There are times you see something or read something and think, how??? No possible way is that true.
There are times when your heart just breaks and it takes all you have to move along in your day. I recently purchased the book "Silent Tears" It is about an American woman whose moves to Chin@ for her husband's job. Her daughter is in school during the day so she finds an "in" into the orphanages to volunteer. The book is written documenting different journal entries she wrote about after a day of volunteering there.
The book starts out stating....
"A two-year-old child dangling precariously from a third-story window....alittle boy tied to a chair for hours....abandoned children begging for a crust of bread....most of us will live our entire lives without witnessing such blatant cases of emotional or physical child neglect and abuse."
Here are some parts of the book.
"I pulled back the covers to examine her and was horrified at what I saw: her feet and legs had begun to turn black-by far one of the worst things I've ever seen on a baby's body" --- And there she sat in the orphanage. No pain meds no medical help. No rushing her to a hospital. There she lays all day. Surviving, fighting, pleading with her eyes to anyone who notices her for help.
"...a cart was wheeled in with ten bottles....There are usually about twenty-two babies, so they must always share this meager bit of nutrition." These caregivers give them a few minutes and then remove the bottles. What they are able to suck down is what they get. If the bottle slips from their mouth while propped up....they will not receive more until next feeding.
"Later she wouldn't eat her rice, which was also unusual. The ayis decided her problem was constipation and took her to her bed. Next, four of them gathered around her and proceeded to perform the most barbaric so-called medical treatment you could imagine for a small child with obstructed bowels. Three ayis held her down while a wiry older woman repeatedly pushed roughly on her abdomen. She screamed and cried hysterically....After producing no positive results with this treatment, one ayi held her arms back as another tried shoveling rice into her mouth. Finally, they gave up."
"one of our cleft palate babies died.....last week while I fed her, she was having a terrible time. It was taking too long and finally one of the staff took the bottle away. She died simply because of her inability to take in nutrition. That happens far too often with babies born with a cleft lip or cleft palate."
"I showed her the room where the most severely disabled children are hidden away......we peered through the window and saw them sitting there, zombielike, in the cold, barren room, with absolutely nothing to stimulate their minds or bodies.....The children are hidden from everyone; they miss the human contact that is so critical for them. "
"I watched helplessly as she beat and kicked the kids, while screaming at them like a drill sergeant. these children are ages four to ten and very active, yet they're supposed to sit in cramped wooden chairs in the hallway all morning without moving. They are allowed no toys, no singing, and no touching one another."
The book goes on to show how these volunteers helped the ayis. Simply there are too many children with just not enough hands to do the jobs. The volunteers were able to get surgery for some and help during the hardest, busiest time of the day; feeding and baths. After reading this you will never be the same.
These children need people to step up. They need us! You don't have to adopt (although I would love to talk to anyone who feels called ;-) ) There are so many different foster homes that are able to take some of these children and not only lighten the load for the caregivers in the orphanage but also provide surgeries, nutrition and better ratio of caregiver to children. They can only do this with donations. Sponsor a surgery or a child. Sponsor some of a caregiver's salary. EVERY single dollar counts. Please stop thinking this is someone else's problem. This is someone else's calling. EVERY single person who calls them self a christian, believer, born-again; whatever you want to say, is COMMANDED to take care of orphans. I don't care if you choose Chin@. There are so many countries to pick from...Russia, Ukraine, Haiti or right here in your back yard through the foster system. Take your children and help fill the local food pantry. Go to reecesrainbow.org and donate to a family. Talk to your church and help a family adopting hold a fundraiser. Dig deep, pray and then pray some more and find out where God is calling you. Don't close your eyes. Open them, open them wide and know that in this day and age you can't claim ignorance. The proof is everywhere. Innocent, pleading, starving, abused, neglected children need our help. You need to start today. It's easy to put it off and think yep I need to do that someday.
Don't get me wrong. I DO NOT believe everyone should adopt and I made it clear there are soooo many ways to care for orphans just take that first step.
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Take some time to read Julia's post. It is a story of a girl SAVED from a mental instution. Please take time to look into this little girl's eyes. Look and see what love can do.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Found the culprit......
Well as you know Monday began the Chinese New Year's. This means all gov't offices are closed ALL week....ugghhhhh. The last signing of documents would have been Friday which puts a delivery of this week Monday or Tuesday. Unfortunately we did not receive our TA so now comes a horrible wait. Gov't offices don't open until next Monday and then with travel time for the documents our agency said they won't be seeing any TAs for 2 weeks if they get right in and sign away and send out right away, I won't be holding my breath.
