Operation: Bring Maggie Home!

The countdown is on! One week from today is "Gotcha Day" and Maggie will officially be a part of our family. We leave Nashville airport this Thursday evening headed for China. Much is still to be done and I think I'm about to suffer from exhaustion! This last week was already planned out for me as is this next week. The one thing our Dr. told us to do before going is to get plenty of rest, exercise and fluids. Well.....I got the fluid part down. Pray for my health if I cross your mind. All the busyness combined with the stress of leaving kids behind and traveling is beginning to take its toll. I nearly passed out this morning trying to get ready for church! On the up side of things, I hope to get some rest while traveling (got some meds to help that) and we'll meet our beautiful daughter soon after arriving. Also, I found out that I should be able to blog and facebook (after downloading VPN) while we're there.  Four more days until travel and seven more days until gotcha. I know the Lord has ordered our steps in this journey and I ask all of you to help pray for physical strength to see us through. Hopefully my next post will be from Beijing. So for now, Ni Hao (hello pronounced nee-how) and Zaijian (good-bye pronounced zi-jee-ahn)from Hohenwald, Tennessee.


 A man's steps are directed by the Lord.                                  Proverbs 20:24a


Do not be afraid for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.                                                                                       Isaiah 43:5

Travel Plans: Some Babies arrive by plane!

The call we've waited on finally came!  On Friday, February 24, I received a call from our travel coordinator that we had our travel approval and we would be traveling in 3 weeks!  Sydney and I were in Wal-Mart when the call came.  She got so excited that she wanted to call everyone right then.  So we did.  She was so proud to share the news. 

We leave Thursday evening March 15 from Nashville and land in Detroit.  From Detroit we have a long flight to Beijing.  Our total time in the air is going to be around 17 hours.  I plan to take books, music and medication.  We are scheduled to land in Beijing around midnight (China time) on Friday the 16th.  We're practically losing a day on the way over.  Funny thing is, the 16th is Kevin's birthday.  I told him I shouldn't have to get him anything this year since we're literally flying right past it :-)  Since our flight is at night and it'll be bedtime when we get to China, maybe I can catch up some years of sleep deprivation! 

We will be in a travel group with some other families from our agency as well.  Including us, I believe it's 4 or 5 families.  All of us will fly into Beijing and then most everyone is going to a different province for their children.  Then everyone from our group will reunite in Guangzhou where everything will be made final.  It'll be interesting to get to know a few people in the China adoption world.  A sweet little surprise awaited us as I read thru our travel itinerary.  Typically, families are in Beijing for 2 days to sightsee before traveling to their child's province.  Guess what?  We are only in Beijing for one day of sightseeing and then on to Maggie's province.  We will have her in our arms a day earlier than we expected!  That is really a big deal to me!  Isn't that just like God to give you those sweet little gifts?  I just taught our Sunday night kids a lesson on patience a couple of weeks ago.  One of the things I told them is that God in never late, he's rarely early and he's always on time!  Now I'm gonna have to tell those kids he did something early for me!

I also found out that Facebook and Blogger are blocked in China.  Doesn't that figure?!  I will most likely ask someone to keep my blog going for me.  Hopefully I can email them our posts and photos and they can "blog it" for me.  There's a lot of travel in-country once we get there as well.  Our itinerary is as follows:

Thursday, March 15- Depart Nashville for Detroit, then depart Detroit for Beijing

Friday, March 16- Arrive in Beijing at approx midnight

Saturday, March 17- Beijing Sightseeing

Sunday, March 18- GOTCHA DAY!  A.M.- Flight to Guizhou

P.M.- Meet Maggie Mei-Ling Dye!!!

Monday, March 19---Thursday, March 22- Civial affairs appt and LOTS of other appointments as well as some sightseeing and shopping in her home province.

