tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1352345421044394242024-03-13T01:43:38.626-07:00Sherer Bliss: Our adoption journeyOur family's journey to adopt a child from China and the many blessings God has provided along the way!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-90048679973510289742011-12-14T23:34:00.000-08:002011-12-14T23:54:16.516-08:00Our last day in Guangzhou!!We are finally at the point where coming home seems sooooo close!!! I can't tell you how excited we are to come home. We miss Kaylee and Eli dearly (the rest of you too of course :) and really want to hold ALL of our babies!!! Here is our flight information just in case you missed it and want to join the fun at the airport! If you can't make it but would like to come visit, please feel free to give us a call. We welcome visitors!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We depart on our flight from Hong Kong to Detroit at 10:30 AM and </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">arrive in Kansas City at 4:57 PM on Friday, December 16th. Our flight number from Detroit to KC is Delta flight 1214. </u><br />
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<b><i>Wednesday</i></b><br />
Yesterday we had our US Consulate appointment where we took care of our Visa paperwork to bring Jesiah back into the country (he still has a China passport as he is still as Chinese citizen until we touch down in the United States). We also had an opportunity to visit the island one last time. I'm really going to miss it but am hoping to live vicariously through the Sanders when they travel here in a few months! :)<br />
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Last trip to Shamian Island</div>
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Our family with the Palmbergs. I'm so thankful for such great new friends!</div>
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Little Miss Liana feeling so much better!!</div>
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Such a loon! </div>
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<b><i>Thursday </i></b><br />
Today, we LEAVE! We just sent our baggage down to be packed on the bus and we will leave with our visas about 4:30. We will take a train ride (about two hours) to Hong Kong and will stay overnight at a hotel right at the airport. We are thrilled to be so close!!!<br />
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Our amazing Holt travel group!</div>
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<b><i>A few thoughts and lessons I've learned as we leave China....</i></b><br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">1. </i>I'm very thankful to have survived crossing the streets here in China. There are no rules and hitting a pedestrian seems to be fairly legal and acceptable :).<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">2. </i>I never thought I'd be so thankful to be able to SIT on the toilet again. Goodbye "squatty potties" :).<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">3. </i>A man on the street told Jesiah, after pointing to a "tiger like fur" he had that he was selling, that it was T-I-G-G-E-R. I'm so thankful Jesiah doesn't understand enough to be totally mortified. His Winnie the Pooh ball might have mystified him had he known that Tigger was no longer.<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">4. </i>We learned that in China, if you eat spicy food while it is hot outside, you will get a bloody nose. This is not tried and true, we were just told this :).<br />
<b><i>5. </i>CHICKEN on a menu doesn't mean MEAT. </b><br />
<b><i>6.</i> </b>I wish I had been prepared for a son that wanted to "squat" on the western toilets. I had several days where I was afraid he might swim in his socks...<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">7. </i>Taxi drivers think we are stupid. However, we have learned that if you shake your head, play dumb and hand them less money.. they take it, grumble, and drive off :). (we were paying them fairly.. I promise!)<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">8. </i>It feels nice to be famous once in awhile.<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">9. </i>Customer service here is an interesting thing. A customer, it seems, is never right.<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">10. </i>Holt is an amazing agency and I'm so thankful we used them.<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">11. </i>Holt China staff don't get paid enough for the hours upon hours that they labor for their families.<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">12. </i>Jesiah is leaving China with his "baba and dada" (yes.. he called me "mama" once, I rejoiced, and he stopped :).<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">13. </i>If you are adopting, bring a water gun. It is SO helpful during baths!!!<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">14. </i>We are blessed with amazing family and friends. When we leave for our NEXT adoption, things are definitely in good hands (JUST KIDDING.. at least for now :).<br />
<b><i>15. </i></b><b><i> God has blessed us beyond belief and I'm so thankful to have been on this journey with HIM.</i></b><br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-6938491806199420002011-12-13T19:22:00.000-08:002011-12-13T19:22:29.763-08:00God is a God of miracles!I just wanted to provide an update on little Liana. I spoke with Susan and Eric this morning shortly after their oath taking ceremony at the US Consulate and Liana's fever has broken. They are extremely thankful for the prayers and would ask for continued prayers that the infection continues to go away. So as of now, no more hospital visit or possibility of surgery. This means they can leave tomorrow with the rest of our travel group. Praise and glory be to God!!!<br />
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Jesiah and Liana checking out the Christmas lights :). </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-77453162537635371862011-12-13T06:24:00.000-08:002011-12-13T06:24:05.470-08:00Please Pray!In several posts, I have mentioned our friends the Palmbergs (Erik, Susan, Gabriel and their lovely new daughter Liana). Tonight their daughter went to the hospital (after visiting the Western doctor used by Holt) and is being considered for surgery for an infection. She was released tonight with strong antibiotics, with the understanding that if she does not get better (fever breaks and infection breaks up) she will be be admitted, undergo surgery and have to stay in the hospital (after surgery) for three to five days before returning to the United States. Please pray that her health improves and that the Lord reaches down and heals her little body. She is such an amazing girl and has been blessed with a phenomenal family. I know the Lord has a blessing in store for them and I know that there is power in prayer. Please offer your prayers up for a speedy healing!!!<br />
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Today we visited the Safari Park in Guangzhou. It was amazing!!! We spent six hours walking through the zoo and didn't cover all of the animals- it's THAT large. We enjoyed getting to see the twelve pandas the park has, giraffes, tigers, flamingos, elephants, etc. Jesiah had the opportunity to feed the giraffes and the elephants. So cool. This park definitely beats any other park I've been too. It's the largest park in Asia.<br />
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Jesiah, for the first time, called me "mama" today. My heart sang. He also pointed to himself and said "Jesiah". He is learning so much and adapting so quickly. He really is such an inspiration, although I know I always say that. I don't think I would adapt to ever changing surroundings as well as he has. Jesiah is truly an instrument in God's hands that has, and will continue to forever change our family. I'm so excited to bring him home so he can smile for you in person!!!! It's starting to feel as though we have had Jesiah for much longer than week; it's starting to feel more natural to wake up with him as our son. Such an amazing feeling! Praise God!<br />
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Jesiah is obsessed with the pandas (pictured in the far background). </div>
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He was getting mad that he was having to pose for pictures in the opposite direction of the pandas. </div>
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He was amazed by the giraffes. </div>
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The remnants of the leaves Jesiah fed to the giraffe. He liked his hand and it scared him :). </div>
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Conked out after a long day!</div>
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He woke up enough to help us push the stoller to the exit! </div>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-4074354031997578072011-12-12T06:10:00.000-08:002011-12-12T06:27:18.319-08:00A Lazy MondayToday we took it easy and just spent time as a family. We had a leisurely breakfast and came back to the room, rested and watched movies. It was a day much needed!! Tonight we enjoyed an amazing cruise on the Pearl River. It was absolutely gorgeous. I wish I could show you pictures but you will have to wait for a day or two. We didn't think we had our camera so we used our friends' camera, only to find out when we got back to the hotel that it was hiding in the bottom of our bag. We got to see the tallest building in China and it was pretty spectacular! Today wasn't too exciting but was refreshing after busy days. Jesiah's passport was delivered today so now we wait for our U.S.A. Consulate appointment on Wednesday morning and we should receive his visa Thursday afternoon right before we take a train to Hong Kong.<br />
