megguanxi

Emma's Day

2012-02-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

One year ago we got Emma as a valentine from our good God!!
Then . . .

Smiles on our first night together.

And now. . .

We can't remember life without you Emma Bean. And we are so thankful for God's provision of you to our family!!

Passed!!

2012-02-10T06:57:00.001-08:00

Yes, I did. And not without an adventure. I took the subway 45 min and grabbed a cab. I was 30 min early. After studying in the cab for 15 min, I realized that the 7 min cab ride had taken way too long. It was then that I found out that I had told the driver the wrong road. He turned around, but traffic was horrible and we sat and sat in traffic. It took us 15 more minutes to return to the place where we started from. Mark informed me that I had 15 min of grace time so I was hopeful I would get there right at the end of that. However, right after I noticed we were going the wrong way, I also heard on the radio that there was a fire at a very close address of the place I was going to take my drivers license. Sure enough, with 5 minutes left, the police were blocking off the road. I paid the cab driver and started to run the last 4 blocks, in the rain/snow. The air did smell like smoke, and I could see the hoses coming from the creek going to where I was coming from. As I neared the entrance, I had to push my way through the crowds to get to the entrance of the building. However, I got stopped by a police man saying that I could not go the 2 feet past him to get into the building. Safety. They got the caution tape and started pushing all of us back 200 yards.

After 20 minutes of trying to find another entrance(only one), and some sweet talking the cops(they wanted nothing to do with me), a little old lady grabbed me by the coat and took me down some windy alleyways behind the fire, and told me to run across the street!! I must admit I was a bit afraid to break the law, but when the policeman saw what I was doing, he actually gave me a quick motion to keep on going. However, once I got to the gate I saw that it was closed. They were not letting anyone out of the building either!! So I had to climb the gate to enter the complex.

Once inside, I ran up the 4 flights of stairs to find the place empty besides the workers. She listened to my sob story and let me take the test!!! First she showed me out the window the smoke that was pouring out of a building across the street. Then I took the drivers test and passed! 95 out of 100.

Okay, that was way too long. But, I don't get many adventures of that type anymore. Let me live a little, will you?

failure

2012-02-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, I failed. 88 out of 100. 90 passes. . . I got this one wrong. .

When discovering the vehicle in front running slowly while driving, the driver should _______.

A. Overtake from the right side when approaching the vehicle in front

B. Change lane and overtake in advance

C. Honk to urge

D. Overtake by using the lane for non-motorized vehicles

I actually put c. But just was studying and saw it is b. I got a retest this afternoon at 2:45. Lets see if my memory will fail me again!!

Ummm

2012-02-08T06:58:00.001-08:00

...apparently I need to have a medical degree to drive here. . .

The method to press the general neck artery to stop bleeding is usually used to the wounded person who suffers ______ artery bleeding when other bleeding-stopping methods do not work.

A. Neck

B. Facial

C. Intercostal

D. Temporal

2012-02-08T05:28:00.000-08:00

I'm still studying over here. . .

When encountering pedestrians wearing cotton-padded caps or overcoats in winter, the driver should honk and be ready to brake.
Answer: Right

just had to add one

2012-02-06T07:11:00.003-08:00

Oh my gosh. . . It must be late.

1.2.1.15 If the accumulated penalty points of a motorized vehicle driver reach 12 points and the driver refuses to participate in the study course notified by the traffic control department of the public security organ and also refuses to take tests, the traffic control department of the public security organ _______________.

A. Should publicly announce that his driving license should no longer be used

B. Should detain his driving license

C. Should revoke his driving license

D. Impose a double fine on him

Answer: A

"I hearby announce that my driving licence shall no longer be used, hear ye, hear ye"

Studying for the drivers test

2012-02-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

Mark and I are taking our driving tests this week. In Chinglish. Here are a few of our study questions. Laugh and cry with me. . . Test is on Thurs. I'll keep you posted, unless I fail and then I will wallow in my failure. . .

1.1.2.35 When a motorized vehicle breaks down on the expressway, the persons on board should swiftly move to the front of the vehicle for hiding.
Answer: Wrong

The driver may drive a motorized vehicle __________________.

A. After drinking alcohol

B. When he suffers from a disease that impedes safe driving

C. When he is exhausted

D. After drinking tea

Answer: D

1.2.1.5 If a registered motorized vehicle reaches the state’s mandatory write-off standard, the

owner of the vehicle should ____________ before the expiration of the write-off period.

A. Sell it to the waste recycling station

B. Sell to the vehicle recycling enterprise

C. Hand it over to the traffic control department of the public security organ

D. Hand it over to the department in charge of road transport administration

Answer: B

1.2.1.10 The small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles should be inspected once every ________ from the 6^th to the 15^th year as from the date of registration.

A. 6 months

B. 1 year

C. 2 years

D. 3 years

Answer: B

Caroline's 7th Birthday

2012-02-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

Caroline had a fun birthday, Wed Feb 1. And a fun party on Sat. I'm wiped out. She had an extra special day as normal life has not resumed yet. She got to go out with Daddy for breakfast, to the play area for the am(we skipped school) and to the aquarium with her bff in the afternoon. Then, we had a party on Sat. and all 4 of the classmates we invited came!! I was shocked, but with Mark running interference with the other kids and Li helping me corral the girls, we made it.

I am thankful for Caroline. She is an honest, stubborn, genuine, persistent little girl. She is dramatic, feeling joy and sadness strongly, something I know well:) Happy Day!

Aquarium with friends!
American Doll gifts thanks to Grandma Susan and Grandma Rene and Papu!
Dragon show at the aquarium
Emma gets a little time with Marie Grace

Play place with Grady!

Birthday Party
Scavenger hunt thanks to Li ayi!!

Collins Craziness

2012-02-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

Dancing

2012-01-29T03:51:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year

2012-01-22T23:10:00.000-08:00

No pictures

2012-01-20T05:28:00.001-08:00

No, Julie, I did not cut my own hair:( Do you think I'm crazy? But, this girl took layers to new levels for me. She thought my hair was way too thick, which I agree, but woah! I definitely got my 20$ worth, and now I won't need a haircut for a year.

No pictures for you this weekend. We've had the flu you see, and do you really want pics of that? Actually the littles and I have somehow managed to steer clear for now. Mark has been drinking lots of ginger water and bland rice porridge that my helper has made for him. mmmmm.

Mark and I have now applied for our licenses over here. Hilarious. I wish I could explain to you all the rooms we went in and out of, all to get a date in Feb to go take the test. My favorite was the health examination. I think there were ten rooms and I think anyone with a pulse would be able to pass. I'm not complaining!! Just sitting here laughing.

Let the festivities begin. The largest holiday of the year is upon us. We are about to see and hear firworks for a week. The kids will be thrilled, unless they can't sleep, but I'm hoping they will:)

Okay, I'm rambling as you can tell. Enough. Have a good weekend!!

Flour update

2012-01-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

Woah, seriously, look at this. Less than half!! I guess making your own bread, tortillas, granola, cookies, and cakes can put a serious dent in 50 pounds of flour. And no bugs, as of yet!!

Hair Cuts

2012-01-17T03:20:00.000-08:00

Juddy and I got some cuts today. I haven't been for a hair cut since May when I left Louisville. It was time. Juddy hasn't had his hair cut since August, and it was a bit unruly. With a little pushing from my mom, during a video just now, I took my sharpest pair of scissors in the house and went at it. Its not great, but I think its better than the "sheep dog" look he was sporting before. He is so cute. Can't get enough of him these days, um, except when hes complaining, whining and saying no to me...

