Yes!!!! We are still alive and doing well!

I am really sorry for taking soooo long to post.  I have wondered over this past long week if I would survive but today is Saturday and I think I will be ok.  Seriously.....the jet lag just about does me in.  Now if I could come home to a nice calm, quiet house and take it easy for a couple of weeks all would be great....but there is a problem.  I now have 9 children and a husband, 2 dogs and life.  I would like to have  a video of me over this past week.  I know that I looked completely like I was drugged out with glazed eyes.  After going over for a visit with my friend, Nancy, she told me that she didn't think jet lag was the problem.  Katy can be very stimulated by new environments and she is all over the place.  It was that way for a couple of days at home but she is now settled in and calmed down at home.  I have to say I am  little shocked at how well she has blended in our family.  She has done very little bossing of the other children.  She seems really happy hear and our kids happy to have her.  The girls love her.  They have had so much fun playing girl things.  I was a wondering if Katy would decide she liked girly things.  After just 3 wks with her she now tells me she wants long hair(which I don't think they ever gave her that choice before), she wants her ears pierced, she now puts barrettes in her hair and wants her nails painted.  She would have none of that when we met her.  Today Scott got all of the bikes out for the kids.  Katy didn't have one yet so I took her shopping.  We bought the pinkest bike we could find.  She came home so excited.  Hopped on and was ready to learn to ride.  She had never been on a bike before.  She did great.  I think a few more days of practice and she will be on her way.  She went across monkey bars for the first time yesterday and gave swinging a try.  It looks like she has never done that before either.  Amazing.  Can you imagine being almost 10 and having never done those things?  At Target today I wasn't paying attention and she started grabbing items and scanning them.  Oh my!  We have soooo much to learn.  She has been quick to give us hugs and looks at us like she really may like us....a lot.  Oh yes, she is still very stubborn.  She has stamped up the stairs a few times when she didn't get her way.  She corrects easily and oh how she wants to learn.  She constantly asks me what things are and how to say certain things.  Her biggest spontaneous phrase is "No thank you, I just want a coke".  Every word of that was said when I offered to buy her ice cream.  Now if you haven't adopted an older Chinese child this might not mean that much to you, but I am here to say, it is incredible.  As for Katy and Samuel and their interactions.  It is a little different that what I had thought it might be.  They don't seem that interested in each other or maybe just feel a little awkward around each other.  He is very gentle and kind to her but doesn't offer too much Chinese conversation with her.  I catch them every now and then talking in Chinese but not very often.  He does look after her.  He saw her trying to cut up a pear tonight and quickly jumped in and did it for her.  Scott and I mentioned how Sam just seems so grown up now that we have Katy.  He seems to know so much.  At the rate Katy is learning no doubt she will pass up his English knowledge.  She constantly asks me a word and then has me spell it for her.  She will repeat it like now that she knows the word she will remember it.   It has really been great and I look forward to being alive enough to enjoy it.

Thank you all for your prayers and support through this journey.  Keep us in your prayers and I will update here every few weeks so check back.  We are full and blessed.  Thank you God for your goodness.

Adoption complete!

Today was our final appointment which was the US Consulate.  We finalized all of Katy's immigration paperwork and now she will get her visa to come to the US.  As soon as she touches down in the US she will automatically become a US citizen.  We are way ready to be coming home.  Well I am anyway.  Leah is still enjoying it all so that makes me enjoy it also.  Not much went on today other than a little more eating and shopping.  We have really enjoyed a very nice family that adopted the 14 year old girl.  They have kind of taken us in and have become great friends.  I think this will be my last post in China. I will look forward to updating you after we are joined together as one big family.  Thank you all for your prayers and support during this whole process.  It has been great and now I am ready to move forward as a family of 11.  I can't believe that is the size of my family!  Oh my goodness.  Maybe just keep on praying for us..........

