This blog is an amazing site and story about an amazing woman and family, for adoption.

http://www.journeytome.com/journal_view.cfm?journalid=1234&entry=37698

As for us, we received our first NO with regards to pursuing Mei Mei (In picture with Iris, Physical Therapist). Without thinking, I say it's our first, as if I subconsciously know that there'll be more. I know this will be a long road, possibly with an ending in a round-a-bout, really getting no place. We walk in faith, being certain of what we cannot see. If God is for us, who can be against us? We remind ourselves of these things and step forward.

Keeping our eyes, Not Closed!

Our China team group met tonight for dinner, decompression and sharing. It felt good to be with people who understand. Nothing has to be said, its just a look that you can share and just know. Everyone shared a most impactful moment or meaningful experience, so many shared about Judy, the Chinese woman, who lives in Seattle, that went with us. She was outspoken for the Lord, she shared with so many of the Chinese people and many of them accepted. Steve, our leader, said, we can say it was easier because she spoke the language, but the truth is, we are surrounded by people we speak the same language as every day.
Steve R. made a statement I found to be profound. He stated that we need to keep our eyes, Not Closed. God is working around us, whether we notice or not. We are given opportunities to do His work and if we pay attention we can't help but make a difference.

Photo's taken by our China Team at PHF

As you know, our task or mission in China, was to create a Photo/Journal "coffee table" book for PHF. Due to our desire to produce the best possible product, we are taking our time processing the pictures and also need to respect the rights to the pictures, as we want the profits to go to PHF. We are therefore unable to post most of our pictures. We do want to share some highlights from our trip here, so we have been blessed to have access to each team members photos. So we take no credit for these pictures on our photosharing site, but offer graditude to our team for sharing their "eyes" with us! Please join us at http://www.bl4scott.smugmug.com/Professional/558178 to catch a glimpse at the things and people that captured our attention and hearts.
Enjoy!