Dogs and pics from school

2012-01-06T21:12:00.000-08:00

Been noticing raw meat that is being sold now outside our building. Its laid out nice on a dirty metal table. People are buying, but not me. Then yesterday my helper came in and said, "Hey they are selling dog right out front!" She knew I would turn up my nose. She said it was expensive. I asked her if she ate dog and she said no, that she had had one as a pet before and couldn't bring herself to eat dog. AHHHH. I may not tell the kids.

Just finished finals week, which means thing will slow down here a bit. Or so I thought. . . Actually with Mark not having to get to class at 8am, he can take the bigs to school, so I don't have to bundle all of us and walk the 1/2 mile in the am. That has made life a lot more comfortable! Most of our student friends will go home for their big holiday. And our foreign friends will traipse of to tropical lands. Mark always finds things to keep him busy, like teaching next Sunday.

Ok, these are random thoughts. Its hard to remember that people other than grandparents are reading this, or that you don't know what my life is like. Blogging is still such a weird concept to me. Mark says it is because I'm old(ok he didn't actually say it that way, but I like to rephrase his comments and get him in trouble). The kids school finally gave me some pics. Enjoy. . .

Fire Station field trip in October.

Um, yes, this is the Christmas performance that the kids did, that the parents were not allowed to attend. They said, "parents make the children too excited". Hmm, not sure who they performed for, but this was the first I got to see my daughter with make up on. And, yes, those are boys beside her. Lets just say that Mark was overjoyed that Lawrence wouldn't participate in the first place, let alone let them put make up on him. I'm not sure we would have been able to go back if there would have been pictures of him with make up on!!

Caroline's drawing is improving!

I love this picture of Lawrence and Dodo. He likes her, and always wants to say goodbye to her when I pick the kids up. She is the cutest little thing too!

Um, yes, it looks like Santa even made an appearance.
Halloween. Isn't it crazy that the kids celebrate Amerian holidays more at their foreign school than in their American home?
Solo dance!!

Lawrence is finally drawing! He said this was a picture of the flood.
Ok, you have to admit that this is cute. . .

And life continues. . .

2011-12-29T15:47:00.000-08:00

Angelina ballerina jammies Grandma made

Busy bags from Grandma!
Um, no Judson hasn't had his hair cut yet. . . but not for lack of trying. I did take him on Monday and he screamed so loud they said they wouldn't cut his hair. . . oh well, at least its winter.

Judson has been asking for baozi since his buddy Grady gave him one a few weeks ago. He was happy until his meatball in the middle fell onto the dirty sidewalk. . . better luck next time.

Christmas. . . Merry?

2011-12-27T00:40:00.000-08:00

Friends. It is December 28, and quite honestly I'm relieved. That month of December was quite busy. Full of good things. But, I'm ready for January!

Don't get me wrong, I did have a few moments of thankfulness for my Savior who was born long ago, for the very purpose of living a perfect life and dying a death he didn't deserve, on my behalf, and all those who will trust in Him.

And honestly, my sin, and my kids sin helped me see my need, and their need for Savior, and thats why we celebrate this season right?

In years past, I've been disappointed by the lack of "surreal" peace and joy that I and my family experiences. This year, I took it in stride. Christmas was not a day without selfishness or discipline, or whining. No, Christmas is not a magical day where everyone is happy and gets what they want. We buckled down and gave some gifts, and disciplined selfishness and lack of sharing and hoarding. It was a day like most others, but with some added intensity.

So, here you go. Yes, these are some good shots. But don't get the idea that the Collins house was all fun and games. What you don't see, I'm trying to tell you. . . life in a small house with 4 littles is challenging. And yet, rewarding. Again, I did many times point my eyes to my Jesus, and thank God for this gift which surpasses all.

Hope your Christmas found you the same. . Merry or not.

Thankful for Skype this year to be with family far away.Lawrence building with his MagnaTIles from Grandmas Susan
Lawrence's new pj's

Nerf Gun fun
Emma's new pj's.
C's new Pj's
Yes, we did have a finished gingerbread house Christmas Eve. Thank you Brian and Christie!!
Juddy's new pj's
The beginning of the building.
Yellow skittles all in a row, intense Lawrence at his finest

Welcome baby Benjamin!! A great gift to celebrate his birth just 3 days earlier:)

Daddy's birthday cupcakes
Taking care of Grady while his mommy and daddy were at the hospital with his new baby brother. Good dress up idea Mark!!
Oh, yes he is that old!!

2011-12-20T00:42:00.000-08:00

Watching the trains at the Hilton hotel with Sarah and G.
Our friend Nat arranged for some Christmas goodies to be brought in from the homeland. The guy who brought them was staying at the Hilton, which is why we made the trek to see the trains!!

Marks birthday is tomorrow. We went out last night with some old friends. Thank you Kate and Justine for babysitting!!
I took Julie's advice and tried using some of my flour on these sugar cookies. YAY. Fun times decorating! I asked Mark to pick up the bag of flour and let me know how heavy it was, and he said "oh about 48 pounds". I guess I still have some work to do!!
Video time for the kids, rest time for the mama. I laughed out loud when I noticed Emma wearing the tupperware!!

Cake eating video

2011-12-11T18:56:00.000-08:00

Killing time before bed

2011-12-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Lawrence

2011-12-11T05:05:00.000-08:00

Happy 5th Birthday Lawrence!! We recounted his birth story today at lunch telling Lawrence all about his birth. We had a party last night, and just celebrated as a family today. Lawrence's birthday was characteristic of himself. He had fun, he laughed, he cried, he was angry. All the attention somehow made him think he was the center of the world, which doesn't go over well with 2 parents and 3 siblings. It was early to bed for all at the Collins' house tonight. Enjoy the pics, and stay tuned for some very "real life" videos including birthday celebrations. Lawrence helps me realize that life is not all disney movies and happy birthdays. You take the good, you take the bad, you take what God gives you.

Yes, the lego cake make a return appearance.
Fun with our friends, after a good round of pin the spaceship on the space station.

50 pounds of flour

2011-12-06T01:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, I did buy 50 pounds of flour. In my mind, I was buying wheat flour in which I could divide up and sell to my friends. In my defence, my friend Phyllis used to do this when I lived here before. I was just following in her footsteps.
Do you see where it says, wheat flour? Right? And Special Wheat gave me hope that this was indeed "special" not "normal". Need a bigger look?

Well, when I opened the 50 pound bag, I saw reality, which is . . .yup, white flour. And without a high demand on white flour, I'm on my own friends. So, lets see how long it takes me to use up 50 pounds of flour ok? Any guesses? And, please, inspire me with some of your recent favorite baked recipes. I've got a lot of flour to use!

Friday girls discussion. We're reading "When People are Big and God is Small" by Ed Welch. I read this book 10 years ago before getting married and it was helpful. Now, I'm rereading it and finding it equally helpful. I'm thankful for God's continued love for me expressed in His helping me search my heart and see my need for His help.

December

2011-11-30T16:59:00.000-08:00

I overheard Lawrence this am saying, "yeah, its a tree, but there are no candy canes, and its fake". :) Thats been my attitude lately too. "Yeah, its ok, but its not like life back in America, especially during the holidays" I'm needing to up the fight to be content where God has me, and to not dwell in my self-pity of missing friends and family. Real missing, but don't want to miss trusting that God has me here now all according to His perfect plan. Quick thoughts from a busy girl!!

