tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48929085693924764562024-03-06T00:34:49.074-06:00Life UnplannedThe Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-11422498405720440502015-08-25T15:23:00.001-05:002015-08-25T15:23:53.781-05:00Who Will Go For Her?One year ago, Doug and I were in Henan Province, China, adopting our daughter Lily.<br />
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One year ago, we stepped inside the walls of the orphanage that was home to her for the first 3 years of her life.<br />
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On our visit, we saw a little girl sitting in a crib.<br />
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But she wasn't a baby.<br />
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She was 11 years old.<br />
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Sitting in a crib.<br />
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All day long.<br />
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The Lord spoke to me about her the very instant that I saw her, wrapped my arms around her and wept over her.<br />
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HE said, "You're here for someone else. Who will come for her?"<br />
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I remember this as clearly as if I were standing in that room this very minute.<br />
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God had again challenged me to fight for another sweet life…another Child of the King.<br />
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For privacy reasons, I won't use her real name.<br />
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I'll call her Joy.<br />
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Here's a photo of Joy I took that day:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnRylbJGSErQ7W9iKmBqul95BsFX70PTVZ92tMOSYudl1c1u7LQ5LtfWqulo9sYoQfSlJuaHv3nbG5ngE4qgXON4XvByCQA9nBi2mgqYJOFw7BIR89CCJy6MS2lxXTDfGCPRGLyU1lk9G/s1600/DANGJING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnRylbJGSErQ7W9iKmBqul95BsFX70PTVZ92tMOSYudl1c1u7LQ5LtfWqulo9sYoQfSlJuaHv3nbG5ngE4qgXON4XvByCQA9nBi2mgqYJOFw7BIR89CCJy6MS2lxXTDfGCPRGLyU1lk9G/s320/DANGJING.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a sweet smile - even though I was acting like a crazy woman, <br />crying and telling her how pretty she was like she could understand anything I was saying!</td></tr>
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We had been home with Lily for only 3 days when I reached out to our adoption agency to see if we could find out any details about Joy.<br />
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Months went by and we finally received word that the orphanage had never created an adoption file for her.<br />
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In order to be legally free for adoption, every orphan in China must have a file made and submitted to the CCCWA.<br />
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The bottom line was….<br />
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Joy was not free to be adopted.<br />
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After some prodding by our adoption agency to complete a file for her, her orphanage said they would only create one if there was already a family ready to commit to adopting her.<br />
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This is very unorthodox.<br />
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However, since this was the ultimatum, Doug and I prayed about whether or not we were to be Joy's forever family.<br />
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We didn't feel a peace about moving forward, so we informed our adoption agency of our decision….they informed the orphanage…and the orphanage responded by saying…<br />
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"Ok. We'll go ahead and make a file for her anyway!"<br />
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WOOHOO!!!! We were ELATED!!!!!<br />
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Once her file was made, her profile could be seen by thousands and thousands of people through orphan advocacy groups and hopefully there would be a family to step forward and adopt her!<br />
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I totally thought I'd done my part in standing in the gap for Joy.<br />
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But y'all gotta know by now that NOTHING is that simple in my life :)<br />
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We waited the anticipated 5 months for the file to be made and then I inquired about her again.<br />
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Just to find out….<br />
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They never made a file for her. :(<br />
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We were back at square one.<br />
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It's been several months since we received that news, and yet I haven't advocated for her…something the Lord {and my husband ;)} has convicted me about time and time again.<br />
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I confess that I've put this off for so long because I've allowed doubt and fear to creep into my soul.<br />
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Because what I'm about to ask of you seems…<br />
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Crazy.<br />
Unlikely.<br />
And too much of a risk.<br />
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But HELLO?!!!<br />
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Is that not what adopting Lily was for our family?<br />
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<u>Crazy</u> to adopt another child with significant special needs.<br />
<u>Unlikely</u> that the adoption would even go through because she was so sick at the time.<br />
<u>Too much of a risk</u> - financially and emotionally.<br />
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And yet…<br />
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God spoke.<br />
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We obeyed.<br />
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And we can't imagine life without Lily Williams now.<br />
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So here goes….<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will YOU go for her?</span></div>
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Before you think, "That's not for me! Hopefully somebody else will adopt her!" please just stop and pray and ask the Lord about it.</div>
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It will only take a few seconds.</div>
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Don't think you're too old…</div>
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too young…</div>
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too poor…</div>
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too overwhelmed with the kids you already have…</div>
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too far past having young children…</div>
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or not prepared to love and care for a child with health challenges.</div>
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Let me tell you, we can always find a good excuse to say no to stepping out in faith.</div>
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Because it's scary.</div>
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And hard.</div>
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VERY hard.</div>
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And those 2 things aren't really things we like to do.</div>
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But we walk by faith because it's what's God says to do.</div>
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So I'm asking you to simply pray about adopting Joy.</div>
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Trust Him if he speaks to you.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">LORD, WE TRUST YOU!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another adoptive Mama took this photo of Joy almost 2 years ago</td></tr>
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To those of you praying about adopting Joy, here is the only information her orphanage has told us:</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">According to ****** SWI,******* was born on ****** 2003 with CP. She can do nothing but sitting. She has not had any therapy yet. She can't control her bowel movement and urine. She only can speak simple words which are not clearly. Her intelligence is far behind her peer. The orphanage has not done her finding ad. on the local newspaper yet. They can start to prepare her file right away as long as we have one family to adopt her. </b></div>
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I blocked out her specific personal information for privacy reasons, but I'll tell you that she's almost 12 1/2 years old.</div>
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Children in China cannot be adopted past their 14th birthday, so Joy only has 1 1/2 years before she can no longer have a forever family.</div>
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I feel that I must also stress that if you decide to move forward with Joy's adoption, there is no guarantee that the orphanage will hold up their end of the deal and create her file.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joy needs a family who is ready to take a HUGE leap of faith!</span></div>
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Leave a comment on this blog or PM me on Facebook if you have any questions for me about Joy.</div>
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Love in Christ, </div>
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Elaine</div>
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The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-78364754400273298822015-08-18T17:05:00.000-05:002015-08-18T17:05:29.734-05:00Happy 1st Gotcha Day Anniversary, Lily!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
One year ago today, this sweet girl became our treasured daughter!</div>
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It's surreal to think that we were in China this time last year!</div>
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This was a typical facial expression for Lily during her first few days with us.</div>
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Jaw protruding. </div>
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Lips tight.</div>
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She wasn't so sure who these crazy people who wanted to hug and kiss her all the time were!</div>
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A couple of weeks ago, my mom blessed us by keeping the kids so that the hubs and I could get away for a couple of days. The first stop on our mini-vacation was New Orleans for the Outcry concert:</div>
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Hillsong United. Kari Jobe. Bethel Music. Crowder. Lauren Daigle.</div>
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It. Was. AWESOME!!!</div>
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During the concert, I remember thinking, </div>
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Lord, my voice is not loud enough and my hands can't be raised high enough to praise you and thank you for what you've done for me.</div>
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For saving me. </div>
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For forgiving me. </div>
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For extending your grace and mercy over and over and over again to me. </div>
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For all the blessings you pour so generously out for me.</div>
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Today, those words are my prayer once again.</div>
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Lord, my voice is not loud enough.</div>
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My hands can't be raised high enough to praise you and thank you for the gift Lily is to us.</div>
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We don't deserve to be given the opportunity to be her Mama and Daddy. </div>
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She is a daily reminder to our family of your faithfulness.</div>
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Thank you for her precious smile. Her wonderful laugh. Her love of tickles.</div>
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Thank you that she reaches for us because she knows we love her and will keep her safe.</div>
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Thank you for all the moments - big and small. hard and easy - we've had with Lily over the past year.</div>
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May we never forget where she was...</div>
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And how far she has come out of your great love and mercy.</div>
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Thank you for using ALL of our children to draw us unto you, Lord.</div>
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We love you so much.</div>
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And now a trip down memory lane :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A year in the life of Lily…</span></div>
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Getting to know my brother, Benaiah!</div>
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Hey Crazy Mama,</div>
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Why do you always point that thing at me and try to make me smile???</div>
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Not so sure I'm into it.</div>
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Doesn't everyone sleep like this?</div>
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Just being super cute :)</div>
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PEOPLE!!! Don't you know that I haven't figured out how to sit down yet?</div>
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Somebody PLEASE come help me!!!!!</div>
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This swingin' is pretty fun!</div>
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Minnie Mouse.</div>
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Again, I'm not so sure about this.</div>
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Go Eagles!!!!</div>
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Daddy, tell those boys to kick the ball down here by me!</div>