Divine Appointments

It is Wednesday, back in The States. We are settling into US time and our routine. The kids did magnificent and have accustom to us being home, quite easily. From one of our adoption forums, I got the idea to say a statement repeatedly with Grace, and it is, "Mommy always comes back." We say this quite often and she repeats it with certainty. We returned home on Saturday and went to church on Sunday. Unsure if she would be willing to part with me, I asked her if she wanted to go to class. She turned back to me and said, "Mommy always comes back!" And off she went to her class! I knew that God would not send us back to China, provide for all our provisions and then allow bonding to fall apart, but it is sure great to see it for myself when all is said and done!
Our last day in China, Friday, was filled with family portraits for the Bakers and the Moody's. Although we did not think that the weather could have gotten any more unbearable, IT DID! Although the sun did not show itself, the wetness surrounded us. It was incredibly muggy. We did family photos, which really felt like giving a gift. It was neat to be able to do something that would bless these families. After our shoots, Brian and I wanted one last attempt in Langfang. We went to the mall that attached to Wal-mart and Brian was able to pick up a few XL, or "chao da" shirts. We also had the two Bibles that we had brought with us, intended to leave, that we needed to give away, or leave. After trying to eat Chinese pot stickers in the "food court" to no avail (we were entirely confused on the procedure) we went to KFC and made sure that the item that I ordered was not the kids meal this time! We plotted and planned on leaving one of the Bibles under our tray. We quickly left, scurried down the isle, careful not to sprint, but in a zigzagging pattern, so as not to be associated (for security purposes) with the Bible. We made it to the nearest escalator, feeling successful in our mission...until...a young woman ran up to us telling us we forgotten our book! I responded to Brian, "How did they find us?" He looked at me with genuine suspect, "Gee, I wonder!" Oh yeah, I guess we are the only 6'0 Westerners in the entire mall!
Back from our outing, we cleaned up for dinner with a few of the interns who were excitedly planning a fine dining experience at a Brazilian restaurant in an International region in Beijing. We said our final goodbyes to the kids, I mostly avoided them, as I'm not good with goodbyes! We made great time into Beijing, found the restaurant very Western looking and a fine dinning experience. There was bread and butter on the tables...something I had longed for! Water with lemon, knives on the table, it was breathtaking! We were giddy with excitement for non-Chinese food. When dinner came to an end, heavy rains hit and after a long waiting-it-out period, we knew we must move-out. Running for our car and driver, we laughed hysterically as we lumbered across streets filled with water and filed into our van. We head to our Hotel, that had been booked for us, nearby to the airport. Upon arriving at the hotel, at around 11:30 p.m.,waiting behind pushy, loud and aggressive Chinese business men, for our chance to check-in, we were beyond tired and a bit agitated. Rule 1 in China: If you do not take for yourself, you will go hungry, never make it to the head of the line, miss the buss, never be noticed....etc....Coming from The States & a culture that it is common for doors to be held, lines give a fairness to whose turn it is next, and kindness is something to be desired, it was a shock to our sensibilities. We got a room, not the room we had reserved, because there were none available, so we must pay more to get any room. (How convenient for them) Brian opted for sleeping in the airport, I told him, he'd never live long enough to know how wrong that decision would have been, so we agreed, the overpriced hotel it was! The room was the size of a cruise ship room, it has two single beds a shower that overflowed into the bathroom floor, a small flood was moving into the drain as another was taking care of more private business. We woke at 5:00 to catch the shuttle into the airport. Because we had so much luggage, did not speak the language, and did not plan ahead by asking where we needed to get off, we were at the plight of a very impatient and pretty-much uncaring driver. The first stop, most riders got off, and just as our driver began to get back on board, we worried that this was our stop to disembark and asked if we should get off. Most Chinese grabbed on our sleeves, told us No, but as the driver was already agitated with our uncertainty and "stupidity" he yells to everyone, that this is indeed the place where we MUST get off and starts ripping our luggage off the bus. OK, fairly certain this was just to ditch us and our apparent annoyance to this driver, we reluctantly disembarked! We have no idea where we need to go now and not even sure where to find out where to find out? After a buss ride to the proper terminal, 2 terminals away, we were headed in a positive direction. Our flight, from Beijing to Tokyo, Tokyo to Seattle and Seattle to Spokane, were smooth sailing, and uneventful! We believe that we had a devine appointment with a man and woman, who were born in South Africa, but currently residing in Australia, however travelling to the States for a holiday. A few introductions, conversation quickly led to where we were coming from and why we were in China. We shared our heart for China Orphans and a smile cracked between the four of us, leaving it obvious to all of us that we has a bond. We were all believers, as we next discussed and they shared that they have all they need with one pair of shoes and humble living. (I am assuming they are well off, financially) Bill works as a commercial developer who has donated land and means, specifically for the need and use of orphans! We spoke for a short time, they hurried off to make a flight, but he gave us a card. Everything inside my being believes that we were meant to meet this couple, share this burden of orphans with them, and that there will be a future relationship or meeting!
From the beginning of this mission, Steve, our leader, kept saying, do not overlook any opportunity for a devine appointment. It was not accident that that meeting happened and as our eyes met and we said goodbyes, a connection and understanding was felt. That moment was a significant moment in time, to which we will know why at a later date, I am certain!
Coming down the escalator into the Spokane airport, we see our excited kids standing down below and embraces happen and the time apart seemed minimal as we headed back into our lives! So many people sacrificed for this project to make it happen, My Mom who took two weeks off of her full-time job to parent our kids, our kids who gave up 9 days with their Mom and Dad. Dominic, who covered for Brian at Golf Savings, A.C. who drove us to the airport, and the many who have supported us financially and prayerfully. This project is little pieces of so many lovers of The Lord.

Just One? Can you save just One?

Good morning, from PHF, and our last day here. We will be heading out to Beijing with a bunch of the interns, tonight, as with the unpredictability of traffic and an early flight, lend to possible trouble. We have completed our work and get to sightsee and shop for our last day, as we clean up and pull together all of our scattered stuff. Due to where we are, in the country, outside of Langfang, we have had nothing but authentic Chinese food for every meal. Breakfast has been toast and peanut butter-I can barely get it down because I've been so dehydrated, Lunch is made by the Chinese workers, for the kids, nannies and staff and then we go out to dinner. We went to a Hot Pot place last night, each person gets there own pot of boiling broth and you can add whatever to it to make it to your liking. Leah ordered, Lamb, Beef, vegetables (assorted greens), potatoes (which I ate most of them), Lotus root, weird mushrooms and we were given pickled garlic, peppers and carrots for horsdouvers. It was a lite meal for me, I came home to a growling stomach, but did try everything, but the lamb. Even Leah commented that for a picky person, I was very willing to try things. I have made an effort to try even the most odd things this trip, I haven't liked much, but I have been much braver this time.