It finally got cold yesterday! I'll take not breaking out the winter coats until December 1!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T02:34:00.000-08:00

Here are photos from our recent photo shoot with a local friend. He basically brought his studio to our home and set up! No captions necessary, just enjoy:) And be excited when you get this in your mailbox this Christmas:)

Swinging

2011-11-20T05:03:00.000-08:00

Kids on wheels

2011-11-17T21:32:00.000-08:00

Law's haircut

2011-11-06T05:09:00.000-08:00

Grandma Rene has been cutting the kids hair from birth(well, you know what I mean). We would just wait until she was in town to get the hair cuts. SOOO, as the boys hair has grown I've been dreading what I was going to do. You know, the sentimentality of it and the fact that my boys are. . . well. . . boys, not happy to sit and have anyone come near their hair.

So on Saturday we walked to the nearest hair cut place and did it! Mission accomplished. Of course, in Lawrence style, he was not sure of the hair wash or cut, but he did make it through with only a few mean faces(see below).

Hmm, I might like this. . .

Umm, maybe not. . .
Holding on for dear life. . .

Lets be done with this!!!

Oh, a red cape. . . kinda cool.

Tired of this. (but doesn't he kind of look like Justin Beiber?)

Final product. Phew.

Sponges

2011-11-01T19:17:00.001-07:00

I used to think I was a calm nice person. Then I got married. Then I had kids. Then I read a great book(I'm sure I've written about this before), in which the author told me that the anger I was experiencing was not actually because of my spouse or children. He said that the anger I am feeling has always been in my heart, but that my spouse and children(insert any circumstance that challenges me) were just the things squeezing the anger out of me, like water in a sponge. Already there, but when squeezed, flowing out abundantly.

This has been so helpful to me. Instead of blaming my circumstances, I need to own my own sinfulnes. Not to have low self esteem, but to point me to the Savior that I so desperately need. Such freedom lies for me when I can but bow my knee, acknowledge that yelling at the top of my lungs for my children to be quiet, ordering them around like cattle, and being short with them is not ok. And to look to my perfect Savior Jesus, who died for these very sins 2,000 years ago. I find forgiveness there, I find freedom, I find joy in Him, not in how good I am.

This is good news as I consider the first few hours of my morning. Getting 4 kids ready to go out in the rain to walk to school. One child who is whining and taking off his coat every time I put it on him. Two children who will not listen to me when I talk. 1 umbrella when I need 2. It was enough squeezing for me to lash out in anger. Of course I feel bad about my self. but, I am thankful that I have freedom to ask my children to forgive me and even greater to ask my God to forgive me.

Home after a successful rainy walk to school, even with some 50cents worth of broccoli!

1st grade insights and school field trips

2011-10-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

The kids went on 2 field trips with their kindergarten class. The first was a half day to a local fire station. Lawrence didn't want to go, but was so excited when he was picked up from school! The second was a whole day field trip to a farm. I'm told it was not an animal farm, but a fruit and vegetable farm. I was waiting for them with a bunch of other moms and was tearing up when I saw the big bus pull to the side of the road!! They came home with a bag of greens they had picked and some oranges:) Seems like Caroline has more friends at school now as a result of the trip.

Caroline was reading a book to me the other day. Little Bear's father said, "Little Bear, you are such a good bear." Caroline turned to me and said, "That's because he doesn't have any brothers or sisters." :) I smiled and told her to explain and she said something like, "he doesn't have anyone to get him in trouble." I tried to explain to her that she is blessed to have brothers and sisters because its not that they get her in trouble but that they press her and make it easy to see her own selfishness and wanting her own way. I said, it seems like it will be easier for you, than for little bear, to see that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Pray for this to be the case!!

October?

2011-10-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

October 18 really? Days are slow, weeks are fast. I lost a week with a cold, cough and lethargy. Just getting back into life as we prepare for some guests to come in town. The kids are over the moon with Uncle John arriving tomorrow!! Woohoo. Not much time, but here are some recent activities.

Going to our local park during our local holiday. this man was writing with water, isn't that so cool? You can see him in action in the video below.

Oh yeah. . . don't mess with me.
Friends whom we haven't seen for almost a year came to visit us:) Thanks guys!

We found the amusement part of our local park. . . uh oh.
Jud likes to take Emma down the slide. She likes it too. Yes, thats the Grady in the background!!
Line up of kids at our outing to the zoo.

random saturday outside our house.

The park. Note my well behaved kids at the end. . . ahh yes.

Fish

2011-09-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

Off to bed, but wanted to share our fish moment of the day.

Caroline was bit disturbed and said she never wanted to eat fish again!!

What are we up to?

2011-09-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Well, besides the normal life, new pj's from Rick and Sue Morel(Thanks!!!) and watching some videos(yes, I now have a more video time than I used to, and I write it off in my mind as language practice):)

Tomorrow is Friday. We have one more "normal" week before the country goes crazy with a big holiday, Mark goes camping, and I'm hunkering down for survival, but we can talk about that in another week:)

Morning fan dancing

2011-09-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

Videos get more comments, so I'm keeping em coming:)

Video for Pop Pop

2011-09-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

This ones for you Pop Pop

Catch up

2011-09-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Jud and Car snuggle time. Yes, Juddy still sucks his thumb and rubs his belly!
Out on an adventure!
The kids love the subway. I don't take them on it unless Mark is with me, but they love it!!

Spending time before picking up C and L at school. It costs 10 cents to ride this for 5 minutes!!
The girls came with me to an old friends wedding.
The bride and groom
Me seeing some friends baby, I didn't even know they were married!! I had a great time seeing friends I haven't seen for 5 years!

Caroline and Lawrence got mazes in the mail from Grandma Susan and couldn't wait to do them!

A morning in the life of us

2011-09-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

I do have deeper thoughts friends, than just the reality before me. And I often think of writing them down, but mostly don't have the time. I've been reading a great book my friend Lisa gave me called, "Comforts from the Cross". Just a month worth of devotion pointing to the cross and what joy there is to be free from sin for salvation, but also for living this life. I'm so aware lately of my failure, whether in my impatience and anger with the kids, and it seems like I'll never change. I can get stuck there though feeling bad about myself, or I can go to Jesus and repent and see His perfect life lived for me, and death for my sin, and forgiveness and instead of a self-improvement feeling that I can be better, I can find hope that He is better. I don't ever have to be perfect, and looking to anything but Him will keep me here in this same battle anyway. So, in my weakness, I find joy that I may fail, but He will never, I may be weak, but He is strong.

And onto reality. Today, I took the littles to the park while the bigs were at school. I was holding Judson at one point and Emma was in the stroller when about 30 people surrounded me in a circle. One little lady started peeling grapes and stuffing them in Juds mouth while all the rest were touching his golden hair and pointing at Emma. I get many questions regarding Emma. Today I got a bit frustrated, so pray for me to respond with grace. Everywhere I go I hear people say "4?" "4 kids?" We are like a walking circus. We respond by saying that we love kids, and that we believe they are a gift. I must admit though, that when I'm struggling to take care of them all, I can easily think or say, "I'm so busy, I'm so tired". Pray that I will be a witness of God's love for us and for children as I show patience and respond carefully with my words. This article that many friends shared with me is of great encouragement to me in thinking rightly about my 4 littles,
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank

Its 8am and we're out in front of our apt complex to take the walk to school.

sights on the walk. ..

Notice there are no sidewalks. Its basically a construction zone as they are tearing down old houses and putting up skyrises. Lawrence on the way home yesterday said, " the sidewalks in Louisville Ky are much better than here. You can walk on them" :)

There is a playground with swings at the building complex where the kids go to school.
The new stroller!!

View from our 4th story apt. This is in the middle of our gated apt complex.

They turn this fountain on at 5pm along with music for people returning from work. Its too bad you can't see the mosquitos that eat us alive everytime we go down:)

Can you see that fence up above the playground? Its actually tennis courts, but without the nets, so the kids like to go up there and run around. I'm grateful for the space.

