Who Would Have Ever Guessed?

I was blessed to have a college roommate who became a lifelong friend.  We were total strangers when we moved into our door room in 1988.  Now, years later we are still the best of friends.  Little did we know way back then, that each of us would some day travel to China to adopt a daughter.  I am fairly certain that in our 4 years of living together, we never EVER expressed a desire to adopt.  So, who would have guessed that today, my dear friend, Christy, would be standing in the very places I have stood in CHINA while adopting a beautiful daughter?  And I do mean beautiful!  I am so proud of you my friend!!!!!  Congratulations Davis Family!  Welcome home sweet Camille!!!!

Thankful

Wow.  6 months since my last post.
Busy.  Busy.  Busy.  Around here.

But, despite the busyness that this life holds for us, I wanted to take a moment just to share what's happening in the life of our family.  Here goes....  in the form of a "I'm thankful list"

I'm thankful......

that Mia enjoyed her 2nd birthday at home in January.  She remains our most serious and determined child.  So much of her personality shaped before she even knew us.  She turned 9.

that Will, our kid who enjoys every second of every day, turned double digits in January.
I'm grateful that his ATV accident this year left him with only a few faint scars.

that our precious, precious Pearl arrived home safe and sound on her 4th birthday in February.  I am so glad that my dad and I got to experience the trip to China together.  So grateful that the surgery to repair her heart and palate were successful.

that Lainie, who still exudes joy from every fiber of her being, turned 6 in February. It was the joy that she brought our family that left us wondering what would happen to the other orphans left behind.

that our beautiful Jillian, turned into a teenager in March.  She is such a good role model for all of her little sisters.

that Trey, had his 16th birthday in April.  I am thankful that he was able to go to Honduras in the summer for his first mission trip.  I believe the course of his life has been set by the things he experienced on this trip.  To say that he is a "good kid" would be the understatement of the century.

that Bobby and I will celebrate our 20th year of marriage in 2013.  Had we known on that sunny June day what the future held for us we would have been terrified.  I am so thankful that we have shared the same hope and dreams for our family.

that I lie awake at night quite often.  My mind filled with visions of children who still wait for families.  Children just like our Mia, Lainie and Pearl.  Hard to fathom they were once forgotten orphans.  Hurts to much to linger on that thought.

that I live a life that is often uncomfortable, yet so fulfilled.

that even though I would certainly love to be a stay at home mom, I do have a job that I love.

that I work with wonderful people who encourage me each day!

that my laundry sometimes consumes me.  It means we have played hard, and had fun another day.

that this year we watched 3 of our neighbors bring home children from China.  We now have a small Asian community at our doorstep :)  Who would have ever dreamed it?  Welcome home Tulah, Drew and Isabella.

that my college roommate leaves for China on Friday to bring home sweet Camille.

that on the days when we wonder where the $$$ will come from for the next medical bill, God shows up in tiny ways to remember he has it all under control.  Many thanks to the anonymous givers who have been such an encouragement to us.

that many of you still read this blog after so long.

that I fall in the bed exhausted every night as a result of a completely blessed life.  Some days are extremely difficult.  Some days are more than I think I can do.  Some days there just isn't enough of me to go around.  Some days I cry.  Some days I feel very inadequate.  Some days I wonder why - with all of the wonderful mothers in the world - did God choose me to be a mom to six.

that people stare at us when we got out.  Being an "abnormal" family sometimes brings us under scrutiny, but I am grateful that we chose to be abnormal.  It has brought us joy unspeakable.

I am thankful for this extraordinary life.  Made possible only by the grace, peace, hope and love that God displays in our lives every single day.

That is all I have time for now.  The list could go on and on.....

Many blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving!

A Miracle For Mei Mei

This is Mei Mei. 

She lives in an orphanage in China.
Isn't her smile contagious?  She has lived in an orphanage since she
was 2 years old.  She will turn 9 in August.  She had surgery to repair her
Spina Bifida at age 3.  My friend, Jan Bryant's recently adopted daughter is from this same orphanage.  Mei Mei was Leiney Grace's best friend. 

Leiney Grace Bryant and "Mei Mei"

She has lingered on a waiting child "list" for over a year- waiting - just waiting for someone to say "Yes."   This child, one of approximately 147 million orphans, is so
desperate for a family.  Mei Mei is suffering daily from a lack of medical
attention - she walks on deformed and painful feet. . .she can barely wear
shoes. . .she may need a bilateral amputation.  Can you imagine walking on this every day?