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<i>Here's our schedule for the rest of the trip:</i><br />
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<b>Tuesday</b>: Safari trip (so excited about this!!!)<br />
<b>Wednesday</b>: Consulate apt. at 9 AM<br />
<b>Thursday</b>: Free day until 4:30, pickup visas, take train to Hong Kong and stay overnight there<br />
<b>Friday</b>: WE COME HOME!!!!! We depart on our flight from Hong Kong to Detroit at 10:30 AM and <u>arrive in Kansas City at 4:57 PM on Friday, December 16th. Our flight number from Detroit to KC is Delta flight 1214. </u><br />
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We are welcoming anyone that would like to come to the airport to visit us to please do so!!!! We are SO excited to be coming home and bringing Jesiah into an amazing group of family and friends. We would ask that if you do come to the airport that you do allow our family (especially Kaylee and Eli) to be at the front of the crowd so that they might welcome Jesiah off the plane first. It is really important to us that he see them first. Each and every one of you are important to us so please know that isn't to slight anyone. We can't wait to be back on American soil!!! Jesiah will officially be a citizen of the United States of America when we touch down in Detroit (and I promise, Adele, I will get a picture/video of it!!!). If you cannot make it to the airport, we will welcome visitors to the house when we get settled. Please don't feel like you have to stay away :).<br />
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Nathan and I both feel as though Jesiah has been with us much longer than a week. We feel so blessed and know we have been richly blessed through this first part of bonding. We are definitely settling in and feeling as though he is ours. It's neat to see how God can change our hearts because of the unconditional love of a beautiful child. <u>This scripture verse fits my heart perfectly</u>.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">We love him because he first loved us. </span></b></div>
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1 John 4:19</div>
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The boys taking a nap. </div>
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He has been such a crack up today!</div>
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Getting ready for the Pearl River cruise.</div>
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I told him the McDonald's McFlurry was all gone but he apparently didn't believe me... </div>
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Daddy was SUPPOSED to be putting on some calming music but instead </div>
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he put on "Surfin' in the USA" and needless to say, it wound him up. :)</div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-13845897373360256122011-12-11T06:37:00.001-08:002011-12-11T07:00:52.564-08:00Full of ProgressI simply feel like I'm "running just to catch myself" (to quote a great Mark Schultz song) lately and I apologize. No amount of time during the day seems like enough at this point. Let me give you a short run down on the last two days and then I promise I will make a better effort (I know.. I know I keep saying that :). Each day is getting better. Thank you for your prayers. We feel them. Jesiah is growing by leaps and bounds (emotionally and physically) and we are too. Each day it seems more "real". I'm ready for our complete family to be together!!!!<br />
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<b>Saturday </b><br />
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Saturday we were reunited with all of the Holt travel families. It was so amazing to be back with the thirty plus families we had met with in Beijing (with the addition of a few new families) and see everyone's "gaps" filled in with new precious faces. Being on this journey together has really been amazing. We have been blessed with meeting some great families and I pray that we continue to forge friendships with them throughout the years. Going through the adoption process together certainly creates a bond that doesn't seem to be easily broken. I praise God for his timing and the families we have been able to experience this with (although there were some I really wish would have been here with us! :( ).<br />
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We all took a trip back (yet again!) to Shamian Island and it really seems as if I can't get enough of that place. It's just so beautiful and there is so much to do. I almost got run over by a bicycle driven by a very "persistant" driver. Sidewalks and streets pretty much blur together over here. I was thankful that my ten toes remained after she zoomed past me. Wowsers! It's definitely a different world. The families that arrived Friday night needed to go for medical checks and we had to get our kiddos TB test results. Jesiah is good to go on not having TB so that's one more step closer to coming HOME (can you tell I'm getting super anxious!?). After the test, we walked around the island and finished up a few more shopping items. The afternoon was spent relaxing. That evening, the Holt families met at a local restaurant and had a group dinner. It was so good. We have been out places on our own and had some interesting experiences with food. This dinner was so good and such a relief. You will all be glad to know that my chopsticks skills are continuing to improve, although they still have not surpassed Jesiah's . Last night, we ended the evening by traveling back to the island (the taxi drivers love us..) to attend the local Christian Church service. It was a prayer and praise service conducted all in Mandarin. It was absolutely amazing to see how much Jesiah relaxed and enjoyed church. I'm not sure if he has ever been before but it was very special for us to see him smile and seem so joyful. Going to church was definitely a special experience and I'm glad we made the trip.<br />
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Working towards naptime with his panda. </div>
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He watches tv intently like the rest of the Sherer kiddos. He may need glasses if he keeps leaning like this! </div>
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Love this smile. It makes everything seem better :). </div>
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Our little family after the Holt group dinner. </div>
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Baba and Jesiah</div>
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The Christian Church on Shamian Island. </div>
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All of my pictures turned out blurry but I still thought it was cute to see how happy he was. </div>
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Finishing our night back at the China Hotel at Starbucks. Jesiah and Gabriel (his adopted Ge-Ge) were sharing some cookies. </div>
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Jesiah has some great fits. This one displays how he kicks off his shoes anytime he has a fit. This was prior to the socks coming off :). </div>
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SO peaceful after a long day. </div>
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<b>Sunday</b></div>
Today we went to pearl and jade wholesale markets. They were pretty neat but Jesiah was done shopping. When I say done.. I mean D-O-N-E. Take the picture of the fit above and multiply it times ten with more laughter and energy. Ahh... I wish I would have gotten more pictures, however we spent most of the time chasing him. He loves to run away. I think I need to get a leash (in all seriousness). He runs..... laughs... runs farther... and laughs harder. He is all boy. We are going to definitely have our work cut out for us when we get home and put he and Eli together. I guess I should rest while I can!!!! Tonight we finished out our night with the Palmburg family, take out from the downstairs restaurant, and Cars 2. So thankful for them!!!! :)<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-52707800800056119592011-12-10T00:14:00.001-08:002011-12-10T06:39:36.057-08:00Post Gotcha Day: 4 (Friday)Our internet has been extra stubborn lately, so I apologize for the flood of posts.<br />
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Friday we had a leisurely breakfast and then went to Shamian Island with the Palmberg family. We shopped until we dropped (almost literally). We met some great shopkeepers that were Christian and had a great lunch at Lucy's (Western food which was a nice break from the norm). If Kaylee and Eli were here with us, I think I could stay for so much longer here. The weather is gorgeous We have discovered that the taxi drivers think we are dumb. They have tried to overcharge us a few times and we have discovered that we just hand them what we think is fair and exit the taxi. I suppose we look like "stupid Americans" or "rich Americans" but we are definitely not either :).<br />
