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.