Birthday Video

2011-09-04T06:59:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Emma!!

2011-09-04T04:43:00.000-07:00

We've only known you 6 months, Emma, but we can't remember life without you!! Happy 2nd Birthday Miss Emma Collins!!!
2 years old!

Pizza for lunch. ..

Cake for dessert! You can't even tell that both of the layers cracked in half, can you? Or that my chocolate wasn't melted fully and there are chunks in the icing? Lets just say that freezing the layers together saved the cake!!

mmmmm good.

For me?

Yay, microphone!! Thanks Grandma and Papu!

A big day

2011-09-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

Caroline and Lawrence started kindergarten today!! Since we moved I've been looking for a school to send them to in the am in order to learn the language. Surprisingly no one wanted us!! So many kids in school and a little afraid of 2 kids who look different and don't speak the language. But, after praying and keeping on it, I found a kindergarten that will take Caroline and Lawrence in the same class! Today was a trial day. I was anxious about Lawrence. When I took him in to meet the teachers, he clung to me. I was a bit worried how he would do.

On the way to school both of the kids were non stop talking. Caroline all but ran into the class and Lawrence held back. But, once we got there he said he wanted to play with the toys, so one of the teachers took him over to play and I left!!!

I was more emotional than the kids. It all came so fast, leaving the 2 older ones in school! The morning was so strange to only have the 2 littles around. We're only putting them in half a day, so I ran some errands and headed back to school.

I got there early and the kids were doing well. No surprise, Lawrence didn't eat any of the lunch, and Caroline only ate the rice:) HA.

Caroline didn't want to leave, and Lawrence was pretty happy. I'm very thankful.

AND we got our internet hooked up today!! WOOHOO. Very very thankful. You'll be hearing more from me soon . . .

PS. Can anyone help me with moving pictures around on this blog? It makes me crazy that I can't easily get them in order!!

The kids room

After I picked them up from school
At school after I picked them up
Caroline and I went on a wild goose chase, looking for a double stroller, this alley is a cut through to get to the subway.
Teachers and classroom

Walking to school
Ready to go! (the littles wanted backpacks too!)
Our new school.

2011-08-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

New Home

Bunk beds finished!
Boxes Empty
ATM

Ducks and stuff

2011-08-26T01:44:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from a tea shop that has internet. Our new building has no hook up yet for internet. Its in the middle of a very old community. This am when I went out to run, I stopped at the gate to our apt complex to watch a duck being dunked in boiling water (both ends) for the couple that was purchasing it. Our whole street outside is just people selling lotus roots, watermelons, chickens and ducks and much more.

Would love your prayers for me to be content with what God has for me each day. Today included:

-man to fix air conditioners during littles play time (he couldn't fix it again)
-Judson pulling the drapes off the wall(remember this is a new place)
-Lawrences temper tantrums and slamming the door so hard that he broke a screw off the door
-clothes that smell like mildew
-husband who comes home from work early so I could come out here and see whats happening in the outside world
-time to focus on unpacking and settling and playing with the kids (time I would otherwise be tempted to spend on the internet)
-bubble tea and free internet
-Sarah coming over and entering the madness for a few hours

Will be in touch as I can!

random

2011-08-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

Pressing on

2011-08-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, where do I begin. Its been fun to be back in my neighborhood after being gone for 3 1/2 years. Kids have grown tall, neighbors have changed jobs, and the same fruit lady sells fruit at the stall I used to stop at. People remember me, they can't stare enough at us with 4 children and say, "are they all yours?" They love kids so they want to touch and play with them all. I've loved remembering what dishes I like and eating them. Caroline and Judson love the food(most of it) and have been adventurous in trying new things. We've had fun riding the extensive subway system. And its been good to see that I can communicate some and understand some!

Its also been challenging. We left our double stroller in the trunk of the cab the first night, and forgot to get a receipt:( Getting all the kids to the street and waiting on a cab and riding in the back of a cab with all 4 kids is out of control. Its constant teaching about what is ok and how to stay safe from bikes, cars and getting lost. Judson is still waking up at 5 and waking up everyone else in the family. I get stuck when communicating because my language needs to improve. Lawrence is having a hard time with the food. When we are out to eat, if it is not something western, he just sits and complains. When we are at home he is out of control. Judson and Emma seem to be doing well, but are whiny and clingy. I'm easily overwhelmed and easily angered.

How can I communicate what I am going through? How can I share with you the struggle to live in another country, to live in the upheaveal of moving and packing and all the stress that this entails while keeping up with the laundry and feeding and training of 4 little ones? And how can I process this without complaining?

Do I think that this is wrong because it is hard? Mark said today, "life would have been easier if we just stayed in the States". Its true. Is that what I want though, easy? Is that what God wants? Nothing valuable in life is ever easy right? Didn't we move here for something greater than an easy life for me and my children? Isn't there a harvest that is ripe that laborers need to go?

Pray for me to think rightly and to go to God for help. Pray for me to abide in Him and receive from Him what He has for me each day. Pray for me to persevere even when I can't see clearly.

We met Jaime a few months ago after a service where we asked for help moving!! She was with us 10 days and was a huge blessing and help.

Caroline likes to ride on the subway
My least favorite part of our new apartment. Yes, that is a bright orange kitchen. We move Monday.
Emma in the cubby holes at our old apartment
Mark in the realtors office.
Groggy kids who were woken up from a nap.

We made it!

2011-08-13T00:51:00.000-07:00

Friends,

We are here! It was hard to leave, but we are so glad to get that travel behind us! We had a 5 hour delay from Detroit to our city. I handled that pretty well, but did not handle well the fact that we were on an older plane without individual screens!! Lawrence was disappointed to say the least, and we were all tired!

But, Mark got the boys and Jaime and I got the girls, and we pressed on. The boys slept a while, and then woke up ready to roll. Judson ended up throwing up a few times, but stopped once we got off the plane, so I think it was just airsickness.

We arrived at 11:15 pm. Our van driver was at the airport from 4-midnight! We had no way to call him when we found out the delay. We got back to our apartment at 2am and to bed around 3. All our luggage made it and we were glad to get the air conditioning on, showered and off to bed.

Mark is out looking for apartments in our new neighborhood right now. Seems like it will be a bit longer of a process than we would like. Do pray for a big good apartment near the campus.

And now, I must wake up the jetlagged babies. I leave you with a glimpse into our first few days.

Jet Lagged kids

Off we go

2011-08-10T03:22:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are August 10. Our 12 50 lb. bags are in the truck. The kids backpacks are ready. Am I?

I think so. Honestly, daily life with 4 littles plus the preparation for this move is so full that I haven't had much time to think. Some people have asked how I'm doing with it, and I have to stretch to think beyond getting on the plane. Probably a good thing. And, some of you are praying for me, I can tell, because I'm not dreading and not even feeling overwhelmed as I often do. Keep praying for me to not let these 2 areas of weakness, these 2 ways I frequently sin, to be allowed any room in my life. Especially for after we get on the plane!! Jesus died for me, for these areas that I go to when I fail to trust in Him. Isn't the gospel so freeing? That I can know myself, the ugly and not be depressed? That I can know myself and flee to Him who knew me before I was born? That I can find forgiveness and hope for change and a future apart from these weights that slow me down?

Caroline is sick. Poor girl spent her last day in America on the couch with a fever. She was up a few times in the night, her heart is racing. Do pray for recovery for her and for the others not to get it.

Lawrence is crazy, tired and the upheaval of getting ready and transition always affect him most. Pray for him and for me to have compassion and patience with him.