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We had an opportunity to visit the White Swan which is a hotel most adoptive families (up until August, I believe) stay or at least visit. It shut down this summer for renovations and I was so happy to be able to see it in person. The red couches (pictured below) are famous for adoptive families getting pictures on. Most adoptive families on any blog will have pictures on these couches. We went to visit and take some so we could be part of the cool crowd :).<br />
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This island used to be a colony of both the French and the English. It's really interesting because you can actually see the difference in the architecture depending on which side of the island you are on. There used to be an electric fence down the middle of it. It was taken down during the 20's when the island went back to China.<br />
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That's all for now. Short, sweet, and simple. I will leave you, as always, with some pictures of our day!<br />
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Jesiah LOVES his baba!!!</div>
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Jesiah and Liana on the famous White Swan red coach. </div>
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Our family :) </div>
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In the lobby of the White Swan. This is a hotel that many adoptive families used to stay at on Shamian Island. It recently shut down for renovations. </div>
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Jesiah loves fish and wanted to get in and swim with them. Luckily, he was stuck to me :). </div>
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Gabriel, Erik, Liana, Jesiah and Nathan</div>
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After dinner, we stopped at the playground.</div>
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There is a bridal boutique on Shamian Island and they are constantly taking pictures. They are so beautiful and all over the place. </div>
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Jesiah had a foster brother about Gabriel's age. He loves to play with Gabriel. </div>
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Jesiah kickin' it like a real Asian :). </div>
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Baba bought him a panda and it is his absolute favorite. He conked out like a champ after a long day. </div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-22791932634343715542011-12-09T23:51:00.001-08:002011-12-10T00:11:54.409-08:00Adjustment, Hope and BlessingsA couple of nights ago, I had a very rough night. This is not meant to be heartless, just honest. As much as we have worked to bring Jesiah home, I had fleeting questions as to if we had done the right thing. It is so difficult to have such an amazing blessing in front of you and yet not be able to help them or understand what they need. We have prayed our way "into" this adoption and knew from the beginning God would provide our son/daughter. I cried and told Nathan I didn't know how I could bond with Jesiah. I knew I should be able to and I knew that in pictures things looked fine, but I still struggled with the sadness I had in my heart. It's hard to explain. It was almost a let down of a night after such emotion and adrenaline go into the first few days here. It's kind of like after you give birth to a biological child and although you are filled with joy, you also have pains from labor and adjusting to life with a newborn. They turn your life upside down, both in good and bad ways. In some ways, Jesiah was like a newborn. In other ways, he was a "big" kid and wanted to do everything his own way and on his own time. Searching through my emotions and talking about where I was was important. Love takes time. Bonding takes time. Loving a child that you have never seen in person, yet loved for so long, takes God's hands to literally open up your heart and make room. I don't think I thought it would be easier than it has been. I definitely knew that it would be a struggle and that once over the "hurdle", that time would begin to strengthen that bond. That night, I had to decide to choose to love him and know that God would fill in the gaps.<br />
I had an opportunity to talk with another dear friend of mine who is adopting here as well. She had experienced similar emotions the night before and it was so very helpful to understand I wasn't alone. We both knew we loved our children and knew that they were absolute miracles, yet we both felt a disconnect . Since then, time is definitely helping. I remember when I was pregnant with Eli that I feared I wouldn't be able to love him as much, or in the same way, that I did Kaylee. In my mind, we had a balance and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to adjust. After Eli was born we adjusted and the room in my heart continued to expand. It worked out just fine and I cannot even begin to imagine on life without Eli!!! :) This is the same situation and I know it will be okay.<br />
What has really helped is the fact that God has blessed us with a beautiful son who is beginning to rely on us for everything and is really showing very unconditional love. He is definitely able to look at us and show us a love that melts my heart. He runs to me when he sees me which is a feeling I can't even begin to describe. He is choosing to love and trust, under much more difficult circumstances and either Nathan or I have had to deal with, and yet he is doing it so wonderfully. Jesiah's resolution and adjustment with us has shown so much growth on a daily basis. It's amazing to see how all of the kiddos in our travel group have grown in such a short time.<br />
God is mending my insecurities and showing, through Jesiah, a love that I didn't think was possible. I praise God that He is continuing to redefine my definition of love and expand my ability to show it. Please continue to pray as we know God will only grow the bond we all have as a family once we arrive home.<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-36122619418747171062011-12-08T05:09:00.001-08:002011-12-08T06:39:37.361-08:00Post Gotcha Day 3: Full of JOY!<br />
Today was a fantastic day full of great progress! Jesiah is a great kid and is full of potential. His smiles really are contagious. Today we went to Shamian Island where most of the adoptive families in China generally stay (until recently when the hotel on the island most often used shut down). It's a SUPER cool island and I really wish we were staying on it (Richard and Stacey- I'm so jealous you get to!!). <br />
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The medical exam went well and Jesiah screamed like a champ. I'm pretty certain that they tip off the kids as to what is going to happen when you walk in and they are all wearing hospital garb. You'd think, for the sake of the kids (and the parents :), that they'd put on some fun scrubs or something a little more light hearted. Nonetheless, we made it through it. Jesiah is a whooping 33 lbs. and 27 inches. He doesn't look big but he certainly is heavy after carrying him all day. We are VERY thankful to Johnna for letting us borrow the Ergo (my arms and legs thank you a thousand times over).<br />
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Over the last few days...we have learned the joys of having an Asian son meltdown in public and have a thousand Asians stare at you. <b>It feels so much more awkward than I imagined</b>. I'm pretty sure they were wondering what I had done to make him scream, kick and cry. Ahhh..... it takes me back to Kaylee and days of meltdowns. :) Great memories..!!! I figure "this too shall pass" and I think that he was pretty spoiled by his foster parents. He definitely can convey what he wants and generally he needs it prior to telling me so by the time he tells us, he's mad. Strong willed children are great, we just need to keep with him and remember that if we focus all that determination in the right direction, it will work out amazingly well. (sigh :).<br />
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I don't mean to paint a terrible picture. He really is amazing. He definitely tells us what he wants very clearly, including when he needs to go to the bathroom (Chinese potty training of a boy before three? WOW! I need that secret!). The language barrier hasn't been the problem we thought it might be and he is already picking up on quite a bit of English. Thankfully, we are starting to learn some Cantonese sayings and are beginning to decipher what he is saying. He speaks so well and it helps when we understand what he wants/needs at points. My Chinese is definitely something I'm sure he (and other Chinese people) laugh at, but we are trying. It's the thought that counts, right?! One thing we have noticed is that he will not use his English skills with other Chinese people. I'm not sure if he is afraid or just knows they won't understand. The minute he sees a caucasian person, he uses his English.<br />
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Jesiah is a master when it comes to chopsticks. No really, he is. He is better than me and although that isn't really saying much, I am amazed. :) </div>
