..........................Journey to Mei .... China 2008

Mayana turns 10 !!

2010-12-19T13:08:00.005-05:00

It is so hard to believe that two years have passed since we traveled to China to adopt Mayana who had just turned eight. Two years ago we were there, celebrating Christmas with our new daughter, Guangzhou style.

Now she is 10. She had a great birthday with her girl friends. And we are gearing up for Christmas #3 with her.

Mayana is such a wonderful blessing to us ... a loving daughter, excellent helper, great friend to her sisters, and a hard worker at school. This year she learned how to play soccer and really enjoys it.

Attached are some photos from her party.

School is Off to a Great Start

2010-09-05T20:44:00.002-04:00

Ahhh, the beginning of the year when young students are so excited about learning new things. I wish it could last. This time of year is busy, busy, busy. It's crazy. But finally this weekend I am having plenty of time to rest up.

Hint for those who homeschool and those who don't: If you haven't heard of it, check out spellingcity.com. A fun way to learn the spelling words on your lists! Grace is begging for her fourth list already after acing the first three (and this is after only two weeks of school!)

Hope your year is off the a great start, too.

Pam

School Time is Coming

2010-08-17T20:17:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that the summer is nearly done. Looking back at weeks filled with camps and travels, we breathe a contented sigh. And yet, it is not quite over. This week is our crazy week of parties -- Grace's friend, Liana, stayed two nights, and then 3 of AnneMarie's friends are here tonight. Tomorrow is Kayla's party at the park ... Sweet Sixteen ... and then Friday the girls celebrate with another friend sleepover away .... Then we all take a deep breath before diving into the first week of school.

We were so blessed by an eventful, fun-filled summer with so much personal and spiritual growth ... may the same be true for the Fall ....... for all.

End of July update

2010-07-27T19:38:00.002-04:00

Here are some photos from our Colorado trip......

It's the last week of July, now, and we finally have AnneMarie back home. She was gone for 16 days at camp in KC, MO. She is so glad to be home. I hung out with her all day yesterday. She had a great, awesome time there at the International House of Prayer Teen Camp. She's so full of love for God and for everyone ... it is so fun to see so overflowing like this. Yesterday she kept saying, "I love you, Mom. I love you, Dad. I love you, Kayla." I'm praying all this lasts!

Next week Kayla turns 16. She's learning to drive. Oh my!! AnneMarie turns 14 the week after that.

All 5 girls are off to camp again next week - this time in NOrthern Ohio. K and A are camp counselors. The younger three are campers. It's for 3 nights.

Mayana continues to do well. She is so beautiful and funny, nearly always smiling, and so very helpful all the time. What a delight to us all .. well, most of the time: she does drive her older sisters crazy with silliness and immaturity. But isn't that her job?

Grace has started gymnastics again, and again has been asked to consider a competitive team (this time cheerleading). She loves the sport, but hates an audience. Go figure! Lia continues to amaze us with her brainiac questions and aspirations. So ironic that her awkwardness around others makes her seem unintelligent. But she's growing in that area, too. And she is just so pretty. Someday Lia will be supporting the rest of us or discovering the cure for cancer.

Tom is loving the summer .. as always... and so am I. Summer is my favorite time - as always.

Hannah and Mayana - Colorado Springs

2010-07-06T19:53:00.002-04:00

Friends so happy to see each other!

Hannah with us at Garden of the Gods.

Colorado was Awesome!!

2010-07-01T15:51:00.002-04:00

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip out West! (We came home to a computer that wasn't working, so I am behind on getting photos up. I hope to post them here very soon!)

Recommendations:

Go West with your family! It's worth the driving, for sure. This was our first trip, and we were in awe at the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. We will probably go even farther next time.

Take your time if you can. We visited St. Louis (great fun at the arch, the zoo, and the science museum) and KC, MO (great time at IHOP and at science museum) on our way. Cutting the driving into 5 hour blocks made the trip so much easier.

Colorado Springs is beautiful and fun. We wished we had spent a few more days there. Don't miss Focus on the Family's Odyssey experience if you have younger kids. Pikes Peak was best half way up - stop at the crystal clear blue lake. We picnicked there and adored the spot. Garden of the Gods (free) was amazing and fun for the kids to climb on rocks. Our stay at the Best Western Academy Hotel was top notch. The breakfast was amazing - made to order omelets, waffles loaded with fruit, and more!

Estes Park was an awesome place to camp and hike. We stayed five nights at Estes Park Campground (beautiful views and pretty decent sites.) We hiked on four of the days, but I do wished we'd hiked further up the water falls. We enjoyed the Alluvial Fan hikes (up and down) a lot and several more. There is mostly hiking and shopping and not much else (except good restaurants like the Dunraven Inn), but simply being there, with gorgeous views all around, was an awe-inspiring experience (every hour, every day). God is an awesome Creator!!

Drury Hotels are a good deal for families. You essentially get your dinner and breakfast free! (But when in Colorado Springs use the BW Academy instead.)

The kids were great in the car. One secret was listening to books on tape. We recommend: The Watsons go to Birmingham, Among the Hidden, River of Fire (Atherton series), and Chasing Tigers (Or was it Taming Tigers). (The kids would add Penderwicks series to that, but that was a different trip.)

Come back for photos!

Princess Photo Album, Friday evening

2010-05-31T17:24:00.001-04:00

Ignore the ad at the beginning ... this will play a beautiful montage.

This free scrapbook made with Smilebox

Our Girl's Princess Retreat - we just returned.

2010-05-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

Nine young ladies, ages 7 through 10, came together for something so special and wonderful this past week. Through worship, prayer, and Bible study combined with creative expression through crafts and other interactive, hands-on experiences, they were transformed into Princesses of the Most High King. Of these nine princesses, five are adopted children, four from China, and one other princess has a little sister adopted from China. Unique in their individual beauty and personalities, bringing in a wide variety of experiences and idiosyncrasies, they found unity in friendship and compassion for each other, learning that being a princess is about caring for others, showing honor, and sharing. Primarily, though, they learned that the King of Kings is totally in love with each one of them and that they have a beautiful and wondrous destiny in His Kingdom.

Watching the radiance of God’s presence on these princesses as they danced, created, and explored filled our hearts with joy. On a sunny morning we trekked down a cool, sparkling creek, wading and discovering brilliant gems hidden amongst the rocks. At the end of our trek, nestled in rocks, sat a crown filled with more colorful gems and jewels - pink, green, red, blue, yellow, gold, and clear – sparkling in the sunlight. The girls let the jewels flow through their fingers and learned more about being beautiful, like a jewel in the crown of their king. Much later, after dark, we celebrated, telling stories around a campfire and roasting marshmallows.

After two days of preparation and learning, the girls celebrated with a crowning ceremony. With white dresses flowing, carrying their own bouquets of fresh flowers, and wearing crowns they created, the princesses descended the stairs and lined up for an amazing worship dance. The princesses then took communion with their families and danced with their daddies. A special ceremony of dedicating their lives to Jesus sealed the evening in awe-inspiring beauty and joy. Topping it all off with special cake and ice cream, the radiant princesses began asking, “When can we have another Princess Retreat?”

PHOTOS TO COME! Come back soon.

Many Thanks to: Jesus, our King of Kings!

Barb Grimshaw, of Incense Aroma Ministries, for leading the children and orchestrating all the amazing activities throughout.

Monica Blackburn, for initiating and organizing the retreat, and for preparing such a wonderful celebration.

Kayla Amlung, assistant children’s leader, for her love and hard work throughout the retreat.

And last but not least, Quiet Waters for hosting us in the perfect setting with such comfortable accommodations and Sonya Strom for providing delicious meals.

Recommended reading for parents: Wendy A. Pidkaminy, Parenting Challenging Children With Power, Love and Sound Mind.

Wow! Talk about a different way of looking at parenting!

If you miss following something here and want to follow my spiritual journey with my kids, particularly the three from China, go to afamilyhouseofprayer.blogspot.com.

Thankful ... so thankful

2010-03-06T21:31:00.002-05:00

Friday evening I was at Cincinnati House of Prayer, one of our favorite places of worship. As I held Lia and watched Mayana dancing with her arms raised to heaven, I sang along with our worship leader, "Thank you, Jesus, for all you've done for me." I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. I felt so chosen ... He chose me to parent these beautiful girls. Out of hundreds of adopting moms and millions of orphans, God chose to match us so perfectly. The wonder of it all hit me again, as it has been washing over me for a few months now, of Mayana's amazing journey. That a child who was raised knowing a chant to Buddha, in a country that suppresses religious expression, should come into our family with a heart so wide open to love and worship Jesus, just blows my mind. Her heart for worship far surpasses that of other children her age, including her two close in age sisters. This heart of hers ... I certainly would not have anticipated this.

I am also so thankful for Mayana's love that she expresses to me. Tonight after I prayed for them and turned off the light, she said, "Mommy?" yes, Mayana. "I have your love and your hug." I replied, "That's good. You keep them for me until tomorrow." What a miracle that this child can stare deeply into my eyes, with her eyes, like lovely chocolate pools, seem to absorb the love that flows from my own eyes of green with a hint of blue!

Did I tell you that what she thought of us at first? She was scared because we were ugly and talked funny! She had never seen anyone like us, except in pictures. And even though she had seen our photos ... a whole photo album that we sent with letters ... she wasn't prepared for the reality - especially our noses in 3-D !

But the eye contact now is truly amazing to me. It far surpasses that of my other two ... even after all these years.

I could go on and on tonight, but I will save more for later. And I hope tomorrow to post some snow pics. (Now that we are breathing a deep sigh of relief that Spring is coming.)

One Year of English

2010-01-21T16:32:00.002-05:00

Mayana's progress with her English is amazing ... but what is also amazing is the sheer number of words and idioms we use every single day. One sure doesn't appreciate how many words we use regularly, and interchangeably, until she has someone around who is just learning.

Yesterday I told Mayana, "We will just wait until later to do your reading so your brain can be engaged."

"Engaged?" she asked with a laugh. I am just a young girl. I don't need to get married!" More giggling like mommy has truly lost it this time.

"No, it is a different kind of engaged."

But she was laughing too much about getting married (which apparently is very funny anyway) to listen to the new meaning.

Peace to all,
Pam

Time to feel better

2010-01-10T13:41:00.002-05:00

I have been hoping to post Christmas photos and wish everyone happy new year but I have been sick for nearly two weeks and most everything is hard to do because my mind is so fuzzy. If God's strength is truly made perfect in weakness, then I expect to feel a lot of his strength coming into me really soon!

The kids have been great during this time, and we've actually kept up with a modified school schedule for a whole week of school. They are a true blessing.

If you think of it, pray for me. I want to be completely well very soon!

Pam

Merry Christmas to all !

2009-12-20T20:40:00.002-05:00

Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ....

Joy to the World!

A blessed Christmas tree.....

Hi everybody,

Merry Christmas! One year ago we were in China, the weather spring-like, or hearts full of anticipation. Now we stand amazed that a year has passed and our daughter, Mayana, has blossomed into such a beautiful example of God’s goodness. Thank you all for standing with us in prayer during this past year.

