We Are Home Sweet Home!

Hudson playing the piano with his jammies on and snow boots!

The Heassler clan seeing pictures from our trip.

Holly and Hudson loving the trampoline together!

Flying home on the long flight

Holly, Hudson and Kevin excited to be leaving China and heading home at last!

Waiting in the Hong Kong airport for the next flight, Santa's elf came to visit us.

Hudson trying on his new backpack for the flight home.

We are HOME! It is so good to be back and so thankful for God's protection and grace through this 2 week journey to get our son, Hudson! We arrived at the airport to an overwhelming support of friends and family. It was such an encouragement to us to be greeted home in this way. Kevin and I were just holding back the tears as we saw everyone. We had Qdoba for supper(-yum!) and then we went to our farmhouse where our pellet stove was already started and the Christmas tree lights were on. (Thanks Brett) We then were completely overwhelmed by our dear friends and family stocking our frig with fresh fruits, veg.'s, milk, treats and a meal in the crockpot! We loved the welcome home signs and balloons too! We are in awe of the support we have here and are so thankful! We are not lacking as we continue to be blessed with yummy meals. Thanks everyone!

So we were completely spent as we arrived home! I think our bodies were letting down after the 2 weeks of being up for the task and mission that was ahead of us and we were exhausted! Kevin started getting sick the last leg of the plane ride with sore throat and cough while the rest of us have stayed healthy. It took all we had in us to bring in the luggage and get the kids to bed. Holly had so much fun showing Hudson his room and his bed, in which he responded by clapping and jumping up and down when he saw his bedroom. It was so sweet to see his joy in all that we had prepared for him in the midst of my tiredness. Both Holly and Hudson slept 13 hours the first night. Kevin and I awoke at 2 am and couldn't get back to sleep, even though we were so tired still. We thought about taking a sleeping pill, but we thought Holly and Hudson would be waking too. As both Kevin and I laid awake for several hours trying to get to sleep, the intensity of the trip hit us with thankfulness for the friends we had with us in China (Railsbacks and Smiths) and the friends and family who welcomed us home so graciously. We were also realizing the task ahead to show Hudson a whole new home and way of life, leaving his orphanage life behind in China. It also hit me in those early morning hours how much I missed my mom not being here to meet Hudson. I so remember her face as we brought Holly home 8 years earlier. My heart just ached to have her close by once again. I know my sister, Christy was going throught the same thing as she gave birth to a sweet baby boy, Cyrus Lee. Mom always went out to help her after she had each child. I know my mom continues to rejoice in heaven in the treasures brought to each family this year- 3 boys! So we struggled through our first day glad to be home but still needing sleep. It was great to have friends come up and visit to help us stay awake and meet Hudson! Hudson was very quiet in the morning and almost sad, but then he started to become the Hudson we had known in these few weeks. I know he was overwhelmed with a new place once again. He was very scared of our dogs at first but has made great strides today as he is loving to throw the frisbee now to Jack. He was really scared of Sadie for some reason, for she is the oldest golden we have and just lays around.

It has been a joy to see Hudson take in everything and pick things up so quickly. Holly and Hudson had a great time on the trampoline this morning and Holly was a great big sis just playing with him outside. She even said, I really love my brother! Thank you Lord! We had the Heassler/ Enos clan come up in the afternoon for a short hike, play time and craft time. Hudson and Holly were pooped by the time we were done with supper and Hudson asked to go up to bed. After showing him how to shower at home and wash his hair, he put on jammies and I showed his new snow boots. In response, he said" Wasaih" meaning AWESOME! He says this a lot when he really likes something. I'm thinking tomorrow he will wake up and put on his snow boots now!

To end this post for today, I wanted to share the verse that has meant so much to me through this journey of adopting Hudson.