At this point I don't even know what to say. I know we haven't been waiting forever for our TA. The average time frame would be this Thursday but honestly I'm just done. Done with the wait, done with stressing, done with worrying about leaving the kids, done with worrying about Caleb, just done! I want my baby home.
So to try to make the days go faster and keep my mind off of things I am nesting and packing. I am hoping that this way the days before we leave I can just spend time with the kids playing. I would hate to be going crazy right before and then have to leave them. Can you tell this is going to be hard for me??? I already told Ben he has to change all the fire alarm batteries before we leave. I ordered enough inhalers for Nathan for about 3 months....lol. I am planning to go through the fire escape routes again with the kids. Yep I am in total panic mode in leaving them.
So back to the nesting.....
I have emptied out every room but the kitchen and our bedroom and vacuumed every corner. Only putting back in what is needed. Last week when I was laying in bed I remembered we were missing a little toy of Katie's for months. Can't find it. Then I started thinking that once Caleb was here what happens if he wakes up in the middle of the night and I don't hear him. What if he starts going through the room and gets into something he could choke on....like that little toy!
Ok if you are thinking this crazy lady worries about everything.....you are right! I wish I didn't but at the same time I'm sure it has saved us in some situations too.
Well this week while cleaning and organizing guess what I found.....
At this point I don't even know what to say. I know we haven't been waiting forever for our TA. The average time frame would be this Thursday but honestly I'm just done. Done with the wait, done with stressing, done with worrying about leaving the kids, done with worrying about Caleb, just done! I want my baby home.
So to try to make the days go faster and keep my mind off of things I am nesting and packing. I am hoping that this way the days before we leave I can just spend time with the kids playing. I would hate to be going crazy right before and then have to leave them. Can you tell this is going to be hard for me??? I already told Ben he has to change all the fire alarm batteries before we leave. I ordered enough inhalers for Nathan for about 3 months....lol. I am planning to go through the fire escape routes again with the kids. Yep I am in total panic mode in leaving them.
So back to the nesting.....
I have emptied out every room but the kitchen and our bedroom and vacuumed every corner. Only putting back in what is needed. Last week when I was laying in bed I remembered we were missing a little toy of Katie's for months. Can't find it. Then I started thinking that once Caleb was here what happens if he wakes up in the middle of the night and I don't hear him. What if he starts going through the room and gets into something he could choke on....like that little toy!
Ok if you are thinking this crazy lady worries about everything.....you are right! I wish I didn't but at the same time I'm sure it has saved us in some situations too.
Well this week while cleaning and organizing guess what I found.....
The culprit.....yep those darn little squinkies. They are fun and so cute but so hard for Katie to keep in one place and out of the reach of little hands! Let me just say when I did find this under some books Katie went crazy with excitement :-)
To try to make sure everything has a place we have started labeling everything. This way no one can tell me they didn't know where to put it. Here is some in the playroom. The kids have baskets in their closet up high so the little toys are out of the reach of the 2 little ones. I love it! I'm hoping that the pictures will help the little ones with putting away items in the future and the words help Katie with reading and it was a request from Nathan because he is "to big for pictures since I can read!"
So that is my life lately......worry, clean, stress, organize, worry, wait and in between enjoy the kids as much as possible!!!!!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Welcome the dragon!!
Today Jan.23rd starts in Chin@ the much anticipated Ch!nese New Year's!! This is the year of the dragon. If you look at any blogs of people in China recently you can see the cities beautifully decorated in lanterns and dragon and tons of red! I was so hoping for us to be able to be there to see this. I hear that it is absolutely crazy there but so fun and a once in a lifetime experience. But instead I'll live it through some of my blogging friends :-)
China revolves much of their lives around astrology, which is based on the cycle of the moon. There are 12 animals that represent different years. Each animal represents different characteristics for those born those years.
Here is info taken from Chinatravelguide to give an overall explanation of what the dragon represents:
They are a little arrogant and impatient, while dragon women can be over- confident. Sometimes, 'dragons' are unable to control their moods very well due to being eccentric, tactless, fiery, intolerant and unrealistic. They may feel blank about the future. There is no lack of romance in their life over all, but they seldom give true love. Therefore, they do not usually show disappointment in love. They may criticize others for their inefficiency at work. They have a nature ardent to excess and couldn't withstand setbacks which make them flee away. If they overcome these defects, they can have a brighter future.