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My re-adoption day in America!</div>
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I can't help myself. I'm so stinkin' cute!</div>
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Mama! There's a TREE in our living room!!!</div>
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!</div>
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Thank you for my new rocking horse, Santa!!!</div>
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My 4th birthday party….</div>
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What is Mama doing???!!!</div>
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I much prefer playing with the air vents.</div>
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Can we PLEASE buy this chair, Mama?</div>
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It's just my size!</div>
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Nice and clean after bath time!</div>
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Finally! My hair is long enough for some pigtails!</div>
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"Doug! Where's Lily?!</div>
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Found her.</div>
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In the bath tub!!!"</div>
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I love playing with my little brother!</div>
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Cheeeeeeeeze!!!</div>
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Guess what, y'all? I learned to walk all by myself!!!!!</div>
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Now Mama says every picture of me is blurry because I don't stop moving.</div>
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Splashin' in the water at the Children's Museum</div>
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Happy Mother's Day, Mama & Grammy!</div>
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Me and my great-grandfather on his 85th birthday.</div>
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Just 2 weeks before he went home to be with Jesus!</div>
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My family with the Chapmans at the Show Hope Care Centers Reunion in Nashville.</div>
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I HATE THESE GLASSES!!!</div>
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These are better. Thank you!</div>
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(Tomato Glasses, in case anybody's wondering)</div>
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All ready for my hearing test.</div>
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I have mild-moderate hearing loss and will be getting hearing aids soon!</div>
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I love my brother so much!</div>
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Daddy, you're so funny!</div>
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My first day of 4 year old preschool!</div>
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Lily-girl, we can't wait to see all the things God has planned for you in the next year!</div>
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We love you!</div>
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Mama & Daddy</div>
The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-19890596410367961942014-08-26T23:24:00.001-05:002014-08-26T23:24:49.444-05:00Tuesday in Guangzhou: Consulate AppointmentWe had our Consulate Appointment this morning.<br />
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You aren't allowed to take cameras, phones or watches inside with you, so we snapped this quick pic outside the Consulate.<br />
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While we were waiting in line outside of the consulate, we could see the Canton Tower - the 3rd highest building in China.<br />
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Our visit to the U.S. Consulate was, thankfully, uneventful; but it was long. We were there the entire morning.<br />
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When we returned to the hotel, we ate lunch, had some playtime and then we all took a VERY long nap!<br />
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"I'm so glad I'm getting my Visa soon!"</div>
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Wednesday, we'll get Lily's Visa around 3:30pm and then head to the train station. We'll travel to Hong Kong and then fly out Thursday morning!!!<br />
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-76976888232967672822014-08-26T23:11:00.000-05:002014-08-26T23:11:41.720-05:00Monday in Guangzhou: A Visit to Shamian Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shamian Island is a more European area of Guangzhou where a lot of foreign consulates and international businesses used to be located.</div>
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There were photo shoots everywhere we looked - mainly of models in tuxes and wedding dresses.<br />
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Once the taxi driver dropped us off, we made a bee line for Lucy's - a restaurant that serves American food.<br />
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We'd intentionally waited until about 1pm to go to the island since Lily likes to nap between 11am and 1pm.<br />
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Not today!<br />
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She refused to nap in the hotel room and then bam! As soon as we got to our table at Lucy's she was OUT!<br />
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After lunch, we decided to sit outside and people watch. We saw several people practicing martial arts.<br />
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When Lily woke up, she was hot and sweaty....<br />
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And we know what that means!<br />
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Melt down!<br />
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I did some quick souvenir shopping while Doug managed the Melting Girl, and then we stopped for a cold frappuccino at Starbucks - Isn't this the cutest Starbucks?!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the shop owners where I bought some souvenirs gave me a little clip to pull Lily's sweaty hair out of her face.<br />I was thankful she kept it in her hair. So far, Mommy has been unsuccessful at getting Lily to wear hair bows.</td></tr>
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When we got back to the hotel, Lily got a bath and then we gave her the baby doll we bought her while on Shamian Island - she was most interested in the baby's braids :)<br />
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Today we got Lily's TB test result back. It was negative, so we are good to move forward with our appointment at the U.S. Consulate tomorrow!<br />
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-60017246673980462372014-08-26T22:34:00.001-05:002014-08-26T22:34:03.458-05:00Sunday in Guangzhou: A Day in the Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have no idea what the name of this park was.</div>
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But it was huge!</div>
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And beautiful!<br />
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And busy!<br />
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And HOT!</div>
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Y'all, Lily-girl sweats like her Mama - just 1 degree over 76 degrees F, and we both start melting.<br />
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And Lily literally melts-DOWN.<br />
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She HATES being hot!<br />
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Um, sorry, sweet girl.<br />
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You're moving to Mississippi.<br />
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We walked to the highest point in the park where the Zhen Hai Tower was located.</div>
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And, Lo and Behold! Look what was also up there:<br />
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The Guangzhou Soccer Stadium! It was a really cool stadium - carved into the side of the <strike>mountain</strike> hill and overlooking part of Guangzhou City.<br />
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When we returned to the hotel, we decided we needed to cool down, so we went for a swim!<br />
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Fun in the Sun in China! :)<br />
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-20072183342770953642014-08-26T09:39:00.001-05:002014-08-26T09:46:18.340-05:00Saturday in Guangzhou: Medical Appointment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday morning began bright and early with Lily's medical appointment.</div>
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All adopted children must pass a medical exam before the U.S. will issue them a Visa.</div>
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That band-aid you see on Lily's left arm is where they drew blood for her TB test. It takes 2 days to get the results back.</div>
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There are 3 stations to stop at for nurses and doctors to examine the kids.</div>
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Mamas and Daddys aren't allowed in the 3rd exam room because that's where they draw the blood for the TB test.</div>
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It's so hard to hear your baby crying and not be there to comfort her!</div>
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Lily came out of that room one HOT MESS! But when she saw her bottle waiting for her, all was well :)</div>
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{I forgot to take my camera to the medical appointment, so enjoy the photo shoot from when we returned to the hotel room:)}</div>
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We were told the medical appointment could be a little chaotic with all of the adoptive families there with their little ones.<br />
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There are only 2 families here with our adoption agency, so, thankfully, our guide picked us up early and we got there before the throngs of adoptive families arrived.<br />
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There was no one in the waiting area when we arrived. But when Lily's exam was over, we walked back through the waiting area, and it was standing room only! SOOOOOO glad we got there early!!!<br />
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{Update: Lily's TB test was negative! Yay!}<br />
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-62163473452237881542014-08-26T08:51:00.000-05:002014-08-26T09:45:40.998-05:00Friday: So long Zhengzhou! Hello Guangzhou!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lily's passport was ready to be picked up Friday morning.</div>
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Then we were all set to travel to Guangzhou!</div>
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Zhengzhou did not disappoint us in our last hours there - the airport was a bit chaotic.</div>
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There were hundreds of people crammed into a small space. Then we had to ride a tram from the terminal to our plane that was waaaaaay out on the tarmac.</div>
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Then we had to push our way onto the steps leading up to the plane door....I'm not kidding. I had my elbows out trying to protect Lily from all the pushing and shoving. I was wearing her in a baby carrier, and I'm so glad I was because we could have never gotten onto the tram and then the plane with her in the stroller!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7XTzojZBBQhUsJzBlaN2AmnDbQTY51LBWlH5kUN1IVxkhGFNptGP0gbTKYNfqjPKHGW7nWvpgiI4CgAgWOYc-ukgJXpEEa0S-f6nX8pkgSDpLplD47prm9H9LfRIYsNHWA5itS4J4i2W/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7XTzojZBBQhUsJzBlaN2AmnDbQTY51LBWlH5kUN1IVxkhGFNptGP0gbTKYNfqjPKHGW7nWvpgiI4CgAgWOYc-ukgJXpEEa0S-f6nX8pkgSDpLplD47prm9H9LfRIYsNHWA5itS4J4i2W/s1600/photo-5.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing our standing while waiting on our plane at the airport.<br />
The very HOT airport.</td></tr>
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People staring at us has been par for the course.</div>
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If there are waiting adoptive families out there reading this...</div>
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Get ready.</div>
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People stare.</div>
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A lot.</div>
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Sometimes glare....literally they squint their eyes and scowl at us.</div>
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In America, we stare at people too.</div>
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But when the people we're staring at notice that we're staring at them, </div>
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at least we quickly look away! LOL</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Guangzhou is where the U.S. Consulate is located and where we will complete Lily's immigration process.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our room at the China Hotel in Guangzhou</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd_zkUghjiKUnvQyJNBJNIqP3Ktx4wRTt5m8J9PdmY9UAKSqjd-zuBD3Yyn1HZYG1mZBWzj-AR9B6YzrZBcL79VYVTonrFSEGvMlqfIBqcT8emMYQBJgpsdi_djAOPESAMtvj5UCVb-9r/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd_zkUghjiKUnvQyJNBJNIqP3Ktx4wRTt5m8J9PdmY9UAKSqjd-zuBD3Yyn1HZYG1mZBWzj-AR9B6YzrZBcL79VYVTonrFSEGvMlqfIBqcT8emMYQBJgpsdi_djAOPESAMtvj5UCVb-9r/s1600/photo-4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've gotten to Face Time with Benaiah almost every day that we've been in China.<br />
He's all smiles when we talk. His grandparents are taking such good care of him!<br />
His Papa got to keep him last Friday...<br />
I just MELT at that smile!</td></tr>
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We are so glad to finally be in the 2nd half of our trip to China. We are missing Benaiah and the comforts of home so badly.<br />
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Guangzhou is much more beautiful than Zhengzhou. It's an even bigger city than Zhengzhou, but it's more established and is much more green. And VEEEEEERY humid. I might go as far to say that it's more humid than Mississippi!<br />
