The Beginning of this Journey...

The Lord began this journey towards our second adoption about 1 year ago. He put on our hearts to sponsor Kay - at Harmony Outreach and we did. When i first saw her, i fell in love with her and prayed for her to join our family. It wasn't until May 2008 that the Lord began to use her to open our hearts to adoption again. That was when we had John Bentley from Harmony Outreach (her foster program) staying with us and he told us that Kay was ready to be adopted internationally. We prayed about her and began the adoption process again. Unfortunately, it wasn't in God's plan for her to join our family but He did use her to open our hearts up to adoption again and we are excited to see where He takes us. We are Trusting in Him.

The Lord has brought Maylynn into our lives and hearts on Nov. 21st (that is when we received her referral). We are excited to see Him bring her home to us. Please pray for the rest of our journey. We can't wait to bring Maylynn home...

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Guangzhou - Aug. 1

Yesterday was actually a really bad day - i had my break down moment last night and just let it all out -it felt good, my heart was so broken... Maylynn definately went backwards yesterday but today was an exceptionally NEW day!  We saw so much more of her personality today and it is precious!  We thought for sure she'd be whinny and crying miserable all day b/c of her shots but that was not the case.  She kind of sat by herself for breakfast, smiles, playing with me, blowing me kisses, playing peek a boo, playing ball, dancing, singing - granted there were a few times when she'd try to resist me... we are now keen on when she is just being dramatic or a power struggle:)  So, we pick and choose the battles;)
 
I gave her bath this morning and was able to do pony tails today - so darn cute!! We had a wonderful breakfast here - i think that the 4 lbs. that i lost last week i will be gaining this week - although, we are still sweating about 2 lbs a day - no need to work out to break a sweat here! It was wonderful to see so many Americans at breakfast - some familiar faces from Nanning too... We met Rebecca (guide) at 9:30 for Maylynn's medical exam.  Before the exam we had her passport/visa picture taken - i was able to get a cute smiling picture - then we headed to the medical exam.  The examiners were very good with her and understanding (better than when we were there 4 yrs ago) The last stop was the shots and TB test - we thought she was going to have 6 shots but only ended up with 4.  We had quickly said a pr-yer before this step and we were so pleased to hear that she only needed 4 shots -still that is 4 too many that we wanted to do here but unfortunately it is mandatory and we cannot opt out of it - it had to be done to complete the adoption and get her visa.  The CDC and NVC require this for Hague families;( Hopefully, they will change this for others int he future.  She didn't cry with the TB test but there were tears flowing for the shots - we had to wait there for about 20 minutes before we could leave.  So far she has not had any reaction to anything - we did give her tylenol this afternoon and evening just in case:)  We have to go back Mon. morning to look at the TB test spot.
 
Lance and Maylynn found the playroom and had a great time playing while Rebecca and i finished organizing paperwork.  After lunch Maylynn and Daddy napped while i took the laundry down to get done and did more shopping:) After naps, we treated ourselves to Starbucks! - very expensive though and probably won't do it again... Then we headed back to the playroom - it was fun watching Maymay play with the other kids - she was so good with them.  It's funny to see people's reactions when we tell them her age - she looks more like 3 to us and this is what everyone else thinks too... In the playroom, there is a picture of her playing with another 2 yr. old girl and Maymay is about 1 head taller than her:)  But Maymay's speech is more like a 2 yr. old  - so who knows??? When Maylynn told us she was done playing we headed back to the room and played some more - coloring, stickers, ball, and with her new musical toy - i got some very cute video of her dancing:)  We had a nice dinner at an italian restaurant at the other end of the island and now we are back at the hotel for our night time routine.  Like i said, today was a great day:) We are looking forward to more fun times tomorrow - we think we are doing some touring with our guide.
 
Thanks so much for all of the pr-yers and comments - they are so encouraging:)
 
ps. don't forget to check out the pictures on the shutterfly website:)

6 comments:

Still Waters said...

It is so awesome to hear your Tranparency Kristen! It is also wonderful to hear how God met you right there, picked you up, dusted you off and encouraged you to keep persevering! God is so good and it is so encouraging to hear Him working through all of these things!

The Ordinary Horse said...

Kirsten, I teared up reading the first part of this post. I remember from 3 years ago the exhaustion and feeling of disconnectedness that you're feeling. I am so happy to hear tho that you had a better day today and to see that beautiful, happy photo of Maylynn with her piggies! She is adorable and I believe you are on the verge of much happier moments and more accepting, trusting moments with her. I also wanted to tell you that when you said that Meiying already knew about us, it gave me goosebumps and I had a feeling we were going to be hearing something from the CCAA soon. Well, yesterday (Friday here in the States), our agency called and told us we got LOA (n/k/a LSC) and to expect TA in 3-4 weeks! It's been a super week thanks to you and Lance and thanks to the CCAA!! Okay, hugs and prayers continue from here for all you. You're doing fantastic. Keep the faith and stay strong (but the tears are all part of it too). -Sarah

CK said...

Ohhh, she is so beautiful and precious!! I am so glad you finally had a GOOD day! Reminds me of our Hannah's transition. Pr*ying for more great day for you!!

elizabeth said...

Praise God for His mercy and grace to you! I'm so glad you had a better day today. What a smile!!!! I can't wait to meet Maylynn. Let me know what you think about some of us meeting you at the airport. We aren't really sure if that will be a good idea; we don't want to overwhelm Maylynn. We'll follow your lead.

Love you friend.

lindy said...

Sounds like you are doing wonderfully on picking your battles and where to work on making headway. :) One thing our therapist has been having us do to bond with our new 3 yr old boy is to give him a cup w/a few treats in it and I have one too. Then He feeds me one looking into my eyes and then I can feed him one, looking into his eyes. Just an idea for you to try if you like. I love your story and the progress you are making. Lance is the good guy and You are the bad one. That is SO normal with little ones. No matter the situation they usually are mad at mom not being there and will try to let you know that you are not their mom. You will be. It just takes time. She is young enough that she will not ever remember this, just the stories you repeat along the way :) We will remember you all this week. He is Good. They are a blessing and You both are amazing parents. Cya soon!

Connie J said...

What an answer to prayer this day way! We will continue lifting your family up.
Many Blessings!