Last night our three little angels dressed in white robes, stood at the front of church, saying, “Glory to God in the highest.” How are hearts swelled with gratitude as we considered how blessed we are!

We have also just celebrated Mayana’s 9^th birthday. Now, for two and half months we have two 9-year-old daughters. Lia turned 7 in September, Kayla 15 and AnneMarie 13 in August. (I used to say that 7 was my favorite age, but my new favorite is 15.)

We are looking forward to new and exciting things in the coming year. Can you believe it will be 2010? I hope to start a new blog in the coming year, too, so stay tuned.

Many blessings to all!!

Quote of the day ...

"Hey, Grace. You look like a Chinese girl!" -- Mayana

"Well, so do you!" - Grace

Mayana' Turns 9 and celebrates 1 year with us!

2009-12-17T15:05:00.003-05:00

One year ago we were in China ... Mayana had already had her birthday, turning 8 without us. This year we celebrated Mayana's 9th birthday at home with a few friends and family. How special to have her first at home birthday. She is so beautiful at nine!

One year later ... a birthday at home with Mommy and Daddy

My first birthday with my Mommy

A birthday with sisters and friends

Birthday, with Grandma and Grandpa Strom
y.

Three little home depot elves... Merry Christmas everybody!

Both nine, & coming soon ....

2009-12-14T17:19:00.003-05:00

Hey! We're both nine at the same time!!

Posts coming soon...

Mayana's birthday photos.

Merry Christmas letter.

More photos ... come back next week, please.

Another August Post -- there are three more below!

2009-08-24T21:54:00.003-04:00

August is a full month here at the Amlung house. We start with two birthdays, usually go somewhere, and end with our anniversary, Tom returning to school, and homeschool starting up again. How we do this, we don't know!

Homeschool kicked off today. I hope to post more on that later.

Here are a few more August highlights....

well, the first is July,

the girls ready to jump off a rock into a creek -
Natural Bridge, KY
(Home of my brother's wonderful retreat center - Quiet Waters!)

Lia waving a flag at Signs and Wonders camp,
northeast Ohio

More kids, dancing at Signs and Wonders Camp...

The kids had an awesome time. All my five and the fifty others. Way cool!

Happy Birthday, K and A !

2009-08-24T19:10:00.005-04:00

We all had a fantastic time at a big party for Kayla turning 15 and AnneMarie turning 13. Two teenagers!! We had big fun for two big girls.

Kayla posing before the yummy cake!

And AnneMarie's lovely pose!

One glimpse at the egg toss.

Visit from Mei Shao - Early August

2009-08-24T15:41:00.005-04:00

What a treat! Mayana had fun with one of her friends from China over the first weekend in August. Mayana and Mei Shao (Marley) remembered each other right away. With Mayana's two sisters and Marley's sister, also from China, we had five beautiful girls all about the same size to pose for photos.

Thanks, Marley and family for making a special stop at our house!

Old firends.

New friends!

Pictures from Amish Country Trip

2009-06-28T14:32:00.007-04:00

Beautiful Amish Country, near Berlin, Ohio
(more details in next post)

As we drove along, mile after mile,
Grace and Lia made up a song to fit the lovely views ...
"Acres and acres of corn,
acres and acres of wheat,
.... etc.
Until we pulled in to a cemetery, and Lia added,
"Acres and acres of people who died!" right in melody and cadence.

Just after getting "kicked out" of the Amish school.
Something about dress-code, I think!

Who is cuter, the bunnies or the visitors?
(We three girls sure attract a lot of attention wherever we go.)

Classic! This Amish boy is trying to convince his young mule to come back to the barn!

What a giant horse! Taller than AnneMarie (who is now as tall as me!)

My first pony ride! Yee ha!
Round and round and round we go!

"Sally"
The Amish raise puppies for sale, like this ShihTzu.
We almost brought her home; she was so adorable!

Our Family Camping Trip - Amish Country

2009-06-25T21:30:00.004-04:00

We had a wonderful camping trip! Amish country is beautiful, weather was fantastic, and each step of the journey went smoothly. It is so fun to see all the firsts with Mayana. Among others ... for the first time she rode a pony, rode in a horse drawn carriage, fed goats and lambs and horses, held a sparkler by the fire, and watched cheese being made.

Kayla was thrilled with our tours and the experience of being with "real live Amish people." We spent a lot of time talking, and I can see now why she is drawn to their way of life. She loves the sense of community, and the way they share so much in common. I hope that she will be able to experience that sense of community and closeness with friends and families in her future! (Oh, and she likes the dresses, too. Anyone know where we can buy an Amish dress??)

It was a relaxing time - no big physical activities, just simple fun. Good for people recovering from that accident back in late February.

I will post photos soon.

I'd recommend Amish country as a great destination in Ohio. If you go, consider Berlin, Ohio. It is full of interesting ways to experience Amish culture. While a bit touristy, it is great for kids who are interested in learning in a hands on environment. Best tour - Yoder's Amish Farm. Best free things - Heini's Cheese factory (lots of free samples plus free tour; decent prices on cheese and bulk spices); Herschberger Bakery -- feed the animals & take a picnic if you like (rides and animal feed are extra). Best campground -- Long Lake Park Campground (great staff and wonderful pool), quite pretty.

Hope you can go sometime!

Mayana 's Birthday Party -- 8 1/2

2009-06-14T16:58:00.004-04:00

Mayana is now updating the blog ..... with some help!!

I had fun at my birthday party yesterday! My cake was a beautiful princess cake, and it had rings on it. Many friends came to my party, and we had fun playing paper dolls, puzzles, Pollys, and making necklaces, and playing Mother May I. We sat on balloons to make them pop. We put our feet on the balloons to pop them, too. My friends brought me nice present and we took pictures.

Grandma came, but Grandpa and Daddy went to go watch a big movie instead.

Here are some pictures!

Grandma and me.... so wonderful !

Eating cake ... delicious !

Lots of friends - and sisters & cousin, too.

My cake .... so beautiful !

Popping a balloon !

I love my mommy !

Mayana is 8 1/2 today:

2009-06-12T16:19:00.006-04:00

We had our 6 months SW visit last week. Mayana talked and talked. She told the SW a list of about 50 food items that she liked and told her many other things as well. She had this huge smile on her face, sitting in my lap, all happy to be interviewed. What a hoot! Needless to say our SW was quite impressed. Here is the family photo that we sent to China.

We started summer by going on a camping trip. Mayana greatly enjoyed everything - creeking, camping, hiking, etc. with friends and cousins.

Today is Mayana's big 8 1/2 birthday and tomorrow we have a party for her!! (I couldn't make her wait all the way to December!!) She will have friends, cake and ice cream & games. She can hardly wait. But then, life is one big adventure for her, simply interrupted by mundane things like math, phonics, and chores.

Photos .... but be sure to see NEW post below, too.

2009-05-04T20:48:00.003-04:00

Easter Egg fun ... with Natalie

Wouldn't I look good in this car??

Grandma & Grandpa Strom bought 3 bikes for the 3 beauties,
but only 2 in this photo.

Finally - a hot day in the sun!

I like my backyard!!!

Mayana update & Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-04T16:26:00.007-04:00

To all you moms, expecting moms, and future moms ... a very happy Mother's Day!

Almost exactly one year ago - at beginning of May 2008 -- we were studying a photo and brief description of a girl on the other side of the world - she was nearly 7 1/2 years old. Boy, was she cute! And God certainly was shining His light on her. But our hearts were not quite ready to commit fully. W e wrestled with the decision for a few days ... "Should we say YES? Or should we wait? After all, we never really considered adopting a child this old." I wrestled with a desire for a younger child - more cuddly and dependent. In the end, though, we could only say "YES!' Her destiny and ours were intertwined, it seemed. So we sent our letter to China. "Yes, we want to adopt her."

While only one year has passed and only a few months have passed since returning from China, we can hardly imagine life without our beautiful blessing, Mayana, who lights up the room with a radiant smile and loves to hug us all.

Mayana started sounding out words today – enough to put into two short sentences. “This cat is sick. This cat is sad.” Yeah, Mayana!!

---------------

Interesting things that Mayana has told us.

She told us today that she had three different foster mommies – three different houses – before she went back to the SWI (orphanage). She had foster brothers and foster sisters, all younger than her – ages baby to age 4. She helped to take care of her younger siblings, including a baby. (“I know how to do-a baby. Like dis!” she says, cradling an imaginary baby in her arms. She is all smiles!)
One time her foster family took her and her foster siblings to the beach. They did not go in the water. They (she and her little foster sister) were too little. (She saw a picture of us at the beach, at Tybee Island, GA, and that prompted the memory. ("I go "dare" in China. Can Mayana go dare? – Grace, Lia, Mommy, Daddy? Tomorrow?")
At the SWI they had big bowls of food on the tables where many children sat, and they could take lots of food from the bowls. The food was good.
Mayana slept in a bunk bed, top bunk, with Gabbie (Mao Huan He) on the bottom bunk.
They did not see snow in China; it would get cold for only a little while, and then it would get hot again. It was sunny most of the time.
There were “two houses” at the orphanage. The older kids went to the “house” where they did math (she says math but means “school work”). But where Mayana stayed, they did not do school work. (“In China Mayana no do math. Big girls do math. Not Mayana. Mayana in little house. Littles no do math.”)

Funny things Mayana says.

AnneMarie told Grace & Lia, “When Molly comes, you can’t hog her.” Mayana asked, “Why no hug Molly? Mayana no can hug Molly?” she says with a frown.

“Mommy, I go you. Why no go you, Mommy?”

Several months ago, when Kayla did not serve her the food she desired at lunch time. “I go China. I tell - You no feed Mayana!”

“You taka picture me. Send to China. To teacher in China. Lotsa pictures Send to China.”

“I help you maka food. I lika maka food.”

“Gwacie no cleana da woom.” - Grace did not clean the room.

I lika dat one. Dat one over dare. Dat one beautiful! Mommy giva Mayana?”

I lika da orangies.

Mayana still enjoys most everything - all kinds of food, every outing and adventure, time alone in the yard, time playing with sisters, inside or outside, drawing, cutting, pasting, etc, - but one of her favorites is cooking with Mommy. She is a seriously good helper, too, great chopping vegetables, cleaning things, mixing things, etc.

I could go on, but we're just so busy living the life that it is nearly impossible to find time to write about it.

Have a blessed Mother's Day!!

Brief update

2009-04-21T17:02:00.003-04:00

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

Photos!

2009-03-10T20:35:00.004-04:00

Look at me! Ready to party for Grace's birthday.

And me, too! (Lia)

Three lovely ladies, Grace's birthday celebration.

Best friends and sisters, too!

Fun at the party - Grace's birthday

It's so not cold!!!!

In Love

2009-03-09T21:38:00.004-04:00

I know that it has been so, so very long since I posted, and I do apologize. Life has a way of speeding us along, particularly when it is so full. The news is good - very good. Mayana is such a delight to us, such a beautiful blessing, indeed. She has embraced us fully as Mommy and Daddy, showing us great affection ... hugs, kisses, and "I love you's." While the mastery of English is a long way off, she has made huge strides in spoken English over the past few weeks and she understands quite a bit more than she can say. Much of what she says now are complete thoughts, completely in English. If she doesn't understand something, she says, "I don't know" with this cute puzzled expression and adorable inflections. Today she repeated it a few times, and when we weren't able to explain she said, "Will somebody please help me?" It caught me so much by surprise -- the wording, so appropriate, and the deep desire to understand what we were saying.