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There are dozens of adoptive families here, completing the immigration process for their children as well, so it's been a breath of fresh air to meet other families, hear their stories and just talk to someone else who speaks English!The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-31489207023151044152014-08-26T08:10:00.002-05:002014-08-26T09:42:46.433-05:00Thursday in Zhengzhou: Free Day!Thursday was our last full day in Lily's birth province of Henan.<br />
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And it was the first day we could REST!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7b5LK4Vgpb_-SNCEUtd6Y6Nu53NigZyjn4-8PqaMSNNfB1S7Y4THwCfsh4T2KtIL7pypsfU-CYfSRtBzoD50XMm4l7xdOoR2_euw831FeKT-nhI1Ud1Mf6H07saPj4a5ThQWwaO5lRXC/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7b5LK4Vgpb_-SNCEUtd6Y6Nu53NigZyjn4-8PqaMSNNfB1S7Y4THwCfsh4T2KtIL7pypsfU-CYfSRtBzoD50XMm4l7xdOoR2_euw831FeKT-nhI1Ud1Mf6H07saPj4a5ThQWwaO5lRXC/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy teaching Lily how to hold the bottle by herself. She's almost got it!</td></tr>
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I have to be honest: Zhengzhou, China is NOT my favorite place in the world. Over 6 million people live in Zhengzhou.<br />
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Now I normally LOVE a big city.<br />
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I know, I know.... I live in a town that has the population of about 100; but I really, really love the energy that big cities have to offer.<br />
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Zhengzhou, however, wasn't that way. It's FULL of construction and chaos. There are thousands of people riding their scooters and bicycles on the sidewalk (which is not the case in Beijing or other more orderly cities). We got close to getting hit by scooters numerous times, and I just dreaded getting out of the hotel unless our driver was waiting outside to take us somewhere.<br />
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Despite my dislike for the city of Zhengzhou, I can't say enough good things about the Hilton Hotel there.<br />
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The staff there treated us like ROYALTY.<br />
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Our room was huge!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rain shower spoiled me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese hotels have a window between the bathroom and bedroom.<br />
A push of the button would close the shade, but I really appreciated this little "oddity" because I could keep an eye on Lily while I was getting ready in the morning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLOKzhyphenhyphenEviYtLL_sauEniHk4zydsv4poIPQE2c0UdBM0c1h4zNVqEP30NZa1A7tSBjxla66oyJmrXpZad7yeCBE0veXXufYvaP_KWO4Qo3Vo_caSDe-GaryvUnQFia8NEvgnOvLLJWnJf/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLOKzhyphenhyphenEviYtLL_sauEniHk4zydsv4poIPQE2c0UdBM0c1h4zNVqEP30NZa1A7tSBjxla66oyJmrXpZad7yeCBE0veXXufYvaP_KWO4Qo3Vo_caSDe-GaryvUnQFia8NEvgnOvLLJWnJf/s1600/photo-7.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The housekeeping staff even organized our toiletries each day!</td></tr>
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The General Manager made friends with us, so whenever we had a question or needed something, we could ask him for help.<br />
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It was an awesome 1st home for Lily and our family as we got to know each other a little better while the adoption process was being completed.<br />
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Since we didn't have anything official to do Thursday, we decided to take a swim in the hotel swimming pool...<br />
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With our mandatory swim caps on :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Lily was tuckered out after a long swim!</td></tr>
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We were so very thankful for a day of rest!</div>
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-42142243573268625352014-08-21T22:05:00.002-05:002014-08-26T09:42:16.556-05:00Wednesday in Zhengzhou: Visit to Maria's Big House of Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wednesday was another day spent traveling.</div>
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But ooooohhhhh how incredibly worthwhile this trip was!</div>
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We traveled 2 1/2 hours to Luoyang where Maria's Big House of Hope is located.</div>
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This is the special care center where Lily has been living for the past 6 months.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKES4Ofs8R4WATVJUgj3jby2Zmhp6Pw7K9l_J7Wr-YIzcBDqA3P0r0sMksat_tZZOEuZjBGzDy6oHVG-ed0MM5Ncfdn7Ci-b08nIhotypdVH66uge0_N_toSJT4phvGk0aPKUT3TjC1S6J/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKES4Ofs8R4WATVJUgj3jby2Zmhp6Pw7K9l_J7Wr-YIzcBDqA3P0r0sMksat_tZZOEuZjBGzDy6oHVG-ed0MM5Ncfdn7Ci-b08nIhotypdVH66uge0_N_toSJT4phvGk0aPKUT3TjC1S6J/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maria's Big House of Hope</td></tr>
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If you remember, we were told in February that Lily was too ill and that we could no longer adopt her.<br />
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Our adoption agency worked very hard to get Lily moved to this special care facility.<br />
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The team here - Dr. Steve, the nurses, Lily's "Aunties"....<br />
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They saved her life.<br />
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I'm not exaggerating.<br />
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They literally saved a dying girl's life.<br />
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And then on top of that, they wrote the CCCWA a letter on our behalf, requesting that we be allowed to move forward with Lily's adoption.<br />
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Without Dr. Steve and Maria's Big House of Hope, we wouldn't have Lily in our arms today.<br />
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Again, I can't post photos of the other kids at Maria's, so all I can show you are pictures of the facility, our family and other adults.<br />
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Let me just tell you, though, that the kiddos here stole our hearts! Doug was on the floor playing with them, making them laugh and even got to hold one teeny tiny little thing in his arms.<br />
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It was such a blessing for us to love on those little ones even if it was for just a few minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's Crib at Maria's - It still had her name and photo attached to it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's room at Maria's - the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's Auntie.<br />
I could tell she loved her very much.<br />
Each child at Maria's has 4 Aunties.<br />
For 3 days of the week, they have a day shift Auntie and a night shift Auntie.<br />
And for the other 4 days of the week, another day shift Auntie and night shift Auntie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's Auntie showing us how well Lily can walk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm1t6NIjRNtCotbG9rOeyoJooNoMfZt9qivgUWYdZ3UTqmerUnu2k3VA_uiTOS8o2imjvIAG4gbfV-HBY-G6KPEPcwD-8UpxdXPpxNN4QeDSikT2jWs1H5qBPPD9XcC4gW-yUFXj90tjP/s1600/IMG_2713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm1t6NIjRNtCotbG9rOeyoJooNoMfZt9qivgUWYdZ3UTqmerUnu2k3VA_uiTOS8o2imjvIAG4gbfV-HBY-G6KPEPcwD-8UpxdXPpxNN4QeDSikT2jWs1H5qBPPD9XcC4gW-yUFXj90tjP/s1600/IMG_2713.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily has a VERY strange eating technique, so I'd been struggling to get food in her.<br />
Dr. Steve and her Auntie whipped up some rice porridge for her and gave me a little lesson on how to feed her.<br />
It was a HUGE help, but we definitely have a lot of work ahead of us to teach her how to eat correctly! Ha!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G_7doKIXash-cUGypaxfnUsppcE48z5wAdRQnLXcohY5C3GHZJtUhRNXKFK8GwQkpbNDvojI2qxlLVBxW08nrar5elN0jAIKfeaJtbBk0cjqiml6PApruhE9YCRhZ8-7BlyvWjrgO78W/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G_7doKIXash-cUGypaxfnUsppcE48z5wAdRQnLXcohY5C3GHZJtUhRNXKFK8GwQkpbNDvojI2qxlLVBxW08nrar5elN0jAIKfeaJtbBk0cjqiml6PApruhE9YCRhZ8-7BlyvWjrgO78W/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another nursery at Maria's</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDUo7MMJWO7TM30lzLYsVn-36isqms9fj6srsUI3er_dmMDcH7FnuzX8DQXRvUpY-X6_PQaCFXeZALR5hUctD1cSNiorYm4ZR_YuIJCC-87V7U8Q28pFvNqTVNu4LHd4E8IF7mrxnX4Jy/s1600/IMG_2726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDUo7MMJWO7TM30lzLYsVn-36isqms9fj6srsUI3er_dmMDcH7FnuzX8DQXRvUpY-X6_PQaCFXeZALR5hUctD1cSNiorYm4ZR_YuIJCC-87V7U8Q28pFvNqTVNu4LHd4E8IF7mrxnX4Jy/s1600/IMG_2726.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dorm room where people stay when they come to volunteer their time to serve at Maria's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRS_y4kH2MI9czVnukOZWOv0lFdMhlGujyd6Azw8TeZ1GY7bThoNadLsZU_abWpUaZRLEphyphenhyphenE8no6Hw-Vw9Nv8bD34kSliO1tZ_v7goc8mPdX8JnbIcX5IkXl5uB8_tCOBaoZSmowvmnk/s1600/IMG_2729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRS_y4kH2MI9czVnukOZWOv0lFdMhlGujyd6Azw8TeZ1GY7bThoNadLsZU_abWpUaZRLEphyphenhyphenE8no6Hw-Vw9Nv8bD34kSliO1tZ_v7goc8mPdX8JnbIcX5IkXl5uB8_tCOBaoZSmowvmnk/s1600/IMG_2729.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new rooftop playground that was just completed this Summer by a volunteer team from the U.S.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5Zma96-fKxFmea_Y1dARKzT4KAGrBdPYWruBnEI6icCH00fAKdH4ztKDUh3E5cekbsBHlsoZZuYuvve7Zb4olxFQ6aclUib7MAuQs7dLd58EIXC7E5QqhlvMADrCAk1gFEazriKcdxbJ/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5Zma96-fKxFmea_Y1dARKzT4KAGrBdPYWruBnEI6icCH00fAKdH4ztKDUh3E5cekbsBHlsoZZuYuvve7Zb4olxFQ6aclUib7MAuQs7dLd58EIXC7E5QqhlvMADrCAk1gFEazriKcdxbJ/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wall of Memories.<br />
Unfortunately, not every child can be nursed back to health like Lily was.<br />
Maria's has a wonderful Palliative Care floor.<br />
When a child passes away, they write their name on the wall of the rooftop in their memory.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69zbRqh_CHgOk6Y-Q3S5ut-Ly8ewmknIWDuu3lvqUne_1Crb2DrOCxIvMGgziM-S36wrFvIH6sWsxqBRXzOQrsF6U_y5WBFcKUtTfhyphenhyphenUMFHIf88D5P-K8QQtN19A-N0wb7OifWbAOU76t/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69zbRqh_CHgOk6Y-Q3S5ut-Ly8ewmknIWDuu3lvqUne_1Crb2DrOCxIvMGgziM-S36wrFvIH6sWsxqBRXzOQrsF6U_y5WBFcKUtTfhyphenhyphenUMFHIf88D5P-K8QQtN19A-N0wb7OifWbAOU76t/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The preschool classroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dzDTh3j-Z62XQ_4kXEnYP7o1K5_0PXIg8YWBNvJDJ1nREnKgX7cA3sT05e_gAwK1RPoT_tY0UBlemNhMfVNIUnFKraeNatJQd1ezk0FY0f1-iMzqb3WQRmF0sukndmgDyE7giod6cNXH/s1600/IMG_2753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dzDTh3j-Z62XQ_4kXEnYP7o1K5_0PXIg8YWBNvJDJ1nREnKgX7cA3sT05e_gAwK1RPoT_tY0UBlemNhMfVNIUnFKraeNatJQd1ezk0FY0f1-iMzqb3WQRmF0sukndmgDyE7giod6cNXH/s1600/IMG_2753.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family in front of the "SEE" wall.<br />
"Choosing to SEE" is Mary Beth Chapman's book that she wrote about the death of her adopted Chinese daughter, Maria, whom this facility was named after.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN9fkweH2oGazThelV6sWdJVLCAZQa4bzgEEUWtCFYghaFtv_ieuF8u_cHh_owuthgELyvl1EjplanUAZX2TIm95OeHCcR3niXDjgCChpgrBIniVHtkUp2N_h4-Cj97OmPDCkwD2APtQZ/s1600/IMG_2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN9fkweH2oGazThelV6sWdJVLCAZQa4bzgEEUWtCFYghaFtv_ieuF8u_cHh_owuthgELyvl1EjplanUAZX2TIm95OeHCcR3niXDjgCChpgrBIniVHtkUp2N_h4-Cj97OmPDCkwD2APtQZ/s1600/IMG_2757.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Dr. Steve Martin and Vickie Renich who, along with her husband and 2 children, direct operations over the Show Hope side of things at Maria's.</td></tr>
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We spent about 2 hours at Maria's Big House of Hope. Dr. Steve spent a lot of time with us and walked us through all of the medical tests they ran on Lily.<br />
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I'm sure we will begin to understand things even better once she begins to see our specialists back home, but, for now, we are MORE than satisfied with what they were able to determine.<br />
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We knew that Lily had hydrocephalus and some brain damage from the start. We could see on an MRI taken of her brain when she was 9 months old that part of her brain was damaged.<br />
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Hydrocephalus means "water on the brain" and is usually caused by a blockage of spinal fluid and, therefore, causes it to build up pressure on the brain. Our daughter, Caroline, had this.<br />
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Lily's hydrocephalus is static, however. Water is only on the part of the brain that is damaged. It can do no further damage and, therefore, does not need to be shunted.<br />
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As far as the brain damage goes, we had been fearful of 2 things:<br />
1) That it was caused by some type of abuse she suffered as an infant; or<br />
2) It was a type of leukodystrophy. I'll spare you the details, but this isn't good. Benaiah was tested for this; and I will never in my life forget the fear I felt as we awaited those test results to come back as leukodystrophies are progressive and fatal.<br />
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Neither one of these things are the case with Lily!<br />
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Several specialists looked over Lily's most recent MRI from this past March and determined that the brain damage is probably the result of an infection, such as meningitis.<br />
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I know this isn't good, but it's strange the relief I felt when Dr. Steve told us this. I was so glad to know that it wasn't a result of abuse or a leukodystrophy.<br />
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Dr. Steve was so amazed at the strength Lily has gained over the past 6 months she's spent with the wonderful team at Maria's.<br />
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We can't wait to see how she'll progress once we get home!!!<br />