Mei Mei needs a miracle because despite the tremendous medical needs she has, her greatest need is finding a family who will love her forever and teach her about the greatest love of her Heavenly Father.




You can help!

Sadly, many times the money is all that stands in the way of a child finding their forever family. . .
it seems that those who have the money don't have the "calling".  So as we
expectantly wait to see exactly which special family the Lord has ordained
for Mei Mei, we want to offer everyone a chance to help provide a grant for Mei
Mei's adoption. 

You can make a tax deductible donation through Live Again Ministries:

www.live-againministries.org

Just click on donate.  Be sure to put Mei Mei's name in the note section.

You can also find information on the website about how to mail in a donation.



If you blog, or Facebook, please consider re-posting about Mei Mei.  I have seen the adoption community pull together in powerful ways to help orphans find families!

I have great faith that the Lord is indeed going to place Mei Mei in the
loving arms of a family who will provide all that she needs to grow into a
healthy and happy young lady.  However, if for any reason Mei Mei is not
adopted, the money raised through these fundraising efforts will be used to
support another orphan's adoption.  An orphan who resides at one of the
orphanages where our adopted children were cared for in China before God
placed them in our families.

May God grant Mei Mei a miracle and may He be glorified through all of our
efforts!

If you would like to know more about Mei Mei or how you can help, contact Jan Bryant, at
[email protected]

Lainie's Letter Home to Chenzhou

Recently Lainie had the opportunity to participate in a 'scrapbook' for her orphanage.  A sweet lady was traveling to Chenzhou and offered to put together a scrapbook of Chenzhou adoptees and deliver it.  We were honored to put together Lainie's page.  We are so thankful the care and love she received in the Chenzhou Orphanage.  I have no doubt she was well loved and deeply cared for.  I could hardly believe my eyes as I sorted through photos for her page.  She has grown so much!  She continues to be an absolute joy.  She has more zest for life than any child I have ever known.  I hope her caregivers can see her joy and radiance when they see this page:

Tonight I Was There.....

I was not there the moment these two daughters of mine were born.  I was not there the moment they first smiled, or walked, or talked.

But tonight, I was there as they were born into the Kingdom of God.  I held their sweet little hands and listened to them pray and ask Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.  I was there the moment their names were recorded in Heaven.  I was there the moment their sins were forgiven.  I was there the moment they became true daughters of a father that never abandons, never leaves, never disappoints. 

They have both been asking us questions for quite a while.  They've been asking their Sunday School teachers about how to become Christians as well.  Tonight, we read a sweet little book, "Would You Like To Know Jesus?" and afterwards, they were both ready. 

It is an emotional night here.  As I think about all the ways that God moved in their little lives to bring them to this moment.  I am overwhelmed.  I am so grateful that I was there for this moment in time.  Thank you God.

Sailing Through

The cardiologist said Pearl is sailing through.  In fact we may even go home this afternoon.

Out of Surgery

We are now with Pearl in the ICU. Dr. Peeler was pleased with repairs.  We will be here 6-10 days.  Please continue to pray for her recovery.

surgery updates

We arrived at hospital at 5:30. Pearl went to the OR at 7.   Surgery started at 9.  They started closing at  11:45.

Prayers for Pearl

Pearl's surgery will be on Monday, April 9 at 7:30am. Please pray for Dr. Peeler and Dr. Maxey as they preform the open heart surgery to repair her little heart.
Words can't describe how we feel right now. We love this little girl to pieces and can't hardly bear the thoughts of her going through such a serious surgery. We find peace, however, in knowing that she is in the hands of our God who loves her more than we can even imagine. 
We would be grateful for your prayers in the coming days.

One more chance for an IPAD !!!!

So, what's this about ANOTHER IPad 2?? Well.... I have mentioned here several times that we are not the only family on our street adopting a little one from China.  We just returned, one family will be leaving next week,  another family  shortly after.  And then yet, another family will be following them.  Crazy huh ?  The Rivera's adoption has gone by super fast, due to a medical expedite of their little Isabella. Sounds great, but the faster the paper chase, the faster the funds are due. They are hosting an Ipad2 giveaway as well, and their giveaway will end TONIGHT. Hop on over to their blog, show them some support, and take another chance at that Ipad2!!!!!!  Go..... NOW!
www.from-this-moment.com

And.... if you didn't read yesterday's post about Pearl's surgery, scroll on down.  We would appreciate your prayers.