It is 1 Cor. 1:8 " He will keep you strong to the end, that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord , is faithful."
I just want to say that our God has kept us strong in so many ways(not perfect by any means) but strong in Him and through the prayers of many. God has been faithful in this calling of our son Hudson, just like he did with Holly. God doesn't promise an easy road ahead in this next phase, but that's OK. I know both Kevin and I rather take the called road to what God has put on our hearts than an easy road. For our life is a vapor and doesn't last forever and we might as well make it count for what lasts forever. That is God's word and people. My Mom's sudden passing away has been such a reminder of this. I have so many memories of growing up as her daughter and just one of them is her telling me through everything the verse Isaiah 41:10 " So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; and uphold you with my righteous right hand." God has done this mightily for Kevin and I as we adopted Hudson. I pray that we can leave this kind of legacy of God in Holly and Hudson's hearts.

Thanks for coming alongside of us in so many ways and we will keep you posted!

A Blog Entry

Tomorrow we leave for home. We will leave the hotel around six am so we will pack tonight. How will Hudson respond to all his/our belongings being placed in suitcases? How will he do on the long flight? Thankfully the flight attendants speak Mandarin. We are so ready to get back home. I don't think I will fully relax until I am walking out of DIA with my family safe and sound.

Last night I took Hudson over to the 7/11 across the street. Nearly everyone lives in high-rises and the population is very dense, thus convenience stores do very well and there are two or three on every block. So Hudson picked out these chocolate filled little graham cookies and he just ate those right up. However, it turns out they were not filled with chocolate but rather coffee, and it was not decaf. Bed time was not so smooth last night.

As you may be picking up, Hudson has a very playful spirit that includes much tickling, hitting and poking. However, this also includes thrusting his hand up people's backside. He does this not only with the other children but also with the female adults and even me. Of course, we/I have told him NO very sternly and that not everyone wants or needs that kind of exam, but he still would do it. This morning, not knowing what else to do I communicated (via the iTouch translation app we've been using) that he brings shame to our family when he does this. I tried to tell him that it is ok to tickle but he must not do that other thing.
It turned out using the "shame" word was like using a nuke. He totally shut down looking pathetically mournful. I tried to tell him I am still very glad he is my son and that I like him and love him but he was still crushed. I had to take him to one of our guides to who could fully explain to him all that needed to be said. He finally got back to his normal happy self. The language barrier has been difficult. Next we have see what we can do about having him eat some vegetables.

I suspect Rachel will blog once more before we leave here.
Looking forward to seeing all of you and having tap water.

Kevin

Almost Home

Tonight Kevin and I celebrated one day left with a cold Heineken bought from 7/11 and some Dove chocolate after we put our two precious Eggrolls to bed! Oh- I'm still in awe God has given us 2 children! So thankful and praising him with beer and chocolate and grace in sustaining us these days. Maybe my deep appreciation comes from the 10 year wait for our daughter, Holly and 8 years for Hudson. One day when I'm in heaven, I'll ask God with thankfulness why we waited years for our children-but for now I'm so enjoying having a boy and how different they are from girls! It's so crazy how Hudson will check out every button and turn it off and on, and then just love to wrestle and tickle and annoy his sister! We made another good step forward when Holly enjoyed a tickling session from Hudson with laughter instead of irritation.

Today we went to Shaiman Island again with the Railsbacks and some other families to just get out and walk, do some souvenir shopping and eat at Lucy's again for the American food they have. All the families are so ready to be home. All the kids are craving some regular routine and structure. Again, I took Holly to the Starbucks across the street to do some Math. She actually asks me to do math ( usually her least favorite subject)! We get a treat, find a cozy corner amidst all the laptops and enjoy just being together and homeschooling some.
Tomorrow is our last full day here! We'll go to a nearby park in the morning, get our visas at 3:00 and Pack. The Smiths, Railsbacks and us are all on the same 3 flights going home. Cheryl can't wait to just got on the plane along with all of us!! We have our last benadryl saved for the flight along with some Advil PM. We are so thankful for the movies and video games for all the kids in front of each seat. Please pray we all stay healthy on this last leg home. God has answered this prayer thus far. Zeke is struggling with some asthma issues so you can pray that stays under control. Our flight to Hong Kong leaves at 9 something, and we will have a 3 hour layover there before the long flight to San Fran. and then to DIA!

Grateful again for your support and prayers,
Rachel

ALMOST HOME!

2 more days, 3 more sleeps and 3 plane rides to home!!

