She's Absolutely Perfect in every way!!

Today was the big day and we are absolutely delighted with our new daughter. The first meeting went very well and despite all of the crying all around at the Adoption Center, Emeline did not cry. She took her first bottle well and snuggled in my lap. There were 36 families receiving babies and children in the same room. She loved the Moose toy we brought -- a true Northerner!! When we came back to the hotel Eric went and signed the paperwork and I stayed and sang Emeline Happy Birthday. She seems a little sad at times, but is adjusting well. Once she fell asleep she slept very well -- although she made it pretty clear that the hotel crib was not a place she ever intended to sleep. Hard to argue with her, it is a scary looking contraption--so back it will go tomorrow.

As I finish this writing, Emeline has been sleeping now for 7 hours. Thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts.

Let us go to the House of the Lord!!!

We arrived safely in Guangzhou 28 hours after leaving home. We ran into Hope's family from the Story of You in the Chicago airport and enjoyed a visit with them before we boarded different planes to China both arriving around the same time in Guangzhou. We were tired and love our Jr Suite at the White Swan hotel. I prayed that I would be able to find the church others had written about at" The Story of You." The hotel staff was not familiar with the term "church" and could not direct us so I gave it to the Lord and went to bed.  The next morning I awoke  and looked out my window and there was the cross on top of the steeple. It was a delight to sing Christmas carols with the Chinese believers . The responsive reading was from Psalm 65 which was so perfect -- " oh God our Savior -the hope of the ends of the earth . . . where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of JOY".   We rejoice in the Lord's lavish love for us.

Safe landing in Hong Kong. Guangzhou later tonight after a short 50 minute flight.

Travel Dates!!

  We are delighted to announce that we have travel dates. We will leave home on United at 6am Friday December 4th.  In God's sovereign timing He has orchestrated that we meet Emeline on her 2nd Birthday December 7th.  We plan to return via United from Hong Kong to Chicago to home on December 19th at 3pm. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets ( we will travel this in one day :0) ).  The Name of the Lord is to be praised. Praise the Lord!! (Psalm 113)

Travel Invitation Arrives!!

Glory to God, our travel invitation has arrived stateside from China!!! We are still awaiting travel dates. We are so excited – I need to keep packing!

Updates!

We received updated photos and info about Emeline!

100 Good Wishes Quilt

Thank you Debbie for starting Emeline's 100 Good Wishes Quilt. That was so thoughtful of you and what a great way to welcome our new toddler from China. If anyone else would like to send a 7" quilt square and a "good wish" my sister has agreed to collect them for me. Her address is : Limestone College   c/o Dr. Nancy Dejarnette   1115 College Drive   Gaffney, S.C.   29340.

 

What is a 100 Good Wish Quilt?    I asked this same question so I did some research. Evidently this tradition began in Northern China and was called a Bai Jia Bei meaning a 100 family quilt. When a child was born friends and family would give the parents a piece of fabric to make a quilt. The quilt was meant to warm the child in the blessing of those around them. A wish was also sent written on paper so that the child would always know the love and welcome they received on their arrival.  

 

We are still awaiting our invitation to travel. We pray that it comes in time to bring Emeline home for Christmas. Our God is a God of Miracles--- Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the Glory!!  (Ephesians 3:20)