1 week ago....

One week ago, we became parents again!  Not in the typical way, with the doctor announcing "he's here!" while in a hospital room, but, still just as exciting and memorable!  We became parents in a small office in Nanjing, China by signing some papers and giving our name to a 14 year old son. That was a quiet Sunday morning with many people going about their business, but, for us, it was a life-changing day.  

One of the certificates we received this week that was translated into English, reads like this:

"In accordance with the record of the files concerned of the abandoned infants of Nanjing Social Children's Welfare Institute, this is to certify that Qin Jianfeng (male), born on September 29, 1996, was found abandoned in the waiting room of Nanjing Railway Station, Jiangsu Province on January 19, 1997 and on the same day was taken to Nanjing Social Children's Welfare Institute by Nanjing Police Station of Nanjing Railway Public Security Department to be in the custody and care of the Institute, and was named as Qin Jianfeng.  Up to now his natural parents and other relatives have not been found.  Qin Jianfeng is definitely an abandoned baby."

A friend reminded me this week, of how amazing this is - it's not just an improvement of something, it's a complete life change - Jian has a new name and a new heritage, a completely new life!  He's no longer an abandoned baby, he's our son, he is now a member of our family.  And what a beautiful picture to remind us that we are adopted as members of the family of God, and that the extent of the transformation of our life is the same.

An amazing trip, Chinese parents, and a taste of home

Good morning!  

It is Sunday morning here.  I'm writing an update, then Jon and I are going to listen to last Sunday's message, hopefully it will feel a little more like Sunday!  We're then planning to go out and find a park and have a restful morning.  Jian already set it up with his friend's family (the other boy who was just adopted), to swim together this afternoon.

A few days ago, Jon was able to take an amazing and memorable day trip.  We would love to tell you more about it when we get home.   He recognized that this place has tremendous needs and was able to spend some time in encouragement.  

So, yesterday was an interesting and memorable day.  The Wang family (we think that's their name), came to pick us up in their car - Mrs. Wang's brother came in his car as well so we could all fit.  We drove to their apartment and hiked up to the 6th floor (only buildings with 7 or more floors have elevators).  They showed us around their home and Jian was excited to show us where he slept.  He took plenty of pictures around the apartment and we're happy to have these for the future.  We enjoyed some tea and fruit.  It's difficult to turn down things that we know we shouldn't eat, but, were able to do so somewhat graciously. We enjoyed seeing a traditional (though probably somewhat wealthy), Chinese home.  The kitchen is very small, the bathroom and kitchen are connected with an incompletely frosted glass door!  Yikes - I didn't realize this until I needed to use the restroom.  The shower has no door, it's right next to the toilet, and the whole restroom is tiled.  Their apartment is bigger than most.  There are 2 bedrooms downstairs and an attic like area with a 3rd playroom/bedroom.  It also has a toilet up there (we're pretty sure there's no plumbing connected to it - it was quite smelly up there).  We were told whenever we come back to Nanjing, we can stay there  Tanner was excited to see all of the toys up there.  Jian showed us his remote control car they gave him.  Mr. Wang explained they'd given it to him, but, he always wanted to keep it at their house.  I'm sure Jian knew it was not safe at the orphanage.

We chatted for a while, thankful for our guide, and were able to hear a bit more about them, and they asked us questions about America.  The three boys (their son and our 2) played the computer and other games together.  They asked if Jon wanted to go fishing,  we had other plans for the afternoon and were unable to take them up on the offer.    We then went to lunch in a small market-like area downstairs.  Mr. Wang told us that these were people who were unemployed and come and set up their own small business.  There were "restaurants," hair salons, snack places, nail places, and other "shops."  So, they brought along crab from a fresh water lake.  We sat down at the "restaurant" (2 tables) and they asked if we liked duck.  Jon said yes, I said I was willing to try it.  We then were pulled out of our seats and taken across the street to 2 different vendors with food to purchase.  We picked our own roasted duck (Jon was concerned this would be a live duck, we were thankful this was not the case), and some sort of beef.  We turned down the pig tongue, whole roasted chicken (including the feet), and other unrecognizable things.  During this time, I was praying for protection for our bodies of the food we were about to eat.

So, we sat down to eat and we think there were about 13-14 different types of food brought out.  Some was delicious - the BBQ'd fish was amazing!  The beef was ok (though cold), and other food was not too bad.  Then another bowl came out, our guide was unsure of the proper interpretation but called it fish intestines.  I tried very hard to keep a neutral face.  When Mr. Wang motioned several times for me to take some, I took some of the juice and put it on my plate but did not use my chopsticks to take any "meat."  Then came the pig kidneys, Jian and their son both ate plenty of these, I again, politely (hopefully) declined. Jon was very brave, and tried some of everything!  More and more food kept being brought out, and fortunately, I was able to say I was full, Jon helped and asked our guide to tell them I had a small stomach.  