Friday, March 23- Flight to Guangzhou (where adoption will be made final) for Consulate appt and paperwork 

Saturday, March 24---Tuesday, March 27- Maggie's medical exam, more paperwork and sightseeing/shopping

Wednesday, March 28- Consulate appt at 10:00 am and Consulate Oath-Taking Ceremony

Thursday, March 29- Pick-up Maggie's visa and depart Guangzhou for Hong Kong

Friday, March 30- Depart Hong Kong for the USA!!!

Arrive in Detroit (Maggie will officially become a US citizen as soon as our plane touches down)

Depart Detroit for Nashville!!!

My brain is overwhelmed at this point at what needs to be packed, getting all the arrangements in place for our kids while we're gone, paying some bills ahead, etc.  I have to say little Miss Maggie is mostly packed!  I did most of hers today.  So much fun!  On the other end of things, my 3 kiddos are getting nervous now that the time for mom and dad to leave is this close.  They're a little worried for our safety, but mostly worried just because we've never been away from one another for this length of time.  I'll admit I almost tear up when I think about leaving them behind.  I'm afraid if I start crying I won't be able to stop.  I'm praying and I ask you all to be praying that these 15 days will pass quickly for all of us.  We will be able to see/talk to the kids thru skype and they will be able to see some of the things Maggie is doing, so hopefully that will help.

I can't believe we're almost there....just a year ago in March we were attending a seminar from our agency to find out what adoption is all about.  I honestly felt God was going to move quick for us, but I never imagined it like this.  I'm so thankful for all we've learned.  We continue to ask each of you to pray.  Right now, specifically for our children and our safety.  Secondly, for our health and the health of our children during these days.  And most of all for the transition that's before all of us.  A whole new world for Maggie as well as transitioning for my family.  I pray Maggie will attach and bond to us quicker than we imagine and that our children will love and welcome her into their hearts and our home as soon as they meet.  Exciting days ahead!  Thank you to all of you for following us, encouraging us and praying for us.

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.   Proverbs 25:25

.....He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.....Phillipians 1:6

The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.    1Thessalonians 5:24

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.   Isaiah 26:3

Happy Birthday!

Our baby is 2 years old today. I was so hoping we would have her and be back home by now, but it's obviously not time yet.  Any day now we are expecting the call from our agency that we have travel approval and can begin making all the arrangements.  I've wondered all day what she might be doing.  I'm wondering if her foster family may have had a celebration for her.  I'm wishing we were with her to sing "Happy Birthday".


 But more than that, my mind has been wondering a lot lately about her birth mother.  On this day, 2 years ago, she gave birth to this precious girl.  She has to remember that.  How could this date not go by without her wondering about the sweet baby girl she chose to give up?  People have often asked me, "What kind of mother would leave her child for someone to find?", or "Is there something wrong with her that the mother didn't want her?".  I've stopped and thought a lot about who this woman must be.....maybe she is young and unmarried, maybe she is older and not well, maybe she already has other children and simply did not have the means to raise another child or very possibly she was forced into giving her up simply because she's a girl.  China has been under a one child law since 1970.  Naturally, families want boys for work and a means of social security for the parents since they are so poor.  Because of that reason alone, tons of baby girls have been given up over the years.

For me, giving up my children would absolutely be the last resort.  I would have to have tried every way possible to make it work.  I would do without for myself or possibly kill someone first if I thought I had to leave them for someone else to find and hope that they would care for them.  Unlike America, China has few options for mothers when it comes to their children's welfare.  There aren't Chinese families lined up on a waiting list to adopt them at birth, there is no government welfare and most families do not have the resources to pay the hefty fine they are charged if they have more than one child.  The irony is, you are not allowed more than one child or there are consequences and it's illegal to abandon children although the orphanages are full and no one is in jail for abandonment.  Boys are revered and girls are considered "no good".  I could go on and on about China's history and the terrible things that go on. I believe abandonment is a woman's "birth plan" in China.  Sure, there are terrible things that go on in America and other countries as well.  But I know without a doubt God led us to China, not anywhere else.