And as for Judson and Emma, they have no idea whats about to happen. Give them food and their blankets and they should be fine:)

We leave at noon from PA. We arrive in Detroit and meet a friend who is flying over with us and staying to help for 10days. Then we all fly to Asia and arrive at 7:10 am on Thursday.

We'll see you on the other side!!

Caroline rides her bike!

2011-08-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Still here. Sickness and Marks weekend trip has kept me tired and without much energy to do much. I'm battling my second sore throat in 2 weeks(seriously I have never been so sick in the summer). Judson seems to get a bug each week too. Pray for health this last week as we pack and prepare to move across the seas.

We've been trying to get Caroline to ride her bike for sometime. Her cousin Allison(6 months younger) came last week and rode C's bike, and the next day C figured it out!! Woohoo, a little competition never hurt anyone. Enjoy the video.

6 days and counting until we head out.

Where are you?

2011-07-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

No , we haven't returned to Asia.

Nor are we in Colorado with all the other folks who work with us.

Nor are we still in DC in our 2 bedroom apartment, in which we had no internet for 3 weeks(thus no blogging).

No, we're not hanging out in Charlottesville, VA anymore with our friends either.

We are instead in PA with my folks. We'll be here for the next 3 weeks until we leave for Asia on August 10.

We all kind of feel like this. And yet, though we are tired, God has blessed us with great teaching, and great people, in some great churches.

I'm more and more ready to head back to life in Asia, and yet I'm pushing on to enjoy each day for what it is and for what God has for me in it.

Missions training

2011-06-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

It seems we have had some good training for our upcoming move, without anyone planning it. No one has ever told me how hard it is to get rid of a house full of stuff. My parents helped a ton and got us out with the house looking excellent and only a day after we had planned. The 9 hour drive went very well, but arriving at my parents house with a truck full of stuff that needed to be organized, bad allergies, and what turned out to be a bit of bronchitis left me with little energy and extremely emotional. The week passed quickly as we just tried to survive giving the kids a bit of normalcy, packing 8 bags of winter items that a trip in Oct will bring to us in Asia, and arranging the leftover stuff so that my parents can move around their home.

We headed for DC with a lunch and dinner appointment only to find out on our way to dinner that the apartment we were hoping to move into was not ready. The leasing office put us up in a nice hotel. However, coming off of the move, and hard week, and having a jam-packed car of things that we would need in an apartment, arriving at a hotel at 8:30 without an overnight bag put me over the edge. We survived one night of little sleep, only to find out the next day that the apartment would not be ready that day, nor any day soon. So, we were as I like to say, homeless. We knew we were headed to the beach on Sat. so we just needed to find a place for 2 nights. And, let me tell you, finding a place that can handle a family of 6, with 4 little ones, is not easy. But, our friends the Jany's came through last min and invited us to their house about an hour away. I was so thankful for their willingness to take us last minute. It was such a blessing to be in a spacious place, with kids toys and friends. They have 4 kids too, so we had 8 kids 7 and under for 2 days. Fun chaos.

Saturday we drove to Ocean City NJ, the vacation spot of my husband and his family since they were boys. Moving into a nice beach house for a whole week was food for my sojourning soul. All this moving around is such great preparation for me to move across the world. Just get me somewhere I can put my stuff!! It also makes me grateful, though that I have a husband and children who will go will me. And as I slowly pry my hands off my stuff, I see the reality that my life is not in that stuff. My life is not in saving money by buying things on sale. My life is not in the many things I think I or my family need. My life is in my Creator who made me and who has provided the greatest thing I need, forgiveness of my sin, salvation of my soul. And, I don't deserve this kindness. And, I can't go anywhere apart from Him.

So, I come to this night thankful and hopeful that no matter what circumstances await me next week, His grace will be sufficient to carry me through.

The tree was too big to see the house! Dad did a job on it.

Look at that lawn! Mark finally got his lawn after 3 years, and in time for us to move.

We did go to a Louisville Bats game our final weekend in town! Lets just say that the carousel got more time than the seats we had tickets for.

Lisa and Chris came through town. It was good to see them and to have Lisa back in our home as we moved in with her as our roommate 3 years ago!!

The moving truck was full despite my months of giveaways.Everyone is tuckered out.

Dad was excited to get back to his house and lawn and Judson was excited to ride on the tractor.Look at how long Emma's hair is getting. A mowhak!

The kids got to go to my hometowns childrens fair.
I found this dress for Emma as I was unpacking. It is a 3 month size! Caroline has a matching dress:)

The Jany's who took us in. Here are the 8 under 7.

And we made it to Ocean City , NJ.

All the kids love the rides on the boardwalk! Judson and Emma love the carousel.

Judson did not seem to like the slide with Uncle John.

Nor did Lawrence!! His face was so red when he got down, I don't think he took a breath the whole time.
Caroline enjoyed the roller coaster with Aunt Jeanene

But, check out Lawrence's face. He was not so sure about the roller coaster with Uncle Matt!

Oh my face Judson.

Emma did not like the beach the first few days. But, Daddy worked his magic and she is now loving it!!

We love riding bikes on the boardwalk in the early am!!

Getting warm after a cold return from the beach.

And a final picture I found of Caroline from when she turned 1 in Thailand. The same hat Emma has on!!

Sad days

2011-05-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

It's been an emotional few days packing and saying goodbye. So sad to leave our dear friends here in Louisville. Yet, despite it being hard, it makes me very thankful for God's blessings of our friends and church here. We did finally get our stuff all packed and our house all clean. We'll wake up the kids and get on the road early to make it to PA by dinner time. Pray for God's protection on the road and for grace to seek Him in the midst of transition. Pray for us to grieve the loss of friends and home well, not getting caught up in the sadness, but anticipating His continued blessing as we follow Him.

Graduation

2011-05-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

I was so encouraged by Mark's graduation yesterday. Very proud of his hard work. Very thankful for this 3 years of learning and serving a local church and growing our family. And most of you know that the last months of preparing to leave have not come easily for me. I have loved living in America with all its parks, libraries, proximity to family, and space. I have loved going to yard sales and consignment sales and filling my home with things. So, I dreaded the process of getting rid of it all! But, as often happens when I follow God by faith, it has been a joy to give to others, it has been freeing to let go of my things. It has been good for me to remember God's work in my life and the joy it is to serve Him. So, to hear the president yesterday elaborate on, "We part to meet, and meet to part"(part of the school song), helped me remember why we came here in the first place. Just for a time, to get more equipped to go back and do what God has worked in our lives up until now to do.

Judsons favorite song

2011-05-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

Judson has long loved the song, "Holy Holy Holy" for some time. But, we have been singing this song at naptime and bedtime since he was born. On the way to church last week he sang the entire song, and hasn't stopped!! Enjoy

Holy God in love became

Perfect man to bear my blame

On the cross He took my sin

By His death I live again

Another Friday

2011-05-13T18:11:00.001-07:00

Man, how do the days just zoom by? No pictures or videos for you as my camera is broken. How will I survive?

Emma got the tubes out of her eyes today. No problems! Her fingers are healing nicely. I was a bit alarmed last Sunday when taking off the bandage, but they are looking better and better. It seems like she has some use of the pinky now, but she is pretty hesitant to use it much as it is still really scabby.

Mark finished his exams this week. Graduation is next Friday. We are in the throws of throwing away most of our belongings. Caroline had a hard time when we asked her about getting rid of some of her toys. Mark took her out on a date this morning and talked through our reasons for leaving and how it costs us something to follow God's leading. She seems to have understood it well, and is participating in helping us clean out. Pray for her. Pray for Lawrence too as he doesn't do well with transition. Even though I know this, its so hard for me to be patient with him. Pray for me to be patient and take the time to explain things so he can have time to prepare!! Pray for me to have wisdom in cleaning out/packing up and still loving my kids and husband and entertaining our family! Thanks friends.

