Monday, August 30, 2010
Gotcha day!
First the nannies really cared for her. The one who brought her to the office was so kind and concerned for Ruth. We took many photos and asked questions. We brought a couple of phones to play with. And well, ruth is possessive of her things. When someone tried to take away one of them she got mad.
We think her head is like Scott's and Timon's. She had a bald spot on top like Scott. She has a dimple like Brandon (and Timon). She got extra excited when we saw the Stewart family on Skype. Her 1st "english" word was...... WILL. :). She waved at them on the computer and showed them her toys.
Tonight at dinner she ate and ate and ate. Cheerios and steamed rice.
We are having trouble getting her to drink. Dumb me brought a regular sippie cup. She needs a bottle or cup with soft nipple. So we are working to put water in her mouth drip by drip. Hopefully tomorrow our guide will take us to store where we can get correct cup/ bottle.
She has a precious smile and laugh! She likes to play peek a boo with MeMe.
As for her needs- whew, we will prepare now for surgeries. Her palate is open and a gap is present where teeth should be.
Today the orphanage also gave us a copy of her birth note. It was heartbreaking but so honorable. Her parents left her with all their money and explained that they didn't have jobs and couldn't take care of her medical needs..... But we are the blessed ones who will now care and provide for her!!!!!
As I type, everyone is in bed- including Ruth in her crib. It is early for her, but she is laying still. She is clutching a small stuffed dog that Timon brought for her. The "blankies" we made, well possibly too stimulating. Maybe tomorrow will be better night to try.
I'd better get to sleep too! I'll try to upload a couple of pics now...
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Going to get Ruth Min!
The day is finally here! We slept good last night. Had a delicious breakfast. Even had french toast!
Then the adventure of money changing began. We had to take a number and waited quite some time for our turn. Then we felt like we were robbing the bank. We handed over those "crisp, new, unfolded 100s" and got a wad of their money in return.
Then back to our room to count it all out. We have several different fees to pay over the next couple of days. So we bagged them up and got everything ready.
Now we wait for local laundry to arrive at hotel room to collect our dirty laundry. I sure hope it all comes back. I don't think we fit into the clothes for sale around here if we had to go shopping.
Chloe and timon are still waking up at 4am for the day. Then they wake my mom up, so she's pretty tired too.
We got to see the family back home in Rocky Mount today thanks to Skype. The next time we chat will be introducing Ruth Min.
It is so exciting!!! Our guide Ann is WONDERFUL! She is full of personality, speaks English well, is very helpful and about to translate for us as we ask questions to the caretakers.
Ok- my thoughts are scattered as we are becoming anxious.
There's another family from TN that will go in van with us shortly to get their daughter. We got to meet them at the bank this am. I'm glad we will have others here to mingle with at hotel and meals. Pretty much, breakfast is all we eat since it fills us up.
Time to go!!! :)
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Then the adventure of money changing began. We had to take a number and waited quite some time for our turn. Then we felt like we were robbing the bank. We handed over those "crisp, new, unfolded 100s" and got a wad of their money in return.
Then back to our room to count it all out. We have several different fees to pay over the next couple of days. So we bagged them up and got everything ready.
Now we wait for local laundry to arrive at hotel room to collect our dirty laundry. I sure hope it all comes back. I don't think we fit into the clothes for sale around here if we had to go shopping.
Chloe and timon are still waking up at 4am for the day. Then they wake my mom up, so she's pretty tired too.
We got to see the family back home in Rocky Mount today thanks to Skype. The next time we chat will be introducing Ruth Min.
It is so exciting!!! Our guide Ann is WONDERFUL! She is full of personality, speaks English well, is very helpful and about to translate for us as we ask questions to the caretakers.
Ok- my thoughts are scattered as we are becoming anxious.
There's another family from TN that will go in van with us shortly to get their daughter. We got to meet them at the bank this am. I'm glad we will have others here to mingle with at hotel and meals. Pretty much, breakfast is all we eat since it fills us up.