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<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-69003784330361832492014-08-19T09:40:00.000-05:002014-08-26T09:41:27.108-05:00Tuesday in Zhengzhou: Adoption Final, Orphanage Visit<div>
Tuesday was a very long, but VERY important day for us.</div>
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Lily officially became a Williams!</div>
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We began the day by returning to the Civil Affairs office and completing all of the adoption paperwork. Then a city official presented each adopting family with their child's certificate of adoption.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkUEnVN6kf7ff4HF4B1jeT8s3yQVZLZuygoeyQdpCDjvTOGz3q0xhUKUmy34Ac0le9fNwRU2E3j7MBEizWuWBVOWdqEZmfWgnECUevCUiu77PXcf8-5SD-PIDQ1T3S0i60RNrg5oDQjdI/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkUEnVN6kf7ff4HF4B1jeT8s3yQVZLZuygoeyQdpCDjvTOGz3q0xhUKUmy34Ac0le9fNwRU2E3j7MBEizWuWBVOWdqEZmfWgnECUevCUiu77PXcf8-5SD-PIDQ1T3S0i60RNrg5oDQjdI/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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We then traveled across the city to the notary's office where all of the adoption paperwork would be notarized.</div>
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After that, we traveled 3 hours to Lily's birth city, Anyang City.</div>
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Our first stop was at the passport office where we applied for Lily's passport.</div>
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Then we drove to Lily's orphanage. In China, they refer to orphanages as Social Welfare Institutes (SWIs).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcIZdTRCxWYzGGn4afWb01zJfyE1zbgMPBmnymz5qh4_O4PL6drqdPzrLMd7_G4nwGhMol9YVzr4WWCxmlT3NJ9Coh4jJomuVQpIKIVZJ_KNMQD5XCZxBiZrGmrm63VjqxXqgJ8UIfnBc/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcIZdTRCxWYzGGn4afWb01zJfyE1zbgMPBmnymz5qh4_O4PL6drqdPzrLMd7_G4nwGhMol9YVzr4WWCxmlT3NJ9Coh4jJomuVQpIKIVZJ_KNMQD5XCZxBiZrGmrm63VjqxXqgJ8UIfnBc/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the hallways inside the SWI</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivG8ViBKb4RK7kxmF3iTifoOEUAUVKoUUNmIagzy2gNAj8WN007_M-58tX_rAJ5-nZ1BfLg4NZp_8P7DMZ4RIq-SdjO4Q48DCByRqK58SV6MiZ10DZGewn82eI3aGPS7v7Eucw2vao7BlW/s1600/IMG_2615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivG8ViBKb4RK7kxmF3iTifoOEUAUVKoUUNmIagzy2gNAj8WN007_M-58tX_rAJ5-nZ1BfLg4NZp_8P7DMZ4RIq-SdjO4Q48DCByRqK58SV6MiZ10DZGewn82eI3aGPS7v7Eucw2vao7BlW/s1600/IMG_2615.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's crib at the SWI</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YlebQ0nIYcfJRTtuMhdThpVZSt0V6NCZEhsmIXs6vDCVCPNLIO4oFW4_hs1sMmyrZPduQzTVZJu8jpWGcLHl7M4u7f_nb50WOjiM1y2_SJcp50gJfK06mricr496nDxrEiOq4b1IG-hX/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YlebQ0nIYcfJRTtuMhdThpVZSt0V6NCZEhsmIXs6vDCVCPNLIO4oFW4_hs1sMmyrZPduQzTVZJu8jpWGcLHl7M4u7f_nb50WOjiM1y2_SJcp50gJfK06mricr496nDxrEiOq4b1IG-hX/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nanny in Lily's room. There were about 8-10 cribs in her room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBOykDx_bfcIKcW-umv_F1wMcFuWxZ-2gmkqr3KLmqyyIhV01zKZ6qIXKJl12in4nCAeRZ0Ub18KBPranVw4wS6ssEIcJcMamcfylYIbhzptJLjj5yn2RFtGLzn9nmzjUUtjhhvVTCVBW/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBOykDx_bfcIKcW-umv_F1wMcFuWxZ-2gmkqr3KLmqyyIhV01zKZ6qIXKJl12in4nCAeRZ0Ub18KBPranVw4wS6ssEIcJcMamcfylYIbhzptJLjj5yn2RFtGLzn9nmzjUUtjhhvVTCVBW/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge way that connects the buildings of the SWI.<br />
The older children live in a separate building from the younger kids.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqOfu7-HvTVIIZuoJ1cPKbONxaJAPaubErkq3FtF5UWbH93Ls1224QvVvSgoQzAgkY3_5IFflHcyTg3qCywWJ-mZA5tHEtIAlUFDVCEyQTpAS9chSdLz5ZHcVd6zeUplNwnVGNqXKMUHy/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqOfu7-HvTVIIZuoJ1cPKbONxaJAPaubErkq3FtF5UWbH93Ls1224QvVvSgoQzAgkY3_5IFflHcyTg3qCywWJ-mZA5tHEtIAlUFDVCEyQTpAS9chSdLz5ZHcVd6zeUplNwnVGNqXKMUHy/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's Finding Spot - at the gate of the SWI</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMA1F6lJigBwdAOUBOu9m4VAFTg0a8ERTvJ1rVqVOWNaxpzd43cfDoK1b9DbSkQqkM8KZJCF3TG-El3Mv5jpQrS0QXSuSVReo2B9Cg9MQNU3Ma2gc8YMhyphenhyphen8iZ-KmVxVhyphenhyphenAkxLnFt2yqKm/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMA1F6lJigBwdAOUBOu9m4VAFTg0a8ERTvJ1rVqVOWNaxpzd43cfDoK1b9DbSkQqkM8KZJCF3TG-El3Mv5jpQrS0QXSuSVReo2B9Cg9MQNU3Ma2gc8YMhyphenhyphen8iZ-KmVxVhyphenhyphenAkxLnFt2yqKm/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An orphan no more!</td></tr>
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Our visit to Lily's SWI was pretty difficult for us. Walking through the SWI and seeing what institutionalized care looks like with my own eyes was a harsh reality.<br />
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I've seen lots of pictures and heard lots of stories. But experiencing it for myself....looking into the eyes of the orphaned....hugging the necks of those kids who will never know the love of a family....</div>
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It haunts me.</div>
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I can't publicly share photos of the kiddos at Lily's SWI, but I wish I could. I wish you could see their faces and know their names.<br />
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They're precious.<br />
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They deserve a life outside of those 4 walls.<br />
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While our visit to Lily's SWI was heart wrenching, there were 2 kiddos there that made the trip MORE than worth it. I'll name these 2 little ones "Cutie" and "Patootie" :)<br />
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I am friends with Cutie and Patootie's Mamas on Facebook. I got to love on them and tell them how much their families love them and how they are working hard to come get them as quickly as possible. I took lots of photos of them to send to their Mamas.</div>
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I was on the receiving end of those photos just a few months ago and let me tell you....It's like Christmas morning when you get new pictures of your baby. The ugly cry happens. Your hands shake. You're just sooooo excited, and I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to "pay it forward" to these 2 precious families.<br />
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After our visit to Anyang, we loaded into the van for our 3 hour trip back to Zhengzhou. The 6 hours we spent traveling were the first 6 hours Lily has ever spent in a car seat.<br />
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Car seats aren't mandatory in China, so I've held her in my lap for trips around the city. But I knew she'd be a handful for a 6 hour trip, so we decided to give the car seat a go.<br />
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And she did great!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk0YyjsjiAbFXD108NSEWsMDTPHHX_Hkf3682iTrd6tAX3z4GkX52CdUiLEOnsQRT1b02-_kell99-iBQmDgI5UzQi0Zu6L02B7mS0TEPGd3P0NBDaoxn3c_NZ1nNgLsy6Zuj72rI85Zq/s1600/IMG_5085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk0YyjsjiAbFXD108NSEWsMDTPHHX_Hkf3682iTrd6tAX3z4GkX52CdUiLEOnsQRT1b02-_kell99-iBQmDgI5UzQi0Zu6L02B7mS0TEPGd3P0NBDaoxn3c_NZ1nNgLsy6Zuj72rI85Zq/s1600/IMG_5085.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little contortionist</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f3utzoKk41BdK2ssZk18iVul7JGkjbJaxhe5VT_9IgmEbhNKRSmMlynaGRCQFUALoq3QI_FlM2_rEajc6q905hHA2C8rvHozHbX3t6eIU8YTeoVdoDd9dTY3heUFpC9XSSsPaXKL3fkQ/s1600/IMG_5090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f3utzoKk41BdK2ssZk18iVul7JGkjbJaxhe5VT_9IgmEbhNKRSmMlynaGRCQFUALoq3QI_FlM2_rEajc6q905hHA2C8rvHozHbX3t6eIU8YTeoVdoDd9dTY3heUFpC9XSSsPaXKL3fkQ/s1600/IMG_5090.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet baby girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The funny thing about this car seat is that we brought it for her to sit in on the airplane when we fly back to the States because were told she couldn't sit up on her own very well. Since she's over the age of 2, she had to have her own seat on the plane; so our only solution was to lug this car seat around with us all the way from the U.S. so that she'd have a way to be strapped in during takeoff and landing.<br />
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Who knew she'd surprise us all and be able to sit up?! Not only that, but she can even stand on her own if she has something to lean against, like a wall or bed.<br />
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Amazing!<br />
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-57408607543628754132014-08-18T08:51:00.001-05:002014-08-18T08:51:57.909-05:00An Orphan No More!<div style="text-align: center;">
Today we begin writing new words upon your heart, Lily Meili Williams.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daughter of the Most High King</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXu_zn81Z6XN-zmNo1G2QyoXLMkIyyrT_nB1pUkxAPX4D7S7Fjl_FKJruOUem2-vwOKddBJ_iNluEsFRbCcNTq7rl6_qNHSV3mF8j_5GjVO5Ftqg96Q78J7zQjcrayJG15GMk05XHVMnr/s1600/Bringer+of+Joy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXu_zn81Z6XN-zmNo1G2QyoXLMkIyyrT_nB1pUkxAPX4D7S7Fjl_FKJruOUem2-vwOKddBJ_iNluEsFRbCcNTq7rl6_qNHSV3mF8j_5GjVO5Ftqg96Q78J7zQjcrayJG15GMk05XHVMnr/s1600/Bringer+of+Joy.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Desired</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Prayed For</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsXiQUVL4-LfzVIF01GyGKntSkcQlSFNlAR2foQ_RelQGMMEz2b_UP4oTTiAf1akYJn8ugM-iWHNqqC9vUbtmVtxyNfpEtLT8r6QwqrIHmBTS6r8a6i6xqhxC7tju6gChhxaoUdZcLQYo/s1600/IMG_2365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsXiQUVL4-LfzVIF01GyGKntSkcQlSFNlAR2foQ_RelQGMMEz2b_UP4oTTiAf1akYJn8ugM-iWHNqqC9vUbtmVtxyNfpEtLT8r6QwqrIHmBTS6r8a6i6xqhxC7tju6gChhxaoUdZcLQYo/s1600/IMG_2365.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Beautiful</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgIvO2eeJRvoafVMLPlMh3An59h33ClAF0Ykgmq6836z8RfqhqpIwJy57VhCh6VXLyuLA53TlLeN-os8H7DP8JHlZWEwyrVnw5a_gaT7VzaF57R5eNv68NY2daI0pQiGA5XWEJWAaDXLu/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgIvO2eeJRvoafVMLPlMh3An59h33ClAF0Ykgmq6836z8RfqhqpIwJy57VhCh6VXLyuLA53TlLeN-os8H7DP8JHlZWEwyrVnw5a_gaT7VzaF57R5eNv68NY2daI0pQiGA5XWEJWAaDXLu/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Written on our hearts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chosen</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCj-P9x4xBWKHPdGmhpYB2tAtQ5HyHcJJ6WUZIRHjMzkPaqKH2HkGE_lafkKN-epF8ajCuj6fYQykfSAfaoDsllEHrwHYuJABKlTtUdijsBTK_Aqeqhxj8e9b2H4Tg1qeP-mI5muAmn7I/s1600/IMG_2385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCj-P9x4xBWKHPdGmhpYB2tAtQ5HyHcJJ6WUZIRHjMzkPaqKH2HkGE_lafkKN-epF8ajCuj6fYQykfSAfaoDsllEHrwHYuJABKlTtUdijsBTK_Aqeqhxj8e9b2H4Tg1qeP-mI5muAmn7I/s1600/IMG_2385.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Someone worth dying for</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUluU6k2xJMIHhE-tdTSESaf92ILauFSXB4y5BiKzvZQ52TlyvjT4Qd_NQJUWoneEPiUQKkqueYNH3R1r-Gtg44AiuvOeARPpKg-8fu4ZF1-IRDPVI3w1oBc22zawZCYv9zXJO2gRvxul/s1600/IMG_2402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUluU6k2xJMIHhE-tdTSESaf92ILauFSXB4y5BiKzvZQ52TlyvjT4Qd_NQJUWoneEPiUQKkqueYNH3R1r-Gtg44AiuvOeARPpKg-8fu4ZF1-IRDPVI3w1oBc22zawZCYv9zXJO2gRvxul/s1600/IMG_2402.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Created by His hands</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Redeemed</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Beloved</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Healed</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Light Bearer</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4fCnPci6sH-in2mv9uciuhTOvo5XQM_ezBSPHJt0G5vFtlAv0mB9yvpcCQcODX1xXwtI1BpfuZH4hk1No-unJ1hOd8AgmwiqAST8keNb2At_nQy90mprax6tiz4MWi89ZaaveNuSjizp/s1600/IMG_2458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4fCnPci6sH-in2mv9uciuhTOvo5XQM_ezBSPHJt0G5vFtlAv0mB9yvpcCQcODX1xXwtI1BpfuZH4hk1No-unJ1hOd8AgmwiqAST8keNb2At_nQy90mprax6tiz4MWi89ZaaveNuSjizp/s1600/IMG_2458.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Victorious</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Covered by grace</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0W-SswNSXaK7QtWpShKVlhRrG_x-jic7VQk6iPYlNzO5YbqcNKJRc8Iitp7E-aLII5E8wgulxtHHL2BUDi_wPsGghdkv_BTz7ZAsEa3TURBOHvNVfcwRubgUMfQl5PKLvzjItxnh_J50/s1600/IMG_2473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0W-SswNSXaK7QtWpShKVlhRrG_x-jic7VQk6iPYlNzO5YbqcNKJRc8Iitp7E-aLII5E8wgulxtHHL2BUDi_wPsGghdkv_BTz7ZAsEa3TURBOHvNVfcwRubgUMfQl5PKLvzjItxnh_J50/s1600/IMG_2473.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Worthy</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bringer of Joy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She laughs with no fear of the future</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grafted</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So loved</span></div>
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Lily has already amazed us! If I'm being honest, let me just say that our expectations for her were set very low. It was the prayer of my heart that Lily would be able to smile. I honestly didn't think she could. Then Bam! She not only smiled....she LAUGHED! Thank you, Jesus!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Her gross and fine motor skills are well beyond what Doug and I expected. She prefers to lie down but, when encouraged, she sits up to play and even crawls some! She is also bearing a little weight on her legs, so I definitely envision some walking in this girl's future!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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She doesn't seem to communicate well with anyone - whether English or Mandarin speaking - but this was something we'd expected. She already has her Daddy wrapped around her finger. He has quickly become King of the Tickles.</div>
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Thank you so much for all of your prayers! They are much needed. We still have a lot to accomplish while here in China. The next 2 days will be rather difficult as we will be traveling to Lily's orphanage in Anyang tomorrow (a 3 hour trip one-way) and then to Maria's Big House of Hope in Luoyang on Wednesday (a 2 1/2 hour trip one-way).</div>
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Pray for our tummies as we travel :) The roads really aren't that bad but we can definitely feel the effects of the polluted air here. We both feel slightly nauseous when in vehicles.</div>
