Mommy manicure

Sarah pedicure

Well, the scheduled activity for today was to have Sarah's TB test read. We went back to the "hospital" and because she has had the TB vaccine her test was positive. This was quite traumatic because it required her to have a chest few chest x-rays. She was not a big fan and neither was I. First they made us cut off her two necklaces, then she had to take off her dress and hearing aids. All of this was communicated through gestures because the x-ray tech did not speak english. I put on the protective vest and had to stretch her little arms up over the machine while the x-rays were being taken. It only took a few minutes but it seemed like forever with tears flowing. She recovered quickly after the ordeal was over and of course checked out fine. Fortunaley we don't have to go back there any more.

The other part of the day was spent shopping and eating. I was very proud of Sara at dinner. She wanted to have some of what Dave was eating and so she signed "daddy" and then "eat" and pointed to herself. She is very good at communicating what she wants and doesn't want.

We have really enjoyed our guide her in GZ. We are all getting anxious to be home and see all of our family and friends. Today we have planned an excursion with some other folks to the Safari Zoo. It has gotten rave reviews. We will let you know how it goes!

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Blessings,

Today, we were able to meet up with all of the families we toured Beijing with, plus our four new additions:) All of the little girls are doing great and seem to be adjusting well. It was interesting to see a little interaction among them. They were a bit tentative with one another and hung close by their new families. Sarah was by far the most verbal with her babbling and laughing. She is also the tallest and most filled out of the crew.

Our guide here in Gaungzhou is named Kelly and she is great, full of information. She is pregnant and already has a 6 year old little girl at home. She told us that the pregnancy was unplanned and she is a bit anxious about being able to keep her job with Great Wall. I was shocked! However, it is very important for Great Wall to keep a good relationship with the Chinese government and having 2 children is frowned upon. Makes me appreciate our country even more on this 4th of July. This is the first 4th of July that I have been out of the USA! A bunch of adoptive families are meeting at an American style cafe tonight, Lucy's, to have dinner and celebrate.

Be sure and shoot some fireworks for us!

Job 8:21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Blessings,

Well, we have made it to the next leg of our journey! We arrived in Gaungzhou last night and settled in to The White Swan Hotel. It is pretty impressive and evidently the Mecca for people adopting children from China. There must be 150 families here going through the visa process. Sarah has continued to exceed every expectation that we could have possibly held. Truth be told I am embarrassed to share with other families how well she is doing. We have been able to "skype" with our family back home and of course their main interest is to see Sarah. Luke heard that Sarah enjoys oreos so on our last "Skype" session he was sure to wave one around in front of the camera and I loved his sign off of "I love you Sarah!" Joseph was chowing down on a New York strip while he "skyped" with us and it really made Dave, Meg and Me jealous! No New York strips have been available around here. David was hanging out in his Tae Kwon Do outfit while he "skyped" so I'm thinking he was getting into the China spirit of things! Sarah is so lucky to have 3 amazing big brothers anxious to meet her! David, Joseph and Luke are lucky too because Sarah is going to be an awesome little sister! Technology is so great!

Sarah had her medical check and TB test today. She was not a big fan of any of it but she was a trooper. I am so glad that's over! I have to say that bed side manner could use some improving. However, if you had 100 children lined up in your waiting room I am sure it would be a bit taxing.

We have been working on some sign language with Sarah and she is a quick study. She signed for more water today at the medical office and I thought some people would have to pick their jaws up off the floor. God is so good.

We are anxious for you all to meet her. We appreciate all of your continued prayers and support. We feel incredibly blessed and know that the best is yet to come.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Blessings