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Let's see.. I digressed. Sorry. I tend to blog in a "stream of conscious" fashion. It helps my thoughts flow easier and besides, most of you that talk to me often understand this is just like having a conversation with me. I jump around from topic to topic. Keeps everyone on their toes. Back to the island :). Such a cool island. We meet a Christian shopkeeper whose name was Jordan and we had a great time getting to know him. Anyone visiting Shamian Island needs to go visit him. His store was one of the only ones that I was given some breathing room as I shopped. I don't do well when I have someone breathing down my neck, trying to push me to buy things. We found some awesome things and I probably enjoyed shopping (especially for Kaylee and my beautiful niece Madison a little too much :). We spent the day with Susan, Erik, Gabriel, and their new beautiful daughter Liana. Such a blessing that God has provided us with good friends on this trip. I'm ever so thankful for their support and understanding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA7QvjYAYWqUECN5zAu-9lA99MQ9Ar5QthCsfVRTkIMsCjzGk4v3sDYQkWwMEu0UYpPR3GN4Eas180m98B-rQElcYUG5TCbbB89FiTntmeN6IvmX6tBU1oP8UvNV2EuzTZRdkg_9vfA8I/s1600/101_1272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA7QvjYAYWqUECN5zAu-9lA99MQ9Ar5QthCsfVRTkIMsCjzGk4v3sDYQkWwMEu0UYpPR3GN4Eas180m98B-rQElcYUG5TCbbB89FiTntmeN6IvmX6tBU1oP8UvNV2EuzTZRdkg_9vfA8I/s320/101_1272.jpg" width="320" /></a>Adoption is amazing but it's not easy. It is definitely a journey and a choice to love and be open to learning, as parenthood is in general. I'm learning more every day to allow God to show me Jesiah through His eyes. It's a lesson in loving and opening my heart up beyond what I thought was essential. It's definitely not something I can explain unless you have experienced adoption. To all my friends and family that have adopted, I understand. I now understand the labor of love that it takes and know that I will continue to understand. Such a blessing, even through the trials and tears.<br />
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He is definitely his own little man. So big :). </div>
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<b><i><u>I did forget a VERY important milestone today</u></i></b>. This one is one for the books. Today, Jesiah Paul Bao Sherer tasted his VERY first McDonald's. He is a HUGE fan of french fries and showed Nathan that it is not okay to take them from him, under any circumstances. We are glad he has officially tasted and now loves real American food :). As a side note (for Christina Sinclair)- in his Happy Meal he got a toy and it happened to be my favorite character (rolling eyes) Sponge Bob Squarepants. You will be happy to know that when I asked him who it was, he proudly told me "Bob". We have our work cut out for us! :) </div>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-32834548940045799482011-12-07T02:00:00.001-08:002011-12-08T06:38:54.602-08:00Post Gotcha Days-1 & 2 (Tuesday and Wednesday)<br />
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Last night was a pretty long night. Jesiah started out in his pack n play asleep and ended up two and a half hours later in our bed. Sleeping with him beside us was kind of like having a rolling pin go horizontally up and down the bed. Needless to say, he may have slept but we didn't. The life of a parent continues. Regardless, we feel blessed! </div>
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Before Bed.... </div>
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After a long night for mama and baba... :) </div>
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Today our adoption was finalized! We visited the Office of Civil Affairs and visited a few officials, got an official photo, and things are done! Now, we wait the rest of the time to get his passport and visa. Those take the longest to complete and the visa won't actually be done until next Thursday, the day we leave for Hong Kong. After our apt. at the CA office, we had a great lunch, attempted (and failed) to get Jesiah to nap, and finished out the day walking about an hour to one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen. It was amazing that inside this extremely crowded and smoggy city, there was a jewel of a park. We walked past areas where men and women were playing badmitten, hacky sac, and ping pong. A litte different from the scene we have in the states. I will post some pictures below. It was well worth the walk! Jesiah is definitely adjusting well. He has, from time to time, showed signs of grieving and night time was a hard time for him. He was in a foster family which made it great for him as far and knowing and understanding the love of a family. It makes it difficult, for us, at the same time because he is grieving for them. Really, he seems to be bonding well and having fun. We are spending a lot of time playing. He is ALL boy :)! He loves playing outside, loves running, loves playing balls, loves climbing, and really has a bright outlook on life. I praise God that he is so joyful, even after so much strife in his young life. We appreciate all the continued prayers as well strengthen the bond between us. God's got it all under control :). I will leave you with some pictures and say goodnight for now!</div>
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Jesiah's first "face to face" with K and E :). It melted my heart. </div>
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When is upset or tired, he plays with my hair. Many of you know that's my FAVORITE thing :). </div>
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He is ours officially!</div>
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Our trip to the local grocery store. </div>
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Not a great picture of me but cute of everyone else :). </div>
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He is sooooo tickleish!!! We love it!! </div>
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On our way to lunch. </div>
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Lake Park in Guangzhou.</div>
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Nathan and Jesiah have a very special bond forming. It's awesome to watch. </div>
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<span id="goog_1790907674"></span><span id="goog_1790907675"></span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-47043842232379939922011-12-05T03:08:00.001-08:002011-12-05T05:16:06.340-08:00He's Ours!!What an fantastically exhausting day. We have Jesiah and he is a dream. I'm not gonna lie.. when we met him he cried and looked at me with such sad eyes that it absolutely broke my heart. I was ready for a tough go and we will, I'm sure, have our struggles and adjustments ahead, however for tonight my heart is joyful and we have so much to be thankful for. So many prayers have been offered up for him and I know God honored those prayers and blessed us beyond our wildest dreams. He is a beautiful and very charming boy with such a contagious smile and hilarious laugh. He is so ticklish and so energetic. His eyes are vibrant and so full of excitement towards to simplest things. We are absolutely in love. He went from being afraid when we first met him (pulling away and crying.. not wanting ANYTHING to do with me. That made me cry, however much I'd prepared for that reaction). Cheerios.. make that honey nut Cheerios came to our rescue. If anyone is reading this and adopting, that's some of the best advice I can give you. Giving those to him has been the way straight to his heart and he has smiled ever since. He ate almost entire sandwich bag full of them and I'm okay with that. :)<br />
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We would love continued prayers. He has a pretty persistent cough and runny nose. Not a huge deal but he seems to be feeling a little under par. After getting paperwork squared away, we headed back to the hotel to just spend some good quality time. We have played football, read books, watched tv (he loves tv- that's #3 Sherer kiddo that loves tv so he will fit in quite nicely!) He is a trooper and again, I can't imagine how overwhelmed he must feel. My prayer earlier was that he would be able to understand that we love him and are here to be his forever family and I know we are on the right path to that. He may still grieve some in his own ways and we would appreciate continued prayers for all of our transitions- especially when we get home and transition into a family of five.<br />
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We will sign off for now and leave you with several pictures of our "Gotcha Day". Thank you to all who gave of their precious time, amazing love and prayers, and selflessly sacrificed to make this happen. We can never thank you enough. God is good and he has blessed us more than we can even imagine. Jesiah, welcome to our family :)!<br />
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Our first glance. He was obviously not hurrying to get to us. The room was full of over 30 families so, as you can imagine, it was pretty chaotic. </div>
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His tears made my heart break. They were definitely understandable. </div>
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He loves his "baba". At first, he wouldn't even look at me and only wanted Nathan. </div>