Yes-we are counting down the days, nights and hours until we are home. Kevin has been using the application translator to tell Hudson about the 3 plane rides home. He always smiles when Kevin tells him! SO glad we got the itouch with the translator!! (thank you Daigles!!) That has been such a blessing in communication with him. I highly recommend it for older child adoptions. It has been vital in many circumstances. We do a lot of sign and body language too!

Yesterday we went to a Safari Park, which was pretty amazing and filled our day. The kids were wiped out, which was very good. We saw Panda bears, white tigers and some other cool animals. We went to a monkey show which was cheesy, and then onto a Panda bear show. We thought it was going to be real Panda bears but really it was people dressed up in Panda bear outfits dancing to music such as Kung Fu panda! Went then went on to a white tiger show which was real tigers, not just dressed people. The kids really liked it and it was a cooler day with no rain.

Today, was our first day to have the morning in the hotel which proved to be challenging at times since the kids were ready get out. After breakfast, Hudson put on my outing bag and was saying let's go out! He was so used to having the big bus take us somewhere! We ended up having down time exhausting all the kid toys and movies until about 2:00. We then took a bus to the US consulate to be sworn in with our kids. There were 38 families doing this and proved to be about as crazy as the Medical exam place. Thankfully, we brought snacks and coloring stuff. In 2 days we will have the Chinese visa in order to leave the country on Saturday!

We then went out for Dim SUm with all the families, about 40 people. This was our last Dim Sum for the trip and we won't be missing it for awhile. THe noodles, fried rice and broccoli is always good along with the Coke and Sprite! They continue to serve the chicken with the head along with it for a garnish! I prefer the parsley back home! Railsbacks and us left a little early as the kids were starting to lose it. So we headed back for baths and bedtime and sleep.

Hudson continues to make strides in bonding with us and I count it God's grace and mercy that he is! I don't take this for granted at all in what I've seen and how long it can take! He loves to be held, tickled and continues to be all boy! Holly did invite Hudson to play and put on a short show for us with Chinese Dance fans. It was cute and so glad they made a few more steps in their bonding together! They usually now give each other a hug when they meet up and haven't seen each other for a little bit.

I know the Railsbacks, Smiths and us continue to covet your prayers and all your support! If I haven't responded to your email-please know I got it and Kevin and I are so grateful.
We are still in awe we have a daughter and a son! Truly a gift we don't take for granted even in the midst of tiring days and longing for home. A small price to pay to love a boy who needed a forever family.

Oh- I almost forgot to mention that today we received about 25 pages of pictures and documentation from when Hudson came to the orphanage and joined the Half the Sky school program. He was found at 2 /12 years, so we did receive pictures when he was pretty young. All the writing is in Chinese so I will need to get it translated. I am so thankful for this history we have on him and the pictures are priceless. He was so excited to look through it with me! Cheryl and I were the only ones to receive this on our kiddos. Half the sky is awesome in what they do for all the orphans and families! Love them! They really do put your donations to work-we have the proof!

Hope to post one more time before we leave!
Looking forward to Qdoba queso chips and dip! Holly was craving their naked chicken burrito tonight!
Love,
Rachel

Positively Negative (TB test)

It's Monday evening in China and our TWO precious kiddos are sound asleep now. They are tuckered out and so are we. Only 4 more nights and 5 days til we are on the plane home!!! We have a praise that ALL the kids passed the TB test! No staying longer in China for that reason. We don't take that for granted and thank you for your prayers. Hudson's cough seems to be about gone after giving him the antibiotics. Yeah! So today we went back to the Medical exam place for the TB check, did some quick souvenir shopping, got group photos, played at a very crowded Chinese playground and enjoyed some American food at the Lucy's restaurant. We had a little downtime and then hung out with the Railsbacks trying to wear the kids out and finding things for them to do. Had supper in the hotel room, baths and the kids ready for bed. Hudson actually sat still long enough in my arms for the first time since we got him to read thru 2 books quickly. He then let me rock him a little and he cuddled. I loved it. Before that he had a tickle/ wrestling time with Kevin. Right before bed, he stubbed and scraped his pinky toe bad. This was the first time I actually had seem him crying since we got him a week ago. It was so good to hold him and Kevin fixed up his toe for him with a army camo. band-aid. I have heard that kids in orphanages can not really cry much because it wouldn't do much good anyway if no one was there to comfort them. We are so enjoying and thankful for our son even in the midst of all the challenges that come. He is truly a gift from God. Holly continues to struggle but has made some strides forward. I see her heart trying to love her brother and figure out all the changes having a boy in the family brings. We keep trying to get some individual time with her and her playtime with Nicole has been such a blessing. The girls continue to eat breakfast at their very own table every morning to get a break from everything. They love it.

