Day 8 Daily Manna

"I've touched the hem of Your garment, and I have felt the leading of Your hand. But today my eyes look much higher, to see the face of the Great I Am, More of You Jesus!

This is one of my favorites songs, but today something occurred to me as I reflected on the words of this song and Matthew 25:35-40 where Jesus is talking about whatever we do for the least we do for Him. We want more of Jesus, and somehow I think we believe that this requires more on His part. We want to see God move, yet I think we will see more of Him and His glory when WE MOVE! What are we missing in our fellowship with God. Well this scripture spells it out very clearly. When we give our lunch or snack to the guy standing at the exit ramp with the sign that says "Hungry", we give unto Him. This is more of Jesus. When we love the old lady down the street that doesn't seem to have many visitors, we are loving Him. This is more of Jesus. When we show up to help groups like Urban Trec on a Thursday afternoon and go out and give food to the homeless, we are feeding Him. This is more of Jesus. When we look into the eyes of the cashier at Walmart, who is probably working 3 jobs to make ends meet, and smile and say "How are you doing today?' We are looking at Him. This is more of Jesus. So many opportunities we pass by everyday that would bring More of Jesus into our lives. We, the church, want more of Jesus and for God to show up and do something amazing. Well, He already has!!!! We are redeemed aren't you? For me, it's obvious loving Maggie Mae and bringing her into our home is walking this out; however, this is not the end. Today as I walk the streets and encounter store owners who are pushing me hard to buy something, I have a choice. I can get frustrated and leave, or spend some time breathing the breath of Life in their store. His presence and glory will fill that place because He is with me. More of you Jesus, More of your face, as I see you in the faces of the people all around me!

Day 7 in Guangzhou China ... Click for video!

Would you ever think cold water could throw you over the edge. Well, believe me, it was the straw that broke the camels back for me this morning. Once again, the whole family slept all snug in their beds, while I lay restless in mine. I finally quit the fight and got up to take a shower and spend some time with the Lord. I decide to take the shower first and much to my dismay, NO HOT WATER!!! Can you say meltdown? I mean really, I can't believe I'm having a meltdown over no hot water. Poor Dexter is so wishing he could fix it, and you know what, he did, with a great big hug. Soon after that, the hot water miraculously came on. As I was getting ready to take my shower the Lord gave me a thought to ponder. Yesterday, I started my day out with LIVING WATER and as you remember, I said it is what sustains me. Well, as I was sitting on the side of the tub crying like my baby, I thought, do I fall apart when I don't have Living Water. I'm not sure I can put into words this time what the Lord was trying to teach me other than I need Him more than anything. So after a long, hot, QUIET shower, we started our day. We had a good buffet breakfast. Oh the sight of all the adopted children with their new families, all sitting happily in their high chairs. So I tried once again to put Maggie Mae in one and she wouldn't have anything to do with it. She sat in my lap and ate a big breakfast. She is a good eater. The only thing I've found that she doesn't like is melons. After breakfast, we went to our medical appointment which was a bit of a joke. It was more like an assembly line of checking the boxes. I guess Dexter and I being nurses gives us a different perspective on things. She hated every minute of it, but thankfully we were out of there with no shots in 30 minutes. We also got her Visa picture taken. Yep it matches her passport, both screaming:):) We are surrounded by so many people adopting and most seem to be doing very well or just faking it, HA! We did meet up with the people we met in Kunming from North Carolina and had dinner with them at Lucy's Bar and Grill. It was such a good evening with very REAL conversation. We decided you become good friends fast when you are frazzled. Anyway, Maggie Mae had her first steak and broccoli and cheesecake and LOVED IT! Now I am happy to report, she is lying in bed WITH DADDY, ASLEEP! She is a sucker for his after bath massages, it really calms her down. Tomorrow we have a free day, so hopefully we'll do some shopping. Well time to go download some video to send, I know that's what yall REALLY want! 4 more days then we travel home with our new addition!!!!

