Wrapping up the trip!

Well it is almost the end of July and that will mark two months that Cargan has been home. There is so much happening each week that I would like to share so I will wrap up our trip.

While waiting for paper work to be finished that first week we went to the zoo. We enjoyed seeing various animals but we did not get to see any pandas. The boys enjoyed driving the carts around the zoo.

At the end of the week we got our papers and we were ready to travel to the next province before heading home. This would be Cargan’s first time on an airplane. He was so excited and couldn’t wait. He was not happy when the plane was delayed but we finally made it on the plane and we were on our way.

The second week was full of paper work, medicals and a little bit of shopping. We ate at our favorite Mexican restaurant almost every night.

 We did make it to the Safari but it was extremely hot. The coolest spot that day was in the panda exhibit where there is air for the pandas. We were excited we got to see pandas.

Cargan also had his first ice cream cone.

After a long 2 weeks we were ready to come home.

YAY! No more squatty potties. (not all of them were this clean)

We were so thankful we had a direct flight from Hong Kong to Newark. This was a precious moment. Cargan had been waiting for 2 weeks to go to America. He talked about it all the time. When the plane finally arrived he jumped up and down and told Peter, “I love you Daddy!”

SO thankful to be home and have another US citizen in our family!

Thank you for all your support and prayers!!!

The Orphanage Visit

We knew we would be visiting the orphanage but most times you go later in the week after meeting your child. The city where Cargan lived required us to do paper work there so we had to go to his city the very next day. It was an extremely busy and long day. We traveled over 1 ½ hours to his city with a child that had rarely ridden in a car and easily got car sick.

We went to the first office and completed paperwork. We then went to lunch in a small restaurant where you parked on the sidewalk.

After a quick lunch we went to visit the orphanage.

    

This is the lobby. It was colorful but silent. We did not hear a sound in the entire building. It was “nap time” but later when I talked with other families they said it is quiet because the babies learn early on that no one will come when they cry and they stop crying. It was a strange feeling to be in an orphanage that was silent.

Honestly I was not sure how I would handle this. I have heard so many heart wrenching stories and my heart breaks so easily. We knew Cargan was in a special program and there were only 5 children on his floor. We were able to visit with 2 of his friends and briefly saw the other 2.  This was a difficult and confusing visit for Cargan. He was very nervous and we had our guide assure him he was not staying. I feel God really spared me at the time (He would break my heart later for his lost children) and we really had a nice visit.

We were able to see his bed and meet his nanny (she had only been there 3 months).

We were able to see where he did his homework. He was in a program where the 5 children were able to go to school off site. This was a huge privilege and a blessing that he understands what school is already.  

We were told we could not take pictures of the children but then we were asked to share these two precious girls and see if we could find them families. We did find out that they did not have files prepared to be adopted yet. We were excited to be able to help. 

"HF"

"HM"

 After returning home I began emailing the orphanage about the girls to see when their files would be ready to share with others. God really began working in our hearts and Peter came to me and said he felt the Lord calling us to bring home the older girl “HF”.  I knew God was working a miracle moving our hearts to this again. I was scared as this was such a difficult process especially financially. We had used all we had and so did many friends and family. It looked impossible but it also looked impossible with Cargan and God worked a miracle. The one thing I have learned is that we have a God that does the impossible. Our hearts were so drawn to this precious girl. We asked our agency if they could help get information as I had not heard from the orphanage. Several weeks later we got a very unexpected answer. The girls had relatives and were not available for adoption. We were so confused as they were the ones who asked us to find families for them but at this time that is what we know. Our hearts are broken but what breaks my heart more is that these precious girls will not have the chance to know the love of a family and more importantly they will most likely never hear about the love of the Lord. My heart cries out that somehow someway they will hear about Jesus. Right now all I can do is surrender all.

Walmart in China

(sorry it has been so long. Our new life is keeping me busy! I will try to continue the story.)

Walmart in China

After we signed papers we left the office and headed to Walmart to get a few things for Cargan. Walmart in China is an experience. It is on two floors and they have really cool escalators for the carts. 

It was a little overwhelming for Cargan as there were so many things. We got some snacks for him a few new shirts. We paid and headed back to the hotel. We ate in the room.Our guide had recommended this porridge for him. He loves it!. 

We then went swimming. He loves the water and had fun with the water guns we got at Walmart.

I still can't believe I am holding my son!

We showered had dinner. He ate noodles, corn and rice. He loves milk. He just ate and ate.

Back at the room we played a game of UNO. He is picking up things very quickly. He loves games, especially if he wins.

 We also played the game trouble. Every time he landed on Daddy’s piece and sent him back he would say “sorry Baba.” It was so cute. They had so much fun!

He had his first bath. He was not to sure about the bubbles but Pierson showed him it was ok. They had a blast in the tub.  He can even say Pierson’s name already.

It was time for bed. He wanted all the lights out and he went to sleep. He wiggles a lot but he slept through the night!    I still can't believe he is really here! What an absolute miracle from an Amazing God!