Last nights dinner was also a bit odd, so when the tiny pear looking things came to the table, I was ecstatic! They looked like tiny pears on the menu, and Leah assured me they were deep fried pears. I took a confident bite, but did not get any pear...I then became a bit fearful. The next bite was more cautious, and then one of the girls said that she thought it was filled with red bean paste! Needless to say, the donut aroma'd pears were a disappointment! Fooled Again!

Yesterday we followed the Dr. on his rounds, shot some pics of the kitchen crew and then headed out with Mrs. Dr. Moody into town to get some local shots. She took us through the village next to PHF, where Brian & I jumped out to shoot the local housing. Ana & our Chinese speaking assistant, went into fabric, flower and pet shops that were outdoor vendors selling their products. We went to lunch at a beautiful garden restaurant and then came back to finish our photo session with 5 of the older boys, ages 9-13. One of the boys, Grady, who has severe scoliosis and feet issues, is able to walk with crutches, but is still very unstable. As we were walking back to our makeshift studio, he fell and skinned his knee...playing me a bit, but unable to resist, I offered to carry him. I hauled a 75-90 lb boy half way across Shephards Field on a blistering day. Through charades, he managed to tell me I stunk, while others laughed at the sweat dripping down our faces. We did get to see the first blue sky, but the heat was so overwhelming, that we'd be happy to see smog and fog for the rest of the time!
I have had a heart awakening for these children here. When you have the priviledge to enteract with these children, you realize that their "special needs" are really not that dibilitating for them, as they are for how we perceive them. In other words, life goes on for these kids, and they don't know that they are disabled. Having a foot amputated like Gregg, or cleft lip/palate, or missing an eye, or a heart defect, does not stop them from being independent, beautiful children. They are people, souls, Daddy's children, rather than being a certain disease. The fear of these differences has disappeared in meeting these children. Their smiles and laughs are the same as "normal, healthy" children. They desire and deserve to be with a family, have a place to hang there hat. I don't know what our role will be with this information yet. I certainly cannot bring them all home. I don't even know if we are to bring one home, but we will be advocates for these precious children and we know firsthand their potential and their hearts and longings. We have played, hugged, kissed and held these children as if they are our own, but only for a time and they need that everyday, forever! Is that supposed to be you? Just One? Can you save just One? We have gained far more than they have from this week. They probably won't remember it, but we certainly will! Just One? Can you save just One? These children, specifically these boys, age out at 14 years old. They have no future, no hope here. They are orphans and have disabilities, two strikes against them, in a country that values strong boys. Many of these boys were orphaned only recently when their families could no longer care for their medical needs. Just One? Can you save Just One? We did not come here by chance, Our Father brought us here and maybe it was to speak to you! To consider something crazy, out of the ordinary, difficult even. Maybe He is using us to speak to You. Will you listen and speak to Him. Let your heart hurt and feel and then maybe act on it? I couldn't come here and not plea on their behalf. We will post pictures of them when we're back in The States.
As for today, it is July 4th here. The lack of freedom has been so apparent this time. We have so much to be greatful for in the U.S. we are truly blessed.
Off to shower and pack...talk soon,
Gretchen