I wonder if her birth mother is a Christian.  Maybe she prayed for a godly family to raise her daughter.  Maybe she's a prostitute.  We will never know.  But I believe with all my heart she has stopped and thought about her baby girl on this day and wonders about her.  Could she ever forget her sweet face?  Could she ever forget the sound of her cry when she was born?  Did it take all the courage she could muster to leave her?  Did she stand close by to make sure she was taken to safety?  When I take myself through these emotions I realize the kind of mother who would abandon her child.  That kind of mother would be me.  That kind of mother would most likely be you.  If it was absolutely impossible to raise a baby, would you want a better life for her?  I feel abandonment is probably the most courageous thing this mother could do for this child.  God had a plan for Maggie long before her birth mother did.  Kevin said in an earlier post that she was created to be our daughter.  Although she was created in the womb of a different woman, she was created for our family.  If I ever had the opportunity to say anything to her birth mother it would be to thank her for giving her life.  To thank her for being brave enough to leave her in order that Maggie may have a better life.  I would want her to know how very much she will be loved and she will be afforded all the opportunities that children deserve.  I would tell her our story of how God put all of this together for such a time is this.

 Happy Birthday my Asian angel. Your family loves you and is waiting for you!

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"                                Isaiah 49:15

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.                                                                     Psalm 139:13-16

"....I tell you the truth, whatever you have done for the least of these, you have done for me."
                                                                                            Matthew 25:40

Update...yay!!!

I saw the face of Jesus in a little orphan girl,

she was standing in a corner on the other side of the world.

And I heard the voice of Jesus whisper something to my heart,

"Didn't you say you wanted to find me? Well, here I am,

Here you are".

So what now? What will you do, now that you found me?

What now? What will you do with this treasure you found?

I know I may not look like what you expected,

but if you'll remember, this is right where I said I would be,

You found me.  So what now?

-What Now?  By Steven Curtis Chapman

(This has been my theme song thru this adoption journey)

Here she is!  Two weeks from turning 2 years old.  She's grown and changed right before our eyes in every photo since we've been on this journey.  Isn't she beautiful?!  From the looks of her surroundings, I believe she is still with her foster family.  At some point she will return to the orphanage before we travel.  I am so thankful for this family that has been taking care of her.  God put them in her life (and ours) for such a time as this.  I know letting go of her will be difficult for them.  They've had her since she was 5 days old.  How could they not be attached?  In this update, her foster mother let us know that taking her outside to play or letting her listen to music will cheer her up when she becomes upset or sad.  My heart grieves for Maggie and this family as I think about the bond that is about to be broken between them. 

She is described as a clever and obedient child.  She enjoys hugs and attention (no problem there) and she has an older foster sister in her home that she enjoys playing with.  She is also described as an extrovert.  She likes to laugh, play and listen to music.  She can run everywhere, climb up and down stairs and knows how to open boxes and rummage through them (oh boy! I'd forgotten what toddlers are all about!). 

Check out the sleeve around her wrist.  Look at the number of layers she has on my baby!  At least they're not letting her get cold!  She looks pretty chubby in all that garb.  Actually, her current weight and height are 19.8 lbs. and 31.5 inches tall.  She has 16 teeth and is in good physical health.  She speaks Mandarin and can carry on a simple conversation (please Lord, let her English catch on quick!).  She's not a picky eater and eats almost everything (that's my girl!).  She has started using the potty, but still needs a little help.  She sleeps in her own crib and takes a 2 hour nap each day. 

I can't wait to squeeze and smooch this little face!  So, when is still the big question on everyone's mind.  It's on ours too.  We should have our travel dates within the next 2 weeks!  Most definitely it will be March when we go.  I hoped and prayed for February, but the Lord has something different in mind it seems.  Her forever family is getting awfully impatient on this side of the globe!  For those of you reading, keep praying as we come to your mind.  There's so much to prepare for in traveling and her transition.  Our journey of adoption is soon to end, but our lifetime journey to love and raise her as part of our family is about to begin.  Words cannot describe the closeness I feel to the Lord these recent days.  There's no way I can even describe it or explain how grateful I am for all that we've learned and seen at the hand of God in this place of our lives.  Our day to meet Maggie is near.  I feel her in my heart.

