Today is my sweet Michael's birthday!  He would have been 15 today.  We should be going to get his permit on Monday.  He should have started high school with his brothers this year.  He should be playing sports and going to high school ballgames and hanging out with friends.  He should be here with us blowing out his candles and opening his birthday presents today and enjoying all life has to offer and basking in the joy of it being his day and celebrating him on this day.
Well, we are celebrating him today and I hope and pray that he knows how much we miss him here.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of him.  I thank God for him every day and for the time we shared while on earth.  I know that I will see him again and until then I hope that I can live a life worthy to get where I know Michael is now.
I'm reading a great book right now called Rare Bird.  It's a memoir written by a mother who lost her 11 year old son in a freak accident while playing in the neighborhood.  I have loved reading her thoughts and feeling like they are my own put so beautifully into words.  In the book she is brutally honest with her thoughts and emotions of her grief. Her son's name was Jack.  She states,"What I'm still learning is yet another way to look at Jack's favorite Bible verse, "For nothing is impossible with God."  Jack used that verse to encourage himself in doing hard things, despite life's challenges. Then, with the accident, the verse seemed to mock me.  For (even with) God, nothing is impossible!  Our precious child could die!  Eventually, it revealed itself in a third way:  God can give comfort through birds, rainbows, dreams, visions, clouds, and signs.  Why had I thought that a holy God wouldn't  or couldn't use those means to show His love? Nothing is impossible with God.  And finally, I've been learning that with God so close to me in my heartache, what I thought was impossible is possible, surviving and perhaps eventually thriving despite losing my Jack."  Reading her words made me think of where our family is right now with our current adoption.  Through God working in our hearts, something that we thought could be impossible is possible.  There is a little boy in our home that needed love, guidance and a family to call his own.  And now he is here! God has put him in our lives and I hope to give him all that God, who created him, intends for him.  As I grieve for Michael, I do know that God is watching over him now for me.....just as we now watch over, and love, one of God's lost children ....our very own little Luke ShuChen Yang!
We always decorate our Christmas tree on Michael's birthday.  Today it was a joyous occasion for little Luke!  He loved hearing the Christmas music and hanging all the fun "kid-made" ornaments.  Yes, we have that Christmas tree...the one with all the construction paper ornaments that are basically dried glue and glitter. Priceless ornaments... literally priceless, lol...and you don't have to worry about anyone breaking them too.  Luke ShuChen loved grabbing them and laying claim to some as his and then pointing to the others when he thought it needed to belong to them.  He even pointed to Mama when there was one that he thought belonged to me.  When finished he looked at us and then the tree and just smiled and clapped his hands.  Greatest moment of the day!
Thank you God for giving me Michael!  Even though he was only here for 23 months, he lives FOREVER in my heart and the hearts of others, and for that I will be ETERNALLY grateful!

LOVE4USA!!!!!

It's the day after Thanksgiving and all is well!  I'm sitting at our kitchen table and just across from me is our new little man at his laptop and with his coffee mimicking me.  So stinking cute!

We'll back up to where we left off....

Three kids asleep on the floor at the airport and calls to board our plane for NC.  Ellen was no problem, but the other two didn't go so well.  Just one more (hopefully last) time of cussing Steve!  Quite a nightmare getting on the plane....sweating, crying, runny noses, gagging from too much crying, lots of bags.. but we did it.  For 2 hours all four of us slept.  Once touched down in Charlotte, I told Ashley just a little bit longer I need you, and then we'll be with Daddy....so suck it up and let's make it to the baggage claim.  Steve was stuck in traffic, so he wasn't able to get there before us.  Once got our bags I noticed our largest suitcase had tape wrapped all around it.  Our stinking zipper had been ripped during the handling and was unable to be zipped so just taped up.  I had to go to the office to file a claim and while I was in there, Steve walked in.  I totally missed capturing the moment with my camera, but luckily was able to see from where I was standing.  Luke was in his stroller and Steve came running toward the girls and Luke with open arms.  I'm sure Luke studied him for awhile but then I saw him open his arms too and they hugged.  I knew then everything would be alright!  Bond from first sight!  Lots of hugs and kisses for the girls and me, and we were off (with the help of Daddy...whew!) to the car.  Happy, happy, happy!  Such a relief to be home and to be back with Daddy!

We weren't sure how he would react to the car, but he jumped right in and loved the ride home.  He's loved riding in the car ever since! If he sees you put your clothes on, he instantly wants his own, then his shoes, backpack, hearing aids and he's ready to go.

Once home, John and Alex were there. They had had a basketball game so were unable to go with Steve to the airport.  We were greeted to signs on the door from Daddy and sights of the dogs through the storm door.  No barking from Major and excitement from Luke, so all was good from the beginning with the dogs.  Luke loves the dogs! He's having to learn that dogs are not people.  He tried to put his straw in Major's mouth and share his drink. Lol!