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Continue to pray for Lily and her attachment to us. She hasn't been upset with us at all. On one hand that's a blessing!!! On the other hand, it means that she doesn't attach to people well and is, therefore, content being with anyone. We pray that she has the emotional and mental capability to attach to us soon!</div>
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Love,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Elaine</div>
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The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-69666542351700770952014-08-17T09:09:00.000-05:002014-08-18T09:09:46.428-05:00Dear Lily...Dear Lily,<br />
<br />
My heart is absolutely racing! I can't believe I'll see your face, kiss your cheeks and hold you in my arms in just a few short hours.<br />
<br />
So many questions will soon be answered. What size clothes do you wear? What do you like to eat? What's your favorite toy? How do you like to be comforted when you're upset?<br />
<br />
With every question that will be answered, I know that there are many that I'll never be able to answer.<br />
<br />
I doubt it's fully sunk in with me yet...the first 3 years of your life that I wasn't a part of. I've observed many other adoptive families who've gone before me, and I know the realization of what I've missed will probably come crashing down on me soon.<br />
<br />
We know nothing about your birth or the circumstances that led to you being placed in the orphanage. But we were told that you were left at the gate of your local social welfare institute. The fact that you were left at the gate of your orphanage is actually very encouraging to me. It tells me that your birth mom loved you. Maybe she wasn't able to care for you how you needed to be cared for, but she loved you so much that she wanted to leave you where you would be found by people who could help you.<br />
<br />
I think about your birth mom often. I think we have a lot in common. We both have daughters who, for different reasons, we are with no longer.<br />
<br />
She thinks about you, Lily. I promise you she does. She wonders what you look like now. She wonders what it would have been like to hear you call her "Mama".<br />
<br />
Your birth mom and I may be from very different places and very different cultures, but a Mama's heart never forgets the love they have for their children.<br />
<br />
I pray for your birth mom. I pray that she knows the Lord and will spend Eternity with Him. I hope this out of my love for you; and, admittedly, I hope this out of my own selfishness because I think it would be the coolest thing EVER if you, me, Caroline and your birth mom all got to spend Eternity hanging out in heaven together.<br />
<br />
We have been preparing for you for 9 months, Miss Lily. In the world of adoption, this is a very short period of time. We are so thankful that the Lord orchestrated things to work quickly so that we could become a forever family as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
This past month has been extra special for me because I've been "nesting" - preparing our home for your arrival.<br />
<br />
With every stroke of paint...<br />
<br />
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<br />
With every polka dot I put on your wall...<br />
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<br />
With every detail...<br />
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<br />
I have been praying.<br />
<br />
Praying that your room and our home will be a safe place for you...<br />
<br />
A place where you will learn, grow, and, most importantly, will know our immense love for you.<br />
<br />
I've prayed that you will not only know the love of a family, but that you'll feel the love of the hundreds of people who worked to bring you home to us.<br />
<br />
You, Lily-pie, are priceless....but there is a steep price tag on adoption...a price tag that your Daddy and I couldn't afford on our own.<br />
<br />
We watched miracles happen before our eyes as people felt led to give very sacrificially so that we could afford to bring you home. The names of every person who helped us are written down for you so that we can tell you story after story of how the Lord was faithful to our family and His word.<br />
<br />
We are so grateful to be given the privilege of becoming your Mommy and Daddy, Lily. Only one more sleep before we become a forever family!!!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mama<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-52771103902385060052014-08-15T17:59:00.001-05:002014-08-15T17:59:49.148-05:00To My Caroline...Nothing is wasted, baby girl.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted <u>for His own glory</u>." Isaiah 61:3</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I sit here in a hotel on the other side of the world from where I gave birth to you 2 years ago today.<br />
<br />
I'm just days away from welcoming your sister, Lily, into our arms and our family forever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Caroline, I couldn't have said, "Yes", to adopting Lily if it weren't for you.<br />
<br />
You gave me Courage.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Your life....<br />
<br />
Not just the 20 days you spent outside my womb....<br />
<br />
But also the 8 months you spent growing inside of me....<br />
<br />
Changed me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You gave me Courage.<br />
<br />
Courage to stand in the gap and fight for those who can't fight for themselves.<br />
<br />
Courage to step out into the deepest waters of my faith where, at times, I thought I'd surely drown.<br />
<br />
Courage to love like I'd never loved before.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You were born so sick and left us so quickly, my love.<br />
<br />
The brokenness of this world....the effects of sin on this world....are what cause us all such hardship.<br />
<br />
But the Lord comforted us as we grappled with our grief and pain.<br />
<br />
He was heartbroken for us.....<br />
<br />
Because He knew first-hand what it was like to lose a child.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Eventually, I found hope again.<br />
<br />
I knew that the Lord wouldn't leave us in our despair...<br />
<br />
That he wouldn't waste the experience we'd had with you.<br />
<br />
<br />
And then I heard Him speak to me about you and Lily.<br />
<br />
Not in an audible voice...<br />
<br />
But I felt his presence one day last November when he laid these words on my heart as your Daddy and I were praying about whether or not to adopt Lily:<br />
<br />
"Elaine, I need you to fight for Lily's life like you fought for Caroline's life."<br />
<br />
YES! I told Him. I will do it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lily is sick like you were, Caroline.<br />
<br />
But even if I only have a little time here on Earth with Lily like I did with you....<br />
<br />
Every. Single. Solitary. Minute.<br />
<br />
Will be worth it.<br />
<br />
YOU were worth it.<br />
<br />
LILY is worth it.<br />
<br />
Thank you for giving me courage.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Caroline, I don't know the day or time when the Lord will take me home to be with Him.<br />
<br />
But I know that every day that comes to an end is one day that I'm closer to seeing you both.<br />
<br />
Each night as I close my eyes to go to sleep, I think to myself, "I'm one day closer."<br />
<br />
My flesh longs for you to still be with us here.<br />
<br />
We ache for what could have been our life with you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But my soul rejoices for you, my Beautiful Victory.<br />
<br />
We will be with you soon!<br />
<br />
I love you,<br />
Mama<br />
<br />
<div class="reg" style="margin: auto 0in;">
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:22-25</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>Come quickly, Lord!</strong></div>
<br />
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-34261090638839621882014-08-14T08:40:00.002-05:002014-08-14T08:54:36.955-05:00We made it to China!Our day began at 3am on Wednesday, August 13th, in Mississippi....<br />
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<br />
and I'm about to crawl into bed at 9pm on Thursday, August 14th, in Beijing, China.....<br />
<br />
Exhausted.<br />
<br />
But we are thrilled to finally be here!!!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Only 4 more sleeps before Miss Lily is in our arms.<br />
<br />
Unbelievable!!!<br />
<br />
Doug and I ate dinner at Pizza Hut {Don't judge. We tried to eat somewhere a little more local, but we hadn't slept in about 48 hours; nerves were on edge; so we decided that eating something familiar was in the best interest of our marriage ;) Although I must say this - Pizza Hut in China is a COMPLETELY different experience than Pizza Hut in America!}<br />
<br />
As Doug and I were talking at dinner I just couldn't get over the fact that we're actually in the same time zone as Lily. For the past 9 months, I've been calculating time zones in my head, imagining what she might be doing as we were getting up in the morning or going to bed at night.<br />
<br />
No more calculating! We'll be in the same time zone forever now!<br />
<br />
Many of you have asked how you can pray for us.<br />
<br />
Today, please pray for that precious little boy of ours that we left at home.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school!</td></tr>
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<br />
Pray for his grandparents, friends and teachers who will be taking care of him while we are away.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZfCEDTvbj-1X9MEgVsDd7P15A53ijBQx2U08GmKFX2f7KhF91adgkRjkye807GWjIenesqXbDmvEZgW3gPZwjsuZwS57b4pQiZsMjB0qg89Gle2O0McfZp_UK93rRPQqt9h2fdV2AESk/s1600/photo-2+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZfCEDTvbj-1X9MEgVsDd7P15A53ijBQx2U08GmKFX2f7KhF91adgkRjkye807GWjIenesqXbDmvEZgW3gPZwjsuZwS57b4pQiZsMjB0qg89Gle2O0McfZp_UK93rRPQqt9h2fdV2AESk/s1600/photo-2+copy.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing the gold medal he earned at his school, The Little Light House</td></tr>
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Pray that Benaiah will remain healthy and happy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Pm0ClUSNT0q9q-zOe6vQ7O6WQT2rbkpQfCGyXjJFyEjZCKugMIfgx88Vve25I5IwjNGuls8VZW94ZUmDwSNwq6bCNdqPnwKDSeQbBwY1AfNltfI3n50V8JxCPOGhSZNHkqZ_a908EKQp/s1600/photo-2+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Pm0ClUSNT0q9q-zOe6vQ7O6WQT2rbkpQfCGyXjJFyEjZCKugMIfgx88Vve25I5IwjNGuls8VZW94ZUmDwSNwq6bCNdqPnwKDSeQbBwY1AfNltfI3n50V8JxCPOGhSZNHkqZ_a908EKQp/s1600/photo-2+copy+2.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">{Those of you who haven't seen Benaiah this summer may notice something different - his NEW RIDE! We were so excited to get Benaiah's new wheelchair. He sits up so tall in it and is able to see much more of the world and interact better with people than he could in his old stroller.}</span></td></tr>
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Saying good-bye to Benaiah was HARD. I knew it would be. Other adoptive families had warned me. But boy! The tears just wouldn't stop!<br />
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Ever the comic relief, Doug calculated that if I cry the same number of times per day that I've cried today over leaving Benaiah, then I should only have about 160 more cries left on this trip. So funny that man of mine is ;)<br />
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Lastly, please pray for me and Doug tomorrow as we remember our daughter, Caroline. Tomorrow would have been her 2nd birthday.<br />
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Although we will be busy sight-seeing and preparing to welcome another beautiful daughter into our family, the void we feel without her here with us is ever-present. The emotions we experienced as we welcomed her into the world 2 years ago and cheered her on during her short life are still very tangible. It feels like just yesterday.<br />
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Thank you for all your love and prayers!<br />
ElaineThe Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-15153081993741413302014-08-10T23:19:00.000-05:002014-08-10T23:20:39.001-05:00Gettin' Our Girl!!!Lily"s coming home!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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Although I've been "blog absent" this summer, things with Lily's adoption have been clipping along.<br />
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Let me catch ya up real quick:<br />
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Our dossier was sent to China on May 7th, and our Log In Date was May 12th. We hoped to receive our official approval to adopt her by July 12th.<br />
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Because of Lily's medical condition, her file got marked"Expedited", and we received our official Letter of Approval to Adopt on June 24th.<br />
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Now let's just take a moment to celebrate that MIRACLE :)<br />
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Basically, from the time we found out that the CCCWA wanted to pull her file in February, we've been moving forward in faith…..TRUSTING that we'd heard the Lord clearly and were walking in obedience to pursue her adoption.<br />
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So when we got that final approval…..oh my. Mama was excited :)<br />
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I was actually driving to my friend Terri's house when my adoption agency called to tell me the good news.<br />
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I know exactly where Terri's house is, but I made FOUR wrong turns because I was soooo OVER THE MOON!!!<br />
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I was going to Terri's house to share my testimony with one of our church's community groups - a group of the sweetest girls who turned out to be the first people to hear our great news.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAOSp4wpDTGgD46HRzGpV2zdwkhJ6v1oODm-BCa7Oe8FUNcAaiFp91Yi4UTSBlkzlN3Wu71HRhnljppI4zyA2s8tkDuBjHJIcAFSH_zo2r_F-emr3rS2WFOikA2Gc2lDi6yATON3Hag5s/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAOSp4wpDTGgD46HRzGpV2zdwkhJ6v1oODm-BCa7Oe8FUNcAaiFp91Yi4UTSBlkzlN3Wu71HRhnljppI4zyA2s8tkDuBjHJIcAFSH_zo2r_F-emr3rS2WFOikA2Gc2lDi6yATON3Hag5s/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was such a blessing for me to be able to share my journey of faith with them and then tell them that the next stop on the journey would be here soon because my Lily-girl was coming home!<br />
