Off to PBS to apply for Passports

Dan

Today we walked through the park and got to the children's play ground only to find that it was closed. It has rained everyday that we have been here which is unusual for the season. Still the walk was nice and it is better than being stuck in our room. We walked with Nancy and Brian and their cute little family. Talking about life and family seems to help. We see other family each has different situations and different challenges.

You would think that staying in a nice hotel in China would more of a vacation than a burden, but there is a huge physical and emotional burden while the children adjusts. Add the sameness of your surroundings from food and locations and the long hours of waiting is harder than most understand. But when you make the trip, you do understand and there is a common bond that is formed. We try to laugh when we can and always encourage each other.

"Everybody needs a sneed" -- from the Lorax

I think that is why adoption families tend to attract each other. Enduring a common situation forges bonds. I'm getting to the point that I can tell how long a family has been in China based upon the look on their face.  The longer the duration it tends to drag you down. There is the I have been here 10 days look, the one more week look  and then the spark of energy and hope when they realize that they are going home tomorrow.

Once you are home and no longer at the mercy of regulations and schedules is when tend to see our spirits lift and soar. We are not meant to be commanded in all things but to soar as captains of our own soul.

Mei Mei fell asleep in the park while I was holding her and she fell asleep at PBS and she is asleep again this afternoon. (which is why I have time to type). Today we tried to see what her limits were physically. We saw picture of her standing, but we have never seen her walk. I'm not sure if she has ever crawled either. We have to prop her up to do either and then she will not move, but only cry. I starting to believe that she has been carried all her life. We did some exercises of her legs and arms but it is slow and she is still getting use to us.

Today I felt that I needed to give her a blessing. In it she was blessed to begin to have healing both physically and emotionally. She is uncomfortable and we'll help her. I felt too that Heavenly Father is blessing Helen and me too. We both cried as the spirit confirmed that she is our daughter and part of our family. Knowing this makes all the difference. The questions of doubt that makes you fear if things will be OK goes away and we find that despite the behavior we can love her.

Today we can pass her back and forth without crying and she feels comfortable to fall asleep with me. I even snuck in a kiss and she didn't object this time.  Deep breaths and patience. We'll see how tomorrow goes.

Helen (Dan said write something funny)
I overcame one of my fears about China today... I used a squatty potty, your pretty impressed I can tell! ... I'll leave the humor up to Dan...