Sunday...

Today we had the pleasure of being greeted by the older children at Chaoyang, those that are over seven and attending the boarding school. Some we have known for three years now, and they have grown so big! After viewing some photos of them with us in the past, they giggled and quickly warmed up. Our craft for today was painting t-shirts with hand prints. Most are for them, but some of us had the kids put their hand prints on our shirts too:) We even did some foot prints of little ones, and finger prints which will be turned in to lady bugs during tomorrow's craft time. The kids got a bit messy, but it was a lot of fun. We also had lots of snuggle and play time with the smaller kids, learned of more stories behind some of the newer children, and found answers to some of our questions about missing kids. One of the latter is Jing, a three year old we have been wondering about. Turns out she is in the hospital next door, quarantined from Small Pox, but will be back in a couple days. Two of our team members, Ying and Meme, were able to visit her today, and said despite her just getting over being sick, she looks great.










Following a pizza dinner we went to the church that we had attended two years ago. For a Sunday night I thought it was a big crowd, and they were very welcoming. It was a special treat at the end when they served communion...a little peak of heaven when the whole world is worshipping together! We're just not sure what was served in the communion cup!

Mike is going to try and post some photos sometime today. I have some great ones of the kids painting the shirts. Be sure and check out Mallory's blog (see earlier post on the trip), as she is a professional photographer and posted some great shots.

Chaoyang....

Today we are happier to be in a less humid climate! Our flight to Chaoyang was uneventful, and we were checked in to our hotel by 10:30. We did some quick shopping, ate lunch, and met the orphanage director in the lobby at 1:00. We were surprised when he said we could come to the orphanage for a quick visit, as we weren't scheduled to be there until tomorrow. We were warmly greeted by some familiar faces, and it was a great feeling that so many of the kids remembered us. They have moved into a new building, so we spent time familiarizing ourselves with the new layout and room assignments. Of course, I scooped up a one month old baby to carry around as I said my "hellos" to the kids and nannies. Her cleft/lip palate made me think of Kaia, so I just couldn't resist. I am so disappointed that I haven't figured out how to post photos here, but I am still working on it.





The evening was spent getting tomorrow's craft ready, then walking around the city. It was late, so we missed the big crowd at the pagoda, so we will try again another night. We did hand out glow-in-the dark bracelets, which was a hit with the kids we came across (and some teens too!).

I hate to end the post on a downer again, but I do have a request. There was a dying mother who brought her seven year old to the orphanage, as she has no one to help her. She is staying in a room there, is quite sickly looking, and is in a lot of pain. Please remember her as she comes to your mind today. We told her that we would check on her again tomorrow, and be thinking of her. Not a situation that any mother should have to be in.

Time to rest up for tomorrow's full day, then church in the evening. Oh yeah, go Team USA (not us, but the World Cup game today)!

Beijing....

Just wanted to let everyone know that we made it safely to Beijing, and have had a great first day. Unfortunately I am unable to upload pictures right now, so you will just have to listen to my ramblings. It probably doesn't help that I am extremely jet lagged either.

Our day started off with a trip to Morning Star Family Home, a foster home here ran by Bill and Lynsey Lewis of the US. We played with the babies and helped them do some cleaning up of their new facilities. They are doing amazing work with many orphans here, and even as we were there today, they received a call asking them to take in another little one. I will post fun photos as soon as I am able.





We followed this up by a trip to the Great Wall. One group climbed the West section, but a few of us climbed the East. We were thankful for the gentle breeze, as it was hot and humid. Unfortunately the view was blocked by lots of smog, but it was still an amazing experience.




On the downside, my husband of 22 years (today is our anniversary) just called from the states to let me know my grandma passed away just a bit ago. She was a wonderful lady, whom I got to say goodbye to back in May when Josh and I went to visit her when she suddenly got sick. She is celebrating in heaven right now; I'm just a little somber that I am not able to be with my family at this time....

We have a very early flight to Chaoyang, so hopefully I am able to post pictures from there, as I have in the past. Sunday will be our first day with the kids:)

Chaoyang, here we come...

Today will be my last post before we head off for Chaoyang, China! I will try my best to blog everyday, but without my techie sidekick Mike with me this year, it may take me longer to work out any snafus that can happen behind the Great Firewall of China!

Please pray for the team's health (I really want to shake this lingering cold) and safety, and that installing the playground we have purchased goes smoothly. Pray for hearts to be prepared to be loved on (both sides), which also can bring heartache at the end.

A couple other team members will be blogging also, so check out Visiting the Orphans of Chaoyang, China and at Mallory Kreiger Photography if you would like to see more photos and read others perspectives on the trip.

Lastly, thanks to those of you who donated or shopped our garage sale, bought/made lumpia, donated, and/or prayed for our trip. You have helped make this all possible!

Father's Day...

Do you know how tough it is to get four kids to look at the camera and be serious at the same time? I say darn near impossible. This is the best I got from many, many tries...


It's much simpler just to have them intentionally do this...

We had a wonderful time celebrating Dad. He chose to have brunch at Bob's Burger and Brew and then to go shopping at Costco. What's up with that? He must be softening in his wiser years! He decided against the BBQ grill he originally said he wanted, and instead his gift and our anniversary gift (22 years this Saturday, but I'll be in China) will be new flooring in our house, that he gets to install. Not sure how that is a "gift" since he will be doing most of the work, but I think it's a guy thing!

I want to say a special thanks to my husband and all the wonderful hats he wears as Dad. I can think of nothing better than watching him interact with the kids! A huge thank you to him for supporting my return trip to China....say an extra prayer of patience and energy for him:)

And to my great Dad, thanks so much for all your support over the years. I love you!

Kindergarten Tea...

Last Sunday the girls had their Kindergarten Tea, where they pass over the bridge from the kindergarten teacher to the first grade teacher. When asked by the kindergarten teacher what their favorite subjects were, Jaelyn replied "math," which made her father proud, and Kaia surprised us with "art." Both of them have really progressed this year, especially in their reading.

They were all dressed up and clean for a short time, until they quickly had snacks and played on the playground. Can't keep five and six your olds down for too long! They are now so proud to go around telling everyone that they are now first graders!

Tooth Fairy Time....

Kaia lost her first tooth today. I thought it would be this weekend, as it was getting to the "barely hanging on " stage. The actual way it fell out was a bit funny though. Seems she and her sister were in a bit of a tiff. It started out with Kaia writing on Jaelyn, who then retaliated with a smack (we didn't witness, only heard the cries) to the mouth. Kaia came to us crying over blood on her lip, but she didn't realize it was actually coming from her tooth. All was smoothed over though when Kaia realized what was going on, and that her sister actually helped her out. They will have a good story to tell when they are older though, that Jaelyn knocked out Kaia's first tooth!