Bummer...

     Pearl's heart surgery has been postponed until April 9.  Today after her pre-op appointment, the decision was made by the cardiac team that we needed to wait.  She had a sinus infection on March 15, and had been on antiobiotic until yesterday.  They want her to be off the antibiotic for awhile and make sure the infection is gone.
     So while we are thankful for the precaution, and certainly want to do whatever is best for Pearl, we were really looking forward to having this behind us this week.  Knowing that your daughter is facing a major surgery is kind of like walking around holding your breath.  I am ready to exhale!  But for now, we will wait and HOPE and PRAY that she stays well until April 9. 
     The picture is from her appointment today.  She also had a sedated echo - so we were there for quite awhile and got to check in and visit recovery just like we will for surgery.  Didn't phase our happy girl one bit !

     Apparently no one has told Pearl she is a cardiac patient.  This wagon is to move patients from one place to another.  Our Pearl ran laps around the nurses station pulling it behind her.  You certainly would never know she needs heart surgery.  We are so thankful for that !!!
   Thank you for your continued encouragement and prayers.  Keep 'em coming !

I Am The Only One

Over the weekend I had grown quite weary of being the only person that Pearl has chosen to develop a very close attachment to.......  I had gone to another room to try to just have a little quiet time while she was occupied with her sisters and her daddy.  After not nearly long enough, they came searching for me.  Seems they couldn't figure out what she was saying she wanted and she had become quite upset.  They had tried without success to figure out her babbling and pointing.

As soon as I walked to the kitchen, I knew she wanted a drink.  She says, "way" for drink.

It was in that moment that I realized I am the only one.

I am the only one she can count on.

I am the only one she has chosen to trust completely.

I am the only one that makes her feel safe.

I am the only one she has.

Everything else she trusted and loved is gone.  And I am all she has now.  She chose from day one to trust me totally.  She never looked back.  It took Mia months to trust anyone, but Pearl chose to cling to me instantly.  Needless to say, after realizing all this, I felt over the top guilty for needing to retreat for some "quiet".

I am growing increasingly anxious about her upcoming heart surgery (March 28).  How am I, the only one she trusts, going to hand her over for all that awaits her?   How will she look at me when she wakes up confused and in pain?   I'm hoping that she trust me enough to let me comfort her and help her through it all.

One day, she will know that she has a Heavenly Father she can always trust.  He never leaves.  He never retreats.  He never grows weary. 

In the meantime, may God grant me the strength to be all that she needs me to be.  I am her only one.

More Than A Neighbor

Since 2007 our circle of friends has grown to include many adoptive families.  We've become connected with families in all stages of the adoption process.  We have experienced some of life's sweetest moments as we've watched families step out in faith and follow in obedience......even when it just doesn't make sense to do so.  The faces of these precious children we've watched come home are forever etched in my heart.  There is not greater picture of broken turned into beautiful.

We've been friends with the Hatley family since we both moved into the neighborhood in 2005.  We forged a friendship on the asphalt street between our houses as our kids learned to ride bikes together on late summer nights.  This family along with the Pollard family, who live just one door down, have become some of our most dear friends. We've watched babies turn to toddlers and children turn into teenagers. We've discussed the best brand of pull-ups, and now, the best car for your teenager.  We've made many memories together and there are many more to come.  We have become more than just neighbors, we are all now lifelong friends.

The Hatleys

Now, our dear friends have stepped out in faith to bring home this precious little girl from China.

We've already seen this family's life transformed through adoption and now.......  we can't wait to see Miss Tulah's little life transformed too.  The best part, we will have a front row seat, right here from our very own porch!!!

What can you do?  Well, because of sweet Tulah, you have a chance to have an iPad!!!  And when you buy a ticket, you give Tulah the beautiful gift of a family.
The drawing is THIS FRIDAY - no time to waste!
Just click on the Tulah button top right of this blog !!!!

and........ We're Back!

After numerous difficulties of all kinds, we are back to the blog! 