Time to go!!! :)
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Saturday, August 28, 2010
Funny comment
We have boarded plane to Guangzhou. As we wait for take off- Timon turns to say "that pilot is the 5th person to rub my head".
They both are good sports as they humor the locals with photos, smiles, and head rubs.
Ok- ready to go!!
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They both are good sports as they humor the locals with photos, smiles, and head rubs.
Ok- ready to go!!
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internet blocking is crazy
Great Wall Climb
This is a "before" picture. The after picture would show drenched clothes. See a local said it would be "cooler" at Great Wall, so we tried to dress accordingly. However- it was just as HOT! But we climbed up to top!
Forbidden City
Log day of walking... but we saw alot of local people and were amazed at their detailed work.
A full day!
After we nearly slept through the Acrobatic Show last night due to exhaustion.... We had to be up early to meet our guide at 7:30 for our trip today. Funny thing is that I signed us up for a tour of "great wall". I don't remember the rest of tour name- "and MORE"! We first went to Ming Tombs. It was amazing to see the artifacts, make the climb up to the tower above tomb, and see how the ancient Chinese built the large ceremonial halls there and at forbidden City. My heart broke as our guide explain the reasons for everything at these tombs. They try to prepare for "paradise" yet miss the whole point.
Anyway, we left that beautiful countryside and had to pass on eating the most beautiful fruit!! Peaches, apples and unknown fruits we for sale along the roads of these orchards. They wrapped each piece of fruit in paper for sale. Oh well, enough about what we couldn't eat..... Our next stop was a Jade factory. I've never seen such as this. We saw some craftsmen at work, learned facts about Jade and then we were unleashed into a showroom. Some carvings cost more than my next minivan! Chloe chose a beautiful bracelet.
Next stop- cloisonee factory. Scott reminded us that our bags can't weigh more than 44 lbs, so no souviners from there.
Then Friendship Store for REAL chinese lunch. We ate it and it was good. They drink very little here and the small glasses of Coke are never enough for me!
Then we went to great Wall. Yes we climbed to the top of that section and declared ourselves "heros"! No one had a heart attack! We sweated off 3 lbs each. It was like the Amazing Race to me to get to the top. Scott said the challenge should've been counting the steps. Hee hee- I just wanted to go up and down alive.
Then we got back to bus excited we were down and going to get shower and BED early! Oh no....the guide just said we are going to Bird's Nest and then to a tea ceremony! The ladies in our group will get to watch the preparations of the different kinds of tea before everyone participates. Then... I hope hotel. It's been fun!! We wanted to call everyone from top of Great Wall, but it was 2am for you in the states.
Oh I almost forgot the craziest part of day- 1.4 million cars are on the roads in beijing along with motorcycles, bicycles, people cleaning the streets with stick brooms, small carts, and walkers! I admit even I don't desire to drive here!
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Anyway, we left that beautiful countryside and had to pass on eating the most beautiful fruit!! Peaches, apples and unknown fruits we for sale along the roads of these orchards. They wrapped each piece of fruit in paper for sale. Oh well, enough about what we couldn't eat..... Our next stop was a Jade factory. I've never seen such as this. We saw some craftsmen at work, learned facts about Jade and then we were unleashed into a showroom. Some carvings cost more than my next minivan! Chloe chose a beautiful bracelet.
Next stop- cloisonee factory. Scott reminded us that our bags can't weigh more than 44 lbs, so no souviners from there.
Then Friendship Store for REAL chinese lunch. We ate it and it was good. They drink very little here and the small glasses of Coke are never enough for me!
Then we went to great Wall. Yes we climbed to the top of that section and declared ourselves "heros"! No one had a heart attack! We sweated off 3 lbs each. It was like the Amazing Race to me to get to the top. Scott said the challenge should've been counting the steps. Hee hee- I just wanted to go up and down alive.