Horoscope and Numerology ElementsEarthly Branch of Birth Year: chen
Wu Xing (The Five Elements): tu (earth)
Yin Yang: yang
Auspicious Directions: west, north, northwest
Lucky Colors: golden, silver, hoary; Avoid red, green, purple, black
Lucky Numbers: 1, 7, 6; Avoid 9, 8, 3
Lucky Flowers: bleeding heart vine, larkspurZodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: rat, monkey, rooster; Avoid ox, rabbit, dog
Fortune Fortelling in 2012
Overview: It is the turn of dragon people to encounter their birth year, a year to offend 'Taisui’, the god in charge of people’s fortune. To ensure their own safety, dragon people should be tolerant and low-keyed. Good and bad luck are coming fifty-fifty.
To find out what sign you are follow this chart
The Dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
The Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
The Sheep: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
The Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
The Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
The Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
The Pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
The Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
The Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
The Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
So how did they pick the animals....note there are many different versions of this idea....here is just one of them:
Legend has it that one day the gods ordered that animals be designated as signs of each year and the twelve that arrived first were selected. At that time, the cat and the rat were good friends and neighbors. When they heard of this news, the cat said to the rat: 'We should arrive early to sign up, but I usually get up late.' The rat then promised to awaken his friend and to go together. However, on the morning when he got up, he was too excited to recall his promise, and went directly to the gathering place. On the way, the rat encountered the tiger, ox, horse, and other animals that ran much faster. In order not to fall behind them, he thought up a good idea. He made the straightforward ox carry him on condition that he sang for the ox. The ox and the rat arrived first. The ox was happy thinking that he would be the first sign of the years, but the rat had already slid in front, and became the first lucky animal of the Chinese zodiac. Meanwhile his neighbor the cat was too late so when it finally arrived, the selection was over. That's why other animals appear behind the little rat and why the cat hates the rat so much that every time they meet, the cat will chase and kill the rat.
The festivities last for 15 days. They begin, before the new year arrives, by cleaning out their homes to welcome in good luck. On new year's eve they gather for a meal and large displays of fireworks. These fireworks were said to scare away bad luck with the loud noise. The next week or so is celebrated with amazing parades, family gatherings, children receiving money in red envelopes. Red represents luck in China. On the 15th day people gather with lighted lanterns to end the celebrations. How beautiful this must be! I'm so excited to learn more about Caleb's history. I do hope some day we can go back and let him experience a celebration that is such a important part of his country.
Well on to trying to figure out an activity for the kids to do. I really want to be able to help Caleb understand and celebrate his heritage. So this is the year for us to come up with ideas! If any of you have different ways of celebrating I would love to hear.
Gong Xi Fa Ca! (wishing you prosperity/wealth)
China revolves much of their lives around astrology, which is based on the cycle of the moon. There are 12 animals that represent different years. Each animal represents different characteristics for those born those years.
Here is info taken from Chinatravelguide to give an overall explanation of what the dragon represents:
The dragon enjoys a very high reputation in Chinese culture. It is the token of authority, dignity, honor, success, luck, and capacity. In ancient China, a dragon was thought to speed across the sky with divine power. Emperors entitled themselves exclusively as 'dragon'; their thrones were called 'dragon thrones', their clothes 'dragon gowns'.
StrengthsPeople under the sign of the dragon are lively, intellectual, energetic and excitable. They often can be leaders and try to go for perfection. When they meet with difficulties, they are not discouraged. They are magnanimous, romantic and sensitive about their reputation. They usually have great ambition and an ingenuous personality. They hate hypocrisy, gossip and slander. They are not afraid of difficulties but hate to be used or controlled by others.
Weaknesses
StrengthsPeople under the sign of the dragon are lively, intellectual, energetic and excitable. They often can be leaders and try to go for perfection. When they meet with difficulties, they are not discouraged. They are magnanimous, romantic and sensitive about their reputation. They usually have great ambition and an ingenuous personality. They hate hypocrisy, gossip and slander. They are not afraid of difficulties but hate to be used or controlled by others.
Weaknesses
 |
 More Dragon Pictures |
Horoscope and Numerology ElementsEarthly Branch of Birth Year: chen
Wu Xing (The Five Elements): tu (earth)
Yin Yang: yang
Auspicious Directions: west, north, northwest
Lucky Colors: golden, silver, hoary; Avoid red, green, purple, black
Lucky Numbers: 1, 7, 6; Avoid 9, 8, 3
Lucky Flowers: bleeding heart vine, larkspurZodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: rat, monkey, rooster; Avoid ox, rabbit, dog
Fortune Fortelling in 2012
 |
| Lantern with a shape of dragon |
Career: Dragon people are likely to be slow and erratic. There is no lack of good information and opportunities, but hardly any of them can bring good results.