What is it like having Mayana around? I'd say, "Mostly sunny. Often funny. Occasionally frustrating. Seldom stormy." Mostly, we're in love.

When will she learn to read? Who knows? It isn't even on the horizon yet.

Is she quick at math, like some of her adopted peers? No, not particularly.

Is it hard homeschooling her? Yes, if I think of her as 8. No, if I think of her as 5 ... well mroe like 4 1/2.

Are you glad you're homeschooling her? Oh, yes. I can't begin to imagine her in school. First, I'd miss her all day long. Second, she'd be so lost, academically. Third, now that it's getting nice outside, she absolutely loves having time in the afternoons to play and play.

What else is she doing? She learned to ride a bike. She told me that the bikes she rode in China all had 3 wheels (tricycles) and she really likes riding with just 2 wheels. She loves to draw, and she's pretty good (not like artist good, but she has a flair for color). She loves to sing, and she's really good at carrying a tune. She sings in Mandarin often. It's so pretty. She's learning quite a few songs in English and some in sign language.

Will she keep her Chinese? No, she will gradually lose her Cantonese. We found out that she learned very little reading - neither Mandarin nor Cantonese. And without that and without someone she sees regularly to reinforce Cantonese, her brain will dump it in order to learn English. She is taking a Mandarin class and loves it since she's the best in the class! I hope that she will want to continue and eventually become fluent in Mandarin.

Does she like her sisters? Do they like her? Oh, my, yes! It is delightful to watch Grace, Lia and Mayana together. They play so well together - with the typical sibling fights thrown in. Kayla and AnneMarie are wonderful big sisters. They help me keep track of the three younger ones.

There's always a lot happening around here. It's not always positive, but I like to keep the focus on the positive. If you think of it, pray for us. We were in a car accident last week and are still recovering from whiplash, back strain, etc. (Pam, Kayla, and AnneMarie) and our car was totaled. Good news is it was totally the other guys fault - rear-ended us at a stoplight - and he has insurance. So, our medicals and car will be paid for ... But it's the biggest pain in the neck (literal and otherwise!) I have to ice it regularly and we all need treatment. This is hard on all of us, even Mayana, who can't quite understand why I can't pick her up anymore. But, I am sure thankful we are all alive!

Many blessings to you! Photos will be loaded tomorrow. My back is killing me!

Pam

It's Almost Valentine's Day!

2009-02-11T11:39:00.002-05:00

Time is flying by, each day filled to the brim. I feel so bad that I have so little time to keep up with people outside my own home. Even my closest friends are getting ignored. And my writing is so badly ignored it is frightful -- a long time ago I used to write poetry, stories, and even novels, but I haven't had the chance in nearly six months now to write a thing, other than blog updates. (And you see how bad I have been about keeping this up to date.)

Enough about me, though. Mayana is doing quite well. This past week and a half has been a real turning point for us. She has started to truly accept me as Mommy -- wanting me to help her do her hair, give her a bath, snuggle with her (even in public), and teach her, too! She is soaring through her very basic math book, now - but still counting on her fingers. And she is working hard on handwriting. She is quite good at that.

Next step: Truly accepting Tom as Daddy. She likes to play with him and treats him like a big brother, but she doesn't really want him to be a dad to her -- for instance, she'd rather eat dirt than have him brush her teeth.

People keep asking about language, and I tell them it is coming along, slowly but surely. She is working harder at it, and she is more and more willing to both repeat words and try them on her own. Today she pointed to something and said clearly, "Mommy, what is that?" But most of the time she is at the 2-word sentence level. "Mayana eat" "Mommy bye bye" "Gracie sleep" "Cat upstairs" "Mayana outside?"

Today was one of those homeschooling days that makes us feel so blessed. It is warm and windy outside, and Mayana and I were looking at a picture of a girl who is blowing bubbles. She asks, "Mayana, outside? bubbles?" So, we put aside our books and head outside to watch the bubbles blowing in the gusts of wind. Soon all three girls were happily blowing bubbles, and being the good homeschool mom, I helped them compose some poems. Here is our best:

Bubbles bouncing on the breeze,
Bubbles flying to the trees,
Bubbles sticking to the ground,
Bubbles dancing all around.

These are days worth remembering, for they make it easier to get through the mundane, dreary days where it seems all we do is math and handwriting.

My goal is to add some more posts soon ... (I said that before, didn't I?) So check back in a week or so. More photos to come, too!

A few pics ... see post below

2009-01-27T19:49:00.001-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year !! Mayana update.

2009-01-27T19:32:00.003-05:00

How many times I have sat down to start another blog post? A dozen? Will this one be completed?

We started off our Chinese New Year celebration yesterday with home-cooked chicken stir-fry & spicy green beans, and not so home-cooked egg rolls. We topped it off with non-traditional apple pie and ice cream. Today we worked on a few holiday related crafts. But the big news of today was SNOW! Enough snow to make a 6 foot high, 8 foot wide igloo. Mayana was so excited! Imagine having never seen snow, and now seeing inches and inches of it.

Today marks the first time Mayana repeated an entire sentence, getting every word right: "May I have a banana please?" She goes back and forth between having a great attitude toward learning English and having a ornery attitude, purposefully mispronouncing words and laughing about it. "Banan. Banan. Banan. Banan. Hah, hah!" For now, we act like she really can't get it and smile patiently. That seems to be sufficiently annoying to her.

I'm starting to realize that I need to pace myself when it comes to bonding and language instruction. At first I was watching for every opportunity -- to make it a meaninful experience, both language rich and emotionally positive, with the right amount of physical touch, nurturing, and eye contact. I put aside my agenda and my personal time for "bonding time" and extra language practice (like playing a game with her). And I was getting emotionally exhausted! I can't keep that up for the next 6-12 months. There's way too much else going on around here! So, I'm opting for a more gradual approach, trying to just relax while getting a few really good connecting moments in each day, and not stressing that language takes time.

If you are still following, come back later on, as I have lots of general thoughts about adoption, travel, etc. .... to share sometime soon. Most of it is already written and ready to post. Wish me luck.

Mystery Roar ... things that make you go "hmmm"

2009-01-14T12:04:00.003-05:00

FOXNews - Mystery Roar Detected From Faraway Space

Space is typically thought of as a very quiet place. But one team of astronomers has found a strange cosmic noise that booms six times louder than expected.

The roar is from the distant cosmos. Nobody knows what causes it.

Scientists are not sure where it’s coming from. They’re not sure what it means.

NASA Astronomer Alan Kogut says “Something new and interesting is going on in the universe.”

(Did we need a NASA astronomer to help us reach that conclusion?)

Apparently the astronomers have agreed that there aren’t enough stars in the universe to make a sound like this. Wherever it’s coming from, it’s beyond the stars in scope. It's beyond the universe as we know it. What is this roar? What does it mean? Hmmmmm.

This from Randy Bohlender: "There is a sound coming to this earth. It is a sound that has not been heard before. It’s been called the roar of many waters. A sound like a trumpet. It will resonate with that which resonates with it, and it will shatter that which does not. People get ready. The experts tell us that something new and interesting is going on in the universe. And our spirit knew it all along."

You can check out Randy's blog at: randybohlender.wordpress.com

What a fun Christmas!

2009-01-13T16:31:00.004-05:00

Mayana sure had a great Christmas, as we all did, and we didn't mind at all that it was delayed. Here is a photo of her with her new guitar and above it one with cousins and sisters.

Food, fun ... dentist

2009-01-10T14:52:00.002-05:00

Food ... Mayana loves to eat! You should have seen her when we made popcorn (in the popper). Her eyes just popped! She loves it! She also loves: pizza, spaghetti, pot roast, lasagna, chicken, fried rice, chicken nuggets & fries, green beans, broccoli, bananas, oranges (owangees!), ice cream, oatmeal, peanut butter captain crunch, crackers, and milk. She doesn't care for cheese, lunchmeat, mac n' cheese, or cheerios.

Fun ... Mayana loves to have fun! We had a great time with fingerprints the other day. She definitely had done that before. We also had a great time in the snow -- she had never seen snow before. We built 3 snow-people and did crafts about snowmen.

Another first - Mayana went to the dentist for the first time in her life. That was quite interesting with little English language. Mayana was very good, though. We even got x-rays. Now we will soon receive a detailed report on how much it will cost to work on 6 cavities!

Tomorrow we celebrate Christmas! The girls could hardly wait that long, but I needed the time to get ready. Speaking of which, I need to go. More when I have photos!

Survey .... and read next post, too - the update

2009-01-05T14:34:00.001-05:00

Let me know if you are still following this blog ... I'd like to know who my "audience" is for future posts. Thanks!!

Where did the week go?

2009-01-04T18:39:00.003-05:00

We have now been home over a week. Mayana has certainly settled into the family. She loves it when everyone is home together or when everyone is out together.

Today is bringing some semblance of order to our lives. Tom returned to school, AnneMarie returned to PEP, and the rest of us have started our new homeschool routine. When I feel overwhelmed about homeschooling 5 kids now, including one who doesn't speak English, I remind myself that most newly adopted children start school in a regular classroom, with 30 other pupils and a harried, over-worked teacher, who doesn't know the first thing about adoption from China ... and yet they somehow catch on, learn their ABCs, learn to speak, read, and write ... so, why should I worry?

Mayana has a few new words -- "that's okay" "banana" "hungry (hungwee)" and "good night". She uses all of our names consistently. She is starting to recognize more and more words, too. It is a little easier to communicate, but we have such a long, long way to go! She was able to sign enough for me last night to ask a question, "After we sleep, when we wake up tomorrow, will we eat?"

She played charades with us the other night. It was so fun to see her catch on and then pick a picture from her books to act out certain animals. She then started copying letters and words from my writing. She actually has great fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Bedtime has become our "mommy-Mayana" bonding time. She cuddles and we sing together, often sharing a tune but not a language. (I have another daughter who shares the language and not the tune, which is actually more difficult when it comes to singing!)

Today wasn't too hard for schooling, but I think that is because it was all new to her - new and exciting. I am trying to get a true feel for where Mayana needs to start with school, and it is clear that the early K level is about right for her now. She does recognize about 1/3 of her letters and all of her numbers up to 10. She can add by counting her fingers (and saying the number in Chinese, not English). So, I'm working hard to throw out every temptation to think of this child as an 8 year old. I'm keeping my focus on the fact that she's doing great for the 5.5 year old that the adoption books told us to expect.

Hint: If you are going to adopt from China (age 3 and up), be sure you can count to 10 in Chinese and identify the individual numbers spoken in Chinese. It's very helpful! And even though she speaks Cantonese, she understands Mandarin fairly well, it seems, so a good knowledge of pinyin for Mandarin has been very helpful when combined with a bunch of Chinese/English picture books (make sure they include pinyin). Buy a set or two in China! She appreciates our efforts at relating English words to the Mandarin. She probably thinks that we are quite dense (or stubborn) when it comes to learning Cantonese though!!