Then we got back to bus excited we were down and going to get shower and BED early! Oh no....the guide just said we are going to Bird's Nest and then to a tea ceremony! The ladies in our group will get to watch the preparations of the different kinds of tea before everyone participates. Then... I hope hotel. It's been fun!! We wanted to call everyone from top of Great Wall, but it was 2am for you in the states.
Oh I almost forgot the craziest part of day- 1.4 million cars are on the roads in beijing along with motorcycles, bicycles, people cleaning the streets with stick brooms, small carts, and walkers! I admit even I don't desire to drive here!
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Friday, August 27, 2010
Treated Like Celebrities
We toured The Forbidden City today and Chloe and Timon were a hit. People would stare and smile as we walked. Several people took pictures of Chloe while we walked. One family had their son and daughter pose with Timon and Chloe (no English just a lot of smiling and hand gestures).
When we got off the metro two girls heard us speaking English and asked us where we were from. When we said NC, one of the girls said her English teacher was from NY. Turns out they were both art students at the University and were volunteering at a student art exhibit inside The Forbidden City. We walked with them to their exhibit were we learned that the art was FOR SALE!!! We bought a few things. Actually turned out to be rather neat. One of the girls translated Thompson into Chinese calligraphy on a rice paper scroll. It will be hanging in our house when we get back home.
We are resting now before or tour guide picks us up for the Chinese acrobat show tonight. We will need our rest for the Great Wall tomorrow.
When we got off the metro two girls heard us speaking English and asked us where we were from. When we said NC, one of the girls said her English teacher was from NY. Turns out they were both art students at the University and were volunteering at a student art exhibit inside The Forbidden City. We walked with them to their exhibit were we learned that the art was FOR SALE!!! We bought a few things. Actually turned out to be rather neat. One of the girls translated Thompson into Chinese calligraphy on a rice paper scroll. It will be hanging in our house when we get back home.
We are resting now before or tour guide picks us up for the Chinese acrobat show tonight. We will need our rest for the Great Wall tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Airport security
Well- we made it to airport. All bags were great on weight limit.
Funny story- security checkpoint. What is point of money belt if you have to put your cash through the scanner? Needless to say, me and mom got flagged during full body scan. I just explained why we hid it and hollered back to Scott before he went thru.
FINALLY we got cleared.
Now we sit in RDU and hear that our flight to DCA is delayed. Yuck! We only have an hour in DC before our next flight to CHicago. Pray we make it!
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Funny story- security checkpoint. What is point of money belt if you have to put your cash through the scanner? Needless to say, me and mom got flagged during full body scan. I just explained why we hid it and hollered back to Scott before he went thru.
FINALLY we got cleared.
Now we sit in RDU and hear that our flight to DCA is delayed. Yuck! We only have an hour in DC before our next flight to CHicago. Pray we make it!
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sleep tonight? ha!
I'm so tired and ready to board the plane...but my mind is racing! I just begged Scott to unload the van and let me look once more in all the suitcases. He's so kind! He's doing it now.
We met Chloe and Timon's teachers today at school. They are both excited about the new year. I hope their transition into the class in a couple of weeks will be smooth.
Well- I'd better start my 2nd glances before Scott load's the van back up.
Next post should be from China!
We met Chloe and Timon's teachers today at school. They are both excited about the new year. I hope their transition into the class in a couple of weeks will be smooth.
Well- I'd better start my 2nd glances before Scott load's the van back up.
Next post should be from China!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Special Day at Church!
Today was a precious time for our family. Our church family lifted us in prayer!
During our pastor's prayer he mentioned that Ruth Min had no idea what was coming.. I had two quick thoughts. One was- "get ready for a ride" as our family is always on the go. But secondly, I was amazed that "Daddy and Mommy" are coming to get her. It was very similar to being present at your child's birth. Well, today was like everyone was around for the announcement of "It's a Girl!" but we're stilling waiting for the nursery to let us hold her. In case you are wondering exactly how long we wait now --> one week and she will be in our arms forever!!