First of all, a very sincere thank you to all of you who have loved us so well during this journey.  Every single encouraging word, card, phone call, meal, and donation has blessed us more than you will ever know.  We are forever grateful.

A few updates....

Pearl is doing remarkably well adapting to family life around here.  She isn't sleeping all that great, and that is wearing me out, but other than that, she seems to be pretty happy.  She still prefers me so I feel like I have an extra appendage, but that will improve with time as well.

We have made the whirlwind tour of doctor's offices since arriving home.  We have seen the cardiologist, pedicatrician, ENT and the dentist.  We will see the cardiac surgeon on Friday.  As well as the cardiologist can tell from the ultrasound done in his office, Pearl has typical Tetralogy of Fallot and should be able to have an uncomplicated open heart repair (if there is such a thing).  That was good news to us!  The pediatrician gave us an antibiotic to hopefully clear up this sinus stuff she has going on.  She also sent us to the ENT as she suspected a possible trachea issue, but that was ruled out and we got a precription for a reflux medicine instead.  Long story.  Hopefully Pearl will sleep better with the Prevacid.  We still have a visit to the craniofacial surgeon to discuss her open palate.  For now, all of the dental and palate work will wait until her little heart is repaired.  The cardiologist thinks we can wait a month or so and let her get settled in.  We will see what the surgeon thinks on Friday.  She also has fairly significant delays in multiple areas, so we will be working to catch her up on a few things after her surgery also.  I have seen her make such progress in just three short weeks, I am confident that in 6 months she will be close to where she needs to be.  With the exception of her speech delayys.
I apologize to my faithful followers ( all 3 of you) that I was such a slack blogger during our trip.  I am going to try to go back and document some of our highlights later when Pearl is a little more comfortable off my lap!  We had a very good trip and best of all - no travel issues - that was a first !
We also celebrated 2 birthdays since arriving home.  Pearl turned 4 on the 18th and Lainie turned 6 on the 23rd.  Pictures of that coming soon.  For now, enjoy the beautiful picture of our Miss Pearl.  Taken on our front porch last week.  Isn't she lovely?

Almost That Time!!!

Today we left Guangzhou, and took the 2 hour train ride to Hong Kong. It was a little challenging as Pearl wasn't the biggest fan of the train. Tomorrow we start the long journey home. Thank you all so much for your prayers as we have traveled to bring Pearl home!! Please continue to pray for us as we travel home. Please pray for safe flights, and that Pearl will do well.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

 Today we spent the day at a flower park. I haven't downloaded those pictures

yet, but here are some from prior days.....

Posing by the flowers in the hotel lobby.

Taking pics in the hotel garden. It got dark by the time I convinced Pearl to

put her feet on the ground. I may try these another day. The hotel has a

garden and waterfall of its own.

Pearl fell fast alseep on the taxi ride back from Shaimian Island. It was fun to

walk these familiar streets and visit the shops that we visited in 2007 and

2010.

One of the shop keepers tried to convince us Pearl needed sunglasses.

Look who warmed up to Papa Ron. I convinced her only he could reach the monkey

bars so she let him touch her. It was brief, but it is progress.

There is a new playground that has been built since we were here last. Pearl

was very timid at first. Her gross motor skills are severly lacking. I don't

think she was ever given a chance to run and play because of her heart. She

ran and played here for about an hour and wanted to play more, but Papa Ron and

I were tired. Maybe we are the ones with the heart condition? Pearl always

seem to out last us.

This college student asked if she could make our picture. Her name is Judy and

she is studying journalism. She is writing about the adoption phenomenon  in China. She wants to change the views of the Chinese people about their daughters and their orphans. Someone told her that adoptive

families can be found in Guangzhou so she had traveled here hoping for photos

and comments. Go Judy Go.

Her TB test was negative ! Thank goodness and thank you for the prayers. On

Thursday we have our consulate appointment then our official business here is

done! On Friday we pick up her visa and head to Hong Kong by train. We will

spend the night there and fly HOME on Saturday morning!

Sorry for the lack of blogging.....

It is almost impossible to type and load pictures with a three year old around your neck. 

She has warmed up a little to papa ron.  He can look at her now without her going crazy.