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So on June 24th, we got our Letter of Approval and were told that because Lily's file was marked "Expedited", we could be leaving for China in ONE MONTH!<br />
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I died!!!<br />
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We got busy, busy, busy getting Lily's room ready.<br />
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And when I say "we", I mean Doug and my mom.<br />
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I'm a great <strike>boss</strike> vision-caster :)<br />
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Doug went to town painting walls and furniture while my mom sewed curtains, bedskirts and pillow covers.<br />
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In the midst of all my "vision-casting", I was also pushing Homeland Security and the National Visa Center along.<br />
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Calling. Emailing. Calling. Emailing.<br />
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Until FINALLY they gave me all the approvals we needed to prepare for Lily's immigration to the U.S.<br />
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Next we had to wait for Travel Approval from China….which we received LAST MONDAY.<br />
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And on Wednesday, we got word that our appointment with the U.S. Consulate in China had been scheduled for AUGUST 26th!!!!<br />
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Which means…..<br />
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We're leaving in THREE DAYS to go get our girl!!!!<br />
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That's right, people…..THREE DAYS.<br />
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Did I say I'm dying??? Cuz I'M DYING!!!!<br />
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I can't believe it's here!!!!!<br />
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Our little girl will be placed in our arms on Monday, August 18th!!!!<br />
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Are y'all ready????<br />
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Cuz I'm SOOOOOOO READY!!!!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DO7rCquxIA-52tAKreAsEVBmp2ngmScRLhbwG9CrsV8iDFOmIt5YK2M7jP3qv1VLxXIzWEzJQHmYNnsg31nEqe5I2TbWO2LEodG76d5udBO1pyLFxJSXy8HUMxa59pYxaKFQJNiaiyrp/s1600/Elaine+Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DO7rCquxIA-52tAKreAsEVBmp2ngmScRLhbwG9CrsV8iDFOmIt5YK2M7jP3qv1VLxXIzWEzJQHmYNnsg31nEqe5I2TbWO2LEodG76d5udBO1pyLFxJSXy8HUMxa59pYxaKFQJNiaiyrp/s1600/Elaine+Signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-1209238876673637052014-05-09T12:38:00.004-05:002014-05-09T12:38:39.376-05:00It's Art for Adoption Day!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're so excited about our second adoption fundraiser tonight:</div>
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Art for Adoption</div>
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Cups Coffeehouse in Clinton, MS</div>
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5-9pm</div>
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Here are <u>some</u> - not all! - of the pieces that will be for sale tonight.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehjifcIv9ncCXdoXqC8F31CXN7Gg6dQU2OcWb7aoehRkX1RoV_fOanTd28UqSk49T-Uol7QB6rx5rGQbPWvIsWvao_uWpTaU7jr0ongFjF-E1Nn9c6o_fkAYWU6S6YzPXrY0NyLbVcaHs/s1600/882218_10153952026280167_4369863541212186823_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehjifcIv9ncCXdoXqC8F31CXN7Gg6dQU2OcWb7aoehRkX1RoV_fOanTd28UqSk49T-Uol7QB6rx5rGQbPWvIsWvao_uWpTaU7jr0ongFjF-E1Nn9c6o_fkAYWU6S6YzPXrY0NyLbVcaHs/s1600/882218_10153952026280167_4369863541212186823_o.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Numbered Print by Wyatt Waters</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjvhlcXDrq9vYgJp4ri3BWcceHP0LO_NS1lefMwBIGbBCZO8NHUVmQ1SV0c6QMUHLdfpOqbhD1g6oMXldjv7SYOEsW4Qh0V2wc3XLyGpD6oUA2pRFkawTN3qRGjc9Kpc8ffbGj5a_MNmZ/s1600/10005837_10153952027020167_5259307210195206840_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjvhlcXDrq9vYgJp4ri3BWcceHP0LO_NS1lefMwBIGbBCZO8NHUVmQ1SV0c6QMUHLdfpOqbhD1g6oMXldjv7SYOEsW4Qh0V2wc3XLyGpD6oUA2pRFkawTN3qRGjc9Kpc8ffbGj5a_MNmZ/s1600/10005837_10153952027020167_5259307210195206840_o.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Numbered Print by Yuval Wolfson</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoli5DtXnEqt12xoWXQh_L0cfWdVQyHP0DGp0XMvkcDTrqPx5r24Vel1hXsqL1tT-lNYOk5wtaOYqlE9pXnRWQ3TvKFK-bMgl9mqDj3yoSuoPHaYPaQ0WlmHDvHVHmCY8W0prNdkPc6u7a/s1600/10296128_10154031977755167_908221503433309696_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoli5DtXnEqt12xoWXQh_L0cfWdVQyHP0DGp0XMvkcDTrqPx5r24Vel1hXsqL1tT-lNYOk5wtaOYqlE9pXnRWQ3TvKFK-bMgl9mqDj3yoSuoPHaYPaQ0WlmHDvHVHmCY8W0prNdkPc6u7a/s1600/10296128_10154031977755167_908221503433309696_o.jpg" height="177" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Numbered Print by Walter Anderson</td></tr>
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Clinton folks, do you recognize the place in this picture?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZgAmN0nT90YJbX4c6M8hmALxqmu1vyZuWzpIstb_bjucsaJK-XXiQtCz8qfil1D6ZZo2E8nZ2yyBztOeUbXGXbcBURllchQ2BctDklCRBZQVl0Gm9dFzf27J9IAd7WuxrbHyVVtmh85e/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZgAmN0nT90YJbX4c6M8hmALxqmu1vyZuWzpIstb_bjucsaJK-XXiQtCz8qfil1D6ZZo2E8nZ2yyBztOeUbXGXbcBURllchQ2BctDklCRBZQVl0Gm9dFzf27J9IAd7WuxrbHyVVtmh85e/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Numbered Print by Mark Millet</td></tr>
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Peavey Music Store in Meridian, MS</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7XzahHS26VSiIm866NVoC-sMHgyOfAsQBoppW9FQJa_Ut7kjGLnPK37Py7GMInZQ8dD-dfBNl8d1wrv9PCnp_DRGaQkX2ln9usGKso0d6BGkkbabVZqX1UHtzxodB-4piBHw60-ZAVnQ/s1600/IMG_4637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7XzahHS26VSiIm866NVoC-sMHgyOfAsQBoppW9FQJa_Ut7kjGLnPK37Py7GMInZQ8dD-dfBNl8d1wrv9PCnp_DRGaQkX2ln9usGKso0d6BGkkbabVZqX1UHtzxodB-4piBHw60-ZAVnQ/s1600/IMG_4637.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Numbered print by Mark Millet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nNtmE5C9CV_19UVUHxQVURoRUBijGy7YC3QttDU5Q17ZhAobI2758FLuTHVeldeJT58N9sFbzjRE0QLT0WTCDWyh5bkBM7aZtqiibT_NQsRaJlqVvW4nkW-eoVB65FPJndPrTA7AmVXJ/s1600/IMG_4638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nNtmE5C9CV_19UVUHxQVURoRUBijGy7YC3QttDU5Q17ZhAobI2758FLuTHVeldeJT58N9sFbzjRE0QLT0WTCDWyh5bkBM7aZtqiibT_NQsRaJlqVvW4nkW-eoVB65FPJndPrTA7AmVXJ/s1600/IMG_4638.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Spring Confetti" - Original acrylic/water color 30x30 canvas by Suzanne Guild</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Krk1nbMGZhs1F5QYrBbilncRiXAqmf_F0_FTXoLSMiL1PQ5EMY-khdgwtyvja3IaFBR-0NPmjvdX_jKX_BRY99vAW3CKaR_YEgD6skdvtLwoM9_4sZ_8UW0VlvDTKY6fy8GYzUCpA3q2/s1600/10317610_10154031977765167_9113560188448653573_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Krk1nbMGZhs1F5QYrBbilncRiXAqmf_F0_FTXoLSMiL1PQ5EMY-khdgwtyvja3IaFBR-0NPmjvdX_jKX_BRY99vAW3CKaR_YEgD6skdvtLwoM9_4sZ_8UW0VlvDTKY6fy8GYzUCpA3q2/s1600/10317610_10154031977765167_9113560188448653573_o.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Out on a Limb" - original acrylic piece by Megan White</td></tr>
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For all you Ole Miss Football Fans:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53ebnzMSO49G5e3km4r1uDKtqKAb1An_DjhxSFwDmMvOo044YmZDFkFmHZFXB_OmF2H7c5w6KbdWTzhBGSroxWqiGj4O7zUDc0id8WL4q3RNCW6Nb5JXOrnx9iRRB1Mp07h-G2LjIictG/s1600/905255_10153952026035167_2410862310956635577_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53ebnzMSO49G5e3km4r1uDKtqKAb1An_DjhxSFwDmMvOo044YmZDFkFmHZFXB_OmF2H7c5w6KbdWTzhBGSroxWqiGj4O7zUDc0id8WL4q3RNCW6Nb5JXOrnx9iRRB1Mp07h-G2LjIictG/s1600/905255_10153952026035167_2410862310956635577_o.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketch by Paul Morgan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4aV6Iia22bfVMaw1PHFKTRNLwkZ6tHWAmlgMXN-IZGcceKuhay9T7viiXOGzyFAucs9ahLIpQP7QAU9SgphErVM-AdRpigG4h2dZ8pDh_Q-XSxY3G6LC4alH7C_0CNVO-oylK-DwDHXq/s1600/10257056_10154031977390167_522805152333026677_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4aV6Iia22bfVMaw1PHFKTRNLwkZ6tHWAmlgMXN-IZGcceKuhay9T7viiXOGzyFAucs9ahLIpQP7QAU9SgphErVM-AdRpigG4h2dZ8pDh_Q-XSxY3G6LC4alH7C_0CNVO-oylK-DwDHXq/s1600/10257056_10154031977390167_522805152333026677_o.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charcoal by MaryKelli Bethea</td></tr>
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Zentangles by Michelle Davison:</div>
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Photography:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDyAnryYO-gFJZJ-QuaWcEI_YO6HUuUidaja72WZv0DOkWCZS5KmldSz_2PfLmgGrM08glZ4Y2IpedlzPjYm9lvoQ4zeQaCt1CY08BiK7OXzjGT66hzq-w9MDWeH1VJXCODtrcPudAqPs/s1600/IMG_4779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDyAnryYO-gFJZJ-QuaWcEI_YO6HUuUidaja72WZv0DOkWCZS5KmldSz_2PfLmgGrM08glZ4Y2IpedlzPjYm9lvoQ4zeQaCt1CY08BiK7OXzjGT66hzq-w9MDWeH1VJXCODtrcPudAqPs/s1600/IMG_4779.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Charise Wilson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOOPfrCFMCw1yx4kFRmAoIQB2xcxdMTLgjp8WFHq80bol_4r8TdbuGHyesK121MNlrClCr6A1rjWliBWr8G-qYOaGklS2nARmiscHHrls0qc8TU4YBCtNu2idzZNd6u66cHot8xtBHWD8/s1600/1421133_10154049081230167_8362229968088715983_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOOPfrCFMCw1yx4kFRmAoIQB2xcxdMTLgjp8WFHq80bol_4r8TdbuGHyesK121MNlrClCr6A1rjWliBWr8G-qYOaGklS2nARmiscHHrls0qc8TU4YBCtNu2idzZNd6u66cHot8xtBHWD8/s1600/1421133_10154049081230167_8362229968088715983_o.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Michelle Davison</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMADtaJWi5dwoVzmMc5V3-Bsb3STirzY8xjyPdk4o-g_Q2-KILF7Ghvhm_gFZSkhoIXxNDx0JPIq0pi54GXQhKtutZLZty9vjje5xuHv6_OYu28oECKMPfFzZPhCa4gdNBEphxk6dQa_P/s1600/10286906_10154049094280167_8427598793676668457_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMADtaJWi5dwoVzmMc5V3-Bsb3STirzY8xjyPdk4o-g_Q2-KILF7Ghvhm_gFZSkhoIXxNDx0JPIq0pi54GXQhKtutZLZty9vjje5xuHv6_OYu28oECKMPfFzZPhCa4gdNBEphxk6dQa_P/s1600/10286906_10154049094280167_8427598793676668457_o.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Paul Morgan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-kceXRXOK954iD7squAGi3CJqnRko7QCVKDhRbzF36fteb9zAJLcd5KgSStpNd82ftL9AChWiXkMrb4GkOrH-egRkEhLW2fHkRL9SMlbIEhfdLrxekWbuMvYXGlxTiLQON4vtKmkLyY4/s1600/10273321_569019150781_6391590264017058273_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-kceXRXOK954iD7squAGi3CJqnRko7QCVKDhRbzF36fteb9zAJLcd5KgSStpNd82ftL9AChWiXkMrb4GkOrH-egRkEhLW2fHkRL9SMlbIEhfdLrxekWbuMvYXGlxTiLQON4vtKmkLyY4/s1600/10273321_569019150781_6391590264017058273_o.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Jeff Chao</td></tr>
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To see more, visit:</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/566889476742687/" target="_blank">Art for Adoption Facebook page</a></div>
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We look forward to seeing you tonight!!!!</div>
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<br /><br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-49809696500060068752014-05-07T23:15:00.001-05:002014-05-07T23:16:09.917-05:00Dossier To China!!!<br />
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In the world of international adoption, this is a monumental day: Our dossier has been sent to China!!!</div>
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When I got word today that our dossier was on its way, yes, I was excited; but more than that, I was RELIEVED.</div>
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For the past 5 months, we've worked diligently to compile all the paperwork needed to send to the CCCWA.</div>
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Many. Many. Tears have been shed along the way.</div>
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It's an arduous process.</div>
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And I often find that I am practically holding my breath from one checkmark to the next.</div>
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But PRAISE THE LORD! This task has been accomplished and now we begin a new phase of the adoption process:</div>
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Waiting.</div>
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And more PRAYING.</div>
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We have requested that the CCCWA expedite our request to adopt Lily because of her health situation.</div>
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I hope they will.</div>
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But for the first time since we began the adoption process, I can honestly say that whether we are able to go get her sooner or later, I trust that we will go in God's timing. </div>
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"I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YwTKKvjkvsRFunXgdliq9F8XUL9TMKw2YIab9xFGyCD5hkVJUI3C-qu7Z3iTKzf1dg0XEg6Fe97jbrFamuZ5R-pz9MKSar667Kd_CM8eunZ3zzrII6IOqn2a0A30fv2siuNNnkkSfkGU/s1600/1492643_10202515753198234_2020757735_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YwTKKvjkvsRFunXgdliq9F8XUL9TMKw2YIab9xFGyCD5hkVJUI3C-qu7Z3iTKzf1dg0XEg6Fe97jbrFamuZ5R-pz9MKSar667Kd_CM8eunZ3zzrII6IOqn2a0A30fv2siuNNnkkSfkGU/s1600/1492643_10202515753198234_2020757735_o.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily with a friend of mine who was able to visit her several months ago when she went to China to adopt her little girl.</td></tr>
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In other news:</div>
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I've totally neglected posting pictures of some of the artwork that will be for sale at the Art for Adoption Fundraiser this Friday night.</div>
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But I have a good excuse.</div>
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We spent this past weekend in the hospital with our li'l man :(</div>
