We had to stay in our hotel room this morning in order to be reached, if need be, by our coordinator who had taken all our paperwork etc in to the Consulate. We didn't receive a call until 12:10, saying that our application for John-Nathan's visa was accepted and is being processed. Everything should be ready for us tomorrow following his swearing-in ceremony at the Consulate at 4:00 p.m. Unfortunately, they do not allow any electronic devices in the Consulate, so there will only be our memories of the event to share with you.
These shirts actually say "big sister" and "little brother".
Comparing mouth sores with Elliot... (he's the oldest son of our "adoption buddies" we met in Beijing)
This afternoon we went off the island (along with the family we had met in Beijing) to do some shopping at the wholesale markets. Nice to get wholesale prices for single items, without buying bulk! (See how happy Celinda is with the deals she jsut got?! She normally previews the blog before posting--but she's in bed right now, so I'm taking a chance on this one!) We felt like we were walking through the pages of the Oriental Trading Company catalogue and THEN some! Pearls, jade, boxes, clothes, etc...We have some interesting stories from the outing, including running through the rainy market streets of Guangzhou and piling eleven into a tiny, 7-passenger van! We definitely made some memories....
Girls shop, dads takes pictures, watch the children, and pull out the wallet at the right time!
Our two families' kids were good "hang-out" buddies. John-Nathan was always offering little Zoe snacks!
We dropped off our loot back at the hotel then turned right around to head out for dinner. John-Nathan had skipped his nap today, but fell asleep as we strolled to the restaurant. He slept all through dinner and transferred successfully (for now) to bed, with out his evening bath or bedtime routines...poor little guy will probably wake up at midnight thinking it's time to get up. You can pray for him, not just for tonight, but for his plane trip home and his body-clock adjustment--ours, too!
We will post one more time: our Tuesday evening. We will have an early wake up on Wednesday morning to begin our voyage home. For all of you stealth readers (those who have read yet never commented), please keep in mind that you only have one more day to chime in and post a comment. We would love to hear from you if you have a moment :) For our regular posters, thank you SO MUCH for the encouragement you have been to us along this incredible journey! Reading your comments has truly been a highlight of our days!! It has helped us feel "connected" back home at some very "disconnected" points and places in our days over here. (PR)
18 comments:
He is so cute! I love that he figured out that if he kicked Julianna out of the stroller he could move faster! He has a beautiful smile and laugh....I know you guys must be so proud of him!
He and Julianna look wonderful together!
You guys will be in our thoughts on Wed. as you travel home. Have a safe trip! We are so happy that you guys will soon be home adjusting to your new family!
Courtney
Oh, and Julia would like for you to bring Zoe home as well "so her can be my friend!" lol
Hi Julianna! We really enjoyed "seeing you" last night on Uncle Tim and Aunt Mimi's computer.John-Nathan and Julianna look so good in thier Chinese outfits.We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Love Bekah and Ellie
Thanks for taking the time late at night to fill us all in on your adventure. Hopefully the Consulate will provide a pictre of the ceremony for the new citizens of the USA. We'll check in on your Tuesday activities and then follow you on flightview.com for you return trip. You'll arrive exhausted but thankful. "The journey" continues but just in another forum beginning Wednesday.
Love ya'll
norm & karen
The robes that J and J-N are wearing look like royalty!!! While looking at the previous days post of those Chinese school children along side J-N and his mother, reminded me that NOW J-N has been taken from perhaps one of the lowest stations in China (an orphan in an orphanage) to a position far greater than the best that China can offer. Not by any thing he did or could do. But by the Grace of God.
We too are helpless. But now by the Grace of God we are a child of the King. Clothed in His righteousness.
"But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Looking forward to a great reunion.
Grandpa
Hello friends!
We can't say enough about how much we've enjoyed being part of your adoption adventure! Thanks so much for posting often and for all the wonderful pictures and videos! We're in such a habit of checking your blog that we'll miss it when you get home! Maybe soon we can see you in person. I'm sure that will satisfy our need to check the blog! :)
We'll be watching you at flightview.com and looking forward to hearing from you when you're home!
Much love from all the Smiths
Hey!
The pictures on your blog today were cool! The movies were cool, too. John-Nathan is SO cute!
Much Love from,
Matthew Smith
A new day and another step closer towards "sealing the deal". So different from our own sealing by the Spirit at the moment we place our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. I appreciate "Grandpa's" reminder of the position we have in Him who saved us fully by His grace.
How nice to walk through these adoption steps with another family.I imagine you will be able to stay in contact and share notes on the adjustment process state-side. Fun seeing the hotel room entertainment. So good to see the simple enjoyment of being together.
Our prayers, The Fritzlers
I guess we would be in the "stealth" category...but we have been reading and praying for you and cannot wait for you to get home !
We have been watching with joy and thanksgiving. We look forward to seeing you all soon. His next phrase to learn is "Roll Tide"
Love You
The Pinions
Reading "Grandpa's" comment about lowly position in a China to one of exaltation reminded us (while we were swimming in our pool) of the story about Mephibosheth (Johnathan's only surviving son) his crippled feet and how King David had him sit at his table.(2 Samuel 9:1-13) So it is with John-Nathan. We only get our strength through the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. nl & kac
Peter - you did a great job on the blog(as always). Happy day before coming home day!! We can't wait to see you all in person and hear about your trip. John-Nathan seems so smart and happy - he is picking up so much already. You all look so happy - we praise and thank the Lord for his provision and watchful care for all of you on this journey - we continue with love and prayers...
Love in Him,
Scott and Kathy
Thank you for providing the blog so we could all share the journey "To China & Back." The comments have encouraged my heart! Now as you return to continue the journey in USA, we will continue to pray for God's leading you each step of the way & provision for your every need. We give thanks to God for all He has done & is going to do! Colossians 3:15-17 Love A. Genie & U. Larry
Well, tried to post note just to say what it has meant to me to talk and see you on our Skype and then how much the blog has blessed me, Grandpa, family and friends of ours...but the post did not "take". This is my third and final try. I love you all...your beds will be ready for you, rest for the weary travelers. See you at the airport.
Love Mom/GM
Ditto to Grandpa's beautiful statement. Each day all of us here in the U S of A see answered prayers in the pictures and postings you make. What a joy and praise to the Lord. And we'll all still be praying until you land safely in Birmingham.
(What's your airline and flight numbers? I think, I know i've lost them from your very 1st posting).
Shirley
Praise the LORD!!!
"Wonderous are His works!"
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pics/videos from today!!!
travel safely, dear friends. Sydney wants J-N & J to come play here soon. So we will arrange a visit one of these days. We have enjoyed reading your blog every day. Maybe, for your far-off friends, you might post something new, even after you get home -- maybe once a month or so? :) :) Love and prayers from all.
J, D, S & A
We have enjoyed so much reading all about your trip! Thank you for posting all the details. When you are back home and no longer posting, what are we going to talk about in the evenings?! You have become a part of our every day conversation, and we are so excited for you! I hope it won't be too long before we get to meet the newest member of your family!
Love,
Greg & Tiffany
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