I used to wonder why most blogs seem a little disjointed .... and now I know! It's impossible to sit down and just write an entry without interruption!

Happy New Year !!

2009-01-01T19:03:00.003-05:00

We all had a great New Years Eve: Dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Strom, swimming, and playing games with friends ... until 1 AM. (The fact that Mayana slept until 10:15 on 12/31 helped a lot. And everyone slept in until about 10AM this morning, too.)

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year - Welcome 2009! May all of you who are awaiting new additions to your families this year be as abundantly blessed as we have been.

The Five Happy Girls - Together at Last

2008-12-30T22:41:00.001-05:00

Gingerbread Success!

What a day!

2008-12-30T22:22:00.003-05:00

A sunny, pleasant day in Cincinnati brought us the pleasures of trying to ride bikes and scooters after lunch. It was fun and humorous putting Mayana on a small two-wheeler. We no longer have training wheels here, and we didn't expect to get to bike riding until March, so we weren't prepared for it. It doesn't appear that Mayana has ever tried to ride a bike before, but maybe a tricycle or something. She loved being held up as she tried to pedal around. (My back is killing me.)

Later we enjoyed a nice visit from a couple friends and prepared to finish chores and leave for the park. That's when everything went south. Mayana wanted to eat ice cream and play with beads. We wanted her to pick up her clothes and get ready to go to the park.
She did manage to pick up the items and put them away within a relatively short time. But despite our patience and kindness, the end result was tears, tears, and more tears, followed by extreme stubborness and excessive tears and snuffling that lasted a good hour and a half before it finally subsided. During that time she refused to be touched by anyone or comforted in anyway. (She topped the stubborness record in our house, long held by another daughter.) It was heart wrenching to feel so powerless to comfort her. Finally, she seemed to just wear herself out.

We held our collective breath and Mayana slowly regained her composure. What would be next? Soon, however, Mayana was again smiling and hugging, and we were sighing our collective sigh of relief. Dinner and the evening went very well. Mayana ate pizza and loved it, and we had lots of family time together before the kids settled in to watch Cars (in Mandarin, with English subtitles for my readers).

Mayana is now consistently, on her own, saying "Thank you" and "Sawwwrry." It sounds so cute that everything is quickly forgiven. We're struggling with "please" "help" "more" etc. She mostly points and grunts for things, even when she can say the words. I've been so focused on figuring out and meeting the needs (so important for trust building) that I've neglected the request to use language. I want to come to a good balance so as not to reinforce bad habits.

If you are still following, stay tuned, as I might actually post a bunch of pics soon.

Pam

Celebration continues

2008-12-28T19:00:00.003-05:00

When we first came home, I wondered whether we'd be able to continue in the spirit of Christmas or whether jet lag, adjustments, and the "after Christmas blahs" would hinder our celebrations. I am happy to report that the celebration continues, and we are filled with the joy and wonder of the season. To force ourselves to get back on Ohio time, we have kept ourselves active in the evenings. Last night we visited the Festival Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo. Mayana was fascinated with the lights; the rest of us less so ... it seems that the zoo hasn't kept up with its usual high standards for the event. But the weather outside was awesome.

Today we attended church in the morning and enjoyed the rest of the day at home. This evening has been particularly joyful, as we made a gingerbread house while listening to Christmas carols.

I am taken aback by all the carols and songs that Mayana knows! She has a very good voice and can carry a tune so well. She sings for us the following songs in kind of a half English, half Chinese: "We wish you a Merry Christmas"; "Jingle Bells"; "Joyful, Joyful" (I want to know what words she's really singing on this one!!). She also sings "Happy Birthday" in clear English and in Chinese. She sings "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes" a little Happy New Year ditty in plain English. And she sings "Twinkle, Twinkle" in Chinese. I'm sure there's much more in there we haven't tapped yet. She sure isn't shy about singing for the camera. Her enthusiasm is contagious! When I figure out how to post a video here, I'll get you one.

Grace, Lia, and Mayana had some great play time today. Lia said, "I'm glad that Mayana is my sister... .but she is a little bossy." Bossy? She doesn't even speak English yet! Watch out.

How is communication? Well, it's sure interesting! She talks to us in Chinese (Cantonese, that is) and we try to understand from context and the little bit we're picking up. It would be easier if it were Mandarin. That's for sure. But she is understanding more and more. We, on the other hand, are slow learners ... Mayana must think we are really dense since we can't seem to repeat her words with right tones. But she just giggles and laughs about it.

What was her first sentence? Well, this will tell you a bit about her. We arrived in Cincinnati and exited the plane. Just inside the airport I noticed that her pink jacket was not on her, nor was it anywhere that I could see. I asked her, using sign language, where it was. She shrugged and looked at me clearly saying, "I have no idea." Then she pointed to the plane. Grace ran back to the plane, where Tom was awaiting a bag. They looked through the plane to no avail. When they got back, Mayana unzipped her backpack, and said, "Here it is!" pulling out her jacket and laughing uproariously. (Little stinker!) So it was hard to praise her for her good English!!

Now, when she picks up a phone, she says, with such a cute accent, "Hello. This is Mayana." She says simple things like, "Tickle Daddy!" She seems to track some of our conversations and most of our simple instructions (but we are still pointing and signing.) Since she is willing to repeat almost everything they say, the older girls have been putting her on the phone with their friends. She will repeat, "Hi, Joc-lyn. How are you?" etc...."

I really didn't think we'd be having this much fun this early on. Usually the first week is simply survival mode. (And earlier today, even, I thought that Mayana had decided that she was Kayla's daughter rather than mine! She didn't want to have much to do with anyone other than Kayla, and she kept pushing me away. Kayla came up with a good temporary solution -- spend the night with a friend -- and that has worked well for the time being.) Plus, we have been very blessed to have several meals made ahead for us by Sonya - who is a great cook - which takes some of the burden off in the evenings.

Prayer request -- Please pray for wisdom for us about how to bond with her, particularly in light of her strong preference for Kayla. It reminds us of her strong preference for Helen while we were in China. We want the whole family to be together, all enjoying each other, and we want to particularly focus on the parent-child attachment and bonding during the next few weeks, before life gets back into the normal routines. This is a whole new ball game -- attaching to a child who is so perfectly happy to be independent and who can meet most of her own needs. Thanks for your prayers!

Thanks, everyone, for all your prayers!

2008-12-27T13:01:00.002-05:00

Short version: We are happy to be home. We are already starting to gel as a family, and it is fun to watch Mayana get to know her other sisters.

Long version:

Our last day in China was interesting, since it was the only day that we had a daytime outing with the other FTIA families (shopping tour and noodle shop for lunch). We enjoyed that, returned for packing suitcases, finished our very last shopping as quickly as we could, said good-bye to our new friend Judi, and then, for our grand finale, had a Christmas dinner with our FTIA friends: Papa Johns pizza with sharing and praying for each other. Pretty awesome!

We awoke at 4:30 AM so that we could Skype with our Amlung family for Christmas -- great to talk with EVERYBODY that way. We left for the airport at 5:45 am, and didn't get to Cincinnati until 5:45 pm (inlcuding the 13 hour time difference, that made the trip 25 hours long.) The trip home was long and tedious, with some turbulence and long lines at airports. But the girls stayed peaceful and mostly happy throughout the trip, and they slept for several hours, which helped a lot. I was exhausted and continued to feel like I was on a plane until I finally went to bed at 11pm last night. I slept until 9:30 am. That helped a lot! I still have some stomach upset, but it seems to be getting better.

Mayana has really taken to Kayla and AnneMarie! She thinks having big sisters is very special. Grace is enjoying a break from Mayana, and Lia doesn't know what to do with her, so she basically ignores her. Grace and Lia have been busy catching up on play time together.

Tom is catching up on a few things around the yard and garage (since it is warm today - near 70) and I am working on laundry and unpacking.

We can't believe that we actually have Mayana here and that she is mostly smiles, hugs, and giggles. We will take a few days of being just us -- the family, here at home, and then start visitng with others.

Love to you all!

We're home !!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-26T19:01:00.002-05:00

We arrived in Cincinnati around 6pm (one hour ago), and we are so happy to be home! Mayana is doing great! She already adores her big sisters, her room,and exploring around the house. Lia is extremely happy to have Grace back home.

I will post more later.

Merry Christmas !!!

2008-12-24T19:58:00.002-05:00

We wish you a merry Christmas! We are eager to get home and celebrate with our family. In less than 24 hours we will be in the air and on our way back. That is exciting and daunting at the same time. There are more challenges ahead of us than behind us ... and that is saying something!

We are very happy with Mayana's progress, and very pleased with our trip. Still. we are just entering into some times of 'boudary testing' -- asking Mayana to help, and watching her stubborness manifest. Before now, it lasted just a few minutes. Right now she's sitting near a blanket that we asked her to fold, stubbornly refusing to comply. Going on 5 minutes .. . No., wait. She's doing it now. Phew!

Schooling will be quite interesting. We begin with an 8 year old who doesn't know any of her A B C's, can't understand English, for the most part, and doesn't seem overly inclined to work on basic math. (I was thinking she'd at least recognize the alphabet! The little, tiny 6 year old in our group knows hers! But maybe it's better to start from scratch with no bad habits to break.)

On the bright side, Mayana is quite interested in learning English now ... at least when she and I have one on one time with our picture books.

Last night was quite interesting. Christmas Eve on Shamian Island is crowded, bustling, and festive. We wanted to attend the church service, but it was packed with at least 100 people waiting outside to get in! I was happy to see so many people wanting to participate.

Today we will have Christmas together with our new friends, and I think this will be a nice way to end our trip. We sure look forward to getting back and seeing everyone!

Merry Christmas to All !!!!!!!!

Two more days, and then we fly

2008-12-23T07:25:00.002-05:00

I honestly can't believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Last week I was so ready to fly back home, I could hardly stand it. This week I feel so at home ... almost too used to this place. I'm used to the decent weather, the Chinese food, the breakfast buffet, the wonderful people I meet every day. I think part of it is the wonderful group we have linked up with this week. Although our schedules don't match, we've already been able to share two nice dinners and a little time at breakfast. Another part is a very sweet shopkeeper whom I've met. I will tell more later about her.

Mayana ..... Well, she had a little rough start this morning -- we had to wake her up, and she didn't like that. She didn't want to get dressed. She didn't want to Skype with family. She ended up huddled against a wall crying, which is the only time she has cried since the very first hour we had her. What is so sad is not knowing why she is crying .... but later, much later, we found out that she was just tired and didn't want to wake up (or that is what she told Helen, anyway.) The rest of the day she was much happier. We had some great times today, and a real breakthrough in speaking English. She started repeating everything I said (in a nice way!) for about 10 minutes -- and she does pretty well, all things considered.

I've found myself starting to fall in love with this child already. I don't want to say that it is easy, though. It's quite difficult and frustrating having an 8 year old with whom I can communicate so little. But, then she snuggles with me and gazes at me with adoring eyes, and I melt. Up and down go the feelings. But the love ... the true love ... it really is there and growing. I am so thankful!

I will try to post again soon. Thanks for all your continued prayers!

