We are some what of a tourist attraction to the locals here so we have learned to just go with it and call it our celebrity status. I don't think it's our good looks-but purely the combination of children, hair and eye colors that have people really confused and guessing! If we stay in one place for too long we have a a group of people surrounding us and taking pictures, so we have taken to taking pictures of them now too! It gets most people smiling and everyone having a good time. On a serious note- it's sad that people can not even imagine how our family could all possibly go together. We feel as natural as ever- God given and created with love. Today when we left the orphanage and the nannies told our guide our family has so much love within it, and yes we do. Only because we live for a God that loves us so much that we can live our lives serving him in obedience. That's why we feel so loved!
Today we went to the center of Chongqing. This is kind of like their "Times Square". They have the clock tower which represents when Chongqing was liberated from the wartime as their own province. Chongqing is a city of over 36 million people, with an area as large as Austria.
These ladies kept following us for the entire walk so I finally just took their picture when we stopped to take our picture. Apparently they were very pleased!
No Jordan does not normally ride in the stroller, but we have had some long days without a lot of sleep. Feng Nianjie walks fairly well, but we have walked a lot and he does need some spoiling to make up for missed years!
How do you fit us all in a vehicle in China? Five across the back in a minivan . The kids love it. ( most of the time)
FORMAL ADOPTION DAY ---MAKING SURE HE"S GOT HIS CREW WITH HIM!
Just a glimpse of Chongqing. This is what you see everywhere!
Feng Nianjie is a total boy throwing stones into the river!
Everyone was getting a little hot--not to thrilled with Mom's idea for a picture!
Fell asleep on the way to the formal adoption hearing.
I had fallen in love with those eyes a long time ago....now I get to see them every day!
Thank goodness someone more official showed up for our ceramony than this jokester!
This time Dad brought his own shirt for the ceremony!!! Last year he had to borrow the shirt for another lifeline family! But too bad Huahua had been sleeping on his should and drooled all over it! Poor Dad can't catch a break!
Feng Nianjie was so happy and proud of himself through the ceremony! He told our guide he understands what we are saying to him. We will do things we ask of him but still walks around talking to us in Chinese. He is very smart and is catching onto English very quickly.
Lots of giggles going around in the back seat. Please keep Jackson is your prayers. As he anticipated this would be his "best friend" brother and right now Feng Nianjie has gravitated towards Justin. They each have their special spot with him, (Like Jackson and Feng Nianjie both have the deep belly giggle laughs together) but it is hard for Jackson to watch him bond with his brother more. He has attached very quickly to Ryan. And as an adult, I can understand that this is a good sign and appreciate the positiveness in this moving forward and will wait my turn for him to fall in love with me when he is ready. But right now Jackson heart is hurting for his brother.
As soon as we pulled into the orphanage today, Wan mama spotted us and came running over. Huahua got a big smile on her face and wanted to get her special necklace out for her. Wan Mama took care of her during her surgery and has a very special place in her heart for Huahua. The nannies were all over her but Huahua definately made it known she was Mama's girl. She played around with them but always wanted to be sure Mama was in sight. The nannies played with her hair, wanted to help her with the bathroom and clothes as if she never left. They truly loved her.
This sweet girl was just sitting while we passed out candy to the children outside It was a beautiful day almost 80 degrees in town. The orphanage is up in the mountain a bit so possibly 70 degress but everyone was still very bundled up.
Huahua giving Jun Mama her special necklace.
Playing in his classroom.........showing Jackson the ropes!
Jun Mama, myself, Huahua and Wan Mama
Passing out candies to his friends. Feng Nianjie is such a sweetheart. He will pass out to others before he gives to himself. Very selfless and caring of others.
Jordan sharing her artwork with the little girl in the orange and yellow sweater.
Justin and Jackson playing basketball with their new friend.
Justin did a wonderful job drawing this shy boy in and befriending. They got a ball and started playing together.
Wan Mama doing Huahua's hair.
This little girl they said was not communicative and cognitively impaired. As we spent time with her she began to respond back to us. She clearly is in there and needs a family to bring her out. She smiles and enjoyed the art work from Jordan. These children need someone to step out in faith and believe in them. They all have a purpose and God did not make mistakes in their perfectly created bodies. We as Christians need to realize their potential and learn to love them as they were created in God's image. They to teach us to love unconditionally.
This little boy has the sweetest smile!
This was Feng nianjie's Nannie for the past three years! Lots of tears shed today!
Justin finally got his friend to smile. Sad when you have no hope in life to smile about.
The children enjoyed hugs and kisses as much as we did giving them! So proud of our children in this experience. We cannot teach about this. We had to experience this with them. So thankful we were able to do this as a family!
This little girl was so sweet and petite. So loved to be snuggled. Who wouldn't want to be her mama?
And then there were the good byes.... we HATE the good byes......... Because it
Oh how it hurts................
for those thousands we leave behind. As we left the building, Justin's new friend stood out on the balcony with his sad face and waved. Justin's heart is just broken for him. We all ache and realize we are doing God's work (no matter how hard or how much it hurts) and we will continue to advocate, because these little lives are precious in God's eyes and worthy of being loved within a family.
Wow it has been some very busy days. So thankful that you got to bring your whole family with you this time. Congratulations on the adoption of your new son.
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