While eating, they asked their son if he wanted to come to America with us.  He adamantly declined.  They asked if Tanner wanted to stay with them while we brought the 2 chinese boys back to America.  Tanner said sure!  They asked if he wanted to stay overnight and he begged to stay.  We explained that Tanner has to take medication 3 times a day and he was going to have to come back with us.  She then said that we could leave Tanner for 3 years and come back to pick him up after that.  We think she wanted to work on his oral skills.  

We wished we had a gift for them, to thank them for all their generosity.  We told them we would like to send them something from America - they replied "no, we are all family now, we will not accept your gifts."  I think they would love pictures of Jian in America, so, we will make sure to send some of those upon our return.   They invited us to have dinner with them as well, we had to decline since we already had dinner plans.  We enjoyed our time, but, I was having a bit of difficulty with all of the smoke - there's a lot of smoking that goes on here in China!  Both men there smoked the entire time we were together.

We are so thankful to have had this time in seeing them, spending time with them and seeing their home.  It's great to have some pictures and knowledge of where Jian has spent some of his time and to ask some questions about his last several years.  

We came back and of course did a little swimming.  Then, we went and had a fabulous American dinner of hamburgs with some Americans!  It was so delicious and we really enjoyed the company as well.  Jian was excited to use their ripstick and show off his skateboarding skills.  We all had a fun evening and another great day to store in our memories.

A day of swimming

So, there's not much to post today.  It was a restful day around Nanjing.  The boys slept in late (until almost 8am), and then we went to breakfast.  I laughed while watching them there.  Our breakfast is a large buffet with a lot of Chinese and American foods.  There's a grill where you can order eggs to be made.  Tanner and Jian both were wanting to get eggs.  They were discussing amongst themselves in a mix of ASL and Chinese sign language what they wanted, I just sat back and watched, while they argued about how many eggs each wanted, Jian said 1 Tanner adamantly stated 2.  The 2 chefs only spoke Chinese and stood patiently waiting.  Then, somehow they all figured out what was to be ordered and the boys came back happy with what was on their plates.

Then, we spent several hours at the pool, went to lunch at Papa Johns, then, back into the pool.  We then enjoyed dinner with other Americans and are back watching some fireworks in our room.  The fireworks are for National Day, and the boys are enjoying watching them.  

Tomorrow morning Jian is really excited to go see his Chinese mom and dad, and then tomorrow evening, to go skateboarding and have dinner with American friends. 

The zoo, some stories and observations

So, there are plenty of stories we could regale you with, but, you might be bored to tears, so, we'll just put down a few for us to remember later!

Yesterday, when we were leaving walmart, we were waiting for a taxi.  It was in front of a hotel and a lot of shops, so there was a wide sidewalk and a lot of people milling about.  There happened to be a beggar walking around this area looking for money.  We ignored him and walked on by at the advice of our guide.  As we passed him, Jian noticed a sign around his neck written on a piece of cardboard that stated "deaf."  He also told us to walk on by.  Tanner saw the man and took out the coins that Jon had given him and handed it to the man.  He turned around and told us, "the man is poor!  We need to help him."  Jian said "no, no money" and Tanner emphatically explained again, the man was poor and we need to give him money to help him.  What a tender heart and sweet spirit!  I love seeing things like that.  Also, yesterday afternoon, as we left the restaurant, Jian's friend that is also being adopted was a bit sad.  Tanner went up to him and put his arm around him - he didn't need to say anything, just trying to help him feel better.  What a teacher he is to us, reminding us of how we are to live!

Today, we went to the zoo!  It definitely was not like our zoos back home, but, the boys had a good time.  While enjoying the monkeys, a little boy started talking to our guide.  He was about 3 or 4 years old and liked seeing the foreigners.  He asked if Tanner was my son and I pointed to both of the boys, indicating they were both my sons.  Our guide tried to explain that Jian was adopted, but wasn't sure of the word.  I asked him if he knew how to write adopted and he did, we showed the family of the young boy and they nodded.  Then, the father asked if I wanted their son as well! 