Kevin and I are so thankful for our 2 kiddos. We don't take these treasures for granted at all and even in the midst of being stretched in many ways-we count it a blessing. This part of the adoption trip is where it gets long. WE are so ready to be home, but God has been faithful in so many ways and we continue to take one day at a time. We are so thankful for your support, for friends here in China, for staying healthy and for the opportunity to love and raise our son and daughter.

Some of you know that I had a Legacy Bracelet made in honor of my Mom who passed away 1 1/2 years ago. This bracelet consists of family pics and a picture of Hudson. When we met Hudson last week-He LOVED seeing that picture of him and that I was wearing it. He smiled right away when he saw it and continues to look at through this trip and riding on the bus together. I so wish my Mom could meet him here on earth, but I know her heart is rejoicing with me in Heaven. So miss our Grandma Shirlee!!!

Tomorrow we head to a Safari Park for the day while we wait for more paperwork to get done and then on to the US consulate on Wed. -We are on the home stretch!
We'll post more soon!
Grateful,
Rachel

Waiting Together. Being Together. Learning Together. Exploring Together

Here are some pics from yesterdays crazy medical exam visit and then feeding the fish once again and escalator rides. It has been a joy to experience this journey with friends and the support we give each other. SO thankful for friends and family praying for us. Holly and Nicole have loved giving their new little brothers piggyback rides. This has been one good step forward. This morning we went to some beautiful gardens where the kids could run and get some exercise. I will post those pics tonight. We then took the bus to a very busy and crazy section of China where we had the traditional Dim Sum. We just got back to the hotel and ready to rest a little. Tomorrow we find out the results of the TB test and do some souvenir shopping on the island. Holly's ready to go get some more girl time with Nicole so I need to go for now.
Rachel

Time Management Whilst Climbing a Mountain

Today all the families of our group took our children for their medical exam as required by the US consulate in order to get their visa to the US. We were not the only group doing this today. It was crowded and the facility was tiny. There were four phases to the exam including a TB test. Children crying, yelling and so forth as families waited for the various exams in tight quarters proved to be very draining. Hudson wanted to run, jump and play push the other people while we had to stand there; at times I felt as though I were trying to hold onto a wild monkey. Holly was just worn out and emotional the entire time. Do pray that his TB test is totally negative. Worst case we would have to stay here an additional one to two months (yikes!!).

Our friends the Railsbacks arrived from middle China last night, it was good to see them and they were grateful and relieved to be among friends again. They had a rough go of it where they were. They are taking on an additional two special needs children, one in a wheel chair. They needed grace from the people up there but they did not get any. We and the Smiths are trying to help and encourage them as we are together for our second week.

We hung out in the Railsbacks' room along with the Smiths for a while and I think this was hard on Hudson. He began acting up and would not engage with any other child. He also would not engage with Mama. I finally took him and rode up and down the escalator several times then we went to our room with Mom and Holly and he turned off the lights and put away his toys, took off his shoes and wanted to crawl into bed. However, it was only 6:15 and after we had him put on his jammies he began playing with the TV and then running into the hall and doing other activities that had nothing to do with sleeping. Finally at ten to eight we had him and Holly in their beds, and by eight fifteen they were both asleep.

These days are so draining. It is one thing to adopt a six year old and have him be part of your family. Add to that a huge language barrier and now add on that you are in a very foreign culture. Even the McDonalds across the street here becomes a huge comfort. You look at the calendar to see how many days until you can get home. Adopting an older child is a mountain to climb.

I look at this boy and I know he desperately needs a family who will stand up to love him day after day. A family who will wade through these difficult swamps and never give up on him.