Church in China

2008-12-21T00:34:00.004-05:00

Attending church in China this morning turned out to be a highlight of our trip. They were having a special service consisting mainly of children and young adult choirs singing, dancing, and leading Christmas carols in English and Chinese. The church was packed, mostly with Chinese people. Most of the carols were familiar, so it was fun to sing along, making up the words when necessary. Grace and Mayana were very good and seemed to enjoy it for the most part. We will share more at a later time.

Christmas reading

2008-12-20T21:20:00.002-05:00

Words to ponder during this season, particularly those who are adopting...

Mary's words to Gabriel, upon his announcement, as recorded in Luke 1, v 38

"I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

Elizabeth's words to Mary, recorded in Luke 1 v 45...

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the L has said to her will be accomplished."

Selah.

And Gabriel's words to Mary: "For nothing is impossible with G -d."

Pics for the girls (others may skip to next post)

2008-12-20T08:22:00.004-05:00

Kayla's elephant; Lia's bear; AnneMarie's tiger.

A New Day

2008-12-20T08:12:00.002-05:00

What a difference a day makes! Today was a turning point for us. Mayana decided Daddy is quite a bit of fun, so Tom had an enjoyable day with her. Perhaps it helped that we didn’t have an outing today. I don’t know for sure. But we’re hoping it sticks.

After breakfast this morning, we were able to Skype with Grandma and Grandpa and Lia. Although Mayana still couldn’t fully understand the Skype concept, she did interact with Grandma and Grandpa, showing them many pictures and her necklace that she made. It was great to catch up with what is going on at home. Lia seems to be doing well, which is good news. Kayla and AnneMarie are having fun with friends.

We enjoyed a great walk today by the river. Saturday brings out families and couples to the parks, so we were able to see many interesting things, like dancing, singing, and many games of badminton and hacky-sack. The girls really enjoyed watching the dancing! The playground, though, was a bit too crowded to enjoy.

We lunched in the room, played with play-doh, made more bead necklaces, and had our own time of dancing. Mayana was so comfortable with Tom that I was able to go get a massage. (At $10 for an hour it is so hard to pass up!) Tom truly enjoyed hanging out with his “twins.” Grace and Mayana love to dress alike (thank you to Kayla for helping coordinate outfits for them).

Later we danced to Toby Mac’s, “I was made to love you.” How fun to see Grace and Mayana both totally abandoned to the joy of the dance and being all together as a family! I got some great video of it, but we aren't able to post video now.

Tonight we enjoyed a great dinner at a restaurant we had found 7 years ago when we adopted Grace. They still had my favorite item on the menu – pineapple stuffed with all sorts of veggies, chicken, ham, and a Thai-flavored rice. Tasty! We all enjoyed our meal. (We passed on the steamed eel!) We topped the evening off with a movie – Mulan II. (We play it in Chinese for Mayana - she understands a lot of Mandarin, so she can follow along -- and the rest of us read the English subtitles.)

When Helen called tonight, Mayana talked with her and told her, "I had a good day." It's unanimous.

Looking forward to another good day here tomorrow. Maybe I will have a chance to upload more pics, too.

zoo photos

2008-12-19T07:54:00.002-05:00

Zoo today

2008-12-19T07:22:00.002-05:00

We had a beautiful day for visiting the zoo today, and we had the place almost to ourselves. How strange to be in China without thousands of people bustling by! We were able to see almost all of the animals, including some amazing elephants, which Kayla would have loved, and one lonely, old panda bear. The biggest hit with the girls were the pygmy goats who flocked toward us to be fed leaves.

After the zoo, we lunched at the famous noodle shop where one can watch them make noodles. The food was very good and inexpensive, too.

Mayana hit a low spot this afternoon after returning from the zoo. I think it partly related to a question she asked Helen: "When I go to America with my mommy and daddy, will you be coming with me, too?" She didn't like the answer. She is quite fond of Helen, naturally, and to say good-bye will be difficult. Helen assures us that Mayana will do fine, since she has an easy-going and out-going personality. The low time lasted a couple of hours. I gave her photos to look through from the orphanage, and that seemed to perk her up.

Mayana started speaking a few words in English today. Without prompting she said, "Thank you" to the hotel staff. And later, when I was drawing a picture, she pointed to it and told me, "Very, very good!" I told her, "Very, very good English!"

By this evening Mayana was back to her cheerful self and even made some very positive actions toward her Daddy.

We are very happy with how everything is going, and we are thankful for so many things. We are enjoying our hotel, our food, our tours, other families whom we have met, and the fabulous weather. But mostly we are enjoying getting to know our new daughter a little bit more each day.

To be honest, there are a lot of emotional ups and downs on this journey, even to the point of thinking "why are we doing this?" But when the roller-coaster day is done, and we tuck two adorable cutie-pies into bed, there is nothing left but a tired smile of joy at the whole experience, and a longing to share our new found joy with our family and friends back home.

Love to you all

A couple pics for you

2008-12-18T01:52:00.003-05:00

Helen with Mayana

Girls at the "mountain" ... by the stream

Challenges, yes, but counting our blessings....

2008-12-18T01:08:00.002-05:00

Today's challenges are a little different. Mayana is a little more withdrawn and has shown a strong preference for our guide, Helen, over us, as we've been out. I really don't blame her. I think the language frustration is getting to her. But, when we compare her behavior to what we've heard from other adoptive families, we know that we are certainly quite blessed in this area. Mayana is really doing a great job of adjusting, and a great job of putting up with a lot of things she'd rather not do ... like walking and walking and sitting and waiting, etc. I know that most kids her age would be whining a whole lot at this point, and she's not whining at all. That in and of itself says a lot!

It is mid-afternoon here, and we have the rest of the day free. That's good, since we need it. The days here do get long, though. Each day I swear someone pushes a button that slows time down another notch. At home, days fly by. So, I should just enjoy. However, I feel like I have to be so "on" all the time. Right now I should be down on the floor playing dolls with Mayana and Grace rather than typing across the room from them. It's just hard to keep on doing it, hour by hour, doing the "attachment and bonding thing."

I listen to Mayana speak Cantonese and I think, "How can I take this child from her beautiful language?" I know she won't be able to keep it. There aren't enough opportunities to use it back home. Our guide, Helen, says that Mayana knows Mandarin fairly well - at least that she can understand the most commonly used Mandarin words in conversation. I hope that we will be able to help her keep some of that, now that Grace and Lia are learning from our friend Linnea. (Hi, Linnea!)

Mayana knows her name now and responds almost all the time to it.

Grace has been golden. I don't know what we would do without her here. She and Mayana are great buddies! The little spat last night was just a one time thing (so far, anyway).

Helen is golden, too. She has made this experience so much more wonderful!

What does Mayana like? The Chinese children's music from Vineyard music that we brought; her own (cheap) digitial camera; baths; beads; rice and noodles (not spicy); playing with Grace; pretty things (like hair ties); books (though we don't have any Chinese ones yet); tomatoes (but don't tell Lia); ice cream; playing at the park; puppies; chicken nuggets and fries (McD's today); and laughing.

I will try to post some more pics!

Tired, but happy

2008-12-17T06:19:00.003-05:00

Today we accomplished much. After Mayana's medical exam (in which they declared her healthy, with (at least) 2 cavities, and 20/25 vision), we strolled over to the Shifu shopping area. There the girls cuddled with cute puppies for sale and viewed an amazing array of edibles(?) and medicinal herbs, including snake skins & turtle shells. With Helen as our guide, this little tour was actually much more interesting than some of the Temple tours we joined.

We lunched in the room before heading to the park for playground time. Later we headed to the passport office to apply for her passport.

Mayana interacted a bit more with Daddy, today, but she's still mostly stand-off-ish and sometimes a little mean and rude. We have found the need to be a bit stern with her as she tests us. She just started mocking Grace in the bathtub -- repeating what she said, "Mei .... what did I tell you?" "Mei -- what di a te uu." Amazing how that kind of obnoxiousness is cross-cultural.

Well, once again, I'm not through typing, but I must sign off. Busy being Mommy. I hope to have more time tomorrow.

Mayana updates, Wednesday in China

2008-12-16T20:03:00.002-05:00

Greetings from sunny Guangzhou! The high today is 74 and the air is clear, with a light breeze. Even so, we are longing for home already. Perhaps it is the thought that we are here for 9 more days that makes us so homesick.

Mayana is doing very well, particularly considering she has little comprehension of what we are saying to her and we have less comprehension of what she is trying to say to us. I'm trying to get everything from the context, but often this is impossible. While I want to encourage her by smiling and nodding in agreement, there are times when I'm hesisitant, particularly when she's pointing at us and laughing, going on and on about ??? Tom thinks she's probably being less than complimentary, as in, "You have a very big nose!"

It is completely different thinking, "I know that language barrier will be hard; but it will come," than actually hearing your own daughter ask you questions without any idea what she is asking. If she wants something, she can find a way to show us. But if she wants information, like "what are we going to do today?" we are completely lost.

Mayana smiles often. She's a big tease and a little ornery. She likes to make people laugh. In general, she seems pretty compliant, but she's not afraid to test the boundaries. She is friendly to store keepers and wait staff and has no problem communicating with them (and it is great that she can order her own food!), but she treats others appropriately (ie, she knows that they are strangers, not family). Walking down the street, she holds one of our hands and stays very close.

Grace and Mayana are great buddies already. Grace plays the big sister role well, having had so much practice with Lia. She frequently advised Mayana on manners and protocol, despite the language barrier, and even decided she would train Mayana to say xie xie (thank you) by giving her little treats.

Mayana counts to ten in English -- well, almost by herself. She know a few words that she will say, and probably more that she won't say. She can write her own name in Chinese - quite neatly. She starts the ABC song and knows the tune, but can't make it through too far yet. School will be interesting!

I am enjoying Mayana's affectionate, cuddly personality, but my back is sore from her wanting to climb up on me so much. Yesterday she wouldn't have much to do with Tom (after loving on him Day 1), and I'm hoping today she will like to climb on Daddy again.

We have a few appointments today and will probably play in the park again. It's interesting to see all the different families with so many different stories. I will tell some sometime.

Hope you all are well! Thanks for your love and prayers.

Adoption Day!

2008-12-16T06:22:00.006-05:00

Grace and Mayana posing, at the park

Grace and Mayana by one of many Christmas trees in Guangzhou

Day One, with Daddy

Mayana, Day One, just after returning to hotel

Today was adoption day, and everything went smoothly. I will try to post more tomorrow, but right now I want to try to post some pics. So here goes ...

What a Beautiful Blessing!

2008-12-15T08:18:00.002-05:00

Today we received such a beautiful blessing that words can scarcely convey how we feel. Mayana Lin Meixiang Amlung is now with her forever family, and we feel privileged beyond belief to have been chosen.

After a rocky start, involving much tears and even a bit of kicking and thrashing, we set off to our hotel. On the way Mayana asked the guide to make a phone call, and she spoke to one of her teachers. That seemed to make all the difference in the world. Tears stopped. Laughter soon followed. Within the hour we were happily skipping down the sidewalk together.