Megan

2011-05-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Has it been over a week? When people ask me how Emma is doing after surgery, I have to remember that she had surgery. The day after surgery Judson pulled all of her wrappings off her hand. I freaked out and took her down to the Dr and he unwrapped and re-wrapped her bandage. I'm thankful for the time because the Doc spent some time with us, showing me that she was not in pain, and talking through what he did and what we are looking for. And he didn't put the soft cast back on(the thing that went around her neck). So, she just has a bandage on her hand, with her one good finger sticking out. She has been acting normal since the day after!!

Mark just finished his last seminary class yesterday! Reading, papers and one final and he is done. I can't believe our time here is almost over. We have had a really good 3 years here. Maybe I'll write something deeper on that later, we'll see.

A few pics and videos for you.

Doing well!

2011-04-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

Emma is doing well! She was out of surgery around 11:30. It took a while for her to come out of the anesthesia, but they let me go wait until she came out. She did great, much better than last weeks eye surgery. She drank a lot and even ate some crackers. The Dr said it went well and that he was successful in separating her fingers. He had to graft skin from her groin, though, so she'll have to heal in two spots. She doesn't seem to be in any pain now, but they said the numbing will last for 8-24 hours. And he gave her a tylenol with codine. She slept her normal nap, ate dinner and just went to bed! We'll see how the night goes. I don't do anything with the bandages, just leave them on for 2 weeks until we go see the Dr again. Crazy.

Thanks for praying. Pray for Emma to heal quickly!

Megan

She really is just acting normal. I looked away and found her in this crate:)

Emma's in surgery

2011-04-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Hey friends,

Emma is in surgery and the Dr is probably starting right now. Will update you later on how it goes!! Thanks for praying for her and me!

Emma is well

2011-04-20T18:14:00.001-07:00

Thanks for praying and asking. Emma is doing great! This surgery was a good preview of what next weeks more intense surgery will look like. God also gave me grace to deal with a tired/groggy girl and a sick Lawrence(woke up in the middle of the night with the bug last night). God continues to provide in the midst of the craziness!

Excuses

2011-04-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

I've got lots of em. I finally got the bug that everyone but Mark and Caroline skipped(on Juds bday week) and then got it again. Both times we were out of town at other peoples toilets. Phew. How can I be in the best shape in my life and be getting sick all the time? We went to VA last weekend for Marks brother Matt's wedding and Judson and I couldn't go because we were sick:( Such a bummer. Needless to say I had a little breakdown last night with being so sick and tired, and missing out and just thinking of all that the next month holds.

I do feel better today, as seen in my posting on this blog, and seen in my taking my 4 little ones to Target to get pedialyte for Judson.

I am struggling though, to be patient and slow to anger. Would you pray for those things for me? And for me to really believe that God will help me in my time of need? And that I will actually go to Him in my time of need?

Pray also for Emma. Many of you have asked about her surgeries. Sorry for the delay in response. We did get a second opinion and he said that he would be more conservative in what he would do with her hand. After we left, Mark and I were pretty convinced that we would NOT go ahead with the surgery. However, after some more research and back and forth about it, we have decided to go ahead and go for it, hoping that separating her 2 fingers(now webbed) will give her more function, long-term. There is no way to tell if her second finger actually has tendons, or will work.

She also has to have eye surgery, just to clear up her clogged ducts. That surgery is TOMORROW am at 8. Pray for her and for me!

Her hand surgery is one week later, Wed. April 27th. This is indeed more intense and the surgeon is not sure all that he will have to do until he gets her on the table. Pray for wisdom for him and again for Emma's perseverance through all this, and for me to not be anxious, but to rest in God's great control.

I leave you with some great photos taken by our friend Laura. I have more I want to post, but with have to settle for these for now. Thanks Laura!!

Celebrating Judson

2011-04-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

Judson is 2! I had such fun making a slide show for him and remembering these past 2 years. He is such a joy to us! He loves giraffes so that is what is on the cake.

Everyone needs a microphone. See below video for Jud's understanding of how to use one.Judson the police man. Our neighbor is a police man so the kids are all having fun pretending they are "Bill".

Sick on his 2nd Birthday

2011-03-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

Oh bummer, Jud's got a yucky bug. On his 2nd birthday too! Oh well, good thing it was a laid back birthday, and he doesn't really know. We'll celebrate another day!

In other news, I canceled Emma's surgery for tomorrow. This great Dr whom I took Emma to see, at an International Adoption Clinic, called me on Sat and asked me some good questions regarding the surgery. All of which I didn't have good answers too. So, in the end, I'm taking Emma to see a different hand guy, an orthopedic hand surgeon on Friday April 8th, and have rescheduled the surgery for April 27th in case I want to go through with it. Thanks for praying and asking!

I've also scheduled surgery for Emma's eyes(to unclog her tear ducts) on the April 20th. Both are outpatient. Pray for wisdom for us and for me to rest in God's great control as life seems very out of control!

Friday Update

2011-03-25T09:03:00.001-07:00

Who needs a gate when you can put a child in a box and keep them from each other and from harm? Just throw a few books and toys in there and get a good 15 minutes of freedom.

Oh my goodness, you need to watch this video.

On the serious side we took Emma to a hand specialist yesterday and he right away knew that he wanted to separate her 2 fingers. She has all the bones for 2 fingers, actually she has a few extra bones in those fingers, but they are webbed together a term called, "syndactyly". Her 2 middle toes are also webbed a bit. Anyway, due to our moving this summer, and to just get it done, Emma will have surgery next Wed. It is outpatient, but she will be put under. Ask me for more details if you want, otherwise, I'll just ask you to pray for her and for me. Have a good weekend!

For E

2011-03-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well, my friend E called me today. And because I love her and because she is going through chemo right now, and because she busted my chops about not posting lately(ok, she really didn't bust my chops, but I like to say that even though I don't know what that means). She gently nudged me to update. So this ones for you friend! And in no order, why is it so difficult to arrange photos on this here blog thing? Oh well, enjoy the out of order pics. I'm too tired to work hard to get them in order. Does that give you a clue about how I'm adjusting to 4? Emma is doing so well. I on the other hand, am doing, "ok". Life is busy. I'm working to figure out the new "normal". I'm refereeing mostof the day with the older 2 and younger 2. I should take a class on refereeing, I could use some help.

Judson gently(or not) nudging Emma to get closer to the neighbor's dogs. She actually was not scared at all. When they would bark she would jump a little but not move.
Emma can hold a snack trap with her right hand! How about that! We have seen a few dr's the last few weeks. They all say that she is doing really well and that she is really small. We are going to see a hand surgeon in April, but the dr's don't think that anything will be done because her right hand is pretty functional.
She can say "cheese". Have I mentioned that she is a total ham and loves a camera? Grandma Susan is here to visit for a few days!
Judson and his belly.
In case you think I've forgotten my 2nd born. He loves to dip oreos.

Emma loves her new found oreo's too.
Trying to read to the little ones.
I now like my bath!! Daddy taught me!
Big and small.
Sharing a blanket.
Sunglasses.

She warmed up to Papu.
Our friend Sandra stayed with us a few days as she prepared to move.
o

Who needs toys when you have a recycling bin?