Wealth: Think twice before investing. Pay attention to their expenditure plan in order to avoid financial crisis.
Love: Sentimental crisis may easily happen and there are many quarrels between the husband and wife.
Health: Their luck in health is worth of special attention, the same as those paid to their wealth problems. Apart from the discomfort in digestive system, they should also care those in skin and blood.
Wealth: Think twice before investing. Pay attention to their expenditure plan in order to avoid financial crisis.
Love: Sentimental crisis may easily happen and there are many quarrels between the husband and wife.
Health: Their luck in health is worth of special attention, the same as those paid to their wealth problems. Apart from the discomfort in digestive system, they should also care those in skin and blood.
To find out what sign you are follow this chart
The Dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
The Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
The Sheep: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
The Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
The Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
The Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
The Pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
The Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
The Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
The Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
So how did they pick the animals....note there are many different versions of this idea....here is just one of them:
Legend has it that one day the gods ordered that animals be designated as signs of each year and the twelve that arrived first were selected. At that time, the cat and the rat were good friends and neighbors. When they heard of this news, the cat said to the rat: 'We should arrive early to sign up, but I usually get up late.' The rat then promised to awaken his friend and to go together. However, on the morning when he got up, he was too excited to recall his promise, and went directly to the gathering place. On the way, the rat encountered the tiger, ox, horse, and other animals that ran much faster. In order not to fall behind them, he thought up a good idea. He made the straightforward ox carry him on condition that he sang for the ox. The ox and the rat arrived first. The ox was happy thinking that he would be the first sign of the years, but the rat had already slid in front, and became the first lucky animal of the Chinese zodiac. Meanwhile his neighbor the cat was too late so when it finally arrived, the selection was over. That's why other animals appear behind the little rat and why the cat hates the rat so much that every time they meet, the cat will chase and kill the rat.
(credit:chinatravelguide)
The festivities last for 15 days. They begin, before the new year arrives, by cleaning out their homes to welcome in good luck. On new year's eve they gather for a meal and large displays of fireworks. These fireworks were said to scare away bad luck with the loud noise. The next week or so is celebrated with amazing parades, family gatherings, children receiving money in red envelopes. Red represents luck in China. On the 15th day people gather with lighted lanterns to end the celebrations. How beautiful this must be! I'm so excited to learn more about Caleb's history. I do hope some day we can go back and let him experience a celebration that is such a important part of his country.
Well on to trying to figure out an activity for the kids to do. I really want to be able to help Caleb understand and celebrate his heritage. So this is the year for us to come up with ideas! If any of you have different ways of celebrating I would love to hear.
Gong Xi Fa Ca! (wishing you prosperity/wealth)
Monday, January 16, 2012
long overdue......
So I am long overdue in posting.....sorry!
On the adoption front. Our article 5 was picked up on 1/11 so we are officially waiting on our travel approval. Right now travel approval is averaging around 16 days which unfortunately puts us right in the middle of the Chinese New Year celebration. So where does that leave us?? Well if by some amazing blessing we get our TA by this Wed we will have enough time to secure our consulate appointment before China shuts down for a week. If that is the case we are hoping to leave the 1st or 2nd week of Feb.!!! Just around the corner. If we don't get it before the shut down then we are hoping to receive it right when it opens the 1st week of Feb which would put us leaving to get him the 3rd or 4th week of Feb. Either way (unless there is a hang up) I can say we will be getting on a plane next month and will hold the sweetest boy ever!!! I can not believe we are actually this close!
Even though we are so close I just can't seem to get myself together and get done what needs to be done. I am such a procrastinator.....HUGE. I was the one writing the 10 page paper that was assigned 2 months ago the night before it was due. I feel like I need the date to get moving and packing but in reality there is so much I could still do.....freeze meals, pack Caleb's stuff, etc.... Good thing Ben is the complete opposite I'm sure once he reads this he'll be lighting the fire under me to get moving :0)
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This past weekend Ana went to Ben's mom's for the weekend. So we took full advantage of it and took Katie and Nathan to Funset Blvd (kind of like a Chucky Cheese). It was awesome to just go with them. Instead of me chasing Ana around I was able to play some games and really have some quality time with each of them....I loved it!