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Here he was still avoiding any type of eye contact with me. </div>
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Bribery is my middle name. YAY for Cheerios!!! </div>
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When we got back to the hotel, he started to warm up to me. I wasn't complaining! :) </div>
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So snuggly. </div>
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Lovin' his USA bear from Aunt Dy!!! :) </div>
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This is the smile he is capable of and it completely has us wrapped around his finger already!</div>
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He had a wardrobe change after deciding to give himself a bath with his cup of water (and our bed...). </div>
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Of course he LOVES balls and wanted his "ball" pjs. He is Eli's big brother! :) </div>
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His first bit of a granola bar. He liked it but I think his belly was too full from Cheerios. </div>
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More pictures to follow tomorrow!! Love you all, goodnight! </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-87059066473532807652011-12-04T01:32:00.001-08:002011-12-04T20:29:32.731-08:00We are in Guangzhou!We made it safely to Guangzhou! We are settling in our hotel and will be meeting the other four families for dinner. We plan on crashing (or trying to) tonight so we can get some sleep. We are feeling excited, nervous, overwhelmed, a bit unsure of what's to come, and all sorts of other feelings. PLEASE pray for our "gotcha day" tomorrow as we know Jesiah will be making a huge transition. Sometime in the past few weeks he left his foster family to return back to the orphanage and now he will be disrupted again to come to us. We know God is in control and have been very prayerful for months about his arrival into our family so we know eventually it will be okay. We would like prayers that we will understand his needs, he will understand he is safe and come to trust us, and that we will be able to earn his love and trust. We would also like prayers that Jesiah feels a peace and that he will understand that we love him and that we will do whatever we need to take care of him because he is our son. I can't imagine how overwhelming all of this is on the kiddos being adopted. We will meet Jesiah about 2:30 am Monday morning for you. I will blog as soon as I can with lots of pictures!!!<br />
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We go into tomorrow remembering my favorite scripture verse.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Phil. 4:13- I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengthens me. </b></span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-58866478353371546962011-12-03T14:15:00.001-08:002011-12-03T15:12:26.348-08:00Day Three: BeijingWe had a VERY full day yesterday and I conked last night. I'm so thankful, for the first night since we got here, that we actually sleep about seven hours. It's amazing what sleep deprivation can do you to you. However, I do want to say that as tired as I was yesterday... I did amazingly well with chopsticks. I'm not a master yet but I was able to manage getting my food in my mouth without having to resort to my technique titled the "grab and stab". Hey.. it worked :).<br />
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Yesterday, we had a two hour orientation where we met with all of the other Holt families that came to Beijing and were briefed on what the next process with geting our kiddos and all the massive amounts of paperwork following will look like. It was so helpful to hear other stories, especially from families that were back to adopt a second time. We also received an substantial update on Jesiah and got new pictures. My heart is absolutely yearning to get him. He sounds like he is an even more amazing kiddo than what we originally thought. I know we have challenges ahead and he will probably experience some grieving period. Who wouldn't? He will be leaving everything he knows and we are going to rely on God in this time, knowing that He led us this far and will continue to bless us. Patience, I suppose is the key (and lots of bribery :0).<br />
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After orientation, we had a great group lunch and continued on to TiAnmen Square. TiAnmen Square is where certain government officials used to work. It also is where the famous massacre occured in 1989. It was pretty impressive.<br />
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One of my paparazzi moments. </div>
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After TiAnmen Square, we went to the Forbidden Palace which was just across the street. The Forbidden Palace was built in the 14th Century for the Emperors. It was massive and very impressive. Lots of gold. I told Nathan it's the type of house he will need to build me once we are done with our house "situation" :).<br />
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We finished up the night with a trip to the silk factory (sadly we didn't take any pictures.. I don't know how that happened.), a nice dinner with a few of our friends and a trip to the night market. The night market was... interesting :). I didn't have an appetite for what they were selling. Ugh. I suppose to each his own! Hope everyone has a good day. We leave on a plane for Guangzhou at 11:30 am (9:30 pm Misosuri time) and will meet Jesiah tomorrow. I will post again later tonight (tomorrow morning for you). Love you and please keep the prayers coming. Lots of emotions are filling us as we look to tomorrow!<br />
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Don't ask what they sold there unless you have a solid stomach. :)</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-63702323637140104392011-12-02T00:58:00.001-08:002011-12-02T06:46:14.023-08:00Happy Birthday Mr. E!!!<br />
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A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our dear son Eli, who turns two today. We are sad not to be with him but knows he is having fun! We love you so much Eli and will talk to you soon!<br />
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What a day! We have received blessings so abundantly in the short time we have been here and while we are still exhausted, we are seeing God's hand in a mighty way and it's so amazing! Today we were able to visit the Great Wall and climbed to the top. What a priceless experience it was. Not only did we climb the Great Wall, but we did it during Beijing's first snow of the year!! Talk about slippery- eek! It was very cold and kind of scary at times but we made it up and back (with five minutes to spare before our bus left!). At the bottom, we were "attacked" by the Chinese paparazzi (that's right Gilmores, we were popular with the Chinese folk too!! They must have known we were friends since they seemed to like you guys too :). It was hilarious. I don't know how many pictures we were dragged into but they loved us. It was a nice ego booster, although I hope Nathan doesn't let it go to his head.<br />
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After the Great Wall, we had a nice lunch with out entire travel group from Holt and visited the jade museum. There are about 20 families with us and five families will continue on with us to Guangzhou on Sunday. We have already made some amazing friends are so thankful God has blessed us with such supportive and loving friends at home and here in China. It makes a world of difference.<br />
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After lunch, we continued on to the historic downtown in Beijing called Hutong Lane. We rode in rickshaws which were basically carts pulled by bikes. It was QUITE an adventure. The streets here are very narrow and weren't designed for cars (at least the ones that are more like alleys in Hutong). We had some close calls with anxious cars but our very overzealous driver made sure we received the right away. It reminded me of driving in a car with a certain Adele Hall :). (Love you, Adele)<br />
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Hutong Lane was really neat, but very eye opening. We are so blessed to live in a country where we have the freedoms to work and live nicely. It's amazing how much we take for granted. Tonight, we are so thankful to live with the physical blessings God has provided.<br />
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After the tour, we came back to the hotel and crashed. The sleep loss finally hit me and I barely made it to dinner. We went to a local dumpling place behind our hotel and ate an amazing dinner for seven dollars. YUM-O!<br />
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We just finished off the night with our friends, Susan, Erik and Gabriel. We celebrated Eli's birthday where we had a "cake" for him and celebrated China style. We ended the evening with prayer for their daughter Liana and Jesiah. What an amazing day. Soooo tired... I'm headed to bed here shortly. Tomorrow we will see the Forbidden Palace, TinAmen Square and we leave for Guangzhou Sunday morning. We meet Jesiah Monday. Please continue to pray that Jesiah makes a smooth transition and we are able to handle his transition into our family with ease and peace. I know God has blessed us this far and won't let us go. </div>