Home at last

2011-03-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

The plane ride home was uneventful! Caroline and Emma slept like champs, which was great, but on my legs, which was a bit uncomfortable! We were delayed in Chicago and like walking zombies. At one point I went to the bathroom with the girls and came back to a sleeping Mark while sitting up. No one stole anything:)

Just getting home at 1:30 am. Mom made it special with balloons!
I woke up hearing Judson yelling, "jie jie" which means big sister in Chinese! He missed her!Happy reunion with the boys!!We had to wake Emma up at 8:30. She actually was up in the night for the first three nights, around 4 am. But has been sleeping thru the night the last 2 nights!! She is sharing Caroline's room. This is Judson finally meeting Emma. Notice my anxious face:) He is pretty rough with her, but she is a champ. It seems like she finds him interesting. She just looks at him and hardly ever cries at his roughness. Lawrence is the sweetest big brother. He is so gentle with her and brings her toys and tries to calm her when she cries! My little boy is growing up!

This is me feeling overwhelmed that first morning. What? 4 kids?

Emma likes the train.

The "twins" sitting by the garbage can. Judson is 6 months older than Emma. And 16 pounds heavier.

2 thumb suckers. They have to share momma's lap and generally won't let the other one sit there alone.

All in all its been such a great adjusting time. That is much due to my serving parents who are still here. I've talked them into staying another week(actually they had already planned on it). Its such a blessing that they are so willing to serve me and our family. I've taken Emma to mulitple dr appts already and couldn't have done it without their help. I wouldn't have any clean house or laundry without them either. Thanks mom and dad!!

Emma is doing great. She is eating solids well. Just ate her first peanut butter sandwich today and has moved on to whole milk! She is sleeping for one nap and through the night. She tools around the house and finds things to play with. She is playing with the kids and the grandparents. We are so blessed to have her and for the ease with which she is blending into our family.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!!

And we're off

2011-02-25T03:56:00.000-08:00

Well, in the am we are. Packing up now, and will head back up north to our old stomping grounds to spend one night with some friends. It will be fun to introduce Emma. Then on Sunday we fly back to KY!! Woohoo, it is time! We arrive at 10pm on Sunday night. Can't wait to hug those boys and introduce Emma to our family and friends!!

Sorry for no pictures, just too crazy packing up. Thanks for journeying with us!!

Megan

Famous Red couch photos and some thoughts on the heart

2011-02-23T21:17:00.000-08:00

The Collins' minus 2 boys!
The 4 families from our agency.

Caroline made some friends with some older girls. Their families were adopting their second child this time.

The heart is a tricky thing yes? One minute I am praising God for ordaining this adoption for us. Really, I'm worshiping Him for arranging our lives to be a part of such an amazing thing, and for what it teaches about my adoption into His family. He saved me from my sin and took me from my father the devil, and adopted me into his family and made me an heir. I'm so thankful. And I'm so thankful for Emma, and the gift she is to me, and to us the Collins' family.

And the next minute I'm dreading the future. I'm worried about what life is going to be like with 4 kids. Yes, I do miss my boys. Oh, I want to hug them and play with them. AND, I'm afraid for life at home, with them all and how crazy it will be to try and meet 4 little peoples needs. And then I remember that God has always been there, he has always helped me. He has never left me not able to do what He has called me to do. And I see that my dread is actually sin, my unbelief that God will help me. It exposes my desire for an easy, 5 star hotel life, where I can sit and eat a buffet bfast everyday. It shows me that valuing ease and comfort is not a promise God has given, nor one that is worth pursuing to find life. And so, I'm repenting of my dread, and asking God to help me to trust that He will give grace for this transition. Of course you can join me!

Orphanage trip

2011-02-23T03:39:00.000-08:00

This is Suixi, Emma's hometown, just a little town of 1.2 million people.This is the front of the orphanage. The director and his wife and some of the office staff.

This was one of 4 of the nanny's that was in Emma's room. She teared up when I asked her about Emma.

This was Emma's room. They said she was in the crib with the girl with the pink coat on. It was 11 am when we got there. The director was moving us through quickly so we didn't get to interact with them much.

This room was beside Emma's.
And this is the playroom with the slide where all of the pictures they sent us were taken.

It was a long day, but so worth it. It was great to be where Emma lived her first 17months of life. Great, but sad as well. Hard to imagine her there, in that crib for most of those 17 months. And hard to see all those kids left behind. We had lunch with the office staff and ran out of things to talk about. They seem like good people, and were very hospitable, but they are really just doing their government job. No talk of the problem of orphans, or how to best care for them. It was all pretty shallow and sad as I reflect on it.

Well, all are in bed now and I'm afraid I'll keep them up with this typing, so I must go. Will try and share more at a later time! We did our final paperwork signing today at the American Consulate. Just waiting on the Chinese passport and hen we can come home!!

What are we doing?

2011-02-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

Well, we are still here in Guangzhou. We went to see some gardens. It is the year of the bunny you know. . . .

The weather got warmer today and wasn't raining so we went to the park.

Caroline and I went and got our hair washed and dryed for $1.50. And I keep feeding Emma all I can. She loves rice porridge and fish baby food(eek). She has been more and more adventurous with walking and even walking away from us. We head to Emma's orphanage tomorrow. It will be a long day, we are flying to the nearest city where the director will pick us up and take us an hour to the orphanage. I've heard this orphanage is really friendly and helpful. I think they will take us to her finding place as well. We leave at 7am and get back around 10pm. Look forward to updating you sometime after we return!
E

Video

2011-02-17T21:51:00.000-08:00

Praises! I am at the computer without Emma, and she is not crying and actually stood up and walked!! We saw her walk the other day for a few minutes, but hasn't since then!! She is walking to Caroline! Yahoo. Slowly, slowly. . . she actually went to bed in the crib last night too, after Mark put her down! In some ways this long time away is so brutal. I miss the boys so much. And yet, I'm working on being thankful for this time, cooped up in a small hotel room, with so little to do but bond with Emma and study her and give her some needed attention. I really am stunned, she is actually moving around the room! Ok, off to enjoy some freedom!

Personality

2011-02-17T04:16:00.000-08:00

Day 4 has gone well. We've made some great strides. We can see more and more of Emma's personality, and personality she has. These pictures show it.
Eating noodles with Daddy.
Walking outside with Daddy.

Happy one minute. . .

Sad the next.

Till tomorrow. . .

Bonding

2011-02-16T02:55:00.000-08:00

Just hanging out in Guangzhou bonding with baby Emma. We made some great strides today! Mark wore her quite a bit in the carrier and she eventually stopped crying!

Smiling again for the camera.Caroline is even working to get some Emma time!

This one is what much of our day looks like, after I try and put her down.

She is pretty tired now, but we are trying to stretch her out a bit. I couldn't put her down last night without her crying, so I had to let her fall asleep on me. She did let me put her down eventually and we all had a great night sleep. We actually woke her up at 7:15 because we were all hungry! Thanks for your encouragement and prayers! We are so thankful for you walking through this with us.

2011-02-15T01:39:00.000-08:00

After a great first night of sleep(for Emma, not for Mark and I! jet lag still going strong) we headed to this office to, well, I'm not sure, but we did sign some papers and tell them that we are happy with Emma and will take good care of her!

She was pretty happy in the am. She is a ham and will smile most every time you take a pic of her.

This was from last night, but was so cute I had to include it. The pics you don't see are of her crying. All day long. I can't really leave her or she cries. She doesn't want much to do with Mark, though we worked today on that. My new friends here say that its good that she is crying, and that she seems to be bonding with me. I'm struggling not feeling suffocated and then feeling bad for feeling that way at all. She wouldn't lay down for a nap, and I'm wondering if she'll go down tonight! Pray for good rest and for right thinking!

We got her!

