Bags Are Packed!

We spent today trying to lay low so Craig could get some good naps, and packing our duds (as my grandmother called them). Half of our group left this morning, and the rest of us leave Friday morning. They pick up our bags at 5 a.m. tomorrow and we take off for the airport an hour later. We would appreciate prayer that Craig will be able to get enough rest during the 24+ hours of travel, and that we make all our connections, Additionally, we would love for everything to work out so that Craig can meet his Oma (Janice Wood) and Aunt Elaine during our Seattle layover. Thank you!

We just went out for a last meal with the remaining families. When we started this journey, my focus was on getting Craig back home. An unexpected bonus was meeting so many wonderful people. It really has been a blessing. If you think of us tomorrow, say a prayer for those families also as they travel. Can't wait to be back in the Pacific Northwest!

New Found Skills!

We had a long, good day yesterday. Spent Sunday morning with 5 other families in our group going to a gathering like we do each Sunday. It was wonderful. Singing, teaching & reading in both Mandarin & English. Craig got his first message about the good news. My favorite was the music. They sing in full voice in both Mandarin & English. Tears from our group could not be contained.

Today we have decided to lay low and get Craig some naps. He handles all the travel with aplomb, but seemed overly exhausted last night. Tomorrow we head off to the Consulate for a Visa appointment & Oath-taking Ceremony. When we left Taiyuan with Craig's passport, it was the Chinese country saying we could take Craig with us. Now we are in Guangzhou to get the permission of the United States to let him in.

I'm going to try and attach a couple videos. As you can see, Craig likes the attention so has learned a lot this week with his mama & nana to cheer him on. He now uses crawling as his mode of transportation, he pulls himself up on the chair, is more verbal (hopefully you can hear his laugh), and he has cut through one of the six (we think) teeth that are causing him pain. That is a lot to accomplish for one young man in seven days!

Medical Check Day

It feels like it has been a big day, but it only took the morning to complete the medical check. We were with 40 other families and they had quite the system. Our guide encouraged us to be bold, hold our place in line and not worry that we didn't have the paperwork needed. She was right, they got us the paperwork before needed and the processes was quicker than we expected when we saw the packed room. She warned us that the children would not like one of the required steps, but Craig handled it just fine because the doctor handed him 2 toys. That was all the distraction he needed from her poking and prodding.

I was particularly touched today by the 40 families loving on these 40 children that this culture has set aside because of their "special needs." These are precious children, with love to give. It was very special to watch.

Our chuckle for the day just happened a few minutes ago. I tried Facebook and got on Leya's account. We were so excited! Leya jumped up and posted a message along with reading about five messages, and then it was gone. It felt like we had rejoined the world for but a moment. We laughed about how much that little contact meant. It reminded me of when my family lived in Europe. If a letter arrived, we all joined around and read the letter. It was our connection to home. In today's vernacular, Facebook was our connection to home if only for a moment.

Leya is heading off to a meeting, so Nana & Craig are going to have us some play time. We're tired but joyous and loving on Mr Craig! jo

We made it!

Thank you for your support and prayers! Craig could not have done better on his first plane flight. We left the Taiyuan hotel at 9:15 this morning and arrived at our Guangzhou hotel just before 5. He was able to nap in Leya's arms on both buses, and managed the flight with bravado. I think our anxiety about the 22 hours of travel next Friday has lessened a bit after the successes today. All the children in our group did so well. Answered prayers.

Tomorrow he has a medical appointment in the morning and Leya has paperwork in the afternoon. Each step means we're closer to taking him home. Can't wait for you all to meet this special boy.

Craig is teething, so we'd appreciate prayers for a quick break-through. It's clearly hurting him but he tries hard to be tough. Just a few minutes ago he was laughing and fussing at the same time. It's harder for him to enjoy life when he is hurting. Leya put in Orajel when she noticed Isla, who is about Craig's age, teething. Yet another thing we are thankful for. jo

On our walk...

We had a fun experience on a walk-about today. We went to a park and Leya got the scolding we had heard about from the grandmas. Three of them came up and one of them was adamant that Craig was not well enough covered. He was sound asleep through the whole thing in the ergo. He had a fleece coat with hat & socks on his feet. The only exposure to the air was his face, but that wasn't good enough. She tugged at leya's coat and tucked and rearranged until it was 'right.' I got pictures. We just laughed through it all. Fortunately we had both read about this and knew it wasn't personal. A little later a woman motioned that I should put my down coat on him. No dice. I was cold and he was snug as a bug in the pack. Up until about 2 they dress them like the Michelin tire man. The poor kids can hardly bend or move. It's too funny.

It may be harder when we fly to Guangzhou tomorrow. We've heard it's hot and muggy there, so if they still expect us to cover him there, we might have a dilemma. Won't borrow trouble though. Winging it has worked so far.

So Fun!

We are so thankful for how smoothly things are going, and know it is a direct answer to the many prayers. We are here with 6 other families. If it comes to mind, add Stella (18 months) and Evie J (3 years) to your prayers. Both have been better cared for in more of a foster home situation and are struggling with the sadness of leaving.

Wednesday we packed Craig into the Ergo and went to the market. It was two floors of vendor after vendor. Our guide told us we needed to barter by offering half. For the record, if our survival relied and us being good at bartering, we'd go hungry. It was not our forte!

Craig continues to be a delight! I've attached a picture where you can see his mischievous side. He thinks it is quite funny when he pulls off his socks. 

He has also been enjoying his stacking blocks. Wednesday afternoon Leya kept rescuing the errant blocks that "accidentally" ended up under the bed & dresser. Then she caught him purposely stashing them in both places. When she said "you are doing that on purpose," he looked up at her with a BIG smile! What a kick!

Today we pack to fly down to Guangzhou tomorrow (Friday). Pray for Craig's ears on the plane as he sounds a little stuffy to me. We'll write again after we get there.

Facebook & Google Blogs are blocked in China, so we really appreciate Abbie & Jason. It has made it wonderful to be able to keep you all in the loop. We feel blessed to have so many people involved in bringing Craig home. jo

Life is Fun!

Craig is really enjoying life! He (and I) got a good nap and he has been having so much fun this afternoon. He loves interacting with us, and repetition is the name of the game. When he realizes he gets a fun response, he continues doing it again and again.