It has not even been a week since we got him and he already knows he belongs to me, Mama and even his sister, but I don't think he likes dogs.

We need and thank you for your prayers!
Kevin.

Friday, Dec. 10th

These past 2 days have been full of new experiences for us. I will try to summarize the best I can. We continue to go to an amazing breakfast buffet every morning where we try to figure out what Hudson will eat and not eat. I feel bad wasting so much food when we find out that's not what we he eats and it goes to waste. Oh well, that's the least of my worries. They have very strong coffee and espresso which helps to kick out the Advil PM which Kev and I take each evening to sleep through the night and try to avoid waking up at 3 am. The kids are starting to sleep through the night without the Benadryl. Holly still gets up at around 5:20-5:45 each morning. Hudson gets woken up by us getting ready. We then continue to do the escalator ride several times before and after breakfast, along with feeding the fish. I have my plastic bag to put in extra bread, bananas and apples for sandwiches and snacks for later in the day. One word, Hudson knows for sure is Banana and says it with Chinese style.

Yesterday, Holly and I went to Hudson's orphanage in Guangzhou city for the morning. It was so good to gather what information and pictures we could of his little life here in China. He was found at 2 1/2 years, the cutest little boy and it seems like he was placed with his foster family pretty quickly. He lived with them for 4 years. He hasn't spoken much of them yet to us in our limited communication. We did get pictures of him with them when he was really young. There were 4 other little kids living in this home with him also. None that we recognized of other adoptive families. While staying with the foster family he was brought to the city orphanage for their "Half the Sky" preschool program. We were able to see some of the art work, classrooms and teachers that taught in this amazing program. I was so impressed with what kind of preschool program they had for these kids. For those of you who don't know, Half the Sky works on behalf of those orphans who are left behind in the orphanage to do all they can to give them opportunities of education and loving, nurturing relationships. Check it out on the web if you get a chance. It was started by an American couple who adopted and I saw their efforts and money going to work firsthand. I'm so thankful for what they have put into Hudson's life.

We walked around the orphanage where we saw Hudson's room where he stayed for 2 weeks with some older kids. I met the teachers who taught him there while he waited for us to come. I asked if he was sad to leave his foster family or if he cried. They said he only cried when he saw other kids leave to be adopted and his parents hadn't come yet. He wanted to know when his BaBa and Mama were coming. You could tell the picture we sent him of us, was well worn and looked at many times. No wonder he recognized Kevin right away! The orphanage was very clean and most of the kids were at school when we visited. Holly was able to give some suckers to some little kids in their cribs which she loved connecting with. These children loved the attention and some were paper ready and waiting for a family! We met some older kids also just waiting for their families. Even though this orphanage was clean and the nannies seemed to love on the children, it was reminder to Holly and I that this wasn't the same as a home-these kids need a forever family.

Kevin and Hudson went to a park with some of the other families and had a great time walking about, doing paddle boat rides, etc. They were pooped out when we met them back at the hotel. We then rested a little before I ventured out with just Holly and Hudson to "Trustmart" (China's Walmart) to stock up on a few more supplies and toys to get us through these days. So that was my first time as a mom taking 2 kids. Holly pushed Hudson in the shopping cart while I managed to find where things were. We got more paper, a ball, remote control car, Connect 4, rice crackers and a few other things. Holly was a great help carrying all the stuff back to the hotel. Hudson's hip started to bother him more on the way back and Scott Smith was kind to give him a ride back on shoulders. Kevin and I are finding when he walks a lot his hip bothers him. We then went out to Pizza Hut which was a nice change from Chinese food. Holly got to experience the Chinese bathrooms which can barely fit her in them! They are made for size 8 girls, not us Americans!

