Day 4 and 5: Visit with friends in Chongqing and Fuling

After completing all the necessary paperwork in Zhengzhou, we flew to Chongqing to spend two days with dear Chinese friends, Vivanna and Jessie. These ladies lived in America this past year to teach Chinese in our school district. We attended Church together, shopped together, and shared a deep friendship. I worked directly with Vivanna and she was a huge blessing during our adoption journey. She translated many documents, care packages, and shared valuable information about the Chinese culture. Jessie also assisted in preparing Maeli's iPad with many Chinese resources and downloading Chinese videos. These girls will always have a special place in my heart. I was delighted that it worked out for us to visit while we were in China as we expected early in the process that we travel in April before the girls went back to China. This was the first time Maeli had ever been on an airplane. I was worried about her since she gets a little carsick when riding in a taxi (who wouldn't, lol) and van. She was a champ! I think takeoff was a little unnerving but the flight was fine even with the minimal turbulence we experienced.

My heart broke for her as she was quiet on hour long ride to the airport. Maybe part of it was because she gets carsick, but I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in her head. She was leaving the only area she'd ever know, not knowing if or when she'd return. Leaving her school friends, her institute friends, her local food customs, her province, her dad. A part of her will always be in Luoning. And I can't fathom what she must be feeling, knowing that she's lost everything these past few days even though she is gaining the unlimited and endless love and support of her forever family. The latter taking time to be made known and all the while trying to grasp what the future holds. Being used to independence and caring for others and now being cared for by others must be overwhelming too.


When we arrived, Vivianna's husband, Stephen, picked us up at the airport since they drive a small, compact car. Did I mention there are 4 of us and we had 4 large suitcases along with 2 carry-ons and backpacks for everyone. Yes, we overpacked! You can imagine the site of all of us cramming into their tiny car for a 2 hour ride to Fuling, their hometown. It was a fun adventure as we got lost on the way and Stephen was quite the comedian, so we ride there was tons of fun. Stephen and Chase quickly formed a friendship that day and stuck closely together while we were there. They've even iMessaged since leaving. Chase can't wait to see him again!


It was so special to be in Vivanna's home and meet her family. I had missed both her and Jessie terribly since they left in May. It was also great for Maeli to see different Chinese families interact. Jessie and Vivianna were great comfort to her as they could explain the journey of her adoption over the past 10 months in Maeli's native language. Maeli was able to understand how much we had longed for her and she could be reassured of what America and our town was like from two Chinese women who had lived there. Since Jessie taught at the middle school, she was able to share details about school as well. They had prepared a traditional Chinese lunch before an afternoon full of sightseeing and fun.


This is the view from Vivianna's apartment. They live in a community nestled in the mountains. It's a beautiful view of the river.


We went to a bookstore so that we could purchase books for Maeli to read in Chinese after returning home. Buying them in China is 1/10 of the cost of buying online. I had no idea what kind of spectacle we would be! The children and teenagers followed Chase and I around and photographed us while we were there. It was funny as some children would say Hello and run! This part of the town doesn't see many foreigners and we were definitely noticed by our height and appearance. After finding many books, we toured an English training school where students go to perfect and learn English. Fuling is a more rural area of Chongqing so they were excited and appreciative of our coming. The children there practiced speaking English to Chase.


This was a gift of appreciation for coming and touring the center. The people there were so kind.


We then went to get a traditional Chinese foot massage. This was such a neat experience and a wonderful time to bond with Maeli. We laid beside each other giggling and trying to figure out what was going to happen next as she had never had a foot massage. The massage actually starts at the shoulders, moving to the arms, down to the legs and feet. I was impressed with the strength of the women and at one point thought they might dislocate my arm, lol! The workers sprayed a liquid in a jar and lit the jar to create a suction on the feet. The first time she tried to stick it to my foot, I almost jumped off the bed. Maeli did the same thing!!! We laughed and laughed about it! It was a fun experience I will never forget!


After eating dinner at a traditional Fuling restaurant, we went down to the river. The lights and people at nights makes for a neat experience.


Chase was quite the celebrity! The girls loved his blonde hair and blue eyes. These girls were actually some of Vivianna's friend's children, so they stayed close to him all night. :)


We had a wonderful first day and Maeli enjoyed all the adventure of the day.


She couldn't wait to get started on a book she found at the bookstore. She loves to read and may read all the books before we get them home! ;)


A view from our hotel room.


On Friday, it rained during the morning but by afternoon, the rain and clouds had cleared. We started our day with a visit to the underground museum. It goes 90 meters underwater to show where the River level used to be.


Love these two! They have fun together!


She thought the statue was hillarious!


Ancient Chinese writings before they were covered by water.


A fish swimming by under the water...


We couldn't take our drinks into the museum, so Maeli labeled ours for us. I love seeing her writing, especially this. I'm so thankful to be her Mom.