.....we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons.......     Romans 8:23

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  He sets the lonely in families....
                                                                                                             Psalm 68:5-6a

2012 The Year of the Dragon

Happy Chinese New Year everyone! This week marks the 15 day celebration which began on January 23 and ends on February 6.  This is also known as their Spring Festival and preparations begin a month before the celebration.  Houses are cleaned from top to bottom to sweep away any traces of bad luck and doors and windowpanes are given a new coat of paint, usually red.  Doors and windows are also decorated with red paper couplets printed with themes such as happiness, wealth and longevity.  In China, red is the color of luck and royalty.  Children are typically given money in red envelopes for luck, prosperity and to buy treats at the festivities.  Other traditions include feasts, fireworks, parades and more. 

2012 marks the  year of the dragon according to the Chinese zodiac calendar.  The dragon is the 5th zodiac sign which stands for power, good luck, success and happiness.  Characteristics of someone born during the year of the dragon include being flexible, passionate, generous and free spirited.  Chinese traditions are swathed in superstitions.  It's amazing to me how cultures are so different all around the world!  Our Maggie was born in 2010 which was the year of the Tiger.  The characteristics of someone born in the year of the tiger include a good dose of courage, prone to be impatient, sometimes short-tempered, passionate, very cautious, and can be trusted in all things.  Truth or superstition?  I guess we shall see. 

Currently in Guizhou, it's 35 degrees and snow flurries.  I can just picture my little munchkin all bundled up!  The chinese are known for putting several layers of clothing on their babies and children in winter.  Here on the other side of the globe, in Tennessee, we are having almost spring-like weather.  Sunny, 60 degrees, and very different from the last couple of years.  My kids are itching for some snow!  I have to say I am too.  I like days that we can stay home from school, play outside, drink hot chocolate and "nest" with my family. 

The million dollar question is still, when?  I wish I could say that we knew, but we don't.  I know that February is looking impossible (unless God steps in to change something) and it's looking more like early March.  With a document getting lost back in October and now the Chinese New Year has everything closed for several days, we are most certainly off course for February to happen.  Hopefully we will at least get our TA (travel approval) in February.  From there our travel dates will depend on our appointment date with the consulate in Guangzhou to finalize the adoption.  So close, yet so far!  Some days this waiting feels like it's going to drive me crazy.  Other days, I feel like time is running short.  There are several projects at home I wanted to get done before we go and I haven't started a single one!  (I'm the world's biggest procrastinator)  Mostly I'm just feeling blue    :(   Sometimes I go out for a little "retail therapy" to make me feel better.  Even if it's just a stop at Wal-Mart to get her some pj's or something I know we'll need on our trip.

 A care package was sent to her earlier this month with photos of us, our home, her bed, the dog, etc.  I'm praying that her foster mama or her orphanage nanny is showing them to her each day so that she is at least familiar with our faces.  At this point, we don't know if she is back at the orphanage or still with her foster family.  It worries me either way!  I am having a lot of anxiety myself about us meeting her.  From all the adoptive training material we've read and families we've kept up with, we know that the first few days will be difficult to say the least.  She will be whisked away from all she has known and given to some strange talking white people.  No wonder adopted children have a grieving process!  Pray for me.  And for us as a family to bond and connect with her.  I know this is not going to easy on her and most likely not for us either.  She's too young to understand all that is going on.  And at the same time, I literally feel like a piece of my heart is on the other side of the world with her.  The closer we get to traveling, the more I feel my connection with her.  I can't explain it, I just know that it's there and that it has to be God.  I never knew I could feel this way and love a little person this much.  A little person who is not my flesh and blood.  But I know I am her mother.  I find myself worrying over this sweet girl that I've only seen in pictures.  I think these emotions are showing me the bigger picture all the time of God's heart for us as His adopted children. 