Today we decided to go along with Smiths to visit their son's orphanage in another city. It was a 2.5 hour bus ride there, so we left right after breakfast. Hudson was not himself on the bus, slept a lot and once we got there and went inside, he puked. An hour later he was doing better and starting to eat some rice crackers. We were able to tour around the orphanage and see where the kids slept, their playground, etc. The officials at the orphanage were very kind and hospitable to us and accommodating. When Samuel go to the orphanage he was immediately greeted by some of his friends. It was sweet to see their friendship. One boy was waiting for his family and the other had just got to the orphanage. The officials then took us to Samuel's foster family where they ordered in McDonald's for approx. 25 kids and 10 adults. We were able to see the foster family apt. with several helpers. They seemed to truly love on the kids. In China, it is a privilege and honor to become foster parents. We saw so many older kids, many boys with repaired cleft palate that were just precious! There were a couple girls who were just beautiful. Some have their paperwork ready to be adopted. After eating McDonalds with the foster family and all these kids we walked with them back to school, which was just an experience in itself. Going through the small alleys and seeing their school. They have 1 teacher to 58 kids! 1500 kids were at this school. They just stared at Kevin's height and loved to practice what English they knew with us. After visiting the school we had an adventuresome ride back in the bus as we saw many near miss crashes from our American point of view. Holly enjoyed making a new friend, Abby (who was adopted when she was 5) on the ride and playing Uno with her.

After coming back to the hotel, getting our laundry and having about 30 min. of down time-we met up with some of the other families in the lobby to go out for Italian. While we were waiting, we realized that they were about to launch a Christmas tree lighting ceremony inside the main lobby. (HUGE LOBBY!) We then had Hudson's teacher pass us from the orphanage in the lobby too, followed by the orphans who we just met the day before. The Hotel had invited the Guangzhou City orphanage to come for the tree lighting and singing. We loved seeing them again and loved to see they had opportunity for an outing such as this. Hudson watched it from Kevin's shoulders. Holly and I were taking pics from a staircase when we realized a Chinese TV crew started talking to Kevin and then Wendy Smith. Kevin said "Merry Christmas from Colorado!" After hearing a few songs we went to the Italian restaurant and got some Pasta that tasted a bit Chinesey. Hudson was eating up everyone else's noodles. He didn't like the ravioli we got him. We then went outside the restaurant and it was snowing! Ok, not really-they had a snow making machine. We were all exhausted by the time dinner was done and ready for bed!

Tonight the Railsbacks get in and we can't wait to give them a hug and give them all the support we can. I know this hotel will be much friendlier from what they have been going through in the past week. I know the Smiths and us look forward to doing this last week in China together! It's no mistake that God ordained this trip to be together as we bring our kids home. I know Holly cannot wait to see Nicole and May! She needs the friend encouragement greatly!

Besides, all the day's activities we continue to covet your prayers for Holly as she so struggles to accept her new brother. Kevin and I knew this would be a huge adjustment for her and have tried to prepare her the best we could before leaving, but their is nothing like experiencing it first hand. We both pray for insight and patience and wisdom to help her through this moment by moment as that is truly what it is right now. It is intense parenting for Kev and I as we try to let Holly know that she is loved so much and yet love our new son and welcome him into our family. Holly has her moments of sweetness and sharing, but for the most part she is angry and behind that anger she is hurt and struggling. Kev and I continue to try to get individual time with each one of them. Hudson is a very affectionate, lovable, funny guy and is just trying to figure things out. Hudson loves to tickle and we have tickle fests, but Holly is not ready to be tickled by her brother. God has given us much grace and strength each day to handle what comes and we continue to ask you to pray for their brother/sister relationship.

Tomorrow-we go for the medical exam and TB test. Please pray that the TB test comes back negative for ALL children as if it comes back positive after a chest x-ray, you need to stay in China another 3 weeks. The Lord knows what we can handle. Hudson and the kids all seem healthy, even though Hudson is still fighting his cough.

Thanks again for all your support and prayers-we so appreciate it and can't wait to get home with our new little guy and our precious Holly!

Rachel

The Orphanage

Heading to the Orphanage today!

It's Thursday in China and we just got done with our morning ritual of breakfast, feeding the fish and riding the escalator several times. Kevin and Hudson are heading to a nearby park to run off some boy energy while Holly and I go visit the Guangzhou Social Welfare Institute (orphanage) where Hudson was for just 2 weeks. He was in his foster family for 4 years before and I will be trying to find out what information I can about his life with his foster family while at the orphanage today. Wendi Smith will also be going with me too. We are going to bring suckers and toothbrushes to share with kids. (like the combo!) Please continue to pray for Holly these days. Kevin and I so appreciate your prayers as we feel God's grace and strength here. Hudson is a affectionate little guy and reaches out to be held and to give hugs. He loves to try to pick Holly up.