After the museum, we attended a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Tea is very popular in China, except it is served hot and bitter. Maeli doesn't like hot tea. She says she likes cold tea. We told her she'd fit right in at home. We decided to give the tea ceremony some Kentucky style and added sugar. The lady said she'd never seen that before, lol. However, after sweetening the tea, it was much better!














For lunch, we went to have Hotpot, a very popular type of Chinese food, especially in the winter.








Hotpot is similar to fondue in America. The meat and vegetables are added to boiling liquid and spices (in some areas, very spicy).











Maeli serving Dad hotpot. She is so sweet! This was my favorite meal in China so far!


After lunch it was time to travel back to the airport for our flight to Guangzhou. These two are going to miss each other! Stephen's driving skills and insights of China will be the topic of conversation for weeks to come! This photo was taken after a lady allowed her baby to poop in the floor at the airport... Enough said, lol!


Wonderful memories and precious friends!





Yeying, a Chinese teacher from two years ago, came to the airport to see us off. It was great to spend a couple of hours with her and have dinner together. Another dear friend!





Our flight leaving Chongqing was delayed for over an hour. Maeli and Chase kept us entertained as we learned Chinese and practiced English. Our flight arrived in Guangzhou at 11 and thankfully our guide, Lilly, was still there waiting for us. Maeli fell asleep against me on the way. Thankful to be able to embrace her. She smiled a sweet smile when I woke her at the hotel and fell fast asleep in the room. Her personality and resiliency is amazing! Although I can't wait to get back home and start our life as a family of 5 with Emma, my heart breaks as she knows her time in China, for now, is coming to an end. I hope she can embrace these next few days and begin to come to terms with leaving what she's known to start a new life with a new family.

China day 3: Zhengzhou Park

Since our first two days were very busy, we waited until today to give Maeli the gifts we had brought for her. We wanted her to have something that would remind her of how much we love her so we gave her an "I love you" necklace and a camera for her to capture memories of China while she is here.



Wednesday was one of our most relaxing days. We went to the park that morning with our guide. The park was big with lots of trees and buildings. There were retired people dancing, singing, and playing ping pong. Others played cards. We also saw traditional Chinese buildings.









After the park, we walked to a popular shopping area in ZZ. There were many stores lined down the alleys and streets. We stopped at a jade store where we picked out a bracelet for Maeli. They also gave her and Chase jade pendants and engraved their names on them in Chinese.








We came back to the room to give us some family time and to spend some time together. I could tell Maeli was overwhelmed by all the changes that had taken place the past couple of days. So we decided to get out some things I had brought for the kids to do together. They built Legos, made objects with duct tape, and played with Flarp. I think the Flarp went over well! Maeli began to open up more as we interacted together as a family.









- Jessica

Day 2: China Finalization and Orphanage Visit

We went to the Civil Affairs office first thing to finalize Maeli's adoption for China. There were three other families who also took the oath. We were given a certificate and the official told us that the adoption is complete and final in China.






As we were walking out of the office, Maeli looked at us, smiled, and said "I'm so happy." How I loved hearing those words. I told her we were very happy!




There are no words to convey how difficult visiting the institute was today. It took almost 3 hours by van to get there. Maeli was happy to see her friends, but I don't think she realized how difficult it would be to say goodbye. When we arrived, the man who is stationed at the gate wasn't going to let us in. But Maeli spoke up in Chinese and he smiled and waved us by. It was sweet to see the exchange just between the two of them and know that he thought kindly of her.

When we pulled in, it wasn't the image I had created in my mind from the numerous times I had looked at photos online. The orphanage is situated in a rural part of town where many of the buildings are abandoned or falling down.

As we were getting out of the van, Ray and Tammy, the American volunteers greeted us. You can tell just how much they love the children and Maeli as she ran to them for hugs. It brought great joy to know that she has been genuinely cared about there.



We then put our things in their room and went to have a meal with them since we missed lunch while at the notary office in Luoyang. In order to get to the cafeteria, you must exit the main building. As we walked across the front of the institute toward the cafeteria there were tiny faces and hands pressed against the glass and bars of the windows. Those faces trying to get a peak of us. Seeing them held captive by the lack of family inside the walls of the institute was heartbreaking.

Harry, who translates for Ray and Tammy, also joined us. He was very fond of Maeli and they were able to give us more insight on her academic abilities. Tammy says, as we suspected from just the 24 hours we've had her, that Maeli is very smart in her native language as well as a very good student in English class. She can sound out many words.

The meal was great and it was nice to have some authentic Chinese food but most importantly being able to talk to someone who has spent the last year with our daughter was priceless. Even more amazing is the fact that they only live about three hours away from our home when they return to America.

Once we finished eating, it was time to "tour" the orphanage and allow Maeli to see her friends one last time. Some will be coming to America soon and she will see again. Others may never get that opportunity due to lack of paperwork or the red tape of the adoption process.

