Brief update

I feel guilty for not updating this blog sooner, though I know you'd say, "I understand." Knowing that there are people interested in us and praying for us does mean a lot to us, and we are glad that you have come back to visit this site!

Mayana continues to blossom! We are so impressed with her progress in every arena of life. Her English acquisition has sky-rocketed! It is so fun to hear her speak in sentences and even tell stories. Consistently affectionate with us, she loves to hug, cuddle, and wrestle.

This past week brought two extra blessings. Mayana was able to reconnect with two friends from China. Gabbie, a younger child, is one whom Mayana helped take care of at the orphanage. At six years old and home 11 months, Gabbie greatly enjoyed reconnecting with Mayana and vice versa. What fun the four Chinese girls had playing together for quite a few hours a week ago! Then, four days later, Mayana had a visit from Ruby, a 10 year old quite recently adopted, who lives in northern Ohio. While communication was difficult for them (Mayana refused to speak Cantonese and Ruby doesn't yet speak English), they still seemed to enjoy just being together.

Later, Mayana dictated this email to Ruby (she started typing it, but since I had to tell her all the letters, it would have taken all night):

Ruby,

i had a great time playing with you~~~~~~ [end of Mayana typing]

I hope we can see each other again.

I can see you

have fun with your sisters. I like my sisters very much.

Are you happy?

Do you miss Maoming? You can say English and your daddy help you. I like you very so much.

Gabbie (Mao Huan He) & me & Ruby & Mei Ru & QuanShin & Mei Feng & MeiShao & Lia & Grace all from China. And Mei Ke & Mei Na & somebody & MaoShouGuan (boy) MaoShouTang (girl) gbvfftrytrd;'jh, fdgtr [Mayana typing again] & Mao Oy Ho == all from China, go to mommies and daddies.

We dance in China.

Mayana all done, (she insisted I put the "all done" right here)

I tried to add a few names to the list above - names of girls whom she knows who are still in China - and she said, "No. Not yet have mommies and daddies. They come later."

I sure hope they do, and I hope they get wonderful families!!!

Thanks for reading everybody!

Photos coming soon!

Pam