Safari Park

What another full day.  We visited our favorite Safari park.  It really is great.  They have tons of neat animals that you can get really close up views.  That was just the surroundings for a day of pushing the limits and a mama who says no way.  Scott if you are reading this, I really am missing you.  First I have to say Katy really, really enjoyed most of her day.  She asked questions of each volunteer at each exhibit until I tore her away.  She was totally interested in everything.  She is a smart, witty little thing.  On the less than wonderful side she had her very stubborn moments of wanting her way.  For instance when we were feeding the giraffes she was struggling getting the branches off to feed them.  I tried to help and she wouldn't let me have it.  I got it from her and pulled a branch off but by that time she was in fit mode stamping her foot at me and giving me not so nice looks.  I had the guide explain to her that her mama would not give her anything if she asked for it like that.  She then began the loud crying.  All of the families thought she was hurt.  It was a tough stand for me to take.  Yes, it would have been easier and brought way less attention to this mean mama but I felt that boundaries need to be established ASAP.  Later as we were walking one of my favorite moms in our group came up to me and said, "you are a good mama".  I needed that because I wasn't feeling so hot at the time.  She told me that was a hard thing to do especially with so many people watching.  Anyway, we move on....Katy pushes......mama says no......mama says I love you to Katy and that I always will forever.......later I got a kiss on my cheek.  I think this battle will get worse but I am expecting it and ready.  She is precious, fiesty, cute, wild, and wonderful.  I look forward to how things will look for her in a few months.

Now changing topics a little.  Being here in China with adopted families doesn't look a thing like it did when we adopted Ellie.  Seven years ago there were tons of healthy baby girls everywhere.  Now there are older children and children with special needs and lots of boys.  As I look around I see families doing really hard things.  Well adoption in the best situation is hard and then you add special needs and age to that.  Here are a few things I have seen and people I have spoken with.  A couple with older grown kids and one child at home adopting an older girl with Downs Syndrome, a young couple adopting 2 children at the same time ages 2 and 4.  They have 3 at home under the age of 5.  Yes that is 5 under 5. To top it off their new daughter they find out has pretty severe CP.  They knew of her club feet but not the biggest problem.  They were ready for the unkown but it will be a tough road.  Another family with 10 kids at home now adopting 2 kids under 5 both with deformed lower limbs. Another with adopting 2 boys about 10 and 13.  You might ask what would causes these poeple to do this.  It is simple.  This kids need someone to love them and these familes get that and are willing to sacrifice much to care for them and give them a chance at a future with someone to love them.  It is a beautiful picture of God's love for us.  I am inspired and motivated by these people.  I have many poeple like this in my life that I want to honor for the love they bring to these children. Sonja, Tary,  Missy, Kristi, Jean, Stephanie, and the others of you that are reading this who I admire.  Blessings on each of you and your families.  Another group that I wouldn't want to walk this path without who have all love and adopted these little ones and are called my "playgroup friends".  We have met together with our children for 7 years now.  Yes our kids are in school but we still meet for encouragement and support every other wk.  They have prayed me through it all  and I want to say I love you guys. (Cheryl, Kim, Megan, Jeanine, Ann, and Rhonda).  I can't forget our friends Jeff and Nancy who haven't adopted themselves but that have actually adopted all of our kids as their own as they have loved and supported us through it all.  I'm not sure how we could do it without them.  Is this sounding like an awards speech?  I am just so overwhelmed and thankful for all the people that really have strengthened us and enable us to do what we do.  A few more.....our lifegroup bible study.  They have yet to tell us we are crazy. They just pray like we ask.  Both of our families have loved us and cared for us.  They love all of our children the same and are ready in a second to be there for us.  The biggest is my Jesus.  He is the reason I have any of this love to give.  Thank you God.  Sorry this is so long but I just needed to say it all.  My heart is just so full of thankfullness for what God is doing and how he is doing it.

This is my favorite picture.

I hope that none of your moms will do this with your children.

This was so sweet

This mama hippo forced her baby in for a swim.  

Scott and Wendi

Katy's friend Lina on the right.  She turned 14 today.  If she weren't adopted by today she would have never had the chance of a family.  She is beautiful.