This time in January last year also marks when God began to stir something in my heart for adoption.  What a roller coaster this last year has been!  I would do it again in a heartbeat if the Lord asked me to.  What we've experienced and learned is priceless!  As my impatience and frustrations have increased lately, he is teaching me to "Be still and know..." and to "Rest in Him".  His timing is perfect.  I don't know and may never know the reason for the delays, but I have to trust.  Have I mentioned this is extremely difficult? :) 

As you think of us, please pray for our travel to be here before we know it, for Maggie and the transition that is before all of us, for everyone's safety as we travel and our 3 little munchkins we're leaving behind and for the rest of the paperwork and money that is to be paid to fall into place according to His plan.  We love you all and appreciate all the love and support on this journey in our lives.  To God be the glory!

Be still and know that I am God....Psalm 46:10a

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.   Psalm 62:1

Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.   Isaiah 43:5

I will bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-   Isaiah 43:6b

It's Getting Close!

Well I guess it's time to hear from Dad since time is getting close. I have been very emotional the past few weeks because when I reflect on what all God has done and what He is going to do sometimes it seems a little overwhelming. I wish I could explain to each of you, who has followed us through this journey, prayed with us, cried with us and encouraged us when we were down, how we feel but all I can say is Thank You. One of the guys in my prayer group prayed the other night that Maggie will be a part of a bigger family than just ours, our church family and that's how we feel also. One of my prayers is that Maggie will grow to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior here and someday go back to China and use what God has taught her and make a difference in someone else life, I also pray that for each of my children. For His glory.

As of January 13, 2012 we received a letter from NVC(National Visa Center) stating that Maggie's visa application has been processed and forwarded to U.S. Embassy/Consulate General in Guangzhou, China-Mainland. We are very excited, very scared, very nervous and every other kind of emotion to go with that, all rolled into one. Please continue to pray as this is probably the hardest part, WAITING. Also continue to pray that when we get Maggie that her transition process would go smoothly.

   I know many of you have read our testimony of how we have got to where we are now but I would like to tell you a condensed version of what God has been doing in my life through the adoption process. It never ever ever even crossed my mind that we would even think about adopting. God can not only change your mind but He can also change your heart. God has put a love in my heart that I cannot explain for a little girl on the other side of the world that I've never talked too, never had any communication with and only seen very few pictures of. Most of you parents know the love that I'm talking about. The same love you have for an unborn child.  I am blessed with a beautiful, wonderful wife and 3 great kids and one on the way and sometimes I wonder why He chose to bless us again. When we first started the process we thought it would be a long process, maybe 1 1/2 years or 2 years or maybe even 3 years. So I started to try to figure out how we could come up with the money. Crystal and I felt that God didn't want us to borrow, raise or even ask for any money, just trust Him. While praying that this would all happen in His time, on June 3rd of last year God kicked it in gear. Crystal and I were on a conference call with our agency and  our coodinator was explaining all the details of the adoption process and even how long it could take. After hanging up we were a little overwhelmed with the whole process and all of the unknowns and not 5 minutes after we hung up my wife called me in tears. By this time I was in a store in Linden and I first thought that something had happened to one of the kids. All I heard was we have a file that our agency wants us to look at.  Crystal didn't want to look at the pictures until we had gotten the file but I couldn't wait to see her. Now who could resist a little girl in Tennessee orange.

   I knew without a doubt that God had done something only He could. After wiping tears for a few minutes even being asked if something was wrong by the store owner I got in my truck and burst into tears again. I thanked God for what He was doing and for the confirmation (again) for what He started. After coming out of the clouds I again wondered how God was going to come up with money to do this in such a short time. All I can say is that each point that money has been due God has provided. It's been amazing to be apart of.

  We are now at the end of all the paperwork, waiting and paperwork and waiting and even more paperwork and more waiting we are excited to be this close to  meeting our little girl. We believe that even though she was born from other parents God created her knowing that she would be in our family. Through this process God has showed me that He can do anything He wants too.  The US government nor the Chinese government nor anybody else can change Gods plan. We are not one bit worried about anything because we know that our family is right where God wants us to be and theres no better feeling in the world.

