Week 2 in Anhui began with a free day to explore new surroundings,
figure out the best places to eat,
(Silly Bea!)
play a little chess and relax,
and even introduce Bea to her first experience in a pool!
She watched for a long while, taking it all in, laughing at the kids.
She sat on the edge mostly,
but she also took a brave plunge, learning trust, even going under 3 times with Daddy!
(The kids were loving their swim caps!)
Brodie said Bea squealed constantly with delight so loudly
that he had to continually remind her to shhh...
It seems our Bea isn't the quietest gal in town...but she's tons of fun non-stop!
(Did I mention that she loves her Hello Kitty *light up* shoes?!)
At first, Bea wasn't too sure about the boat, but by the end, she loved it!
(I miss my little skippers!)
All in all it was a positive first day with no crying and lots of bonding time for everyone.
In just a few hours, they're off to meet Beck!
We're praying for his heart and ready to embrace him into the family!
. . . . . .
DAY 13, ANHUI
After a sweet Gotcha Day with Beck yesterday, there were some official papers to sign today.
Once that was taken care of the day was wide open.
Poor Brodie and the kids walked in the rain to a very nearby place to eat but when they got there (wet) they were closing down for a break and wouldn't serve them. So sad! So they walked back to the hotel defeated (and wet) and ate noodles...again.
At least they all love noodles!
Fortunately, I'm married to a very patient and understanding man who takes it all in stride.
Brodie is just the guy for this tall order he's taken on in China.
He's doing awesome and I'm so proud of him!
(He's pretty fun too!)
It's clear the kids trust him. Beck won't leave his side.
I guess our sweet little Beck is also a hitter/biter :/ though
he seems to not completely understand what' he's doing.
(Such innocence...until...)
Nonetheless, it's given Daddy the opportunity to save the day for Bea when her exchanges with Beck have
ended with her in tears. She trusts her Daddy. This is so important right now. They're bonding.
So after the rain/noodle situation, they ended up at the pool which Bea loved...
...Beck not as much. So, he sat with Daddy then fell asleep.
(Awww!!)
Brodie swam some laps since Beck was resting...until...he wasn't. Which resulted in screaming for MaMaBaBa as he calls Daddy (for now). So, they got themselves together to leave the pool, not a popular choice in Bea's mind, and headed back to the room.
Ahh. Just a day in the life in China right now. Never dull!
They hung out for a bit, then went to dinner which was great as usual.
The kids do very well in the restaurants, thankfully, and they always eat well.
After dinner, they headed back to the room for baths and bed.
Beck doesn't like the bath. Bea does. Go figure.
Even preparing for bath is one of the few times Beck cries.
But, Daddy always makes it better for him after.
Beck is Daddy's boy already...
...and Bea is his girl.
(Watching via Skype...Bea always has kisses for her Daddy!)
Brodie and Elka are doing amazingly well! I'm so proud of them too!
They take such excellent care of their siblings and have not struggled with homesickness as I had been prepared for.
All of us have done even better than projected, by God's grace no doubt! He has carried us each step of the way.
Of course there have been lows and struggles, but the theme has been joy and peace. What a gift!
(Siblings back home on a trip to the park. They can't wait to welcome Bea and Beck to the crew!)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
John 14:27
. . . . . .
DAY 14, ANHUI
Today (after Beck threw up at breakfast) was sightseeing:
Apparently our little cutie has a sensitive stomach. :/
(Oh how they both LOVE their *light up* shoes!!
There's definitely a "thing" with the shoes...)
(Beck still won't let go of his Daddy.)
(ever)
(Bea's still silly.)
(Strollers and stairs...hmmm.)
(What a good Daddy!)
(Sweet sister!)
(Fun brother!)
(We can't wait to welcome these guys home!)
(Such beauty everywhere they go.)
Pool time:
(Swim cap sisters!)
(She's thinking about it...)
(Beck isn't.)
(Their typical daily pool scene.)
The many faces of Bea:
(Precious girl)
(So much fun in the pool!)
Down time in the hotel room:
(Beck's favorite location...Daddy's lap.)
Lastly, a nighttime walk:
I miss my people so much and can hardly wait to start the next phase of our new life together with Bea and Beck. It's hard to believe they've been gone two full weeks today! Just one week left till we're in each other's arms. What a sweet reunion that will be!
"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."
1 John 4:16
. . . . . .
DAY 15, ANHUI
For their last day in Anhui, before flying down to Guangzhou to finish the trip,
Brodie and the kids decided to go to the zoo.
It was a really nice zoo and they had a great day.
The tiger was the highlight for Brodie.
Beck was in his happy place most of the day...
Daddy's arms.
(Bea too...thanks to Beck letting Elka hold him today. Progress!)
Elka always loves the giraffes.
(All tuckered out after a fun day at the zoo.)
Afterward, they went back to the hotel for some swimming.
Look who accidentally got wet today:
Look who accidentally got wet today:
It's big news that Beck even wanted to touch the water!
And I'm told he even liked the last few minutes of his bath today.
We knew it was just a matter of time for him to realize how fun water is!
All ready for bed...and packed up for the big flight tomorrow!
We're praying that Beck will like the airplane as much as Bea did.
So goodbye Anhui...hello Guangzhou. The final leg of the trip is almost underway.
"It is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
Deuteronomy 31:6
