Quickie Post

There are many things I want to write, and lots of new pictures I want to post, but for tonight I am too tired. So I'll just quickly post a couple cute pictures of the girls.

Prayer Request

I know that the other week when I posted a prayer request, many of you told me you saw it and prayed. I did not list any details, but lets just say your prayers were answered. Thank you so much. I have another request I would like to share. Bedtime creates great anxiety for Faith. As soon as she even sees her pajamas or hears the word 'bed' she starts to cry and she cries from then on (through stories, teeth brushing, rocking, etc.) until she falls asleep. Of course we don't understand what she's thinking. Most families we talk to who adopt girls like her talk of this same issue. It does get a little old (well, it gets very old) and also it's such a shame for her that a time that is soothing for most kids is very troublesome for her. There are other issues, but I hoped that maybe you would join with me in targeting this one right now. Thank you so much. Your prayers make a difference.

Back on the Bandwagon

Insignificant photo?? I think not! Faith is headed for her very first band practice which will from this point on, be a major part of her life.

We were so glad to be back to worship band practice. A month off seemed like forever. Christian had a field day with my camera during practice. We were calling him the paparazzi.

Yesterday we called it a major milestone when Faith said, "Jesus" for the first time. We have been trying to get her to say Jesus and singing Jesus Loves Me all the time and yesterday she finally said "Jesus" when we were looking at a picture Bible. We marked it as being of Major Importance.

Craft Time

Gracie decided that she and Faith should make crafts. The funny part is Faith actually listened to her.

The Road We Travel

The road has been hard and I haven't always written everything or told anyone some things because some things were too painful to share. I am thankful beyond words to be on this side of the process and more than anything...to be on this side of last week. I want to thank all of you who prayed and let you know your prayers were answered! I think I was somewhat prepared for all the things we went through in China, but I was completely unprepared for what we faced during our first week at home. Looking into the eyes of a child devoid of love, caring, or joy was bone chilling. I will never forget the look in her eyes. I will also never forget the day that look disappeared. I won't go into details but I will leave it at saying this:
We are pleased to announce that we now have a normal, happy 2 year old.



Faith still has issues common to adoptive children. She becomes insecure very easily. She does suffer from night terrors but from what I've read from other parents, hers are not too bad. She will just all of a sudden scream in her sleep in the middle of the night...it sits you straight up in bed....fun. She gets very sad and starts to whimper when she sees her pajamas or when we tell her it's time for bed. And of course her language. Here is my main prayer for her right now: That her English would develop really quickly so that we can tell her about Jesus!

Back in June, I sent a disposable camera to the orphanage. I was amazed when the orphanage director handed it to me on our gotcha day. I was really excited to see the photos when I picked them up today. However, it was very disappointing. They just snapped the whole role of her walking around right outside the office of the orphanage. Nothing much to see except that I was appalled by seeing the terrible exposure her split pants offered her. The pediatrician told us last week that what I thought was some type of diaper rash is really scarring from cuts and abrasions. In the pictures she was sitting on cement steps and a stone parking lot. Does that make ANY sense??!?


Faith is enjoying riding a tricycle and even went for a family bike ride on the back of daddy's bike.


I have been trying to spend lots of time with my parents, my aunt, etc. to get her used to them and she is doing well. Today she walked happily around my grandparents living room without shying away.

Love to you all.
Glad to be on this side of things.

The Great Outdoors and Worship Music

Last night we went to an outdoor church picnic where Mitchell's band was playing. What a nice evening. How wonderful just to be outside on a nice evening doing our very favorite thing...listening to music!






















Mitchell and Ben Russell

Multi-Cultural Experience ??

Chinese girl eating tortillas in an American home.