Mayana's smile could melt any heart. It's simply bigger than life. Communication is very challenging, but we are both greeting the problem with a sense of humor. When I speak Chinese to her, she beams and sometimes giggles. I can really only manage a bit of Mandarin and a very few lines in Cantonese. But she loves my efforts and the few songs that I know (sort of.) At the restaurant tonight she turned away the fried rice and gave the waiter her own order. He was quite tickled by the whole thing. Mayana was quite pleased as she poured her jasmine tea over her bowl of rice with ? -- a very plain dish, which sounded to me like she ordered "flan."

Mayana fits right into the family - loves to be tossed and teased, and she teases back, like Tom; very inquisitve like Lia; outgoing like Kayla; a dancer, like Kayla and Grace; and an artist, like AnneMarie and Lia.

There's so much to tell, and photos to post, but I want to at least get this done. Everyone else is already asleep!

What an a -Mei -zing day!

Greetings from Guangzhou

2008-12-14T01:50:00.002-05:00

It's Sunday afternoon, and I'm writing from our corner room at the Victory hotel. Expansive windows reveal green tress swaying in the spring-like breeze. The room is quiet, save for some relaxing and inspiring music. Tom and Grace are traipsing about, re-exploring Shamian Island here in Guangzhou. I have this large hotel room, and the computer, to myself for an hour.

Our travels from Cincinnati, which began at 6:30 Friday morning when we kissed the rest of the family good-bye and left for the airport, were both pleasantly uneventful and excruciatingly long. Around midnight Saturday (!) we and all our luggage arrived safely at our hotel. This morning we met a friend from the Cincinnati area, Mary Alice, and had such a great time catching up and hearing about her work as a teacher close to this area. We also visited, briefly, the small church here on the island, a church packed with Chinese worshippers. The service was in Chinese, of course, but it was great to hear them joyfully singing a familiar hymn and an unfamiliar chorus to Yesu.

Tomorrow (Monday) is the big day! We receive Mayana Lin Meixiang at 2:30; that is, 1:30 am EST. Thank you so much for covering this day in your prayers.

We will send an update shortly after we return from our hotel.

Other prayer requests: Continued health for all! Adjustment & bonding to go well. Smooth, uncomplicated paperwork and proceedings. For the family members at home in Cincinnati - peace, health, and joy.

Thanks!

We are here!

2008-12-13T23:53:00.001-05:00

We are here ... safe and sound! We have to run out, but we will post later with more info.

On our way

2008-12-11T22:15:00.001-05:00

The next time we post will be in China. Thanks for your prayers!!!! Thanks for all your support. It brings tears to my eyes to think of everyone who has given in so many ways and everyone who is praying and wishing us well. Blessings!

MAYANA!!

2008-12-10T12:23:00.003-05:00

On DEC 8th we got an e-mail from Mei telling us that of the three names:

1Mayana Lin Meishiang
2 Sarah Lin Meishiang
3 Christy Meishiang

She chose Mayana Lin Meishiang for her new name. Our translator/guide got a call from the director of her orphanage, telling Helen (our guide) that Mei had chosen her new name. We can't wait to meet our new sister/daughter! 1 more DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mom and dad will hopefully be able to keep you all updated on the progress while they are in china.
Thank you all so much for you prayers! Keep on praying that everything in China will go smoothly.

-Kayla Amlung

TA and CA .. PTL !

2008-12-02T11:44:00.002-05:00

As snowflakes danced outside our windows this morning, I marveled again at their beauty. I turned on my computer to gaze at my desktop background: a recent photo of our Meixiang waiting for us in sunny, warm southern China. What will she think of the snow? I wondered.

Then within hours my life was a flurry of activity! Our consulate appointment (CA) was approved right away! This is on the heels of yesterday's news: Our travel approval (TA) had arrived over Thanksgiving. What it means ..... we are actually going to China for Christmas! Actually, we are leaving on Mei's birthday and returning the day after Christmas. What an incredible journey! PTL!

Looking back, we see the long journey that began almost a year ago, when God whispered in our ears -- "I have another beautiful blessing for you." Oh my -- we had no idea! We didn't know that her name would mean, in essence, "beautiful blessing." For certain we didn't expect that she would be eight years old when we adopted her. And we didn't expect it would take all the way to Christmas to receive this blessing. Yet, here we are on the final steps, making our travel arrangements ... hotel, plane tickets, etc.

Thanks for joining us on the journey! We feel so blessed to have you all as traveling companions!! Join us in rejoicing today. And thanks for continuing to keep us all in your prayers.

Christmas is one month away!

2008-11-25T22:14:00.002-05:00

While we don't have official travel dates and can't reserve any plane tickets yet, we do have the next best thing: Our agency is going to help us try to make it to China before Christmas. We might even be flying back from China on Christmas Day!! That is only one month away!

We have our Visas in our passports and have purchased most of the necessities we need to pack. We know where we are going to stay while in China (the Victory Hotel, Guangzhou -- much cheaper than the White Swan where we stayed before for part of the trip) and a basic idea of our itinerary. We will meet Meixiang on the Monday after we arrive in China (hoping & praying for the 14th -- just after she turns 8). Grace is eager to go. The other girls are eager for us to get there and return.

Christmas will be so different this year. I'm skipping the shopping (except for shopping in China for souvenirs). Can't say that I'll miss it.

If you want more details and personal updates, send me a personal email.

If I don't post again soon, have a blessed Thanksgiving - full of gratitude and peace.

Pam

Coming soon ....

2008-11-20T10:57:00.002-05:00

TA is coming any day now. There are already three people from other agencies who have the same date as ours for LOA who have received TA. That is encouraging! Those people are hoping to travel on 12/4. We are hoping to travel on 12/12 !! Keep up the prayers for us! We might have to fight a bit for it, but I certainly am beginning to think it might happen that soon.

We may have to spend Christmas day on an airplane, but what a Christmas present to be bringing home! Exciting!

I've been working extra hard lately, hoping to get a few more dollars in the door, so that we can afford all the upcoming expenses. It's a challenge: keeping up with homeschool, work, and adoption related issues. Wishing I had more time to write, I am signing off again.

Blessings to all!
Pam

Less than a month until Meixiang's birthday!

2008-11-15T09:58:00.003-05:00

We are starting to realize, "Oh my goodness. We're actually adopting
an 8 year old! To think that when we first started we were arguing
between a 2/3 year old and a 4/5 year old ... and then, we found
Meixiang and thought, "Seven?' That's so old!" And the photo was
taken when she was six! My, how she has grown!!

We're so excited, though ... just wanting to jump on a plane today and
go grab her.

We have found out some updated information. Meixiang is now just a tad taller than her big sister, Grace, but still a few pounds lighter than her little sister, Lia. It will be interesting seeing how she fits into the clothing we have for her.

We are praying that we get to leave on 12-12 - her birthday. It would be so fitting! Plus it would fit so well into our schedule (particularly Tom's work schedule!) It's still possible, assuming we get our travel approval next week. Thanks for your prayers!!

New Photos Of Mei--they came today

2008-11-11T15:53:00.003-05:00

One more note .... on timing... for those like us, waiting for something

2008-11-10T12:39:00.002-05:00

"For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late." Habakkuk2:3

We're dreaming of a Mei Christmas - addition; names

2008-11-10T11:59:00.003-05:00

Hi everybody! Just a quick note to say all is well here as we start preparing for the next phase of our lives. Tom & Jeremy & Dad have made incredible progress on our bedroom addition, and we will likely be done in time to have everything situated for Meixiang to move right in to her spot in the "Kayla and Meixiang" bedroom. There will be room for everyone! (We're anticipating, though, that the first few weeks all 5 girls will want to pile into one room just to be together - like a big slumber party.)

While we wish we could travel and be back before Christmas, that is highly unlikely, so we are thinking about what it will be like to be in China for Christmas. The weather will be warm in Guangzhou, and there will be no carols playing, but we will have the peace of the Christ child in our hearts and our "beautiful blessing" in our arms.

We have three names picked out for Meixiang now ... any of the three of which we are happy with ... so we are hoping that we can somehow let her pick. So far, in order of popularity among those who have expressed an opinion ....

Mayana-Lin Meishiang Amlung (potential nickname: Mei Lin)

Sarah-Lin Meishiang Amlung (or Sarah Lynn)

Christiana Meishiang Amlung (nickname, Christy)

We hope to have some updates on her soon.

Yes! The LOA has arrived!

2008-11-02T11:44:00.003-05:00

On Friday afternoon we received the call - our letter of approval has arrived and we will be traveling soon. We are so excited! We hope to travel before the end of the year. Here are the possible travel dates: we will depart any time between 12/12 (Mei's birthday) and 12/26 and after a 2-week stay in China, we will return. (Looks like Mei is our Christmas present this year!)

We will post updates as soon as they are available.

Thanks for all your prayers! Please pray with us for favorable travel dates for us, particularly that our adoption day will come before the end of 2008, as that will have a large impact on our finances. (Adoption days are on the Monday or Tuesday after arriving in China.)

Blessings!

We hope to have news any time now ....

2008-10-30T09:43:00.002-04:00

Yes, we are still waiting. I have put off posting because each day I expect to post our LOA. Tom told me that I need to update anyway, so here's letting everyone know that life is still good at the Amlung home. Grace and Lia are doing so well with their schooling this year. AnneMarie is doing well at her new school situation - a home school extension program called PEP (Providence Extension Program) that is very challenging. Kayla is enjoying ballet, modern dance, and sign language, along with all of her usual activities (school, babysitting, and prayer leading).

We are considering keeping Mei Xiang's name from China, since it is so beautiful, and simply using an American spelling. Here it is as close as we can come: Mayshi-An What do you think? Do you think people will get the pronunciation (may-she - ahn) and not say the last syllable as "Anne"? We would also give her an American middle name so that she could choose to use that if she wants.

Thanks for your continued prayers for us and for our lovely daughter who waits for us - particularly for the LOA to arrive soon (like now). Many blessings!

Pam

Another friend leaves ... Mei Xiang still waits ... no LOA

2008-10-09T12:15:00.002-04:00

I am sad to report that after 104 days of waiting, we still have no letter of approval from China. And the agency just checked ... none are on their way. We have no way to know either when it will come or why it is delayed. The only thing we have heard is that there are no specific problems with any of our files. It is beyond my comprehension why China's CCAA doesn't want to get these children into their new homes as quickly as possible. These children know that they are being adopted, and they are forced to wait and wait and wait for no good reason! I am so frustrated with it all.

Somehow another family managed to get to China far ahead of us. Another one of Mei Xiang's friends - another Mei girl (same age as our Mei) - was adopted in China this week. We haven't met this family yet by email but we look forward to hearing from them. What we do know from our guide, Helen, in China, is that this new Mei talked to her about Mei Xiang. She told us that Mei is looking forward to being adopted very soon. She knows that we are supposed to come in November.

Unless we get our LOA next week, we have NO HOPE for getting to China in November ... it will then be December. (Mei's birthday is 12-12 -- we want to have her by then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Please, please pray. I know there is much to pray for in this day. But please mention Mei in your prayers today!

Thanks!

Many blessings ... but no LOA yet

2008-09-27T16:23:00.006-04:00

I am thankful for so much. Although I am longing to go to China, and my heart is aching over our delay, I can't be sad for too long. God is providing for us in so many wonderful ways.