We'll try to post soon again with pics. Need to get going now.
Grateful,
Rachel

International Relations of a Family

It's our 3rd day in China as Heass Four!!

Kevin, Holly and Hudson are playing balloon toss in the hallway as I get a chance to update. Hudson is such a sweet, spunky and playful little guy. He seems to be adjusting well for the most part. At times, he will get sad all of a sudden and we try to figure out what is wrong or what he is thinking through signing, our translator application or our limited words we can communicate. We then just put him on our lap and give him a hug and cuddle him. He does have a good cough and cold going on and we just started him on antibiotics this morning when we saw the green stuff coming out of his nose! We have taught him to cover his mouth now when he coughs and he makes a point to show Kevin and I and then he smiles.

Kevin is being such an awesome Dad to both Holly and Hudson. It makes my heart melt when I see Hudson reach to Kevin for a shoulder ride or just a hug or to be carried. He loves his BaBa. Kevin is also being very intentional in getting individual time with Holly as she is struggling so much from being an only child to having a sibling now and sharing the attention, esp. my attention. Please pray for Holly through these days of adjustment. That her sensitive heart would know she is still loved so much even with a little brother. She has been sweet to share many things with Hudson, but many time have had enough of this adjustment. They have had some good times doing Nerf gun fights, watercolors, playdough and drawing. I feel like I should've brought more toys for the many days that we have left. We wish we could just go home this weekend! Today is a day we have a little more free time so we are trying to keep the kids active and busy as they are so ready to just run and play!!!

You can never bring enough toys and snacks for these adoption trips (and Benadryl for everyone to sleep at night!)!

Thanks to you all for your emails and support through these days-we so appreciate it. We know God's grace has fallen upon us in these intense days here in China. If I haven't responded to your email, please know that we received it and appreciated it!

So each morning they have an amazing, incredible buffet where we eat breakfast with amazing selection of American, Japanese and Chinese food. Each day I bring a plastic bag for apples, yogurt and bread for peanut butter sandwiches. We then gather more bread to go feed the fish at the pond right outside the breakfast area and the kids love this. Last night we went out for Chinese food with some other families and Holly got a good picture of the chicken head they served with with steamed chicken. Of course she didn't want to eat after that. She was asking for McD's or Pizza Hut for lunch today. Kev and I are craving Qdoba big time today!

Our guides are very kind, fun and helpful. We do wish that we are on the same floor as the other families so it wouldn't be such a big deal to meet up or hang out. When we got Holly we were all on the same floor and we could just hang in the hall with the kids and talk and play. I just requested to our guides to see if the Railsbacks could be on the same floor when they arrive on Friday. It would be wonderful to be able to help them out and also have Hudson hang with their boy team.

Later today, we go to do more paperwork and of course go out for Chinese! The weather is beautiful today, we actually see blue skies!

We are so thankful for this precious little boy to be in our family-and the opportunity God has given us, these days are not easy-but are so thankful! I love the Christmas music they are continually playing in the Hotel! It encourages my Heart when I the Christmas hymns playing!

We are off to go find something to do!

Hugs and Love to you all!
Rachel

*quick note from Kathryn! If you click on any of the pictures, you can see them in their full size!*

Some Realities

Some Realities: Holly, Rachel and I are suffering severe jet lag. Hudson is not.

Hudson is all boy: Jumping, running, poking his sister (running into the street, out into the hall, up and down the escalators and running around the peaceful Budda garden) but we can't talk to him. Oh we try, and he tries to communicate to us, but so far it has been very difficult and frustrating.

The more we try to work with Hudson the more Holly feels displaced. She is struggling mightily.

We have this Ipod app that translates but I can't get Hudson to take it seriously, that it is not a toy but I am trying to communicate with him through it.

However, we would do it again. This boy needs a family. God loves this boy and He has given him to us.

