Hi All,
Anybody out there listening? No comments for a few days (and we love those) so we thought you could let us know if you’re still reading or not. So, please leave a quick comment … even a quick “Hi!” with your name is good on this post. We’re a little curious who is still reading. We know we’re close to returning home … but we miss you all and love even the small connection this blog provides.
Also, we’re offering a cool little gift for the most “substantive” comments for the rest of the trip. It is a hand drawn bookmark from right here in Guangzhou! And by “hand drawn”, I mean no brushes or implements were used in the painting of it … which you will find unbelievable. So if you find that a suitable inducement … comment away! Oh, and we can probably only send it to those living in the US … sorry!
Love and miss you all!
April 20th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Hey Tom and Sandy – Thank you for being so generous and open about your experiences. Claire is absolutely beautiful, and I enjoy such a sweet, tender feeling everytime I read. You’re in our prayers.
April 20th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
I still read it all the time! I love it! I can’t wait to meet Claire! Thanks for putting it all up so we can be updated
April 20th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Still here in Suzhou ….. And giving updates to all the volunteers from Wuzhong.
April 21st, 2010 at 4:24 am
I love reading your blog. I can’t wait to talk to you, Sandy. I have a million questions. Keep posting updates!!!!
April 21st, 2010 at 5:20 am
Of course we’re still reading and enjoying your very entertaining (and touching) recaps. My particular favorites include the “cheeky” Barbie, the girlie man squeals at the swimming pool, and the boys’ faces on the sideline of the silk fashion show. I, however, can smell the fishiness through the computer as I watch your street videos. I’m not sure I would be able to stomach it. It all seems highly unsanitary.
My mom just had rotator cuff surgery, so I’m not sure she’ll be able to respond to your roll call, but she is reading as well. Unfortunately she’s heavily medicated, and heaven only knows what she might type in. She might benefit from some products from Alcohol Ocean (if you know what I’m saying).
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I’m just fascinated by the differences between your adoption process compared to ours. But in the end, they both result in a fulfillment of God’s plan. It’s just beautiful. Be safe.
April 21st, 2010 at 5:58 am
Thanks for the “check ins” so far. It’s just fun to know you are all out there still! It’s only 8am MST … but I’m heading to bed. Hope for a few more of these when we wake up!
Thanks, again, for all of the well wishes and prayers. Claire continues to struggle emotionally … but we feel like we had a bit of a break through today. What started out as a REALLY bad meltdown turned into a great night. It’s not all about her behavior … so much of it is Sandy and I learning how to best help her through what she is feeling. We feel like we did a better job today and it showed by the end of the night. She was giving us kisses and even told us she felt happy! She also played the “bedtime delay game” … which we’ve read is a very good thing. It means she wants to stay up with us and continue to connect and bond … we’ll take it. Just hope our other kids are OK with it?!
April 21st, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Still here! Love you guys! J.
April 21st, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Well I don’t qualify for the gift but decided to let you know…I’M LOVING EVERY WORD YOU WRITE! I’m living vicariously through your amazing journey! As a volunteer at Claire’s orphanage this is the absolute best!!! Rarely do we get to see a happy ending and even less do we get to follow it along! I’m just in awe of God’s amazing plan for sweet little Claire and so thrilled to be an observer of His wonderful work! God bless you all today as you begin your journey home… It is where Claire has waited a lifetime to be and now her journey is finally happening! Safe travels and hopefully you’ll continue to find small moments every now and again to keep us posted on life with 5 little Weeks!!!
April 21st, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Just wanted you to know that you have some Wyoming fans…we are checking out the blog daily but I am horrible leaving comments. Claire is beautiful and when I am helping Darcy this summer hopefully we will see you all. Hope the rest of your trip is wonderful and we are keeping you in our prayers.
April 21st, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Hey guys – we are still reading everyday. Thanks again for sharing all of this with us. We are so excited to meet Claire in person. We think Claire and Tate will be such good friends and Levi always says “Claire” when we’re reading your blog (well, it’s understandable to us anyway, probably not to anyone else
). We love you guys and you’re constantly in our thoughts and prayers!
Andy
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:50 am
I just wanted you to know we are reading every word and loving sharing in your journey. We are loving doing what we can with your other four as well. I am so happy to know you are now in Hong Kong. I know this part of the trip will be a little more like a vacation. Dad and I know how much you love it. It was one of our favorite places as well. Be safe and enjoy every moment. We cannot wait to meet Claire. We already love her. Love, Mom and Grandma
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:44 am
We have been silently enjoying your posts. Will try to be more vocal (because you asked, not because we are vying for the bookmark:). Can’t express how much we are enjoying your journey. Thanks for sharing.