On the adoption front. Our article 5 was picked up on 1/11 so we are officially waiting on our travel approval. Right now travel approval is averaging around 16 days which unfortunately puts us right in the middle of the Chinese New Year celebration. So where does that leave us?? Well if by some amazing blessing we get our TA by this Wed we will have enough time to secure our consulate appointment before China shuts down for a week. If that is the case we are hoping to leave the 1st or 2nd week of Feb.!!! Just around the corner. If we don't get it before the shut down then we are hoping to receive it right when it opens the 1st week of Feb which would put us leaving to get him the 3rd or 4th week of Feb. Either way (unless there is a hang up) I can say we will be getting on a plane next month and will hold the sweetest boy ever!!! I can not believe we are actually this close!
Even though we are so close I just can't seem to get myself together and get done what needs to be done. I am such a procrastinator.....HUGE. I was the one writing the 10 page paper that was assigned 2 months ago the night before it was due. I feel like I need the date to get moving and packing but in reality there is so much I could still do.....freeze meals, pack Caleb's stuff, etc.... Good thing Ben is the complete opposite I'm sure once he reads this he'll be lighting the fire under me to get moving :0)
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This past weekend Ana went to Ben's mom's for the weekend. So we took full advantage of it and took Katie and Nathan to Funset Blvd (kind of like a Chucky Cheese). It was awesome to just go with them. Instead of me chasing Ana around I was able to play some games and really have some quality time with each of them....I loved it!
She would not go on the carousel.....completely freaked out
These are like gold!
I think she would have stayed on this all day if we let her :)
Nathan LOVED climbing through all the tubes and jumping in the pit....all boy
We found this bowling at the end....so fun!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Well said!
I could never say it better then this mom. She explained perfectly why parents of special needs children hate to hear the "R" word in just a normal conversation or a laughing matter.......
It hurts...... http://phoebeholmes.com/2011/12/23/being-retarded/
It hurts...... http://phoebeholmes.com/2011/12/23/being-retarded/
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Thank You!!!
This morning Ben called and told me there was something he noticed on our blog. He said he had to look twice because our account was up $2500!!!!
I had to log on and see for myself.....didn't believe him, worried he didn't know how to read numbers or read it wrong....lol.
I don't know who you are, if you know us or not, if you loved our boy from afar before we found him.......but Thank You!!! Thank you so much! Words can not explain how grateful and humbled we are towards EVERY single person who has helped us.
We are sooo close. Soon we will be holding that boy of ours tight. Soon he will know that he has a mom and dad. A family. A community of friends who have loved and longed for him to be home. To be where he will be given the opportunity to reach his full potential. A home where we will celebrate all of his abilities whether great or small.
Our Article 5 will be picked up Jan 11th. Then we wait for our Travel invite or Travel approval (TA)!!
I am starting to get anxious. I feel like I did right before I delivered......nothing is in order, the house is a mess, there is too much clutter, we need to have meals prepared....etc..... I just go into panic mode. So today I need to finish our visa applications and get those out in the mail. Get a grocery list together to make some frozen meals and start a binder with all the kids medical info and directions in it.....and of course start decluttering....my favorite :-)
I hope everyone had a great New Year's!!! This is the year for us to become a family or 6!!!!!
I had to log on and see for myself.....didn't believe him, worried he didn't know how to read numbers or read it wrong....lol.
I don't know who you are, if you know us or not, if you loved our boy from afar before we found him.......but Thank You!!! Thank you so much! Words can not explain how grateful and humbled we are towards EVERY single person who has helped us.
We are sooo close. Soon we will be holding that boy of ours tight. Soon he will know that he has a mom and dad. A family. A community of friends who have loved and longed for him to be home. To be where he will be given the opportunity to reach his full potential. A home where we will celebrate all of his abilities whether great or small.
Our Article 5 will be picked up Jan 11th. Then we wait for our Travel invite or Travel approval (TA)!!
I am starting to get anxious. I feel like I did right before I delivered......nothing is in order, the house is a mess, there is too much clutter, we need to have meals prepared....etc..... I just go into panic mode. So today I need to finish our visa applications and get those out in the mail. Get a grocery list together to make some frozen meals and start a binder with all the kids medical info and directions in it.....and of course start decluttering....my favorite :-)
I hope everyone had a great New Year's!!! This is the year for us to become a family or 6!!!!!
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