The whole reason Leah came to China was to see this bear.  She loves panda's.  I'm really glad she came. She has been soooo good.  She doesn't fuss or complain and she is a wonderful big sister.  Patient and loving to Katy even when Katy steals her gum out of her purse.  Leah is a very special little girl. I would be completely lonely without her.

Shopping, shopping and more shopping

Today there are really no photos.  We just shopped and didn't get any photos.  It was a great day if you like that kind of thing.  Scott is probably really happy we saved this until after he left.  There is one highlight of the day and that is Katy told me she loved me all on her own.  She walked up to me, squeezed my hand, nuzzled into me and told me that she loved me.  It was wonderful.  Also I think I might have said how she seems to know alot of English.  I began quizzing her today on reading English.  I started with simple 3 letter words and went all the way up to the word rabbit.  She just read it without sounding anything out.  I know for most of you that means very little but for this mama and those at the schools our kids attend know this is huge.  We currently have 3, now 4 children that are working like crazy learning how to read.  This would be one of our biggest struggles with our adopted kids.  It is just a breath of fresh air to know that she has a huge head start on reading English.  Sorry that this is lacking in excitement but by this time of the trip we are just tired of posing for and taking pictures.  I will put some of our kids back at home.

Scott is really having a hard time at home with the kids. He doesn't look so well and Sam has really changed.

The welcoming crew for Scott

It is beautiful weather in Denver

Rainy day in Guangzhou

I really loved reading my honey's blog.  Very nice job and very well said.  As I have watched Katy and see her blossom in front of my eyes I am also thankful that God chose me to do this.  It is so tiring, energy giving, draining, exciting all in one package.  That is adoption in a nutshell.  About the time you think, wow this is hard, your child tells everyone around that I am her mama.  You see, she has never been able to tell anyone that.  She has never had a mama to wash her hair and hold her hand crossing the street.  She hasn't had a dad that she gets so excited to talk to on Skype.  She hasn't had a big sister to give her piggy back rides down the hall and she hasn't had food that she can eat whenever she is hungry.  She has never been able to say Good morning, Mama when she wakes up in the morning.  She has all of that plus so much more that she can't even imagine.  It is so worth the small sacrifice that we have made to complete this adoption.  Life is very, very good.  I will ask for prayers for the adjustment into our large family to go smoothly. Katy has a strong personality.  She walks into any room and tries to tell everyone what needs to be happening.  Now I do know someone in our family that might tend to be like this also.  I won't mention names but his initials are SSS and it isn't Sam.  I love you Scott.  Oops.  Katy told everyone on our bus the other day that they were dismissed.  She is a hoot.  Here are a few photos of our outing today.

Walking with friends.

I found this photo of MeiLi's adoption trip in 2009.  

The kids back at home.  Boy do I miss them.

This is a photo of Katy 1 year ago.  She is so small and sad looking.  This isn't the girl we have with us now.  Thank you Lord for transforming lives.  This photo was talked about for a long time in our orphanage Yahoo group. She was referred to as the girl with the red scarf. 

Back in Denver

Well, it was a long 22 hrs traveling alone. However, it was smooth and light. Just me to get through security each time. I constantly felt like I was forgetting something or someone. Lots of time to reflect, and be so thankful for my family and the love they bring to me. Also time to be thankful to God for all his great and wonderful blessings, and for Him adopting me! The similarities are incredible, though it's really no sacrifice for us to adopt, like it was for Jesus to give his life for me/us. All that we have in the Smith family is now Katy's. All of it. And it isn't because of who Katy is or what she has or hasn't done. It's because we chose her to love...and God did the same for us! We didn't earn His love, He choose to give it to us. And to adopt us as His own so we could spend forever with Him. How great is that!