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Sometimes Benaiah's muscles just refuse to push his poop out (sorry if that's TMI) and we end up at the children's hospital for a good ole cleaning out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3kGW_4sMdcVTOYGYWvUT7qoaVe3POVBxfH2c9ISxvUB1VJMvxS_9Wnw3JNBhkALLfT9zdz_9Qe0c6pbuER5hH_ovVN7rXLCQx5wmgOcnCd0kIuVwET6LdZbmq0u1b6NXY4sHhdRWqB65/s1600/IMG_4757.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="297" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1: Feeling sooooo bad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WkLw5SE0gw_a59sGWfNXhobugB03mYLomkuu53PAUSRQ4Yuxs9EPfh59QY2qljS8ldHjWbLdmzELOKP0Qp5Vaq1CFkgbu_MR4NhzqoQ0am-_QDO1hyDR0osCXiONom03SRV3_Fra25Yh/s1600/IMG_4760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WkLw5SE0gw_a59sGWfNXhobugB03mYLomkuu53PAUSRQ4Yuxs9EPfh59QY2qljS8ldHjWbLdmzELOKP0Qp5Vaq1CFkgbu_MR4NhzqoQ0am-_QDO1hyDR0osCXiONom03SRV3_Fra25Yh/s1600/IMG_4760.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2 AM: Feeling even worse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm_oVbfJKJBxOSDyNo8nQzO9chTzbqBtpy-gma1KHjh8pU_dOCK_82jcSOmBfbK7o6qmavVLEjnRhXj9T5Cr_z253xHy6I-W64I1OhCjOH7warLKv1KYz-JbF6sIewsM9GATQj4iDd2rI/s1600/IMG_4762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm_oVbfJKJBxOSDyNo8nQzO9chTzbqBtpy-gma1KHjh8pU_dOCK_82jcSOmBfbK7o6qmavVLEjnRhXj9T5Cr_z253xHy6I-W64I1OhCjOH7warLKv1KYz-JbF6sIewsM9GATQj4iDd2rI/s1600/IMG_4762.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2 PM: Starting to turn the corner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rUaR0dS6wh_YksaD-9mk4KGj73Xxi0q2T2Wy3MHg7reSSQJcQiP0iXVGeDp7WR6n7im8r-UejgQjLmoIiLiBqGBH6RgfGdUcdR21h4QPn1QtNvr9UgC9kjYjovKIkdUsM6eECyU9l9hi/s1600/IMG_1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rUaR0dS6wh_YksaD-9mk4KGj73Xxi0q2T2Wy3MHg7reSSQJcQiP0iXVGeDp7WR6n7im8r-UejgQjLmoIiLiBqGBH6RgfGdUcdR21h4QPn1QtNvr9UgC9kjYjovKIkdUsM6eECyU9l9hi/s1600/IMG_1044.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3: Happy and ready to start eating again!</td></tr>
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Ever since we got home from the hospital, I haven't seemed to be able to catch up on things, but I'm hoping to spend some time tomorrow posting some photos of the beautiful art that is being sold to help us bring Lily home.</div>
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The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-74198830994869204302014-04-30T10:51:00.003-05:002014-04-30T10:52:08.380-05:00Art for Adoption<br />
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Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who participated in our Boston Butt Fundraiser at Hinds Community College!!! We haven't received the final dollar amount yet, but it looks like you helped us raise around $3000 toward Lily's adoption costs!!!!!<br />
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Now we are moving on toward our next fundraiser which is coming up SOON!<br />
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Our friend Michelle is spear-heading an Art for Adoption fundraiser coming up next Friday, May 9th, from 5pm-9pm at Cups Coffeehouse in Clinton.<br />
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Several amazing artists from the area have donated some INCREDIBLE pieces for us to sell at the event. 100% of the proceeds from the art sale will go towards Lily's adoption costs!!!<br />
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From now until the event, I'm going to showcase some of the pieces here on my blog. If you see something that grabs your eye, be sure to come by Cups and make a purchase! Or, if you don't live in the Jackson metro area, contact me and we can reserve your purchase.<br />
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Even if you don't end up buying any art, we'd absolutely LOVE for you to swing by the Art for Adoption Event - just to enjoy a cup of coffee, talk adoption or, of course, learn more about our sweet Lily!<br />
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<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-6710017946544373862014-04-02T23:28:00.000-05:002014-04-02T23:28:18.788-05:00Want a Butt?A Boston Butt.<br />
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I'm talking about a pork roast, people!<br />
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And we're selling them to help raise money for our adoption!<br />
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{FYI - a Boston Butt is located on the shoulder of the pig. You'd think it would be at the other end, ya know?}<br />
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Our good friends at Hinds are donating time, energy and resources to help us out. They are going to cook Boston Butts and have them ready for pick up on April 17th - just in time for Easter dinner!<br />
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I'm actually pretty late to the game. I should have posted this last week when the sale began because these babies are sellin' like hot cakes! I had no idea pork roast would be a best seller!!!<br />
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Seriously - there are very few tickets left, so if you'd like to purchase one, contact Marcille or Terri. Their contact info is at the bottom of the flier.<br />
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Here we go, y'all…..Let the fundraising begin!!!!<br />
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Lily, we're gettin' closer, baby girl!!!<br />
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<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-74124463239809278092014-03-08T21:32:00.003-06:002014-03-19T17:14:11.167-05:00"She is very sweet"I checked my email right before I backed out of our driveway to go pick Benaiah up from school.<br />
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When I read the short update I'd received about Lily, I hopped out of the van and ran back inside the house to tell Doug what I'd just read.<br />
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"They said, 'She is very sweet'!!!!"<br />
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I kissed Doug on the cheek, did the happy dance and <strike>said</strike> exclaimed again,<br />
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"Did you hear that?! She is very sweet!!!!"<br />
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I almost burst into tears out of sheer excitement!<br />
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It was a proud Mama moment.<br />
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They are words I use every day...<br />
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"Oh, so-and-so, is so sweet!"<br />
"You are so sweet to do that!"<br />
"She's the sweetest l'il thing!"<br />
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But when these are the first words you've ever heard about your little girl that actually describe something about her personality.....<br />
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about her countenance....<br />
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about her disposition....<br />
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about HER.<br />
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Not about her health problems.<br />
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Not about her physical abilities or disabilities.<br />
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But about LILY.<br />
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Let me tell ya....<br />
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It thrills a mama's soul.<br />
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These 4 little words have somehow helped me know her better.<br />
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Of course, I'd always assumed she was sweet...<br />
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But now it's confirmed :)<br />
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The little update we got about her was just that.<br />
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Little.<br />
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But the other thing we learned about her sooooo encouraging.<br />
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She has been at the medical care center for less than 2 weeks and has already gained a whole pound of weight!!!<br />
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Lily is very malnourished - She is 3 years old and only weighs 18.5lbs.<br />
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Make that 19.5lbs!!!!<br />
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Please continue to pray that the Lord will continue to move mountains on behalf of our VERY SWEET little girl!!!<br />
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<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-57934986568385974712014-03-04T21:22:00.000-06:002014-03-04T21:22:11.129-06:00Garden PartySaturday we attended the annual Garden Party fundraiser at The Little Light House.<br />
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This is one of the school's four primary fundraisers.<br />
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Money is raised through ticket sales to the luncheon, raffle tickets for "baskets" and an auction.<br />
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All of the families at TLLH were put on teams to fill their baskets.<br />
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Ours was an "Outdoors Basket".<br />
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Doug literally spent an entire day going around to different businesses asking them to make donations to our basket. <br />
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He ended up coming home with A LOT of loot - gift certificates for deer processing and taxidermy, rifle scopes, and deer stands just to name a few things.<br />
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Our basket ended up being worth over $1000!<br />
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There were over 30 baskets being raffled.<br />
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The one we wanted to win was the "Grill Basket".<br />
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I somehow made everyone in our family believe that I'd use a grill if we had a gas grill {as opposed to our charcoal grill} Ha!<br />
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We were REALLY hopeful that someone in our family's name would be called.<br />
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Unfortunately, the "Grill Basket" was the most popular one, so we had some stiff competition.<br />
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Our name was not called. Boooo :(<br />
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Doug says we "got hosed" - LOL<br />
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Although we didn't win the grill, we didn't walk away empty-handed.<br />
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You see - there was a Hat competition for the ladies and a Tie competition for the gentlemen.<br />
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I did NOT win the Hat competition.<br />
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You should have seen some of the hat-creations several ladies wore - a<span style="text-align: left;"> couple of them were at least 2 feet tall!</span><br />
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But guess who won the Overall Tie competition?!<br />
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My boys!!!</div>
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Yep! They were twinsies! :)</div>
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(I found these great daddy/son ties at <a href="http://www.myfavoritepal.com/">www.myfavoritepal.com</a>}</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOHWPxx0QwbuZ7SoQDu52kVXdktdKnlxzae-FBEkkTE65G7w_d-LeaT23K2fvaghzo3h_N6RfZ6Bjat8EPKIds6U7DXxEy3zZIJEBwyGipXyKdnM3yXeVe50Likj0t4sO9IH5NL9UV9Gl/s1600/IMG_4409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOHWPxx0QwbuZ7SoQDu52kVXdktdKnlxzae-FBEkkTE65G7w_d-LeaT23K2fvaghzo3h_N6RfZ6Bjat8EPKIds6U7DXxEy3zZIJEBwyGipXyKdnM3yXeVe50Likj0t4sO9IH5NL9UV9Gl/s1600/IMG_4409.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benaiah loves it when his daddy shakes his arms up and down!</td></tr>
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We were packed in like sardines, so getting my big camera out to take better pictures just wasn't happening. Instead, we relied on the ole iPhone camera :(</div>
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These are the best pictures we got of me and Benaiah:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunEPTRlZE5pZMuvs8FCo_xOyP-qV7srXkdd2tGsNNoViUt6AhLEPcMl0SF1-tVJIxYOA8713Jg1Io_Hiu3dmE_F_G5UDIxIK8pQ0PrPmlr235DhngxhJjXV4IrFoXQMRtE6fU-9UFzoc0/s1600/IMG_4389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunEPTRlZE5pZMuvs8FCo_xOyP-qV7srXkdd2tGsNNoViUt6AhLEPcMl0SF1-tVJIxYOA8713Jg1Io_Hiu3dmE_F_G5UDIxIK8pQ0PrPmlr235DhngxhJjXV4IrFoXQMRtE6fU-9UFzoc0/s1600/IMG_4389.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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Pitiful.</div>
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THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has financially contributed to The Little Light House on Benaiah's behalf. </div>
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We have officially met our family's fundraising goal!!! YAY!!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ0HXhgHGMgLglHbdMJ13xerQTBjkn1AkofqoE3ZRw3o7QODH1f4zwk_L7Y5PG-PrZYh3loQF8OR1LuXLJBEroZOc-2pLNVHs3YfyVpRXpxzRH7VmgMD6dWjix3MQVvPyIpoeXtpIPl92/s1600/IMG_4411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ0HXhgHGMgLglHbdMJ13xerQTBjkn1AkofqoE3ZRw3o7QODH1f4zwk_L7Y5PG-PrZYh3loQF8OR1LuXLJBEroZOc-2pLNVHs3YfyVpRXpxzRH7VmgMD6dWjix3MQVvPyIpoeXtpIPl92/s1600/IMG_4411.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you!!!!</td></tr>
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<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-55173826910189448462014-02-28T13:43:00.000-06:002014-03-01T09:41:01.807-06:00If...So the recordable storybook we sent Lily for her birthday was SO PERFECT.<br />
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I was so fortunate to find it too! I thought Hallmark was the only company who sold recordable books, so when I saw some at Books A Million I was pleasantly surprised....and was OVER THE MOON to see that they were on sale for $10!!! This was a STEAL, people!!!<br />
<br />
I want to share the book with you {which is probably against copyright laws but I'm hoping that since I'm putting the author's name, that will help me out in a court of law :-)}<br />
<br />
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IF<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
By Frank Boylan<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I wish I was there. I
wish I was with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I want to play the
games we play and do the things we do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I am not there now.
