. We were so tired and running behind so we skipped the Great Wall. Hopefully Kim can visit there before she goes home. Tomorrow we leave here at 7:30 am and fly out at 10:30am to Hefei (Anna Brooke's hometown). We can't wait to see Maggie and her family, Anna Brooke's Granny Zhang, and visit the orphanage. Got to go finish packing.
Heidi for the gang

We're here and up at 3:30 am

We're in China. While walking outside Anna Brooke said she smelled a Chinese smell. Those of you that have been here know the smell. It's one you don't forget! The kids were great on the way over. They actually slept some off and on. Dwain and I were both able to get about 2 hrs each too. Our first night here the kids woke up at 1:30 in the morning.

They played until about 4 and then went back to sleep. We had to go to the local police department yesterday and register to let them know we are staying in an apartment. All went well, Jonathan charms all, he waves and blows kisses. He says hey and even hello in Chinese some. Of course they are all taken by the girls too and can't figure out why they don't respond when they talk to them in Chinese. Last night we went to the acrobat show.
All of the kids loved it. Sarah Hope keeps asking if we can go back. When we returned the girls quickly changed into their bathing suits and entertained us all with their acrobats.




Our apartment is large and nice. When Dwain told me we were staying in one that is usually for students coming in and out I thought he meant the whole complex was English speaking....WRONG, however their is one American family on the next floor. Many of the apartments are businesses. It is pretty quiet at night. Except for our kids playing in the wee hours of the night. Washed my first load of clothes tonight, holds about 1/2 the amount ours does. Dwain and the kids hung them out in the glassed in area. They have been warned that their clothes will now be very stiff and scratchy. No dishwasher here, except tonight Kim and Anna Brooke washed them well. We have to use hot, CLEAN water from the water tank to wash everything. We never turn on the facet except to wash our hands (then we use Purell after washing our hands) or clean out the sink. So, everyone at home, go brush your teeth with the water from your facet , smile, be thankful, and think of us!
Well, guess I had better go and see if anyone is ready to go back to bed. Tomorrow is busy, taking Kim to the Pearl Market, Silk Market, Forbidden City, Great Wall, and who knows what else. Friday morning we fly to Hefei. Take care, we miss you all. Keep the thoughts coming for us! Love, Heidi

2 more days

Just 2 more nights before we head out. Our flight leaves RDU at 7:40 am Monday morning. We'll miss Grandma, Grandpa, Grannie, YehYeh and all the rest of our family. This is a picture of Jonathan from last week.

I just returned from San Antonio Thursday night after attending the Joint Council on International Children's Services National Convention. It is also included a medical convention on Wednesday and our M.D. friend Brad Davidson from Hershey was along. It was great to visit the Alamo, but also to meet folks from all over the country, many who are leaders in orphan care around the world. We held the Global Orphan Care Initiative quarterly conference call on Wed. afternoon and then Paul Singer gave the JCICS keynote address on Thursday morning before I headed back.

Looking forward to visiting many of our friends in China! We will also be carrying supplies for LWB (cleft lip bottles), 2 schools (thanks for everyone that donated stuff) and several orphan care projects. Hopefully Heidi will keep you updated here and I will try to take a few good pictures!