2011-02-14T03:55:00.000-08:00

We got in a van at 2pm with another family to head to the government building. We were there before we knew it and entering a room with a dozen other families who already received or were about to receive their kids. It was surreal. Emma was not there yet, so I loosened up and took these pictures of excited mom and dad.

Caroline slept on the couch the entire time, missed the whole thing, but did not barf at all, so for that I'm thankful! She has been wiped out all day.

Our new friends baby was there, so I grabbed their camera and went and took a bazillion pics for them. Right as I'm giving the camera back, our guide says, "she's here". Next thing I know Mark is pushing me over to the door and this happens.

They hand over Emma Grace.

We are stunned.

So is she!

She had been on a bus for 8 hours, taken inside and handed over to us.

Caroline finally pepped up and started playing with her. Caroline kept saying, "she's so cute, I wish I could touch her!" We told her to stay a bit away so Emma wouldn't get sick! When Emma cries, and she does, she opens her mouth wide, with no sound, and then tears come. After the tears comes a quiet cry. She is so tiny. I told Mark I'm afraid I'll break her. She has given us some sweet smiles though, like this one.

What a doll! We are so very thankful to be at this day. Right now as I type everyone is sleeping. Pray for us as we adjust and pray for Caroline and Mark to regain health and strength. Thankful that you are sharing our joy with us!

Some thanks are in order

2011-02-13T18:05:00.000-08:00

First thanks to the Sawyers for taking care of a very sick me, and for making it a special time! Second, thanks to John who made continuing this blog from over here possible! He's amazing.

We all had a good night sleep, didn't wake up until 6:30 am. Caroline was acting funny at breakfast and we knew why when she decided to let the contents of her stomach loose right there in the breakfast room. Yup, she's got the bug. She seems to have energy now, but Mark is pretty listless. We met another family getting their girl today too, and she is having some allergic reaction. Man, does the enemy not want us to get our girls or what?

So, rain or shine, throwing up or not, we are going to get Emma at 2pm, 1 am for those of you in the States. She is now sitting on a bus somewhere, on her way to meet us. She has an 8 hour bus ride from the orphanage to here. Can't wait to share pictures after we get her!! It is "Gotcha Day" after all!!

Sick. . . again

2011-02-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note, got the yuckies last night. We leave in an hour for the airport for our flight to Guangzhou. Pray for strength for me, my stomach is still weak and ookie! Thanks friends!

Megan

Fun with friends

2011-02-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

We've had a good few days visiting with old friends and eating yummy food. We have one more day of the same and then we head down south Sunday am. Very surreal that we will get Emma on Monday, hard to process, but excited!

We made it!

2011-02-10T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hey friends,

Thanks for your prayers, we made it safely! The flight was good, Caroline did great, and I'm feeling much better! Will try and send a pic soon!

Megan

We leave tomorrow. . .

2011-02-08T15:35:00.000-08:00

and I'm sick! Pray for good rest and healing for me. I've had a fever and cough since Friday and can't seem to shake it. Got an antibiotic today though, so hopefully that will kick in! Caroline is also sick, so pray for her too!

So thankful for mom and dad being here since Sunday, they have run the house and taken care of the kids while I sat and Mark was off at school.

Pray that I'll rest in God's plans for me and our trip and not hold tightly to the way I think this should go! Look forward to updating you from the other side of the ocean!

Megan

Caroline is 6

2011-02-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, February 1st, Caroline turned 6. We had a party on Saturday and celebrated again yesterday and Lawrence just couldn't understand why she got 2 birthdays so close together. He kept saying, "we'll celebrate my birthday soon, right". Sorry good buddy, see ya next December.

I love having a 6 year old. Caroline is such a great help to me. She loves to keep her checklist and make sure she gets a "daddy dollar" each day. Its rare that I have to remind her that she is my helper and needs to act as such:) She loves to learn too, its fun to teach her, except when I'm tired or ignorant, and I say, "you'll have to ask Daddy that when he gets home".

I was telling her yesterday about how I thought for sure she was a boy. I just thought that boys were supposed to be first, oh and the fact that my mom was convinced that I was having a boy(sorry to out you mom). So when she came and the doctor said, "It's a girl" I was like, "really". He said, "we're you expecting something else?" to which I replied, "um, well, kind of." HA. I am so glad it was Caroline! I can't imagine my life without my sweet, helping, leading, reading, listening, playing, running, oldest daughter Caroline!

We leave in a week for China. We will get Emma on February 14th. Mark, Caroline and I will go and my parents will keep the boys, for 2 1/2 weeks!! Pray for all of us!! Hope to post while we are there:)

Megan

Tickets purchased!!

2011-01-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

Oh my. We just bought our plane tickets to China. Mark, Caroline and I will leave on Feb. 9th. Most likely we will get Emma on Feb. 13. I'm very thankful. It is so strange to imagine leaving here with just Caroline and returning with her and Emma!

Not many words, just thankful and wanted to share the good news!!

Megan

Travel Approval

2011-01-17T16:44:00.000-08:00

Today is the day!! The agency called around 2:15 to tell me the good news, China gave us our official travel approval to come and adopt Emma! The Collins' house is very thankful. They are working on getting our consulate appointment the 3rd week of Feb. which would have us leaving around Feb. 9, but we will have to wait and see if that works. We should know in the next few days.

I'm now thankful for 3 weeks to prepare for our trip and to welcome Emma into our family and home!

Baby animal book

2011-01-12T04:21:00.001-08:00

Just waiting here. Trying to be faithful with what I have as I wait. Waiting on the next thing in this adoption hasn't been too hard up to this point. It hasn't been emotional. In fact, sometimes I look at Emma's picture and wonder what I should be thinking or feeling. I pray for God to protect her and bring us to her as soon as possible, and then I wait. I was hoping to hear from our agency yesterday that we got our last approval, but nope, she didn't call.

So, I'm a bit flustered at my emotion this morning. I was just reading an animal book with Judson and he kept pointing to the pictures and saying, "baby, mommy, daddy" After a few pages of this I started to think about Emma. These animals get to snuggle with their mommy and daddy and Emma doesn't. That makes time seem more important, she needs us! God did not intend for babies to not have mommies and daddies.

Some people have asked why we would want to adopt when we already have 3 children. Well, its not really about us, or our 3 children, its about a little girl in an orphanage, who will go to bed right about now, with no stories, probably not many kisses, and awake in the morning to the same.

Maybe this will be the day we hear some news.

Emma at 16 months!

2011-01-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

We got an update from the orphanage today! Here is Emma on that same slide from 3 months ago.

Wanna see it in black and white?
Of course you do!! Isn't she cute? The update also told us that she is 14.7 pounds, 27 inches and has 6 teeth! That 14.7 pounds is a bit alarming, so light. I'm hoping it is the normal, "often babies in orphanages are small", but won't know until we get her. I can't wait to get her home and fatten her up!

Along those lines, it seems that we got our next approval, and tomorrow our documents will go to the China Adoption Affairs office to be approved for the final, (did I say final? YES I did!) final travel approval, or TA if you are into adoption acronyms. This approval could take 3-4 weeks. After we get the TA, we can make a consulate appointment and that will be when we travel. Looks like February it is!!

We are excited!! Here is another picture of our Emma!
So serious.
Sepia?

Lawrence is 4!!

2010-12-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

Lawrence's birthday was yesterday! 4 years of knowing him. I was remembering the craziness of needing a cab in the middle of the night and Mark having to wake up a cabbie to get him to take us to the hospital! Lawrence has been a joy and a special means of helping me to see how selfish I am and how quick I am to be angry. But, that is another post. This is to celebrate the little boy who loves legos and loves cake! Here it is in pictures.