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Welcome to my family blog. I have been married to Mike for over half of my life. I love my Savior, Jesus. I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom to six terrific, interesting children. My 3 oldest were born to me in my younger years, while my 3 youngest were given to me by God in my older years. I am very blessed. ~Cheri

2.08.2010

Monday

Today was our Consulate Appointment.  Daniel took care of business for us and all the paperwork was in order.  Once that was taken care of, Ivy and I headed to White Cloud Mountain.  In the taxi, I told Ivy we would be going home in 3 more days.  She then became very melancholy and somber.  The tears came again.  Maybe I should not have said anything, but she needs to know.  She was sad for about 30 minutes.  Even riding the tram up the mountain did not occupy her mind.  Some time passed before I got a smile out of her.

Sad Ivy.

We had a nice time at the mountain.  We went inside a bird sanctuary.  The large area was tented with a net so the birds had their freedom, yet they were confined for their protection.  I enjoyed it.  Ivy seemed content.  I think it takes a lot to amuse her.  After hanging out with the birds, Ivy ate a disgusting looking lunch of chicken, rice, hard boiled brown egg (with and without the shell it was brown), and greens.  I had to turn my head when she was devouring the chicken.  It had bones and pieces I would not touch.  She did not seem to mind, but looked quite experienced at it all.  After that, she seemed to liven up a bit, and we walked around, ate ice cream together.

A little happier

We have a picture of Mike with Eva and Joy in front of this in 2007.

I need one of these.

We took the tram back down.  This time Ivy enjoyed waving at the people in the tram who were going the opposite direction.  She learned to say, "nobody" when a tram was empty.  And, I forgot to mention, after breakfast, she said to me, "I'm done."  I'm thrilled!  She's willingly speaking some English.  She also told me "Thank you" after I gave her something.

We ended the day with a little bit of shopping.  I bought Eva and Joy each one of those tu-tu Chinese dresses.  Ivy is not interested in the Chinese dresses.  I did get her a chop, though.  I figured out that Ivy's Chinese name, Ma, means horse.  I knew Ma meant horse, but thought it was odd.  Now, I realize that she was born in the year of the horse.  The Chinese seem to have a reason for everything.  Xue means "learned" or "schooled".  I have no idea why she was named that.  Maybe that is what they hoped for her.

Our $5.00 meal from the Deli.

Ivy's collection...what a contrast.

Tomorrow we go to our oath ceremony at the U.S. Consulate.  I then get Ivy's passport/visa on Wednesday evening, and head home on Thursday.  I'm sort of sad that my time in China is coming to an end.  I'm sad for Ivy...leaving all she has ever known.  I've enjoyed being alone with her and getting to know her.  But, I'm so thrilled beyond words to be back with my family.  I miss my boys so much.  I miss my goofy girls, including Jordan!  And, I miss my dear husband.  He's been working overtime with his family and work.  I appreciate him more than he knows.

5 kind words:

Sue Lucas

Hi Cheri I know when you get home and she gets to meet her forever family in person face to face she will be so thriled.When all the little girls start playing dolls and dishes and all the silly fun things Eva and Joy do she will join right in and be at HOME.
The Lord has been with you every step of the way as you know and He will make sure it is all Great.
Sue

Anonymous

Hi Cheri-
I found your blog over at Naomi's blog Lydia Hope. We just got home from China on Saturday the 6th. I have loved going back to read your journey. We adopted XiaoHua (Isabella) who is 5 1/2 with a repaired CL/CP. Her first day was VERY hard and I am amazed at what these kids can go through. I am curious - how old is Ivy? She is so beautiful!!
Can't wait to see the rest of your journey!
Stacy Richmond
Kansas

Naomi

I've missed checking in with you this weekend.... we have been to Scotland!!

I am so looking forward to seeing how Ivy does when she meets her family. I know that your time is bittersweet because you want to enjoy the time there but also get home. For Ivy it will be the end of her life there but the beginning of so much more and I have a feeling that you are going to see such a transformation take place!!!

She really is gorgeous!!

Anonymous

Hi Cheri,

We were not in Scotland and therefore do not have an excuse for not leaving a comment. I have to say that I lived for those comments while we were in China so am sorry for my neglect. It really helped me to feel connected to my world here in the US. I did check your blog each day - but we had company and also were shoveling out of our big snow!! Oh my goodness!
We were with a family last year who adopted a little one who was three (I believe almost 4) and there were some great moments and some really sad moments. As time has gone by the really bad moments have lessened in intensity and in frequency. I remember saying to her then that we expect so much out of these little ones so quickly (I of course, include myself). Their little worlds are just rocked and can we ever quite understand what they endure? On the flipside...they are so resilient. I can't wait to see how she changes over time in her new home.....my guess is that she will feel so grateful for awhile. I think Emma (even though only one at the time) felt grateful for a long time too. It just seemed that way anyway.
The hug you gave her....has she even experienced love like that before? These dear children.
Our prayers continue for you both and your family too!
God Bless!!
Jenny

trina

I remember feeling the same way. I wanted to see my kids but didn't want to leave China. I think little Miss Ivy will want a Chinese dress after she gets home and sees all the little girls wearing them. Sneak one in the suitcase for her. :) She might want it next Chinese New Year.
I know her heart must be so confused...but she will love her little sisters and she will adore Jordan. Won't be long!!

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