 Thank You again each of you who have went through this journey with us,  prayed for us and helped us financially. We are truly greatful. Please continue to pray for our family.

  So we ask you to pray:

1. For Maggie - health and transition

2. The flight (I don't like planes)

3. My children - being away for 2 weeks

Psalms 62:5-8

 

Maggie's Referral

On June 3, 2011, we got a call from our agency that will forever change our family.  It was the photos and information of a 16 month old girl from Guizhou, China.  Here she is....the first photos we saw of her.

 Chinese Name: Fu Mei Chen

Date of Birth: February 23, 2010

Location: Quiandongnan Prefacture, Guizhou Province, China





She was around 9 or 10 months old when these photos were taken.  Instantly we were in love!  Kevin looked at her pictures before I did.  He texted me to say, "She's beautiful.  This is our daughter".  Maybe the orange jumpsuit had something to do with Tennessee??  (wink, wink)  Bless her heart!  I thought she looked like the orange Michelin Man here.  In winter, the Chinese are known to really bundle up their babies! 

I have to say that with one look at her name, I knew she was our daughter.  That was even before I saw her photos.  We had already decided her name would be Maggie Mei.  And after a while, we decided it would be Maggie Mei-Ling.  When we first started the whole paperwork process, my girls and I sort of "nick- named" our baby-to-be "Mei-Ling".  I don't know why, I guess it was really the only Chinese name we knew.  So, it stuck.  When Kevin and I picked out the name Maggie, it only seemed right to keep her middle name as Mei-Ling.  In my own quiet time of praying, I had asked God that when we got a referral that maybe her Chinese name could be part of what we picked out for her.  I never really thought much about the Lord actually answering that for me, but he sure did!  When I got the email containing her information it read, Referral: Chen Fu Mei.  When I saw the name Mei, I knew this is who God picked out for us.  Some might say it's a coincidence, but I believe it's a prayer answered in order to increase my faith!

This is a map of  China.  The red shaded area is the Province of Guizhou.  A province is like a state here in the U.S.

Guizhou is located in the southwest of China.  It is considered one of China's poorest and most desolate provinces.  Its per capita income ranks the lowest in all of China.  Its major industries are forestry, energy and mining (mostly coal).  It has a very mountainous topography and is known for its beauty.  Also, the largest waterfall in China is located here, the Huangguoshu Falls.

In a town called Longquan in this province of Guizhou, is Wangcheng Village.  This is where our baby girl was found.  Mostly likely it is the place of her birth as well.  She was abandoned, they believe, on the day she was born.  Once we get to China, we will receive her Certificate of Abandonment.  (I have to take a deep breath as I type those words)  This should tell us a little more detail about her finding place and there's a possibility we can visit there.  I really hope that we can.  One day when she has questions about where she came from, I would like to be able to give her as much detail as I can.  There is no record of her birth parents.  The only life she has known is the first 5 days in an orphanage and then her foster family.  There's no way I can describe the gratefulness in my heart for her foster family.  (Another answer to prayer!)  There's more I will save for another post about her foster and birth mother. 

Well, we are still praying for February for our travel.  Our visas have been sent off for and when we get "the word" from the CCCWA to travel, our flight and hotel arrangements can be made.  Right now, we've been reading through LOTS of papers about travel "do's and don't's", what to take, what not take, etc.  This will be interesting to say the least!  It's still hard to believe sometimes that we are actually in this place in life.  We're humbled, excited, scared and still believe we are exactly where God intends for us to be.  There are still things we are nervous about.  Deadlines to be met with paperwork, money to be paid, and issues regarding  transition for Maggie and for us once we get home.  The words of encouragement you all give us are more special than you know.  And without the Lord to lead us, we'd be crazy! 

For all of you following us, please continue to pray if we cross your mind.  We love you all. 

Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless.  Psalm 82:3

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Psalm 31:8

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  He sets the lonely in families.....

                                                                                                                                  Psalm 68:5-6a