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELI!! WE LOVE YOU!!!</div>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-32662257405043230442011-12-01T08:10:00.001-08:002011-12-01T08:27:00.910-08:00Whew! We Made It!<div style="text-align: left;">
We are here in Beijing after twenty hours of flights! We flew from Kansas City to Minneapolis,</div>
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Minneaoplis to Seattle, and Seattle onto Beijing. We had about a forty minute van ride with another family (that is also adopting through Holt) to get to our hotel, the Novotel Peace Hotel. Because we were the last ones checked in, we got a free upgrade. It's a sweet room! Although I'm still on Missouri time, I think I will be able to sleep "tonight". We have an early morning tomorrow! We get to skype with K and E, then visit the Great Wall and Hutong Lane. Thank you for all your prayers for safety. We know God has been with us and will continue too. We have already met some great families and are excited to get to know them and support one another in the days ahead. My pictures are taking quite awhile to load so I will add them tomorrow. Love you all. Please continue to pray for Jesiah. We will meet him on Monday (Sunday late night or early morning Monday for you). My thoughts will be a little clearer tomorrow and I will share some fun stories from the trip. We already look like Americans :).... </div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-80845372599387033722011-11-27T19:15:00.001-08:002011-11-27T19:15:25.627-08:00Our Thanksgiving<br />
We are so blessed; b<u>eyond measure</u>. In our home we have a "blessings wall" that we use as a family devotion. In times of trials, the wall really is a huge strength as we are able to look back and see how God has blessed us. God has, this year alone, blessed us with health (especially Eli), our home and reassurance that He is in control of ALL things, a peace that definitely passed all understanding, an endurance to run the good race and continue to persevere regardless of (as Kaylee says) the times that "stinky devil" tries to get us down, He has blessed us in the area of vehicles and will continue to. He has blessed our family with a strength and cohesiveness that has enabled us to become a better family; a more loving family. We are, and continue to be blessed with, an amazing church family that has stood by us and has supported us through our journey to bring Jesiah home. He has blessed us with "strangers" becoming dear friends, as they labor with us for Jesiah and work so very selflessly to give what they have been blessed with. This year has been tough but through it all, I am humbled and in awe. God is good. We are giving thanks.<br />
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We leave on Wednesday, November 30th, so we have three days. I know God is in control and I need to remember who He is and how He blessed us thus far. Please pray for our journey, but especially pray for Jesiah.<br />
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I'm thankful for each one of you and the support and love you have shown throughout the entire journey. God has picked out the perfect child for our family an we know that He will continue to provide as we need.<br />
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<b>Love you all! </b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">:) Phillipians 4: 13</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-74195526781950884072011-11-13T15:07:00.001-08:002011-11-13T15:27:49.602-08:00Our Tickets are Booked!I was beginning to think this day would never come and so far, it's been such a whirlwind that I almost forgot to blog about it! We leave November 30th and will be headed to Beijing for four days. After this, we will fly to Guangzhou in the Guangdong province (December 4th) where will meet Jesiah (December 5th) and tackle all of the crazy paperwork to get things final and receive his visa. We will fly home December 16th from Hong Kong and will arrive at MCI at 4:57 PM (details to come). You are all encouraged to come and welcome us home!<br />
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Please keep us in your prayers and we continue to plan travel, prepare physically to go, try to make sure we have everything :), prepare to leave our two "homegrown" kiddos here for many days (which I'm struggling with) and finish up all of our lose ends.<br />
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Here's a map to show you where we will be going first:<br />
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After Beijing, here is where we will be traveling (with MUCH warmer temps!!!):<br />
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As you can see, we are traveling quite a ways south. Jesiah is from the Shenzhen area which is about an hour and a half away from the city we will be staying in. Although Jesiah will come to us in Guangzhou, we are hoping to be able to travel to the SWI (social welfare institute) that he stayed in for some time.<br />
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We have waited fourteen months for this time and know God has prepared the way. Please pray Jesiah's heart is able to heal from any grief he may be feeling. Although we have been so excited and have prepared for this day, we also realize he is leaving everything he has known his entire life behind. We know he is coming into a great and loving family, yet we are preparing for an adjustment. We would appreciate prayers that God allows us the discernment to know what he needs and how we can best make his adjustment smoother. We know Jesiah is such a special little boy and we cannot wait to hold him in our arms!!<br />
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We have had so much love and support to get this far. Please know it is appreciated beyond words. We love you all and have been humbled at how God has worked to make this journey possible!!! Stay tuned! I will give you more detailed itinerary info. and we will definitely be blogging as we are on our trip (hopefully daily). We'd love for you to follow along!!!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-25647900039221582582011-10-18T21:35:00.000-07:002011-10-18T21:37:12.431-07:00Proverbs 3:5-6<span style="font-size: small;">One of the biggest issues families have with adoption (domestic or international) is money. They hear or see how much it costs and quickly drop the idea. Adoption is expensive-very. Ours will cost approximately $25,000 (give or take) when it is all said and done. I have wished many times we had that sitting in the bank. Some families are blessed with that opportunity and that's amazing- others aren't. I don't feel money should stand in the way of a family opening themselves up to grow through adoption. To me, it doesn't matter if it is your first child or your sixth, if God has led you to take this journey- He will certainly provide all the means to do so. While there are many times I've complained that it would be so much easier to write the check and not have to wait a few weeks until the money came in, there have also been such a huge blessings that come as a result of the waiting. Without the need to rely on God and Him working through others, we would have missed SO many of the amazing testimonies God has placed before us. <u>This isn't to say that <span style="color: #6aa84f;">no fundraising = no blessings</span>!</u> It's just a different perspective and we have chosen to find joy in the journey we are in, regardless of it being frustrating sometimes. When Jesiah comes home, so many people know they personally took responsibility for helping him come home. I'm so grateful. Please know that. We have been so blessed with encouragement, physical help, emotional and spiritual support, and friendships halfway across the country that have all pitched in, selflessly to do whatever they can. I continue to be humbled and rest in the fact that God will continue to provide.</span><br />
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</div><div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;"><b>Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, <i>and</i> to keep himself unspotted from the world. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> James 1:27</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="versetext" id="pr3-5" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum"></span> <span class="strongs"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="versetext" id="pr3-5" style="display: inline;"><span class="strongs">Trust</span> in the <span class="strongs" style="color: #cc0000;">LORD</span> with all thine <span class="strongs"><span style="color: red;">heart</span>;</span> and <span class="strongs">lean</span> not unto thine own <span class="strongs">understanding.</span> </span><span class="versetext" id="pr3-6" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum"></span> In all thy <span class="strongs">ways</span> <span class="strongs">acknowledge</span> him, and he shall <span class="strongs">direct</span> thy <span class="strongs">paths.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="versetext" id="pr3-6" style="display: inline;"><span class="strongs">Proverbs 3:5-6 </span></span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-3352965338299994312011-10-16T16:20:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:20:52.738-07:00He's Getting So Big!We were blessed immensely with new pictures and an update of Jesiah a few days ago. I'm sorry it's taken me a few days to post them! We found out Jesiah's foster brother is being adopted into the United States as well which is extremely valuable information. We are praying that God opens the doors so that we might be able to find his adoptive parents and maintain contact with them. It is so exciting to be getting closer and closer to being able to hold him in our arms and take care of him. We are waiting on our "Article 5" which is just another approval in a long process of approvals. We should have that in a week or two and then, hopefully our travel approval will follow shortly. We are still holding out for the end of November but it may be the beginning of December before we go. Either way- we are coming shortly Jesiah!!<br />