Yesterday was a great day at Safari Park.  She actually rode about half of the 
way in the rented stroller.  That was a nice break for me.  She also made 
friends with a 13 year old in our group and she let her push the stroller just a 
little.  

The animals were amazing.  Much better exhibits than the Guangzhou Zoo that we 
visited in 2010 with Mia.

There are seven families in our group and it has been fun being with other 
people.  Pearl continues to be happy as long as I am holding her.  

We are off to the medical clinic to get her TB test read.  It looks ok to me, 
but I am not sure what they will say.  We plan to spend the afternoon shopping 
for some things for Pearl on Shamian Island.  

Sorry again for the lack of blogging.  Love you all and thank you for the 
prayers.

All Tuckered Out !!!

We made it to Guangzhou late last night and everything is going well! We are really happy to be here. It is nice to be around other adoptive families.... not to mention the warmer weather! Our hotel is also very nice. Pearl had her medical exam today, which included her TB skin test. Please be in prayer that it is NEGATIVE.... we go back to have it read on Monday.

This little girl  has so much spunk and is full of energy.... she has more than me! But, as you can see from the picture, she does eventually wear out.... she has been napping around 3 hours now!! We are not seeing any signs or symptoms from her heart condition, that is such a praise! Tomorrow we will visit Safari Park, we are all very excited about that!

All is well!!!

I wanted to let everyone know that all is going great in China except internet access.  We were able to skype with Ronny, Jennifer and Pearl.  Pearl is a handful.  She seems very comfortable with Jennifer.  She was running around a jewelry store with the top of a trash can on her head.  I do have video of this but I am having problems with computers myself.  Jen is so sorry that she has not been able to blog daily.  Her hope is that in Guangzhou, the internet will work better.  Be in prayer for them in there travels.  They fly today in about 4 hours.  I am so happy that Pearl is a part of the Barbee Bunch.  I just want them HOME!!!!  Bobby

It's Official!!!!

 

Pearl continues to be a happy, delightful girl.  She copies everything that I do.  She loves to make us laugh.  She is very clingy to me and doesn't have much to do with her Papa Ron yet, but we know she will in time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today we visited the governmental offices and made our adoption official !  There was a little playroom there that Pearl enjoyed.  On Thursday we will visit the orphanage and today they offered for us to meet the foster mother.  I know that it may be a setback in bonding and attachment, but I think in the long run it will be a good experience.  Pearl has only lived in the foster home since September.  

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your continued prayers.  We are heading out for lunch and a walk at the park. 

An Amazing Day!

We had an amazing "gotcha day". Pearl came through the door saying, "Ni Hao Mama." She is yet to shed a tear or have a sad moment. She is tiny - the 3T clothes are a little big, but she seems very happy. She does LOVE to be carried, so I am glad she is tiny at this point. She loves jewelry and hairbows. She was dressed in quite an array of them when she arrived. We have since had a bath and toned down our outfit just a bit. Everything is perfect so far.

Thank you for all the prayers. Tonight, there is one less orphan in the world. Her name is Pearl Alexandra JinZhu Barbee.

We are still experiencing multiple technical difficulties. If you are following along and you want to contact me, you will have to email me... [email protected] I am getting email on my phone.

An Adventure With Dad

Growing up, my dad's job as a minister caused him to be in and out of the house and out and about all the time. He was oftentimes visiting the sick, visiting in people's homes and going to meetings. I can remember every time he went out of the house I would say, "Where are you going?" "Can I go please?" If he was going to the hospital, I would beg to go saying that I would wait in the lobby while he visited. If he was going to a home, I would beg to go saying that I would wait in the car. As long as I can remember I wanted to be wherever he was going. I wanted the adventure.

Now, at age 41, I am experiencing the greatest adventure of all with my dad. Here we are on the other side of the world together. The greatest adventure of all. I am so glad to be sharing this time with him.

Today we saw The Great Wall.....

Tiananmen Square.....

The Olympic Village....

A Jade Factory, The Forbidden City and a Tea House...

 We are exhausted. We arrived here in Nanning around midnight and after multiple issues with the electricity we are now going to bed at 3 am. Tomorrow morning around 10:30 am (9:30 pm your time on Sunday night) Pearl will be brought to us here at the hotel. Please pray for her precious little heart. That God would quiet her little soul with His love. I will blog as soon as I can tomorrow with pictures of our girl!

Good night.