Visited Ben's Orphanage

Today we elected to visit the Orphanage where Ben has been.  We did not have the chance to do this with Li since we were only in his Province for 2 days and his orphanage was 4 hours from the city. 

 

There were mixed emotions about going back to the orphanage, more focused on how Ben would respond to seeing all the caregivers, kids, and teachers.

He did great.  There was one teacher who toured with us, you could tell he was attached to.  I must say Jill did a great job trusting God on this one, and letting Ben spend as much time as he desired with her.  How hard that must have been for Ben to be there.    

 

After touring the orphanage for about an hour, which was an amazing facility, we sat down as guests for lunch.  We were the only couple there, along with our guide, a driver, and a few of the workers from the orphanage.   As you can see in the photo, they cooked a lot of food.  It’s neat how they have the food on a carousel and whatever you want you just push the wheel until it comes to you and dish it out.  Jill and I think this might not be a bad idea at home.  Our kids had no problem eating the local vegetables and such.  Jill and I were a little more cautious. 

 

After we left, Ben had no problem blowing kisses and getting in the van to drive 2 hours back to the hotel.  He did tell the guide a few minutes into the ride that he would like to come back again tomorrow!   

 

The boys are great, it’s been a long time away from home and due to the time difference 12 hours, we are really not talking with them as much as we would like.  It’s getting harder by the day.  I like to think they aren’t missing Jill and I as much as we are missing them. 

 

 

We miss all of you and we look forward to a safe trip home in a couple days. 

 

Doug and Jill.

Zoo and TB free

Great news today; both boys are TB free!  Thank you God!  We also spent the day at Chimelong Safari Park.  We had lots of fun and saw some amazing animals.  The first part  of the zoo we sat on a train and went through the “safari” where the animals are out in the open.  The second part of zoo was a walking tour where we saw some amazing exhibits!   But, my favorite part was feeding the giraffe a branch of leaves!  Li was a little scared, but I can’t blame him.  The giraffe was strong and really hungry! 

 

The boys are doing great and adjusting to being brothers. I enjoy listening to them talk to one another.  Although at times, I think they are plotting against Doug and I!  I am anxious to come home and introduce the boys to our other children.  I miss them all so much!  Although it sounds like they are having a great time in Cincinnati with family and friends!  We have another free day tomorrow.  We plan to visit a museum and do a little more shopping.

 

Medicals and Shopping

The boys both had their medicals yesterday.  Basically, they went through three stations.  One for weight, height, and head circumference, another station to check ears and eyes and a third station for an overall medical examination.  Lastly, each one had their blood drawn to check for TB.  We will find out the results of the test tomorrow.  Please pray their results are negative!  They both did great at the medical examination.  Ben was a little hesitant, but having Li there to lead the way was helpful. 

 Today we went shopping at the Pearl Market and Shamian Island.  We also ate lunch at Lucy’s.  Lucy’s is a western restaurant on Shamian Island with yummy cheeseburgers and French fries.  The boys had their first grilled cheese, which they both seemed to enjoy and they love French fries too! 

 

It’s hard to believe we have been in China for a week.  We have learned so much about Ben and Li.  Both are full of energy and love to have fun!  Li loves to color and write. I have posted a picture he colored yesterday all by himself.  I can’t believe how well he can stay in the lines.  He can make several letters of the alphabet and can say all of the kids names! Ben is not as talkative as Li, but he seems to be learning English quickly as well.  It’s been amazing how easy it has been to communicate with them!  Another one of my worries that God took care ofJ

Gotcha Day #2

Gotcha Day #2 was no less amazing than Li’s.  I, of course, was worried how Li would respond to Ben, and how he would do with sharing our time.  God, of course, had all those details worked out. Li has done an amazing job with sharing and even communicating with Ben.  Ben makes it easy too, he is such a happy boy!  It has been so fun watching these two sweet boys, from opposite parts of the country, learn to love one another as brothers!    

The first night at the hotel was a little difficult for Ben.  He cried for the first time as we started to get him ready for bed.  With the security of his beach ball (this kid is a gamer) and the tender love of his big brother, he fell asleep and slept all night! 

 

Yesterday, we ventured around the streets of Guangzhou, but it’s not the easiest to do with a double stroller in 90 degree weather.  We eventually decided to go back to the hotel and eat dinner.  The boys have enjoyed eating lots of noodles and dumplings.  It’s been amazing to watch everything Li can do.  He seems to be right handed, which is funny considering he doesn’t have a right arm.  He uses his right bicep and cheek to do so much.  He has already learned to write his name with a pencil, he cuts with a knife and can eat with one chopstick.  He works so hard and is so determined!  I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this little boy! 

 

Ben on the other hand is just fun!  He loves to play with balls;  dribbling, playing basketball, playing baseball.  In the bathtub last night he stuck his whole head in water several times.  I think he is going to be a swimmer too!  As much as I miss home, I am so thankful for this time that we have been given to spend with our sons!  I love playing with them and watching them learn to play together.

We have wanted to blog more, but we haven’t had much luck with getting access to our blog here in China.  We have actually relied on Aubree to post our blogs, so we will see how many more we can post.  

Received Li

What a day. We have a new son thanks to god. What a gift we have been giving. Everything has gone perfect. We received him at the civil affairs office around 4 PM. His name is Li and he is sleeping now. Jill and I are really missing our kids. We haven't talked with them since we left Friday. We will be calling them this morning. There is so much we learned about Li in the last few hours. He is strong, determined, kind, joyful, smart, energetic, loving, and independent. He can do so much with what little arms he has Jill and I are encouraged by him. (1 day ago) 

Control Tower

 As our final leg of flights landed in Shanxi, the capital of Li's province, we were relieved. We met our guide Mary at the airport. Thousands of people and we were the only Anglo Saxons. We aren't standing out at all. Ha ha. And I thought our height would be the thing that made us stand out.

As we drove to the hotel Mary the guide, who is the only one with fluent English around here, explained to is the schedule for the next couple weeks of days in Shanxi.

Our original itinerary had us receiving our first son li at 8:30 Am at the civil affairs office, Monday his orphanage is a 4 hour car ride from here so Jill and I were concerned for him having to get up that early, how tired he would be, and what he must be feeling. We will do some brief paperwork at civil affairs (10 minutes) and then return with him to the hotel. Mary said plans have changed and we are now scheduled at 2:30 PM to see li. Better for Li we hope he'll be well rested.

As we continue to allow God to be in the control Tower calling the shots we can't help but feel his peace. as I write to you it's 2:53 AM less than 12 hours away. Months of waiting have come down the hours. I can't help but share how thankful I am for God's truth and for his scripture on my heart.

Covered in God's peace 12 hours before meeting Li, I feel the Lord speaking so clearly "do not be anxious about anything Doug, but in everything by prayer and supplication in the thanksgiving let your request be made known to God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Thanks to everyone for your prayers. My prayer for all of you this evening is that you too will receive peace knowing are Heavenly Father is in control ( 2 days ago)

China

Wow what a couple days travel. We are in Li's province after many hours of flights. We will be receiving li tommorow which is Monday here at 2:30 pm. Found out from out guide that this will only take 20 to 30 minutes. We will then spend the day here and go back to civil affairs tommorow to finalize paperwork so we can catch an an afternoon flight. We are so exited and can't believe the time is drawing so near (2 days ago)