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He definitely looks like he fits into our family well (especially those of you that know Eli and his passion for sports! :). Thank you for your continued love and support. We'd love prayers, in the upcoming weeks, specifically for: our "homegrown" kiddos as we prepare to leave and while we are gone, Jesiah and his preparation to meet us, his loving foster family and their transition as he leaves them and travels to the orphanage before we arrive, his foster brother and his adoptive parents that they may be blessed, continued financial blessings as we near travel and still have a ways to go.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u>Side note: Our house situation has been resolved in part and things will be okay. Thank you for your prayers. God is good and merciful. He REALLY DOES MOVE MOUNTAINS!! </u></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-28640466891197534422011-09-30T12:57:00.000-07:002011-09-30T12:57:07.528-07:00Fundraiser Opportunity for TravelMy dear friend Jennifer Padgett, an adoptive parent herself twice from China, has decided to make "adoption Angels" in order to help us offset our travel expenses. So far, we are anticipating travel costing $7,000-9,000 and this isn't doing a lot of touring and such. We are required to travel over to pick Jesiah up and will be there approximately 15 days. Here is the description and picture from Jennifer:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">I am taking orders for these angels again this year. The tag on the angel will read: "This Christmas gift was purchased so that an orphan would get his forever family." Inside the tag reads, "Lord, let this one angel remind us to pray for all of the orphans in this world. May each one find a Peaceful home full of Love and Joy." All proceeds will be going to Nathan and Michelle Sherer who need to raise funds to travel in December. Frankly, they need a Christmas miracle! Our entire family is making these;the boys are learning how to set up a business (I have to squeeze some good old homeschooling learning in-LOL!)</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are asking for a donation of $10.00 and 100% of the money will go to help us offset our travel. We are so close and are very thankful for any and all help! Please email me: michellesherer@yahoo.com if you'd like to order one or contact me on facebook. I will be very happy to ship them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span id="goog_410765795"></span><span id="goog_410765796"></span></span></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-68207762777623605882011-09-30T12:37:00.000-07:002011-09-30T12:37:24.396-07:00Things are moving along!We received our LOA (after 125 days!) on September 9th and that was a HUGE blessing! Since you last heard from me, we have gotten our I-800 provisional approval which is our immigration approval for Jesiah specifically. Our paperwork was "cabled" through the National Visa Center and will all be sent by Holt to the embassy in China for further processing. Lots and lots of processing! We should receive our "Article 5" in three weeks and then we will be waiting for our travel approval, travel dates and consulate dates. We are essentially 8-11 weeks out for travel which is incredibly close!! We are anticipating travel dates to be sometime the beginning of December. We are getting Jesiah's room together as he and Eli will be sharing a room.<br />
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I CANNOT WAIT TO GO!!!!!! Jesiah, we will be there shortly!!<br />
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We still have a need financially for travel. Please stay tuned to my next post about our fundraiser to finish things up! If you are in the area, tomorrow, October 1 from 5-8 PM we will be holding a joint fundraiser (freewill donation) Taco Salad dinner with the Sanders family (friends of ours that are adopting their son from China) at Independence Branch: 707 N. Allen Rd (off of 24 Hwy behind Tastee Freeze).Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-81518663554732538412011-09-03T09:16:00.000-07:002011-09-03T09:16:34.068-07:00While I'm WaitingI'm sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. I've been too frustrated, honestly. We are blessed and I know that. Our home situation, although far from resolved, has been very blessed and I know God has it in His hands. Our journey to bring Jesiah home has blessed and I know it is continuing to be. We've just been waiting so long for our LOA (letter of acceptance/approval) from China. We have far surpassed "normal" wait times. I stopped counting after day 120 so I'm not sure where we are :). China had given us, three weeks ago, the answer that it would be in the "review" department another one to three weeks. I only loosely expected to get something in the time frame quoted. I hate to be a downer but I have struggled lately. I know God's timing is perfect and there's something brewing. I just don't know what yet. If anything has been taught to me over the past two years, it is God's perfect timing IS just that.. perfect. If I can't rest in that then I have a long, worrisome life ahead of me. God's teaching me patience so if you could pray that I learn that lesson quickly and we can move on, that'd be great :). (Just joking... but prayers would be fantastic!)<br />
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If you would, please pray for Jesiah. More than anything, we just yearn to have him home. Please pray for his physical well being and safely, his foster family and foster brothers and sisters, his upcoming transition back to the orphanage before we arrive, his transition into our family and our preparation here as well. It's hard to have a family of five with one child that is so far away.<br />
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I read a devotional the other day from Proverbs 31 Ministries and it discussed the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. He was asked by God to make the sacrifice of his only son Isaac on an alter. As he climbed the mountain and made preparations, I believe he did so in obedience but maybe not in joy (in my opinion). I have to believe his heart was troubled, yet he chose to follow those things that God asked him to do, regardless of the cost. At that same time, God was sending a ram up the mountain, out of sight of Abraham and Isaac. God was providing even when they didn't see it. So, today and in the future, I'm going to remember that as I trust the Lord and obey His call, He will send a ram. How? I don't know. I suppose that's not up to me to decide. God knows better.<br />
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Thank you for your continued prayers!<br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-50626146906049645482011-07-27T20:47:00.000-07:002011-07-27T20:47:05.663-07:00Praise Be to God!<div style="text-align: center;">We have had another fantastic and very blessed week! Although we are still waiting very eagerly for our LOA (and experiencing some of the longest wait times seen out of China this far) I know God has a plan and purpose. Don't get me wrong, we are anxious and itching to go. God has blessed us with a peace knowing He has it all worked out. Blessings have been flowing so abundantly! Through the coin drive on facebook, God has blessed us with $1,050 in seven days! SEVEN DAYS! I believe that's God moving mountains! We have $950 to go and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, there is more to come. It's not just about finances. God has been working "behind the scenes" with our house situation. Another mountain, I'm sure, is being moved. If you are in a tough spot right now, remember God can help. Really- this whole journey, at times, has seemed so impossible. <u>Nothing has been impossible with God nor will it be! </u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br />