Thanks Calvary Baptist for loving us and praying continually for us as we make the trip to China.
During our pastor's prayer he mentioned that Ruth Min had no idea what was coming.. I had two quick thoughts. One was- "get ready for a ride" as our family is always on the go. But secondly, I was amazed that "Daddy and Mommy" are coming to get her. It was very similar to being present at your child's birth. Well, today was like everyone was around for the announcement of "It's a Girl!" but we're stilling waiting for the nursery to let us hold her. In case you are wondering exactly how long we wait now --> one week and she will be in our arms forever!!
Thanks Calvary Baptist for loving us and praying continually for us as we make the trip to China.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Here's how to Pray for Us.....
Thompson’s China Adoption Trip
Adoption is the heart of God. It was His purpose from the beginning of time. He loved me so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to live and die on this earth in my place for my sin, that by placing my faith in Him alone, I might be adopted into His family and be called a child of God. He loves you that much too. All of us who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ have an adoption story. We thank you for joining us in prayer for the following requests while we are in China to adopt our daughter: Ruth Min.
Aug 25th: Pray all flights and connecting flights are on time carrying us AND our luggage. Pray we will all sleep on the Chicago to Beijing flight. (We arrive 11pm on Aug 26th)
Aug 27th- 28th: Sightseeing in Beijing. Pray we adjust quickly to the new time zone and that we have energy to walk many miles for sightseeing.
Aug 29th: Fly to Guangzhou – again, us and our luggage.
Aug 30th: GOTCHA DAY! Today we will be blessed with Ruth Min as our daughter! Pray the bonding begins immediately with every family member.Pray we easily adapt to her particular needs of cleft lip and palate and wisely feed her. Pray the blankies made by many of you will be a comfort and encouragement to the children who receive them.
Aug 31st: Conduct Chinese adoption paperwork and formalities. Pray we bless the officials with our joy for allowing us to adopt Ruth Min. Pray our interview with the Chinese officials goes smoothly. We will also apply for Ruth Min’s Chinese passport
Sept 1st: Ruth Min’s physical examination.Please pray that a minimum number of shots are required and that she doesn’t get sick from any of the vaccinations.
Sept 2nd: We plan to ALL go and visit her orphanage. Pray today that Ruth Min knows that she is leaving with us permanently. Pray the visit doesn’t upset her, but allows us to see and learn of her life thus far. Pray that we are encouraged by the care Ruth Min received there and that we can show our gratitude to her caretakers.
Sept 3rd: Get TB test results. Please pray results are negative so no further doctor visits including x-rays are needed.
Sept 4th- 6th: Free days to enjoy each other and explore the city through sightseeing and shopping.
Sept 7th: Submit VISA petition for Ruth Min at the US Consulate. Pray no further documents are needed from us and that they have all the necessary details.
Sept 8th: Oath-taking ceremony at the US Consulate. Pray this is enjoyed by all and that we proudly agree to be her parents in the eyes of the US government. One day soon, we will stand before you and declare to raise her in a manner that pleases our Lord.
Sept 9th: Pick up her VISA by 4pm. Please pray it is even earlier than that since we have an 8pm flight to Beijing. We are also spending this night in the Beijing airport. Pray for our security and some comfort for the children.
Sept 10th: 6:55am we will depart from Beijing and head home! Sleep…sleep…sleep on the plane!
Then…… the time of adjustment to a new culture, new family, and completely new lifestyle will begin in Rocky Mount. Please pray that we are sensitive to this time of transition and that we don’t introduce every facet of the American lifestyle too hastily. Bear with us as it may seem that we are sheltering her when we arrive back, but we desire to be cautious allowing us to encourage and strengthen our family bond first. Thank you for continuing your prayers!