#1 I am thankful for provision! Our LifeSong update came. We have $3,300 in gifts from friends in our fundraising! This is awesome to us. We have also received $2100 in gifts from other friends (outside LifeSong and in addition to the early gifts that got us through the early costs).. And I've been able to raise another $3,000 from clients which has gone straight to the adoption fund. I raised enough from work this summer to pay for the first 1/2 o f the agency feel and cover a few other costs. So the $8,400 will about pay for: 2nd 1/2 of the agency fee plus the China orphanage fee ($3,000), plus some of the legal fees in China. Wow! (We're hoping the orphanage fee will stay $3,000. So far, we haven't heard any more about the orphanage fee going up to $5000, like they thought it would.) That means we only have another $11,000 or so to go before we can pay for all the China travel costs and the rest of China legal fees! We've come this far, that we are sure it will all come together!!

#2 I am thankful for hearing from Mei Xiang again. We received new photos and a letter! She says she misses us very much and can't wait to see us. She looks so grown up and cute as you can see!

#3 I'm thankful for another big blessing that has come as a surprise: an extra room for our growing family! We were going to put 3 girls into one bedroom and 2 girls in the other one, saving the 3rd bedroom for my office, where I work (like it is.) But then it hit me: Having a 14, 12, and 8 year old all in the same 11x15 room won't work so well -- at least not for very long! Kayla and AnneMarie are my size! They wear my shoes and some of my clothes! After volunteering to put my whole office into a corner of my bedroom, and Tom showing me how it wouldn't fit, he had another idea - add a room. I said, "There's no way can we afford it." But within a short period of time, it all came together with great provision. With storm damage to our house, we will take the insurance check that would cover the repair, if done by the contractor, and rather than just repair damage, we will use that to buy materials to add an office off the bedroom (over the garage). With my brother and Tom working together on it, it won't cost much at all. And my great friend, Laura, drew up plans for us for free. So, soon we will have a very inexpensive extra room, freeing up that third bedroom for ... well, a bedroom. Now the girls will be one, two, and two to a bedroom. And I will still have place to work (and write!).

I feel almost TOO blessed, if you know what I mean. But then God reminds me of all the sowing. When we sow, it brings its own joy. It really does! Among other things, our joy has been seeing beautiful, orphaned children adopted into loving homes! So, we'd be just as happy to give without a tangible return. Yet, the return is built in. Like you've heard it said before, you can't out-give God. In his time, he brings all things to harvest.

And we know that in his time, he will bring Mei Xiang home to live with us - a forever family. He makes all things beautiful ... just in time. And we can trust Him.

May you be abundantly blessed! And please keep up your prayers for LOA. I've set aside Sunday from 6pm on .. for as long a needed ... for breakthrough.

Pam & family

One more day ...

2008-09-25T20:33:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the day ... I can feel it. We're praying it in: our Letter of Approval (LOA) is coming from China. It will be day 91 since China logged our file (LID). Most people wait 60-75 days, but there was a little slow down as of late. I've been praying hard for breakthrough - not just for us, but for all those who are adopting. Everywhere and every day. And today a group of people from other agencies received their LOAs -- most with dates after ours by just a little. After praying for many adopting couples last night, including friends of ours adopting in Utah, we got word that the birthmom went into labor and delivered a healthy baby boy this morning. The birth mom smiled and said congratulations as she handed her newborn to these precious first time parents. What a precious gift! Very exciting!

For all of you who are adopting, you are in my prayers. God is bringing a miraculous release, bringing orphans into their forever homes. I don't understand it all, but I sure do love being a part of it. Praying these precious children out of orphanages, and right into homes full of love, is so near to our Father's heart. Join and be blessed!

A belated happy birthday .... Lia turned 6 last week!

2008-09-25T20:30:00.000-04:00

I will post a birthday photo soon, I hope. Last week was crazy!! We were without power from Sunday the 14th until Sunday the 22nd. It didn't stop us from going out to Lia's favorite resaurant, Twin Dragon, to enjoy large varieties of food at the buffet. She LOVES Chinese food. Imagine that. She refused to speak any Chinese to the waiter, though. Lia brought all of us, plus Grandma and her good friend, Natalie, along for the party. So fun! (Grandpa was feeling ill, but we are happy to report he is finally doing much better.)

How I wish I had more time and ability to post! For those keeping up with us, please keep checking back to share in our good news.

LifeSong update .... coming soon

2008-09-25T20:20:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow we get an update from LifeSong. It has been awhile since we were able to check a balance (it was just over $3000 then), but word of mouth tells us that we are being blessed. Thanks so much for all of you who have donated toward our journey to Mei, some through LifeSong and few directly to us. We are so blessed by you! We pray that your generosity will come back on you double and more. Thanks especially to those who pray regularly. We know that your prayers are powerful and effective!

Check back again soon! Blessings!

Prayer Request

2008-09-10T10:27:00.003-04:00

We are ready to hear good news ... any day now ... of our "letter of acceptance" (LOA) from China. But our agency has experienced a slow down recently, and LOAs are coming later than before. We don't know how this will affect us, but we certainly hope that it is only a small aberration and that China will get back on track soon! Please pray with us that nothing will keep us from getting Mei Xiang at exactly the right time - God's timing!

Today I learned of someone who is about 15 days ahead of us in line, so to speak, who hasn't yet received their LOA. These things don't always go in order, but it is a little discouraging to think that we could be another 15 days+ away from LOA. The timing after LOA is usually 6-8 weeks until travel. (With Lia it was between 6 and 7 weeks.)

Thanks for standing with us in prayer and for all of your well wishes.

Pam

Letter from Mei Xiang!! Update from LifeSong!

2008-08-27T19:35:00.002-04:00

Thanks for your continued prayers! Much has happened over the past month. I am sad to report that my Grandma Lucille passed away a few weeks ago, but looking on the positive side of things, she lived a long and full life of 86 years and is now in a better place. Kayla and I attended the funeral in North Carolina and it was so wonderful to see so many relatives! Visiting with them brought fond memories and a longing that we could see each other more often.

Since that time I have suffered shoulder pain that has kept me up at night and hindered my ability to type and work. I'm hanging in there, trying to stay caught up. Your prayers are appreciated! We started school on Monday. Things are going very well.

Today we received a letter from Mei Xiang, telling us thank you for the gifts we have sent and also that she can't wait to meet us. I will try to post the pictures that she drew, too! We are absolutely thrilled to have heard from her! She signed her letter, "Your daughter, Mao Mei Xiang." She said, "I miss you." I can relate to this, even though it makes no logical sense that I could miss someone I've never met. But apparently she and I are in the same boat.

Today we also received our first update from LifeSong. What a blessing to hear that we have raised an additional $1,300 over and above donations that were already in the works when we first signed up. Thank you - especially for your prayers! We have been blessed with so much favor - from free textbooks for school to unexpected checks from neighbors. God has been so good to us! Thank you, God!

Although we have heard nothing more about travel dates, we do expect to hear something in the next few weeks, so please stay tuned. Blessings!

Bringing Home Mei - prayer and support letter

2008-08-02T11:47:00.007-04:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It's not too late to donate ... if you've been putting it off .... we so much appreciate every gift ... every little one brings us closer to Mei ... We are confident in God's provision. For us and for all who choose to give. Do you want to join us in ..

Bringing Mei Home?

Mei Xiang is already a part of our family in our hearts! We hope to be traveling in November to meet Mei Xiang and bring her home to America. We are all very excited about this! Some people think we are crazy, and I guess in one sense we are. We can look around us and see that groceries and necessities are expensive, and adding one more mouth to feed isn’t smart; or we can think about all of the challenges we will face adopting an older child, one who doesn’t even speak English. However, we choose to look at it differently. God has led us to this child because she is meant to be ours, and, therefore, we can be sure that the joy, love, and blessing she will bring to us will far outweigh the cost and effort involved.

The Challenge

We have faced many challenges already, and we are sure to face many more, but the biggest challenge for us at this point is raising the finances to make this happen. We estimate our total cost for adoption fees, document preparation, home study, airfare, travel, attorney fees, etc. to be $26,000 – far more than we could ever afford on our own, but from our previous experiences and many stories from other adopting families, we have no doubt that with God’s help it is quite possible. By God’s grace, including two generous gifts from family and friends totaling $1,100, and the Lord providing extra work for me this summer, we have been able to pay the initial costs of about $5,000. Most of the expenses, however, will occur in September and October when we pay our second agency fee, travel costs, orphanage donation, and a multitude of fees for processing the adoption in China.

You can help!

1. Prayer – First and foremost, please pray that God would tenderly care for Mei Xiang while she waits in China. So many of her friends have just recently been adopted, and it must be hard for her to be left behind, again. Please also join us in prayer for God’s provision – financial, practical, and safe, smooth travels. Finally, pray that each of our family members will be prepared for the upcoming changes to our family, and that God will give us wisdom, discernment, and insight.

2. Financial support - We are thrilled to have been approved for a fundraising grant through LifeSong for Orphans, an organization dedicated to bringing orphans into good families. This allows us to raise funds for the adoption in a way that provides both accountability and a tax deduction for donors.

You may send your tax-deductible gifts between now and November 1st to the address below. LifeSong will administer the funds for Mei Xiang’s adoption, and will pay our documented expenses out of the funds received.

Please make checks payable to “LifeSong.” You may state your preference as to how the donation should be used by writing “preference: Amlung Adoption” on the check or a post-it note. (If you do not indicate a preference, it will go into a general fund to help orphans and adopting families.) Note: In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization - LifeSong. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.

Mail checks to: LifeSong, P.O. Box 40, 202 N. Ford St., Gridley, IL 61744

Thank you for sharing in our journey!

Tom, Pam, Kayla, AnneMarie, Grace, Lia, & Mei

Mei Na Adopted Now - Another Friend Says Good-Bye

2008-07-23T22:49:00.004-04:00

Another of Mei Xiang's friends was adopted early this week in China. Another good-bye. Zai-jian, in Mandarin. I hope that Mei Xiang is handling all these good-byes okay. I heard from Mei Ru's family, here in the states now, that Mei Ru got excited when she saw the adoption pics of MeiNa. And she actually asked her parents, "Mei Xiang coming to America, too?"
Mei Ru was apparently Mei Xiang's best friend. It's exciting to hear about these girls communicating their feelings in a way that American parents can understand - already! It's only been less than 2 weeks since they came home! (Mei Na is the other pony-tailed girl in the pic below - the orange, blue, and white striped shirt.) And it's great to know that these friends will all be in America together. (I hope there aren't too many left behind in this particular class of kids in this orphanage! I don't know if there's any way to know.)
Hang in there, Mei Xiang!

Tom's in Belize - A Perk of Being a Science Teacher

2008-07-23T22:39:00.006-04:00

I don't know if we'll get to hear from him much, and we aren't likely to get any photos until he returns, but we trust that Tom will have an interesting and educational visit to Belize with his class - studying rain forest and reef ecology. Here's a random photo of what he might see over the next few days in the hot, sticky, buggy rain forest! He sure had mixed emotions about going, but to get 7 graduate credits - for practically free! - was hard to pass up. Plus he will learn all kinds of things to share with his students at the junior high.
Here we miss him very much!