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Day 6 Ends

Well we just arrived in Guangzhou, our last stop before heading home. Today was all about packing, going to a floral market, and flying with her for the first time. She did GREAT! No crying at all on the plane. She laid in my lap and talked for 2 hours. Amazing how the day goes when it's started out in His presence:) We really did have a good day. Dexter had some good moments playing with her and feeding her. She still wants me to hold her, but she is at least letting him play, change clothes and feed her. We already LOVE Guangzhou and it's dark outside, can't wait to see it in the light. The pace is much slower and the city is just very different. When we arrived at the Guangdong Victory Hotel, we saw 6 American families with their newly adopted little ones. That was so fun talking and sharing with others. Tomorrow is a very early day. Maggie Mae is going for her "body check-up" (aka, dr. visit). We are told she will not have to get shots because we are a non Hague adoption. The Hague adoption children have to get 7 shots, YUCK! This is some new governmental policy. I'm so thankful our paperwork was before the Hague Convention implementation in the US. Well I know this is short, but I am very tired and ready for bed. We have an early morning. Sorry there are no pictures or videos today, but we really didn't take any. Well Dexter did take one at the hotel of some interesting statue in a fountain, but I won't let him post it. We are going to keep this blog G-rated:):) Thank you again for all your thoughtful emails. We too look forward to reading them. Love and blessings.

Patricia

Day 6 Early Morning Inspiration

As I woke up again in the wee hours of the morning, I had an overwhelming sense to spend some much needed time with the Lord. All was quiet and dark in both rooms, so me, my bible, glasses and pillow headed for the bathtub. It was there the Lord met me with His Life giving words. If we want Him to exchange beauty for ashes, we have to give Him our ashes! Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Sometimes we lay our ashes at His feet and expect Him to turn them to beauty immediately. Sometimes He does not "pass the cup". 1 Peter 4:12-13 says "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." When I decided to obey Him and follow Him through this adoption, I walked into it thinking "what a beautiful thing this will be". Unknowingly motivated deeply by trying to make up for past sin in my life, God revealed to me His motivation for me was just to simply love her through Dexter and I. The enemy wants not only to destroy and devour us, but He wants to confuse and deceive us into believing why we are doing what we are doing. Yet, "the eyes of the Lord are ranging throughout the earth seeking those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9. HE WINS ALWAYS!! If we will just persevere and trust Him, we will see victory! Listen to His voice and don't believe the lies of the enemy. Follow Him everyday of your life and this will be your witness and testimonty. "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2 Peter 1:16. Follow hard after Him and be an eye witness to His Majesty!

Love and Blessings to you all.

Patricia

Day 5 .... CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Today we took a day trip to Stone Forrest in Shi Lin, China. It was about an 1 1/2 hours away, 40 minutes of which was getting out of the city. The kids were excited about getting out of the hotel room and so was mommy and daddy. Maggie Mae slept a lot today. She seems to want to sleep when I am holding her especially in the sling. We had a great time, this place was amazing. I'm afraid the pictures and video won't portray the beauty of this place. Emma, our travel coordinator, had never been, so she was excited. We had a picnic lunch of peanut butter and jelly and

pringles. It kind of felt like home. So many people travel to visit this place. It is very famous. When we got back to the hotel Maggie Mae began a 3 hour crying fit. She wants to just sit in my arms and sleep and we want her to sleep tonight! Finally Daddy decided if she's screaming for no reason, she might as well scream in his arms. He took her for a walk down stairs, literally down 10 flights of stairs. He said she screamed all the way down. BUT on the way back up at about the 5th floor he said she gave a big sigh and gave up. She stayed in his arms cuddling for about 45 minutes even when he was in the same room as me. PRAISE THE LORD! Big step. Then she went to Sarah-Gracen for a while, even pushed me away when I got near. Now we are getting ready to eat and go to bed. Tomorrow we get her passport and fly to Guangzhou. Hopefully the doctor will be able to decide about her ear because she has pulled on it all day again, and we've given her 3 of the 5 doses of Zmax.

So many of you have encouraged us in so many incredible ways since we've been here. The common thing I hear is give it some time. I guess when you're in the middle of this, that's a hard perspective to take. I was thinking a lot while driving, no let me rephrase that, while riding in the van today. Rejection is big deal. I was pondering how long it has taken me to finally trust and receive love from others after being rejected. God was so patient with me and so was my husband and close friends. Sometimes we have to walk through something ourselves to be able to help someone else. One of my deepest desires for my kids is to walk in the love, trust and acceptance of their Lord Jesus Christ. I love them with every part of my being and will never reject them, but their significance must be established through their relationship with Jesus. Until tomorrow!