The pictures attached are from the zoo.  I'm not sure if you'll be able to read the signs on the first picture, the green sign states "ferocious animals" underneath that is "lions and tigers."  We never figured out what exactly the ferocious animals were!  The next is of Jian showing Tanner the Chinese sign for tiger.  Then, Tanner is feeding the poor pig that had a broken, right front leg, he said feeding it would help it heal.  And, can you figure out what the animal is that Jian's trying to feed?  A squirrel!!!  

Then, of course, we enjoyed an afternoon at the pool and did a little homework again.  Tanner enjoyed signing sight words and being the teacher.

So, I think we're getting used to things here.  We're getting used to the smells, the sounds, the language (not that we can speak or understand it, but, just used to hearing it all the time).  I'm even getting more used to the traffic.  I'm not completely tense and stopping the blood flow in Jon's hand every time we're in a taxi!  I'm not sure we're still used to having a large picture window between the bathroom and the bedroom in the hotel, (thankfully there are blinds, but still!!!), nor am I used to the non-western style restrooms.

Tonight, as we were walking through the mall after dinner, I realized how many stores have inappropriate clothing on their mannequins and out for display!  Come on!!  I have a teenage son now!  I'm sure I'll probably notice this more back home too, but, it just seems really blatant right now!  Can I buy some blinders? :)

Tanner did better this afternoon - he had a hard time this morning and fell asleep on the way to the zoo, but, still enjoyed it nonetheless.  He went to bed at 7pm, so, hopefully he'll get a good night of sleep and feel better in the morning.  

Well, this feels like a really random post, hopefully it's readable!  I'm tired and heading to bed early tonight - good night from China and good morning in America!

A day around the city

Good morning from sunny Nanjing!  We're so thankful that yesterday and today we've finally seen the sun!!  It feels so refreshing.  

Yesterday, we had fun celebrating Jian's birthday, though I'm not sure he fully understood what we were celebrating.

We met one of Jian's friends from the orphanage who was also being adopted and enjoyed spending the day with them.

We went to visit a museum and place where they make brocade - a sort of tapestry.  It's how they made it hundreds of years ago.  It was fascinating!!  I attached a couple of pictures, there are 2 people working at the same time on each piece, the person on top is in control of the design and the person on bottom is in control of the color.  It takes them 2 days to create 2 inches!!!  I could've stayed there all day long!  This was the place where our gift from the orphanage is from, so it was even more meaningful to visit.  There's also a picture of Jian in front of one of the robes made for an Emperor.  

We also had fun at a tour of the city wall.  The kids could run around here a little bit and it was a great view of the city from above.  The battery on our camera died here, so, we have a few pictures from my phone!  While entering the restaurant, we ran into one of the ladies that worked at the orphanage (Ayi).  We took some pictures with her and then she cried when we left.  We then enjoyed a nice Chinese lunch before heading off to do a little shopping at.....Walmart!!  Can you believe it?  We bought a new camera :(  Ours is making strange sounds.  It's still working for now, but, we're concerned that it will die  decided it was worth it to buy another one.  Thankfully our guide was with us to help interpret and make sure we bought one that actually had a battery!  

Then, of course, we did some swimming again, did a little homework and some work with Jian (he loves practicing his numbers in ASL), and we gave Jian some birthday gifts before heading out to dinner with some Americans!  We went to a Himalayan restaurant and had some fabulous Indian food! 

Tanner has not been feeling great the last few days and fell asleep before eating dinner last night.  He's been quite pale and a bit off (that's always the best way to describe it).  This sometimes is a precursor to a migraine, so, we're praying that is not the case.  We're thankful we have medication with us if we need it, but, we're hoping it will dissipate on its own without intervention.  Of course, he's not complaining at all, just a little crabby, but, in typical Tanner fashion, he wants to continue doing everything and not miss out on any fun.

Last night, I had to call the airlines to confirm our changed flights - unfortunately, it was not as easy as we expected.  I was on the phone for 1.5 hours trying to rearrange things, pay additional fees, and try to get home on the 15th.  They were saying we couldn't get on the flight that we were scheduled for on the 15th, and would have to wait until the 16th.  You would think I wouldn't care after all this time here, but, I did!  I was so unhappy and tired.  I told the person on the phone "I cannot stay here for one more day!"  She was very kind and was able to find another flight so that we'll still be able to get home on the night of Oct. 15th.  Though, of course, this morning, one more day doesn't seem like such a big deal!    I was a bit crabby, tired and out of sorts yesterday, and not as patient with the boys as I would like to be.  I'm thankful that today is a new day and I can start again!

We're looking forward to a restful day at "home" here and not having a lot planned.  So, I'll try to update later on that, if there's anything much to say!