“For this reason, since the day we heard about Ruth Min, we have not stopped praying for her and asking God to fill her with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that she may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9,10
Adoption is the heart of God. It was His purpose from the beginning of time. He loved me so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to live and die on this earth in my place for my sin, that by placing my faith in Him alone, I might be adopted into His family and be called a child of God. He loves you that much too. All of us who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ have an adoption story. We thank you for joining us in prayer for the following requests while we are in China to adopt our daughter: Ruth Min.
Aug 25th: Pray all flights and connecting flights are on time carrying us AND our luggage. Pray we will all sleep on the Chicago to Beijing flight. (We arrive 11pm on Aug 26th)
Aug 27th- 28th: Sightseeing in Beijing. Pray we adjust quickly to the new time zone and that we have energy to walk many miles for sightseeing.
Aug 29th: Fly to Guangzhou – again, us and our luggage.
Aug 30th: GOTCHA DAY! Today we will be blessed with Ruth Min as our daughter! Pray the bonding begins immediately with every family member.Pray we easily adapt to her particular needs of cleft lip and palate and wisely feed her. Pray the blankies made by many of you will be a comfort and encouragement to the children who receive them.
Aug 31st: Conduct Chinese adoption paperwork and formalities. Pray we bless the officials with our joy for allowing us to adopt Ruth Min. Pray our interview with the Chinese officials goes smoothly. We will also apply for Ruth Min’s Chinese passport
Sept 1st: Ruth Min’s physical examination.Please pray that a minimum number of shots are required and that she doesn’t get sick from any of the vaccinations.
Sept 2nd: We plan to ALL go and visit her orphanage. Pray today that Ruth Min knows that she is leaving with us permanently. Pray the visit doesn’t upset her, but allows us to see and learn of her life thus far. Pray that we are encouraged by the care Ruth Min received there and that we can show our gratitude to her caretakers.
Sept 3rd: Get TB test results. Please pray results are negative so no further doctor visits including x-rays are needed.
Sept 4th- 6th: Free days to enjoy each other and explore the city through sightseeing and shopping.
Sept 7th: Submit VISA petition for Ruth Min at the US Consulate. Pray no further documents are needed from us and that they have all the necessary details.
Sept 8th: Oath-taking ceremony at the US Consulate. Pray this is enjoyed by all and that we proudly agree to be her parents in the eyes of the US government. One day soon, we will stand before you and declare to raise her in a manner that pleases our Lord.
Sept 9th: Pick up her VISA by 4pm. Please pray it is even earlier than that since we have an 8pm flight to Beijing. We are also spending this night in the Beijing airport. Pray for our security and some comfort for the children.
Sept 10th: 6:55am we will depart from Beijing and head home! Sleep…sleep…sleep on the plane!
Then…… the time of adjustment to a new culture, new family, and completely new lifestyle will begin in Rocky Mount. Please pray that we are sensitive to this time of transition and that we don’t introduce every facet of the American lifestyle too hastily. Bear with us as it may seem that we are sheltering her when we arrive back, but we desire to be cautious allowing us to encourage and strengthen our family bond first. Thank you for continuing your prayers!
“For this reason, since the day we heard about Ruth Min, we have not stopped praying for her and asking God to fill her with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that she may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9,10
Bags Packed-
We did it! We fit into 3x 44 lb bags and 4 carry-on backpacks (less than 11 lbs). Since we can technically check one more bag, I think I've decided to spread things out a little amongst 4 bags now. Who knows.. I may need the extra room for the treasures we bring home from China.
We are also thrilled to have Skype installed on several computers. Now we will be able to share Ruth with Granddaddy back home.
We are also thrilled to have Skype installed on several computers. Now we will be able to share Ruth with Granddaddy back home.
Friday, August 20, 2010
5 More Days!! and Lots of things happen
1- I met with Ruth Min's Plastic Surgeon yesterday at UNC Children's Hospital. I'm so grateful for such a great Craniofacial Team! We got an appointment in Sept for Ruth.