I did want to say something about money. Yes, that stuff we try to hold on to like it can buy health or happiness or something. The fees due in China have to be paid in cash. And to exchange the money, we have to carry new, uncirculated US dollars. It's amazing how small you can make uncirculated $100 bills. All those briefcases filled with money you see on TV must be millions. Anyway, as I sat in the Chinese bank watching them double and triple count the USD and run it thru anti counterfeit machines....I did momentarily think what I could purchase with that...a new couch (ours has duck tape!), new carpet....some gadget...then i knew....I really knew that there was nothing more on earth I'd rather see money go to than to give a child a family....and how exciting for us....it is our family! I share this in case anyone reading this blog is interested in adopting. I've never regretted it one bit. Not once. And I'm the one who usually gets sick over any purchase greater than $500!! I seriously doubt you would either. Love you girls in China! Counting the days until your return! Scott

Venturing out on our own! Scott will be so proud!

Today was Katy's medical exam.  Us and about 100 other families were at the clinic. To all who have adopted before this will be of some interest to you.  They have moved the clinic off of the Island and into the city.  It is much bigger and nicer now.  Last  week was the first week that it was open.  Katy did fine until they did the TB skin test.  She was brave and stuck her arm out but then cried for 10 minutes.  It was pitiful.  She wanted a hamburger all morning so after the medical appt. we once again went to McDonalds.  We then went out on our own in a taxi to the Island where we stayed our first 3 trips.  There are some really good memories there.  I can remember back to each child and who was with us and what we did.  Precious times.  We had a fun time today shopping, playing at the playground, drinking Starbucks, and laughing alot.  The weather is still really cold here and no sun yet.  We look forward to the sunshine when we get home.  Katy gets car sick so she is uncomforable driving around.  Of course most people would be the way the drivers drive.  We won't mention the near wreck we almost had to Scott.  We are at our halfway point now and getting really ready to be home.  The last week just seems to drag by, the food starts tasting less than good and it just gets old being in a hotel.

Thank you all of you have sent such nice encouraging messages our way and especially prayed for us.  We feel it.  Katy is doing great.  I only dug one Mento out of a little girls mouth today after Katy stuck it in.  It was a good day.  Oh and Scott is home safe and sound.  The kids were more than happy to have him back and I think my mom is relieved also.  She does such a good job coming in keeping our family moving.  We are blessed and thankful for this chance to do what we are doing.  I wouldn't want to be doing anything else.  It is my pleasure to love this little girl and make her my own.

I miss you so much, Scott.

Katy's first Starbucks

It didn't seem like she had ever done monkey bars.  She couldn't do it without help but she was laughing so hard she struggled hanging on.

Joel this Lucy's sign is just for you.  The fried chicken strips were calling your name.

Katy was a silly girl.  She really had a fun time shopping.  The bad thing is she wanted to buy guns and swords. She really didn't understand why I wouldn't get them for her.  Oh well.  

We care for orphans, not because we are rescuers. We care for orphans because we are the rescued- David Platt

              This little boy really needs a family.  He will never get any other medical treatment to help him.  He has 3 more years until he won't be able to be adopted.  He is sweet as can be.

Well she seems to be warming up a little.  What a pose, huh?

We  had a very lazy day today but good.  It was much needed time for Katy to wind down and relax.  She seems so much more calm and way less bossy. She has played quietly and watched some Chinese cartoons.  I bet she has never really had quiet time to relax much.  She constantly worried about us being hungry and she constantly snacks on things.  She isn't very picky about her food either.  She constantly asks for hamburgers.  We had Italian for lunch and she was happy with that too.  She is a chocolate girl. I think she is going to be just fine.  When you meet her she will most likely offer you food.  If you don't take it she will offer again a little closer to your face.  By the 3rd or 4th offer she might just stuff it in your mouth.  This is going to be bad for the diet plan.  Truly she has gotten so much better with this.  I remember the first time we met her a year ago, what I remember is that she insisted I eat sweet and sour sauce with my chicken.  It just wasn't a choice.

If you could remember to say a prayer of safety for Scott as he flies home today that would be great. He is in the middle of nowhere as we speak.