This is just one of those days.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But know that we can
be together in many different ways.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Think really hard,
and imagine I am there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Imagine I am holding
your hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Imagine I am stroking
your hair.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Imagine I am doing
the things I really wish I could.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Know that I want to
do them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I was there I
would…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
HUG YOU!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I was there right
now,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Do you know what I
would do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I would stretch my
arms out really wide<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And then wrap them
tight around you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
TELL YOU I LOVE YOU!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I was there right
now,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Do you know what I
would say?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I would say that we
should be together every single day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I would tell you that
I love you,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And you make my heart
feel light.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I would tell you that
I love you,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Each and every single
night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SMILE!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I was there right
now,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Do you know what you
would see?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You would see me
smiling ear-to-ear,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Because you were
smiling with me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
LAUGH!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I was there right now,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Do you know how hard
we would laugh?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We would laugh until
our sides hurt,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Like we were going to
split in half.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You would tell me
funny stories,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And I would listen
with both ears.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I would laugh until
my eyes were wet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And filling up with
tears.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
DANCE!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I was there right
now,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Do know how wild we
would dance?<o:p></o:p></div>
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We would dance like
we were crazy people,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And wouldn’t even
glance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
To see who was
watching us,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Or what those
watchers might say.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We would dance until
our worries flew off<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And our cares just
ran away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SING!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I was there right
now,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Do you know how loud
we would sing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We would sing really
loud and really long,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Like the birds all do
in Spring.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We would sing the
songs we like,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And the songs we
love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And the songs we
hardly know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And I would want to hold
you tight<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And never let you go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I am not really there
right now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I’m in the pages of
this book.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I hope in your mind
that you can see me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Close your eyes and
look…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Do you see me…?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I see you…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
PERFECTION, right?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrGfyS6hq8KgQkbPWNELO1-Dh-TDIXbeLaWPnJ281H-LAP8L9umI2B_6CcxOO9N7X6Zj4bvdUElJAld-24LzLhwysOit-Pj1tyPzdb7N9SWVX3sHVfehO4I3-ujoEbiEIyW47s9LCJ3IN/s1600/Elaine+Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrGfyS6hq8KgQkbPWNELO1-Dh-TDIXbeLaWPnJ281H-LAP8L9umI2B_6CcxOO9N7X6Zj4bvdUElJAld-24LzLhwysOit-Pj1tyPzdb7N9SWVX3sHVfehO4I3-ujoEbiEIyW47s9LCJ3IN/s1600/Elaine+Signature.png" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-46785239096029013132014-02-28T11:04:00.002-06:002014-02-28T13:42:50.895-06:00Happy 3rd Birthday, Lily!!!Dear Lily,<br />
<br />
You are THREE years old today!!!<br />
<br />
This morning when your brother woke up, I put him in the bed with me and your daddy and we sang "Happy Birthday" to you.<br />
<br />
We are asking God that it be His will that you are home with us for your 4th birthday.....and many, many, many birthdays after that!<br />
<br />
We've had your birthday banner hanging for a couple of weeks now.<br />
<br />
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And although we mailed your birthday present 2 weeks ago, it still hasn't made it to you yet :( I'm hoping it will get to you by the end of next week though.</div>
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We sent you...<br />
- A photo pillow with a picture of your family on it. If it's safe, I hope it can stay in your crib with you so you can look at us every day and know that you have a family who loves you.<br />
- A recordable book entitled "If..." that me and your Daddy read to you so that you can get used to hearing our voices<br />
- 2 disposable cameras that your nannies can use to take pictures of you while we're working to come get you<br />
- A rainbow birthday card that plays the song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"<br />
- Some lip balm. I noticed in a few of the pictures we have of you that your lips were a bit chapped. Every girl needs a little lipstick! :)<br />
- A photo album with individual pictures of your family members and your new house. I labeled each picture in Chinese so that your nannies can better help you know who everyone is.<br />
- A Dora the Explorer Light Spinner. One of Mommy's friends saw you a couple of months ago and noticed that you didn't track things very well with your eyes. I said, "Not a problem. We got that one!" Your brother doesn't track things well either, so we use a lot of "light therapy" to help him. He's using his eyes SO MUCH BETTER now, so we're hoping that this little light toy will help your eyes improve too!<br />
<br />
Lily-pie, we will never know the details that surround your birth. But we give thanks to God today for the three years of life He has breathed into you; for your birth mom who chose to give you life; and for the individuals who have cared for you these 3 years. While we are still quite dependent on others to help us take care of you right now, we anticipate with great joy the day when we will have the gift of being able to love and care for you in person.<br />
<br />
You are a treasure to us, sweet girl.<br />
<br />
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<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-36400078739220228582014-02-27T11:36:00.004-06:002014-03-19T17:12:53.003-05:00The Words You Thought You'd Never Hear From MeI've.<br />
<br />
Joined.<br />
<br />
(gulp)<br />
<br />
Facebook.<br />
<br />
Don't everyone gasp at once!<br />
<br />
I almost feel like a traitor to my faithful anti-facebook friends, but, alas.....<br />
<br />
the things you do for your kids.<br />
<br />
This one's for you, Lily.<br />
<br />
Y'all can actually thank my friends Leslie and Marcille for convincing me that using Facebook to get the word out about Lily's adoption and our upcoming fundraisers was a good idea. ;)<br />
<br />
Truthfully, I've had a fb account for several years because I had to "like" I.O. Metro in order to get a $125 discount off a chair we bought there. I think that even my anti-facebook cohorts would agree that saving $125 was a worthwhile reason to join.<br />
<br />
The only other reason I've used the account since then was so my friend Michelle could easily send me pictures she'd taken of our family. So Michelle has been my one and only "friend" for a while now.<br />
<br />
Then Miss Lily came along.<br />
<br />
While researching her orphanage in China, I came across a family's blog. This family was also adopting a little girl who had lived in Lily's orphanage. I contacted Kelly, the author of the blog, and she said she was a part of a fb group of mama's who had adopted/were adopting from Lily's orphanage, so she asked me to join the group.<br />
<br />
I joined this beautiful fb group of ladies and, honestly, words can never express what a blessing these girls have been to me over the past 3 months.<br />
<br />
{I plan to write a post (or several!) about these wonderful families so stay tuned!}<br />
<br />
Now it's time to spread the fb love because, despite our current "standstill" with China over Lily's health, we want to move forward with fundraising.<br />
<br />
I'm praying that fb will help us cast a wider net --- and not just to help us raise money but also help us raise awareness about the need there is for orphans to have forever families to love them.<br />
<br />
I'm still a little wary of the whole fb thing, so if I don't know you, I probably won't be your friend...<br />
<br />
But if you're already my friend in real life, go to fb and ask me to be your friend.<br />
<br />
{That all sounds SO STUPID, by the way - HA!}<br />
<br />
And for no reason at all, other than the fact that he's so utterly cute, I'm posting a pic of my li'l man :)<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt8ZpheHgI4IEKrl0L_CmDm7Y7iqnKYa5UgFsJ4uIYs2NXBUcECDZ0PHKKFjGXc_tdqZCV3MSEPOo0DDjogJjYwOUdJdYeOiu-zWJQIbeuXp7PVtMpkPfeKWG_3XsYXmyGok9MYYc_6LF/s1600/IMG_4355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt8ZpheHgI4IEKrl0L_CmDm7Y7iqnKYa5UgFsJ4uIYs2NXBUcECDZ0PHKKFjGXc_tdqZCV3MSEPOo0DDjogJjYwOUdJdYeOiu-zWJQIbeuXp7PVtMpkPfeKWG_3XsYXmyGok9MYYc_6LF/s1600/IMG_4355.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing turning pages in my book</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qjif3JIYOHkIol03BOwh5msgz1wHbtIslgV60UDziGP_u4tYXgl_0MDwtCUn2yu6ixIuQacGTZ8MPPbiyKvYTkhyRQ8BizoTJQiWGAY2SlYBEsjHc2iv9wbHdJP6QgQHZaPXo25h494H/s1600/IMG_4361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qjif3JIYOHkIol03BOwh5msgz1wHbtIslgV60UDziGP_u4tYXgl_0MDwtCUn2yu6ixIuQacGTZ8MPPbiyKvYTkhyRQ8BizoTJQiWGAY2SlYBEsjHc2iv9wbHdJP6QgQHZaPXo25h494H/s1600/IMG_4361.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy, you're so silly!</td></tr>
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Love y'all!<br />
ElaineThe Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892908569392476456.post-61943675307850150482014-02-25T17:34:00.001-06:002014-03-19T17:11:56.894-05:00She Made It!!!We got word today that Lily has made it to the medical care center!<br />
<br />
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!<br />
<br />
This is the second time I've gotten news about Lily while at Wal-Mart - I bet those people think I'm Cuh-RAY-zee!!!<br />
<br />
That's the only news we got, but I've been praying so much for Lily today --- that she handled the long drive well; is adjusting to sleeping in her new bed; and is loving her new nannies.<br />
<br />
It is already Wednesday morning in China. I have no idea if today will be the day that the doctors will start running tests and making assessments about her health.<br />
<br />
I hope so. But I'm so nervous about it all.<br />
<br />
I wish I could be with her so badly.<br />
<br />
I literally want to run to her.<br />
<br />
And trust me.....I ain't never wanted to run nowhere ;)<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Elaine<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14221641584908710821noreply@blogger.com0