2- Get home last night and Ruth's finding ad was in the mailbox. I'd been worried that I wouldn't recoginze her on Gotcha Day... but I quickly picked her baby picture out amongst several finding ads in that newspaper issue. God is good!! I know my child, just like He knows His!
3- Still stuff to do! My list now is for those little yet important things.... extra camera tapes, new SD cards, haircuts for everyone, etc.
4- Somewhere in these last few days I need to stay on top of the laundry pile and then officially put our clothes in the suitcases! All we talk about now is "Next Friday at this time...." WE JUST CAN'T WAIT!
2- Get home last night and Ruth's finding ad was in the mailbox. I'd been worried that I wouldn't recoginze her on Gotcha Day... but I quickly picked her baby picture out amongst several finding ads in that newspaper issue. God is good!! I know my child, just like He knows His!
3- Still stuff to do! My list now is for those little yet important things.... extra camera tapes, new SD cards, haircuts for everyone, etc.
4- Somewhere in these last few days I need to stay on top of the laundry pile and then officially put our clothes in the suitcases! All we talk about now is "Next Friday at this time...." WE JUST CAN'T WAIT!
Monday, August 16, 2010
We got our In Country Itinerary today!
It's just Monday and this week has been busy already. My sister, Juli, had a baby girl yesterday. I held her for quite some time last night getting sad that I didn't hold Ruth Min when she was that little. But then it made me grateful to her caretakers for the first 27 months of Ruth's life! I plan to make up for missed time with rocking, singing, hugs and kisses.
Today we've been trying to gather the thank you gifts for Ruth's nannies. It is hard to express your gratitude in a small gift. Maybe it is the intention that counts.
Then we got home to have an email from our agency with our travel details and the adoption process in China! It is a FULL two weeks.
Now the countdown to our flight out of this country..... 9 DAYS!
Today we've been trying to gather the thank you gifts for Ruth's nannies. It is hard to express your gratitude in a small gift. Maybe it is the intention that counts.
Then we got home to have an email from our agency with our travel details and the adoption process in China! It is a FULL two weeks.
Now the countdown to our flight out of this country..... 9 DAYS!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
We are now trying to upload a video
And look what we found on Scott's phone.... Enjoy!
Timon says You got the Best of Both Worlds.... Yes Ruth Min will.
Timon says You got the Best of Both Worlds.... Yes Ruth Min will.
The things that keep me up at night....
I’m a little worried about staying connected to work and others while we are in China. I’ve got Scott up tonight figuring out our older video camera. I do want to record EVERY moment, and then be able to upload a few on this blog while in China!
So we are trying a few things now to be prepared… this in particular is posting from email since Blogger isn’t accessible while in China.
And this picture- well, it is a try too.
Mother’s Day Tea in Timon’s school class.
Okay… the big moment of did this work-à
3 weeks to go!
I've got that nesting feeling..... I'm oddly going through old stacks of magazines, old toys and stuff that's been sitting for years. By the end of this week, the lady at the Salvation Army may think nothings left in our house.
Our agency is still working on our plans while in China. I've tried not to ask for too much, but still waiting to see if the main requests can be fulfilled --> orphanage visit and 2 bedroom hotel suite.
Now we just need to hear whom Chloe & Timon have a school teachers in the fall so we can get their work together for the trip. Otherwise, I guess I will keep working at cleaning and organizing the house and preparing to be gone from the office so long!
Our agency is still working on our plans while in China. I've tried not to ask for too much, but still waiting to see if the main requests can be fulfilled --> orphanage visit and 2 bedroom hotel suite.
Now we just need to hear whom Chloe & Timon have a school teachers in the fall so we can get their work together for the trip. Otherwise, I guess I will keep working at cleaning and organizing the house and preparing to be gone from the office so long!
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