Orphans

Our Thursday~
First, Wednesday night: We got to go to dinner with the interns, Stacy (an 18 year old orphan that lives here) and Leah, the assistant to Tim who has lived here for 2 years. She took us to Wal-Mart where we bought a few treats we could bring home to the kids, but mostly just looked at all the items they sold there. The most shocking event was when we walked by the fish department and a little girl about 3-4, pulled down her pants, squatted and peed onto the floor. She was probably hardly noticed, or given a second look by all the locals, however, it definitely caught our attention. In Chinese potty training, split-pants are used. They are pants that have a large slice in the bottom area so that they can just squat and take care of business wherever and whenever needed. We saw a little boy pee in the toy store, on the floor and the parents tried to clean it up, but mostly, it was just a puddle on the floor.
Anyway, after that little trip Leah took all 8 of us to a nice restaurant where we were taken into our own private room. Leah and a Chinese staff member ordered our food and we had probably 12 different dishes. Brian and I paid the bill that night, as money is tight for these girls (they have had to raise support) and the total bill for eight people and waters to drink, was 209 Yuan or RMB, which equals about $30.00 American! We had many new treats, most of which were unidentifiable to me, most I braved…it was an adventure! When we came back to PHF, there were three, tiny, puppies lying next to the entry of the Inn. It is an ongoing joke that the Speech Therapist, Carrie, has taken in many baby animals, orphans if you will, and nursed them to health…or in one case, the kitten didn’t quite make it. They were obviously brand new babies and we later found out by the gate guards that they nannies had chased away the mother. The girls brought Carrie down and she, having the tender heart she has, scooped them up, fed them from a preemie bottle and nestled them into a bucket for the night. It’s only appropriate that an orphanage for children would have orphaned puppies and kitties as well!
On to today~ We got up and met with Dr. Moody who helps with the physical needs of the children. We made his morning rounds with him and caught some moments in photos. It is a sunny day again today, so the temperature is overwhelmingly hot and sticky. Within moments outside, we were dripping with sweat and then we had to go into buildings with no air-conditioning and stagnate air, our pours opened up and were literally raining sweat!
We are winding down here, we need to get bath and bedtime photos, but we have to eat dinner off the property, so we are in a dilemma as to how to be in two places at once? We may be able to get massages after shooting the kitchen crew making lunch, and before our afternoon session with the older boys that are staying in the same building as us, as they have school until around 2:30.
Our group should be landing at about this time, so hopefully they are getting home safe and sound. TTFN, Gretchen & Brian, from Langfang, CN

A broken heart

This morning, we made it early, over to one of the houses that the children live in, to take pictures of the morning rituals. At 10:00 p.m. tonight, the day is already a blur, so the next details may be out of order. We hung out for worship with our group, had lunch and then met up with a physical therapist and shadowed her to The Clinic where the children with the biggest need for medical attention stay. The interns name was Iris, she is doing her schooling and having on the job training. She did a marvelous job doing play therapy with the kids. One cultural difference between Chinese parenting and American is that many Chinese tend not to "play" with their kids. The nannies resist getting out toys for the kids, and do not get on the floor and interactively play. So, watching the PT's engage these kids and seeing how they loved to learn was great. Many of the younger kids had gone outside to have playtime, so Brian and I went over to take pictures and hang out with the kids. There is a huge playstructure (probably around a $40,000 US) but they do not use it. We loured a few kids over to it, and gradually, more and more became intrigued and joined in the fun. They had obviously not been even, down the slide because most of them were scared. The nannies did not seem pleased, but the kids were the happiest I'd ever seen. It was some of the greatest moments, watching these kids have such great joy.
The other blog worthy event came about when we were in Samartan's House, AKA The Clinic. We had met Mei Mei/Tiffany, a four year old girl who has a heart issue and due to that, her fingers and lips are blue and her legs and arms are stick like. It was explained that due to the work that her heart is doing, it becomes difficult for patients with heart issues to get enough caloric intake to gain weight. Mei Mei cannot walk, but walks on her knees, but mostly rides around on a little car so she can go from room to room. I later asked someone what her prognosis was and I was informed that she had an inoperable heart condition. It absolutely caught me off guard. The many needs that these children have, most are fixable. To hear that this beautiful little girl had no hope for a better life, just knocked me to the ground. It broke my heart and consumed my thoughts today.
We finished the day with our final dinner as a team. The Valley Fourth team is leaving tomorrow. It was great Chinese food and we got to have several dishes we'd never had before. Tomorrow we will be shadowing the Doctor (Dr. Moody), then work on setting up our "studio" and begin doing portrait shots of many of the kids for our book.
Good Night from China....Gretchen & Brian