Sunday, June 3, 2007

Jesus Loves Me

Sorry we couldn't post yesterday .... we were experiencing technical difficulties.

We had another great day in Guangzhou and the highlight of the day was worshipping with the local Chinese people!! We attended a church service at 11am and I was moved to tears more than once. It began with a children's choir singing Jesus Loves Me in Chinese. Many more songs were sung throughout the service, about half in English and half in Chinese. The sermon was translated, and although it was difficult to understand, and quite lengthy (2 hours!), it was an experience I will never forget. It was so wonderful to be here and know that despite the language barrier and despite the cultural differences, we worship the same God. I sat holding Oakley, knowing that He is the one that brought us together, knowing that He knew her name long before we did, and that He had a divine plan for her before she was ever conceived. We have an awesome God!!

The remainder of the day was spent playing with our silly girl, completing some more paperwork, and shopping. I finally found one shop that had shoes to fit Oakley and she was as thrilled with the find as I was. Mike took a swim in one of the beautiful pools here at the White Swan while Oakley napped. We suited her up and brought her down later that evening for her first experience in the pool, only to hear thunder as we arrived. They had to close the pool -- we'll try again today.

We took Oakley out with us yesterday afternoon to have lunch and pick up our laundry, and left Sawyer at the hotel for some much-needed alone time. He ordered Papa John's pizza and feasted while watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on HBO. He's been so accommodating on this trip and he's been a HUGE HELP to me and Michael. He's having a great time but I know he's ready to come home. He's missing soccer, his brothers, his friends, and having his own space, I'm sure.


Many thanks to everyone who is leaving comments for us!! It's hard to be this far away from home for so long and we are so happy to hear from you! We'll share all the comments with Oakley when she's older so she knows just how many people followed her journey and loved her before they even knew her.

Sullivan and Hagan:

We'll be home in just a few days!! Tonight we are taking a river boat cruise and we're all looking forward to that. Our guide told us yesterday about a DVD store off the island that has really cheap movies so we're going to take a taxi there today and see what we can find for you. We are so ready to come home!! I'm posting some pictures of Oakley looking at the goldfish in the hotel -- they are HUGE!! I hope we can get her in the pool today and I hope that she likes it since I know you two are probably reading to go swimming when we get home!! She had her first taste of ice cream yesterday and she loved it, but when she eats anything cold, I think it hurts her teeth. We'll have to go see Dr. Lange when we get home and make sure she doesn't have any cavities. I don't think her teeth were ever brushed in the orphanage, but she LOVES brushing them now! She hasn't learned to spit the toothpaste out yet very well, and she usually swallows it and THEN spits!

I love you soooooo much!!

Mom

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jana and Mike,
Your daughter is beee-yuuuu-tee-ful! I am so thrilled for you! I have been watching the blog site all week...seriously! ( it is better than a soap opera and IT'S REAL LIFE! ) I can't hardly believe you are there...a million miles away and that she will be HERE very soon!
I must say....when I see those pictures of you holding Oakley, you have the biggest smile on your face ! All of you do...you, Mike and Sawyer! It spreads through your cheeks and your eyes light up like diamonds! But, ya know what??. ....Oakley has the SAME look on her face! She has this grin like LIFE IS GOOD! It gives me goose bumps all over!

God is so good!

much love and safe travels to all,
Leigh Reed

ps- LOVE all the pink clothes! Sooo cute! Sooooo fun!

Anonymous said...

Jana and Family,
I was so glad to see your post today. I was a little concerned when I heard about an earthquake in SW China. I hope that the remainder of your journey home is swift and smooth. Oakley looks so happy and loved. Your blog will make a memorable scrapbook for her which she will treasure one day. I can't wait to meet her. Be safe. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Your friend,
Terry

The Ferrill's said...

Wow, that is so cool that you got to go to a church service! Oakley and the rest of your family look like you just all fit together! Only God can do that!
I'm so happy for all of you!
Laine Ferrill

Anonymous said...

Such a relief -- she looks GREAT in PINK! I've seen her closet contents and had thought - "What if she doesn't look good in pink?"

Like Terry, I had heard about the earthquake near Beijing and called Lori who figured out that you are 1400 miles from there. We could then relax. Soon after found your newest post -- what a delight!

It's amazing but it feels like she has always been part of your family! Put me down for the crop later this month. Can't wait to meet her!

Love, Lisa P.

Anonymous said...

Jana,

I am moved to tears after catching up since we have been camping all week. Oakley has changed in just a weeks time!! I see such a change in her expressions. I know you are anxious to get home to a normal schedule. I hope Oakley and you all continue to do well and have great remainder of your trip.

Michele Large

All 4 My Gals said...

OOOOOHHHHHH, I am just so in love already! :) Tears every time I read your blog. I can't wait until you're home. Love you!

Mom 2 six said...

I am so glad to see things are going well. You will be home before you know it. Savor every second. I would love to go back !
Oakely is so beautiful. What a blessing.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike, Jana and Sawyer....i'm both thankful and grateful that you all made it safely...Oakley is very beautiful with such a sweet smile...she now has two beautiful guardian angels to watch over her. enjoy the rest of the trip, you'll be in my prayers as you make the journey home...love mitch

Anonymous said...

Jana!
You are soooooooooooooo lucky to adopt a precious little girl like Oakley! She is adorable!I wish I could meet her! Are you planning to come to FL any time soon?
I love you and miss you!
Your Goddaughter and Oakley's Godsister!
Emily

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