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Day 4 Comes to a Close ... CLICK FOR VIDEO

Let me start by saying her new nickname is Houdini. She was screaming when I put her to bed tonight and after a very long day of crying and clinging, mom took a break and sat with the kids in the next room. I was in there maybe 5-10 min and she settled down and got quiet. Well I just walked in the room and found her in my bed. That little booger climbed out of her bed and crawled up into ours. She is just laying there talking to herself and laughing. The happiest she's been all day. Well I take that back we had another 10-15 minute spell of happiness earlier today too. I really think this ear infection is bothering her too because she spent most of the day pulling on her ear. So, I guess she showed us whose boss!!!! Please be praying that she will begin to bond with Dexter. She hasn't wanted to go to him much and seems to be wanting me all the time, and she loves playing with the kids. He is able to do some things, but just not hold her and cuddle with her much. I know this is hard for him, and also for me because she is in my arms most of the day. Not complaining, we know this is part of the process. We've gone from don't touch me to don't let me go in the last 48 hours. The scripture the Lord gave me today is from Psalm 73:25-26 "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." My flesh is failing because I haven't slept a full night since the Wednesday night before we left. When she wakes up at night for just a few minutes, I can't seem to go back to sleep. Tonight my prayer is for rest. Mama doesn't do so well without sleep:):):)

So enough of all that. We did make the most of today by getting out and going to the park for a few hours. The kids enjoyed that round inflatable thing on the water again. It's like they are gerbils in a ball. We filmed a lot today for Tony, trying to capture the culture. Everywhere we went we attracted a lot of attention. People taking pictures of us. They would come to watch the kids on the lake or in the bumper cars, and this was not a small crowd, but a rather large one. This must be what it feels like to be famous:):):) I'll take my quiet Pike Road life anyday.

We came back to the hotel for some pbj's and rest time. Dexter went back to Walmart so you guys could see all the interesting things there. I'll try to post the video tonight, but sometimes it takes a long time and I am real tired. Well I know this update sounds on the down side, but we're gonna make it through all this. Just like having a baby, those first weeks are survival mode!!!! Thank you for lifting us up in prayer. Please pray for Dexter. He won't say anything but I know his heart is discouraged. I know she is gonna be a daddy's girl one day, just not soon enough for him. Love you all, and thank you for all your emails. I am trying to reply to them, but I might have missed some. Til tomorrow

Patricia

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Day 3 .. Click here for video!

Funny! That a great word for her today. We had many moments of laughter and her doing things and repeating things that were just funny. She is like a parrot when she's happy and I'm like a marsupial (kangaroo) when she's not. Everyone in the family had some pretty cool bonding time with her today. She really wanted to play with the kids a lot today. They had fun teaching her to say different things. She loves to say "sissy" and "bo bo". When she sees Parker she says "bo bo". She spent the evening in the carrier with Daddy. She likes that "pouch" because it keeps her tight to us. She eats very well especially with daddy. She loves chicken!

She slept until 9:30 this morning, but woke up in a bad mood. We know she is cutting a tooth that looks so painful, has a runny nose, and today we discovered she had a lot of drainage coming out of her right ear. Thankfully, the Dr. in Birmingham sent me with some antibiotics just for an ear infection. So we think some of her fussiness is coming from all that. I know I would be a grump too! So, some information I haven't shared is she is tiny. She weighs only 22lbs. All the shoes and clothes we brought were a little big. The shoes are huge. She might wear a size 4 shoe. She drinks from a bottle most of the time. We are trying a cup, but for now she likes the bottle.

Okay, as for the events of the day. Our big outing was to the local Walmart. Yes, they have a 3 story Walmart here. Nothing like you've ever seen before. You can get a fresh whole goose, head and feet included. A pig's face, yes I said it, there was a lot of pig faces hanging on a hook to buy. Next to the pig faces were dried fish hanging for sale. Dexter saw a heart in a bag. Oh did I mention the smell when we went through that part, and we got lost twice so we had to walk through it 3 times. It was so crowded you could barely move. We met a guy from North Carolina who lives here with his wife and 2 children. He teaches english. It was great getting

to share with him. Along the way we saw a man walking with his dog who had on 4 boots. Then another dog wearing a full set of clothing. It is getting close to Chinese New Year, so many people are arriving to celebrate. Lots of people, small cars, bicycles, and mopeds, and very little obeying traffic signs. Oh yeah, I am so thankful for the respect our men have for us. It is very different here. They are rather rude. I had two men take my omelet twice this morning at breakfast. They got right in front of me and took it from the Chef. Finally, on the third try, he was able to pass it to me without an interception:):):) It was like that New Orleans game the other night hahaha. Anyway, I had to laugh. Well, I didn't hear anything specific from the Lord today; however, I witnessed many prayers being answered. Keep praying because He is listening

and doing exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever imagine. I am loving the emails from everyone, especially when I hear the Lord using our journey to minister to you in your life. I want to be a channel of blessing in other people's lives. He is Abba Father. To Him who sits on the throne, be blessing and honor, and glory and power forever. May we, His children, spend every minute of the day crying, Holy, Holy is the Lord God

Almighty.

Until tomorrow,

Patricia

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