Hudson has a great spirit and he is generous. Have we mentioned that he is smart? He drinks gallons, or should I say litres of water, and washes his hands after going to the bathroom. (I didn't do that until I was 23)

Tired K

REMINDER :)

Hello to everyone who is reading Rachel, Kevin, Holly, and Hudson's blog! I just wanted to remind you that since China and Google aren't exactly friends right now...they are unable to view the blog. I am posting all of their blog entries on their behalf, with them supplying the pictures, blog entries, etc...I can easily pass along all of your comments (or at least try and keep up with them)!

Kathryn

Gotcha Day

Gotcha Day!!

So tonight in China, Kevin and I had the privilege of putting 2 precious kids to bed for the first time in our lives!! We are truly amazed at our Gotcha Day and truly thank our Great God for this miracle of adoption!!! Our son, Hudson is doing well and is so precious! He was very nervous and shy when we first met him. In fact, we saw him peek from behind a curtain where the kids were waiting to meet their parents, he saw Kevin and said "Baba" meaning Papa. He recognized Kevin from the picture book we sent him. He was wearing a pink shirt, big red sweat pants and some cute ladybug shoes for a girl! God's grace and mercy fell upon our first meeting of our son and as we communicated to him through pictures, food, smiles, hugs and toys-he warmed up to us quickly. Thank you Lord! Hudson walked hand in hand with Holly, Kevin and myself throughout the rest of the day-giving us smiles and laughs. After we received Hudson, he was excited for the bus ride back to the hotel. You'll see a picture of Kevin and Hudson riding together in the bus. We then went to McDonald's with some other families and Hudson had french fries and orange juice and loved being out with us. We then went back to the hotel to play with play-doh, show him toys, bed and then he LOVED the Leapster my nephew had just given us to take on the trip. Thank you Nathanael!!

He loved riding the escalators with us and could've gone up and down all day! We then went to a Chinese Walmart for supplies such as water, crackers, etc. Kevin had fun pushing him around in the shopping cart. We then bought him a boy's sport watch, which he loves! He wanted to be like us and have a watch too! He kept pointing to our watches throughout the afternoon. Kevin brought in fried rice and noodles for supper in the hotel.which we all enjoyed and watched Hudson use his chopsticks so well! We are exhausted and our 2 precious Eggrolls are asleep right now (I have to admit we gave them both Benadryl tonight and Kevin and I are taking some too!) Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. My heart is so full of thankfulness for this little boy and his precious spirit. We continue to covet your prayers through each day. Tomorrow we will do more paperwork and have time hanging getting to know our son! We are finding out he is sweet and spunky! He likes to tickle Holly already and tease her! Such is a brother! He also ran out the hotel room door in a matter of a few sec's to check things out. Now we keep a chain lock on it. That should be something to work on, living up in the mountains. Please continue to pray for Holly's transition as an only child to a big sis-she was so awesome and sweet today to her little bro!

I also included a picture of the Smith family who we are traveling with. They adopted Samuel, a very sweet 11 year old boy. We can't wait to hear how the Railsbacks are doing as we pray for them and look forwarded to having them join us on the Dec. 10th here in Guangzhou.

Again-this day is truly a miracle from the Lord, that he had planned long ago. We praise him with thankful hearts for giving us the gift of another child!

We'll keep you posted and send more pics!

Love,
The Heass four!

Wonderbread and Egg Rolls

This post is from Kathryn on behalf of Kathryn (the RACHKEV blogpost will be coming soon)

I am so proud to call Rachel, Kevin, Holly, and Hudson my family. Everyone met Hudson and they are getting along extremely well! He knows a bit of English, and he knows that Rachel is "Mama" and Kevin is "Papa" (though he seems to say Baba for Kevin...) I was able to Skype with the growing Heassler family this morning and I managed to catch a few snapshots of Hudson and the rest of the family. I will post those pics as well as a few that were sent to me by Kevin and Rachel. Hudson seems very at home with them, and I am proud to call him my cousin. (the picture of Kevin holding the watch was when they told me that Hudson loved their watches so much that they decided to get him his very own watch when they stopped at Walmart)