Update received from the orphanage!

2008-07-18T10:50:00.003-04:00

Mao Mei Xiang—7-18-08

"She is now 119cm (almost 47”) in height and weighs 21kg (46 lbs). Her head circumference is 50cm (almost 20”) and chest circumference is 56cm (22”). Her feet length is 20cm. She is taking preschool classes in Little Sister School sponsored by Half Sky. Classes include language, perception, music, dance and physical exercise. She is doing fine in the school. She can count up to 100. She can do addition and deduction within 10. She can write 50 Chinese characters. She knows colors. She can tell square shape, star, heart, triangle and circle. She is very outgoing. She always likes to help. Every body loves her. Please see attached photos."

Mao Mei Xiang— these photos are apparently older than the ones taken by our friend on July 4.

One by one ....

2008-07-16T12:17:00.003-04:00

Thousands of starfish washed ashore. A little girl picked up a starfish to throw it back in the water so it would not die. “Don’t bother, dear,” her mother said, “Look how many there are. You won’t make a difference.” The girl stopped for a moment and looked at the starfish in her hand, and then replied, "It will make a difference to this one."

Sometimes we are overwhelmed by the needs around us, not to mention the needs around the world. But our job is not to save the world -- that is God's job -- ours is to simply see the one, love the one, and do what we feel called to do for the one. One person at a time. One day at a time.

Video of Mei Xiang !!

2008-07-04T10:06:00.004-04:00

Mei Xiang is in purple stripes!

Happy 4th of July!! New Photos of Mei Xiang!!!

2008-07-04T07:52:00.005-04:00

Our friend Robyn in China, and her daughter, Mei Ke, visited the orphanage yesterday and sent us some photos of Mei Xiang (the one with the purple striped shirt and red polka dot shorts - oh my.). What a blessing to have these photos! As you can see, Mei Xiang is looking every bit the 7 year old. But I don't think she is really that big. The shorter girl in the photos with three girls is Mei Ke and Robyn says she is dressing her in a 4T which is so big it hangs on her.

Mei Xiang looks so happy! And Robyn tells us it seems that the orphanage staff really do care for the children and treat them well. PTL!

The Mei's being adopted are facing normal adjustment issues now -- some regressing a bit, some acting stubborn, some crying at night time. But they seem to respond so well to being comforted. No major issues so far. Keep praying for them. Can you imagine facing that much change at age 7 ?

So Exciting to Hear News From China

2008-07-01T14:00:00.003-04:00

Here we are in Tybee Island at the lighthouse. Thank you Joe and RiAna for a wonderful time with you all. So much fun!
We don't have new news about Mei Xiang yet. However, we are thrilled to hear that her three friends, Mei Ru, Mei Ke, and Mei Feng, all age 7 (see previous photo) have all been welcomed into their families with hugs and excitement all around. Their families are in China now. Gotcha day was Monday, and Adoption day Tuesday. These three girls seem to be absolutely thrilled to meet their new families. Excitement reigns. No tears have been shed (except the tears of joy on mothers' faces). Smiles are radiant. Spirits are high. In fact, the amount of energy seems to be the only complaint. These girls are hyper from all the excitement.

The Mei's look healthy and more beautiful than ever. They seem to have learned some English from their tutor - even in the short weeks they had with her. One Mei is already speaking some English sentences, such as, "Mommy I want a banana." She points to many objects and calls them by their English names. Haven't heard how the others are speaking. But in general communication doesn't seem to be a big issue for any of them.

Another interesting comment from one mom -- her Mei seems to speak more Mandarin than Cantonese. We will need to find out more about Mei Xiang and her language so that we can prepare better.

Check back in a few days and I hope to have some updated photos of Mei Xiang and more news, as one mom is traveling back to the orphanage Thursday to visit. Pray that she will be able to visit with Mei Xiang and personally deliver our package to her! Thanks!

My sweet children -- eager for their new sister

2008-06-29T16:39:00.004-04:00

Here are my girls & daddy with their great grandma!! Grandma Lucille had hip replacement surgery just after this photo. (June 19th). Please pray for her as her surgery has had complications. She is 86!

Yesterday (Saturday, June 28) my four darlings brought me a decorated box with slots on top labeled $ and cents. The box said, "For Mei Xiang's Adoption." They opened it up and said, "This is our secret sister box!" Inside was all the money that they had saved (so far) to contribute toward the expense of adoption. It was over $100.00 !!!! They had put in babysitting money and change ... and even a $45 check that had come from a babysitting job in May (... sorry to the parents who are wondering why THAT check didn't clear yet!) I was ready to cry and gave them all big hugs. How sweet is that?!

Speaking of sweet ... last night we picked cherries from our tree in the front yard. It is a huge tree, but it never had cherries before! We had enough for a large cherry pie!! Delicious!

Today is hard for me and Tom, though. Kayla has gone to Kansas City for a whole two weeks (Awakening Teen Camp at International House of Prayer). It will be great for her, but so hard for us. We miss her already! Thanks again to those of you helped make her trip possible! We can't wait to hear the wonderful stories she comes home with!

Maybe I will have some photos to post soon!

We're Officially Logged In -- LID 6-27-2008

2008-06-27T16:37:00.002-04:00

After much hard work and before leaving on vacation, we completed all the paperwork necessary for our adoption to be formally approved in China. Our agency sent it to China last Friday, and today we received notice that our official log-in date is today, 6-27. We know now that we should hear something from China in the next 2 - 4 months. We're praying for two! From that point it would then be about 6-8 weeks before we travel. This leaves us with our original estimate of timing -- somewhere between Oct and Dec.

Another exciting thing today -- three families are on their way to China to pick up their Mei's from the orphanage. All are 7 years old. One is having her birthday next week, turning 8. These are Mei's friends - one of them her BEST friend, according to the information that we received. Please pray for Mei Xiang over the next week. It'll be so hard on her to say good-bye. Also please pray for the other Mei's being adopted and their families. What a big transistion they are all going to have. Adoption day for them is likely Monday coming up (or Tuesday).

We hope to have lots of new photos to share soon. Check back next week.

Partnering with us - "Project Bring Home Mei"

2008-06-09T18:11:00.003-04:00

A few people have asked us: How can we help you bring Mei home? My first answer is to pray with us. And we thank you so much for sticking with us in prayer. The next answer is to spread the word for us -- share with others what we are doing, and if you are in the greater Cincinnati area, share with people that I am taking new clients, primarily to raise funds for the adoption. Third, if you want to give financially, please send me a note (see below) OR make a note to check back on this blog in two weeks.

We have applied with an organization called LifeSong for Orphans, and they will partner with us on the fundraising, making sure that your contribution is both tax-deductible and applied to actual adoption expenses. I just completed and sent in our application -- boy, are they thorough! And I have reviewed their financial accountability report through an independent agency. We are excited at the prospect of having their support.

Note: If you already know that you might want to partner with us financially, send me an email -- not with any amount listed, just a statement of interest -- and I will make sure that you get on our mailing list with LifeSong for Orphans. Then you will get all of the information you need!

Thanks!

A Cake Party - for the Mei "sisters"

2008-06-04T21:39:00.003-04:00

Last week the girls named Mei at the orphanage - the 5 who are being adopted - were treated by one adoptive family to a cake party. Here is a photo! Mei Xiang is the one on the far left. Can you believe it! (They all put cake on their faces.)

Another milestone

2008-06-04T21:31:00.002-04:00

Today we received the final documents that we need to mail off to get them all authenticated. The CIS approval came Friday, and our original signed and sealed homestudy we picked up today. Now they are off to the Ohio Secretary of State and then the NY Chinese Consulate for further authentication. We are hoping to have everything back and ready to send to our agency before the end of next week. Why is it important to get them in fast? Because the "dossier to China" date sets the clock ticking for the time we will have to wait to get our next approval - the one that will set the next clock ticking for our Travel Approval.
Special thanks to our great adoption buddy, Rhonda (aka Liana's mom) who is helping us expedite our documents in Columbus!)
Thanks for all your prayers! I really need them as we finish up this process. I want to rest in God's peace and not worry so much about stuff.
Keep praying for Mei Xiang. Most of her friends will have their families come get them in July! So she will have a long wait for us ... We hope we could possibly travel in October! But there's still the possibility of waiting all the way to December.
Blessings to all!

Moving forward!

2008-05-29T21:46:00.001-04:00

We received word today that our CIS approval is done and our I171h is on its way. One step closer. Thanks for your prayers!

Adopting again?

2008-05-23T15:02:00.000-04:00

Yes. Such a short word. But so daring, with so many unknowns ahead. But again, we have said it. “Yes, we’ll go to China. Yes, we’ll bring home a child who needs a mommy and a daddy … a forever family.”

Mei Xiang is her name … a beautiful blessing, ‘beautiful fragrance.’ In English it would be close to May-she-ana. The ‘ahna’ pronunciation, like in Spanish.

Mei Xiang was only a couple days old when she was discovered, by a bank building, wrapped in a towel. Orphange workers took her in, raised her with many others just like her … now, 7.5 years later, she and five others in her age bracket are finally finding their forever families! We are so blessed that we are one of them.

A seven year old? Why? Isn’t that going to be hard? We’re getting used to the questions already. But we are convinced this is what God has in mind. He led us to her. He has given us an empty place in our hearts and then filled it with his love. Now our hearts long to bring her home … so she can meet the family that she’s been waiting for so long. Of course t here will be difficulties. Adoption, yes, parenting itself, is not easy. But we know the Source of all love, strength, comfort, and peace. And His supply is unlimited.

We will post more later. And, as soon as China allows us to, we will post photos!

Thanks for joining the journey!

The Amlung family

China has given us preliminary approval!

2008-05-23T14:55:00.001-04:00

May 23, 2008: We have just received our PA from China. That means they have approved us for adopting Mei Xiang, so long as we send in our paperwork and all the paperwork meets their approval. Practically speaking, it means that we may now share Mei Xiang's photos!

Please pray with us that we are able to get all the paperwork together quickly, and that the process moves quickly from here on out. So much of this is out of our control, but we are trying to be patient and trust the Lord's timing. As those of you who have been in the world of adopting know, it isn't easy to not fret over the timing, to grow impatient and frustrated. Pray that we will have the Lord's peace.

We are blessed to know a group of families adopting 6 & 7 year olds from Mei Xiang's orphanage, including Mei Xiang's best friend. The wonderful news is that they will all be in America and have that in common. The hard part is that they will all be adopted far before Mei Xiang. We hope that Mei Xiang will be able to understand that we are coming as soon as we can.

Specifically, we need our homestudy agency's quick action to help us get our dossier done; we need CIS approval as soon thereafter as possible; and we need wisdom on the best timing and coordination of document filing, to get our fully authenticated dossier to China asap. After that we wait ... between 2 and 4 months ... for our next China approval letter. And then, we wait another 6-8 weeks before we travel.

Final prayer request for the day: We have to raise a boatload of money to complete this adoption - at least $25,000! Pray that we will have wisdom and supernatural provision, too.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Pam and Tom

Isn't she cute?

2008-05-23T14:52:00.001-04:00

Here's another photo of Mei Xiang. We hope to get updated photos soon.