When we came back to the front lobby of the orphanage to tour, a worker told us the Maeli's birthfather was there and wanted to say some final words to her. He had traveled two hours by car to tell her goodbye one last time. Maeli went into the room and they were able to have some time together. Maeli returned and I wrapped my arm around her and she smiled at me.

We were led upstairs to a large room where at least 75 children sat waiting for us to arrive. The orphanage had prepared gifts for Maeli and our family. There were several children who were close friends of Maeli that spoke and presented the gifts. One girl, Maeli's best friend left at the orphanage, was very emotional as she spoke. I couldn't imagine the pain of knowing she was losing her best friend and didn't know if or when they would ever see each other again. As I watched her friend speak and sob, I couldn't help but think that only 3 months ago Maeli had been in her shoes saying goodbye to her best friend who was adopted. In some ways, I felt the ceremony was harsh. Maybe it gave some hope, but to sit in those chairs and wonder if your time would ever come must be unthinkable...










It was very evident during our visit that Maeli was loved by the children there as well as the workers and caretakers.









As we left the room upstairs and made our way outside, her father sat in the office. We stopped in for Maeli to hug him and for us to say a few words. He thanked us for adopting her. I wept as I tried to comprehend what gratitude and grief must be contained in those words. As they hugged one final time, I tried to capture that moment in my mind, as I never want to forget the ultimate sacrifice he made to provide her with a family and a future. We thanked him and promised to love and care for her.



The children and workers followed us out to the van. They waved as we drove away and as I watched Maeli gaze out the window, I couldn't help but think of how difficult it is leaving what you know, even for something better. It reminded me of God's love for us and how we can complacent in our lives that we aren't willing to change for something better.





That day changed my life. I will never forget the many faces looking at me as I sat at the front of the room. So many children full of potential but lacking the love of a family. So many eyes, yearning for attention. I'm thankful that as we drove away that day I knew there was 1 less face waiting for a family and God had given me the privilege of being her mom.


- Jessica

Gotcha Day

We left the hotel at 2 Monday afternoon in order to meet Maeli at the Civil Affairs office. What in reality was most likely a 15 minute drive seemed like an eternity. There's so much love, happiness, loss, grief, and excitement that captures your soul during this process. I spent the ride to the Civil Affairs office praying that God would give Maeli strength and protect her heart during the upcoming minutes, weeks, and months.






When we arrived we were told that Maeli was already there. The institute worker, Maeli, and her birthfather were waiting in the parking lot since the building had limited air conditioning and the her birthfather's health is very poor.


As we exited the van, I saw her. She was holding the teddy bear that we sent as well as a small stuffed animal that we had delivered with a care package. As she waited and assisted her father out of the van, emotions flooded my heart as I knew this could be the last time she saw him in a long time if ever considering his heath issues. My heart broke for her. You can see the loving nature of her as she held his arm and lead him toward us.



When she reached me, I immediately embraced her and told her "Hello, I love you." As I hugged Maeli, Ryan approached her father, introduced himself, and thanked him for his selflessness and his willingness to give her a life that will be full of opportunity, family, and love. In a parking lot in Zhengzhou, our hearts were forever changed by a brave girl who is taking a leap of faith to become part of a family.








Maeli and the worker assisted her father up the flight of steps into the Civil Affairs building. Once inside we were able to spend a little time with Maeli and her father. We gave her father a photo album with photos that I had received of Maeli while at the orphanage. We also gave him a letter thanking him for allowing us to be her parents and promising to care for and love her always. This was a very emotional time to listen to our daughter read the letter to her birthfather. We all began to weep and my heart ached to take away the pain and grief they both felt.



The time seemed very short and the paperwork process started. It was very busy and it seemed unorganized. All we wanted to do was to reassure her and help her to feel comfortable. Signatures and forms were required from both of us so it made it somewhat difficult to focus. Between the signatures we were able to talk to Maeli and see her amazing personality start to shine through. Her knowledge of English allowed us to communicate and carry on a basic conversation.








After the paperwork process was complete we said goodbye to her birthfather. This was one of the hardest moments as I watched Maeli walk her father to the van, give him one last hug and walk back to us. Ryan wrapped his arm around her as we got into the van.



She immediately began to talk on the way back and her personality is so neat. She is witty, funny, and used her English very effectively. I am impressed at the level of understanding she already has of the English language. She is very willing to communicate in English and lets us know when she doesn't understand what we are saying.