</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you to the many people that have so willingly given of themselves to help- financially, prayerfully and physically. We won't ever be able to thank you all enough. Please, continue to pray Jesiah home. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As a side note, but VERY important! We were blessed with a beautiful niece named Madison a few weeks ago. Thank you for your prayers, as I'd asked for them months ago as they went through the long and trying process of adopting domestically. The Lord has truly blessed all of us and we are thrilled she is here!!! :) </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-44185150768700896382011-07-21T15:45:00.000-07:002011-07-21T15:45:34.101-07:00It has been a jaw dropping week!I am simply in awe. I'm in awe of how amazing God is. How He works all things towards God for those that love Him. He not only knows how many hairs on on Jesiah's head (ours too!), but He knows exactly how many pennies we need to bring him home! Our friends, the Padgetts (they live in Maine), were crafty enough to come up with a coin drive to help us raise the last $2,000 we need to officially accept Jesiah's referral and move into travel mode. GOD IS MOVING MOUNTAINS! So far, we have been blessed with $610.00 dollars and my prayer is that with each penny, God blesses those that were willing to give up earthly riches in order to bring Jesiah home. Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support! Feel free to look for "Coin Drive for Jesiah" on our facebook page if you are interested in joining!<br />
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Update: We are still awaiting our final approval from China in the form of our Letter of Approval (LOA). Until this arrives, we can't move forward. God's perfect timing will prevail. We don't have quite all of our money needed to accept his referral and I know, once we do, our LOA will arrive :). We are all extremely eager to have him home with us, however I know God is making it happen. I need to rest in His timing- knowing we can't go wrong that way.<br />
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House Update: Please continue to pray for our home situation. If you don't know details and would like to be able to pray about things more specifically, feel free to contact me privately. <br />
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I am truly humbled and I know I keep saying this... God is so good. We have been faced with trials that have definitely tested my faith in the last several months, yet I know He is working to bring Jesiah home and working out all of the "other trials" too. We have heard from people I've never met that are willing to help us bring him home. I have heard time and time again that God has laid it on people's hearts to help us. Wow... I guess at this point (although I've written quite a bit already) I'm speechless....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Trust in the Lord with ALL you heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths"</span> </span>- Proverbs 3:5-6</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-83493995488541737122011-06-16T21:18:00.000-07:002011-06-16T21:18:32.466-07:00Eli and the lessons I learn through his eyes...Tonight, as I was having a small pity party for myself amidst our "challenges", (and the delivery of additional frustrating news) I noticed Eli was getting into some things in the family room I didn't want him playing in. I walked over, picked him up, and held him. He immediately melted down. He is eighteen months old and really wants to do <i>exactly</i> what he wants to do. What he saw as an opportunity to "climb" up on by the fireplace seemed to me, being the adult, as a dangerous thing to do and something that I knew he would get hurt doing. In his world, he didn't know better and threw a nice fit because I stopped him. As I sat down on the couch, trying to juggle him so he didn't fall out of my arms, I realized I was being like Eli. God has our family where <u>He wants us</u> and He has adjusted things lately or allowed certain things to happen <u>according to His plan</u>. According to my perspective, they seem terribly frustrating and nonsensical. God sees different. He knows differently. I just need to remember that when He picks me up and moves me that it's for my own good, even if all I want to do is "melt down". If you see me and I'm having a bad day- feel free to remind me of this. Blogging helps hold me accountable :).<br />
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<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135234542104439424.post-11289336007799859832011-06-13T17:54:00.000-07:002011-06-13T17:57:57.280-07:00"God will Lend"I'm so late in posting this update and for that, I'm sorry. Life has been VERY challenging lately (aside from adoption stuff) and although I hate being cryptic about life, for those of you that are aware of our struggles with Bank of America and our home (I'm not able to say too much in a public fashion because of legal reasons), we are very thankful for t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">he continued prayers as we weave through the nightmare. If you don't know- PLEASE still pray for us. I know God has perfect timing and I know He is using this for good in His perfect timing. This is another time when I have to remember to praise God in the storm. My faith is definitely being tested. I got this message from a friend the other day and agree whole heartedly....</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It is pretty evident that "someone" does not want you to go to China! Obviously, Jesiah is one special little guy; I would imagine that this little guy is going to do mighty things for the kingdom of God! This has been our theme song from the beginning.</span></u></div><u></u><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB-yX5p0p4I&feature=related" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB-yX5p0p4I&feature=related</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This song was song on the streets of China and in taxi cabs . . . may the Lord and His strength well up in you and your family. You guys CAN DO THIS AND WILL!</span></u></span></u></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">I know looking back that we will understand, at some point, why we are experiencing the trials that we are. However, I know Jesiah is coming here for the work of the Kingdom of God and I know God will bring Him here, in spite of the storms of life. I'm just praying I can keep focused and not lose hope altogether. It's frustrating. From one of my favorite songs by Mikeschair, I've found these lyrics especially encouraging. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Don't know where to begin</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">It</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">'s like my world's caving in</span></span></span></span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">And I tried but i can't control my fear</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Where do I go from here</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes it's so hard to pray</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">You feel so far away</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am willing to go where You want me to</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">God I trust You</div></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">[Chorus]</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">There's a raging sea</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Right in front of me</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Wants to pull me in</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Bring me to my knees</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">So let the waters rise</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">If you want them to</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I will follow You</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I will follow You</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I will follow You</div></span><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: large;">Update.... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Bao's American name, although I know I've already used it a few times (hopefully I haven't confused you too much) will be Jesiah. Interestingly enough, and not coincidentally I know, the name has two meanings I found to be neat. 1) God will lend 2) The Lord Exists. We know both of these to be true, particularly in this situation as God continues to reveal His hand throughout every facet of our lives. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">We found out he is almost 27 pounds and nearly three feet tall. He is almost as big as Kaylee- which is incredible. I guess we have super small children :). He is living with a foster family and has three other foster siblings. His foster sister is 15, one foster brother is 12 and he also has a foster brother that is 1 (Eli's age!). He shares a bed with his youngest foster brother and this news was exciting for us. He is going to share a room with Eli and will hopefully be used to not being the youngest. We were very encouraged by this news!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Here are a few new pictures that we were thrilled to get! We are STILL waiting on our "Letter of Approval" from China which is the next step for us. Until we get this paper, we cannot submit our paperwork to immigration for specific approval to adopt Jesiah. Times are getting longer and longer and although it's hard to have been waiting a solid six weeks (and we probably have several to go), God's timing is a resounding theme. We need to remember to "Be Still and know that He is God". </span><br />
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</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845939162917411721noreply@blogger.com4