On our way back to the hotel we stopped at Wal-Mart (yes, in China, lol) and picked up some items that Maeli could eat. She picked out a few things to snack on but was hesitate to put several things in the cart, which is understandable. During the shopping experience, I could tell she had never been anywhere like that and was amazed. Her personality is amazing and she is very considerate of others. She insisted on helping carry the items back to the hotel and definitely has a nurturing nature about her. When we got back to the hotel, we decided to eat dinner at the restaurant there as the jet lag, adjustment to food, and emotions of the day were a little overwhelming. She ate well and we had great conversation. Once we arrived back in the room, it was late for her so we settled in for the night since tomorrow will be another busy and emotional day for her.

We will go to Luoyang to finalize her adoption as well as visit the Luoning CWI where she has lived for over two years. Please pray for her as she prepares to say final goodbyes to her friends and caretakers.

Even today, in the midst of tears, laughter, and silence, I could feel God here and the prayers of family and friends. Thank you praying, they are working and we are blessed and amazed by our new daughter.



Much Love,
- Jessica



- Jessica

Letter to Maeli

Maeli-
Baba, Mama, and Didi are in the hotel room, preparing to meet our guide who will take us to the Civil Affairs office to meet you for the first time. My heart rejoices that we are only minutes from meeting you and becoming a forever family of 5. My heart aches knowing that you will be leaving everything familiar to start a new life in a new country. I am amazed at your strength, courage, and resiliency in allowing us to be your family. There are so many things I want you to know about the past ten months when we first saw your beautiful and captivating face. I want you to know you were chosen, not because you needed to be rescued but because you are worthy and deserve to grow in a loving family.

You are loved. By us, but most importantly by God. Your extended family and church family have loved and prayed for you too. Even though we experience trials and difficult circumstances in our lives, we can always rely on God to love us. Sometimes we don't always know why negative things happen to us, but we know that no matter what life brings, God is always by our side. Our faith is strengthened when we are rely on His grace and mercies. My prayer is that you will grow to love Him in your own time and understanding.

I want you to know that it's okay to feel sad and anxious about what is to come. We will work hard to earn your love and trust. We want you to love your China family and your American family. We want you to always remember your roots and your heritage. Those are important parts of your life story. I want you to know you have our unwavering love and support now and always.

Maeli, we are so proud of you! Your talents and perseverance are examples of how God has blessed you. We want you to grow into a young woman who uses those talents and abilities to bring glory to God. We promise to help you grow and provide the love and care you need to grow into the person God has created you to be. Love makes a family grow. And love brought us to you!




- Jessica

China Bound

At the airport! Delta waived all baggage fees so the money for shipping orphanage donations can go directly to the children at the orphanage. Praise God for His blessings! We have a short layover in Atlanta and the on to Seoul with our final stop in Zhengzhou, China. 147 Minus 1 in progress




- Jessica

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Bags are packed, the to-do list is done, and this family is ready to GO!



~Don't worry, a couple of these are donations and gifts ;)

This time tomorrow we should be boarding the plane that will take us to China! Here's our itinerary:

Saturday 6-30: Flight to China (Korean Air leaves Atlanta at 12:30am)
Monday 7-1: Arrive in Zhengzhou at 9:25am
2:30pm - Meet our daughter at the Civil Affairs Office
Tuesday 7-2: Complete adoption paperwork, visit orphanage
Wednesday 7-3: Local tour of Zhengzhou
Thursday 7-4: Travel to Chongqing to meet friends from China
Friday 7-5: Fly to Guangzhou
Saturday 7-6: Maeli's medical exam, visa photo, and visa paperwork
Sunday 7-7: City tour, go to church on the Island
Monday 7-8: TB test results
Tuesday 7-9: Consulate Appointment at 10am (Maeli is officially ours!)
Wednesday 7-10: Visa pick-up
Thursday 7-11: Take the train to Hong Kong
Friday 7-12: Disneyland Hong Kong
Saturday 7-13: Fly home from Hong Kong (12:45am)
Arrive in Atlanta at 11:30, Flight to Nashville at 3:05pm
Arrive in Nashville at 3:18pm
Homecoming at the airport

As you can see our schedule is quite busy! The first week is dedicated to finalizing Maeli's adoption for China. The second week is when the US recognizes her adoption during the consulate appointment. We will take an oath at the Consulate in GZ. Maeli will become a US citizen when she lands on US soil in Atlanta!

We invite anyone who would like to celebrate her homecoming with us to join us at the baggage claim area at the Nashville airport Saturday, July 13th at 3:00.

We are blessed to be leaving tomorrow to bring our daughter home. Please pray for safe travels and for Maeli's heart as she adjusts to her new family. Although she seems excited and ready, we also understand that she is leaving everything familiar and all she's known to come to a new and unfamiliar place. Leaving her country and her roots has to be difficult. We also ask for prayers for Emma, who will be well cared for by family but still away from us for two weeks while we travel. We appreciate the love and support. There are no words to describe how thankful we are for the endless love and prayer. Love truly does make a family grow! Maeli Claire is loved, chosen, and spoken for not only by her forever mom and dad but by the Heavenly Father!



- Jessica