As soon as we walked in the house, Luke was taking it all in running around, opening drawers, closets, running from room to room.  It was like Christmas morning for us all!  We were all so excited to see him so happy with his new home and all of us! John and Alex's friends and neighbors, Will and Graham, showed up to meet Luke and he instantly made fast friends with two cool big guys! Four big boys to lift you up and do airplane through the house...what little boy would not be in hog heaven!?! After lots of playing and running around the house we all finally got to bed around 11pm.

The next day the girls went to school.  Steve was off from work...Thank God! And the boys went to school, so it was just the three of us.  It was a good day!  I was just so happy to be home, despite the jet lag and endless amount of laundry and unpacking of suitcases.  Shortly into the day, Steve's wallet went missing.  After a full day of searching and tearing apart the house, Ashley found late in the day in a ceramic pumpkin.  Once found, Luke grabbed it and ran to Steve with it, so proud that it had been found.  

Since home, Steve has gained a shadow! Luke follows Steve around everywhere and wants to do everything he does.  Blowing the leaves, Luke found a broom and immediately ran out and began helping him.  So happy to see that Daddy and Luke have bonded!  I think it really helped for Luke to see Steve, John and Alex so much through FaceTime.  We would FaceTime mornings and evenings and I would definitely recommend that for anyone traveling to adopt without the other spouse.

John and Alex have been so busy with school, basketball, and work that they have not been home much, but with the Thanksgiving break I know Luke will enjoy them being home and spending time with them.  Last night he slept in their room and seemed very happy!

Meeting his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins went great also.  He and Dylan became fast friends and were out to defend the enemy with their guns and imaginary play.  Amazing how the language barrier is not an issue when it comes to playing.

As for the language barrier, hand signals are becoming more common for us.  We can also see Luke understanding  more English words.  We still speak Chinese to him....well, the words we know...but I think the frustrations are becoming less and less.

I couldn't be happier with how Luke and all of us are adapting to the change in our family!  He is a pleasant addition! It warms my heart to see how happy he is with BaBa (Daddy in Chinese), his 

siblings, and our dogs. GOD IS GOOD! Thank you  to all of our friends and family who have been the hands, feet, and voices for God to us.  It's wonderful to know that you have so many loved ones rallying behind you.  You know, I remember having a friend ask "Why do you want to do this?"  While that is a legitimate question, the tone of the question really bothered me.  I found myself in China thinking that maybe that friend was right and this was not the right thing .....but thankfully I made it through and I thank all those that stood behind me and encouraged me through those rough days.  I see now that this is exactly where we should be.  This little boy is such a joy and I thank God for leading us to him! 

Besides my family, Sarah Busby was the first friend that I confided in about our plans to adopt and I will never forget her reaction, her excitement, her encouragement, her support!  While in China, I facetimed her at a really low point.  Bless her....even though she was on vacation, she took the time to talk me through my breakdown and once again, was that person who saw me through it.  I thank her and every family member and friend who has supported us through this journey.  And to all those that ever doubted this adoption, hopefully you have had a change of heart through our story.

I have so many reflections of our trip.....but will post at a later date.  Just mainly wanted everyone to know that we are doing GREAT!  AND GOD IS GOOD!  Best Thanksgiving yet!!!! 

 First night home....Ellen happy to be back with her daddy!

 Luke having fun on the trampoline

 Helping daddy with yard work

 Luke loves hot drinks.  Drinking hot chocolate

 Wearing daddy's favorite visor

 With Bubbie 1

 With Bubbie 2

Cutest picture ever with his cousin, Dylan!

Heading Home!

Well, we’re on the big plane headed home! Little man is asleep…mission accomplished by big sis, Ellen.  I had fallen asleep and heard a child scream.  Woke up and saw that it wasn’t him. Asked Ellen how he got to sleep and she said she just rubbed his head til he fell asleep.  He’s the cutest little guy going to bed at night.  When time to go to sleep he rocks himself to sleep.  He gets on his side and then rocks his body back and forth.  It is the cutest thing!  Last night in our hotel in Beijing we all got our pajamas on and got in the bed quickly since it was 1am. He has been sleeping with Ashley and so we all go in bed and I turned the lights out and told them we only had a few hours to sleep.  He would not lay down and was screaming for me and pointing to his sheets.  When I went over, he laid back, put his arms over his head and smiled.  Oh…he wanted me to tuck him in like I had done all the other nights in Guangzhou! Made my heart melt!

The airport in Guangzhou went smoothly last night.  Helen, our guide, took us at 5:30 and our flight was at 8:30pm.  It was a three hour flight to Guangzhou and one of the longest 3 hours I’ve spent in the air.  First of all, when I requested our 4 seats to be back to back pairs, I should have asked for window seats also because when we boarded and our seats were aisles and middles, Luke did not understand and sat at the window.  The last flight he was at the window so I’m sure that’s where he thought he would sit again.  It took quite a bit of convincing and a stewardess to tell him in Chinese, but he moved.  He wanted to sit with Ellen so he did and poor Ellen behind me all I could hear was “No” and “Stop” and “Don’t do that.” I kept turning around trying to discipline myself.  Once again, we got the looks.  The lady that took Luke’s seat at the window was not so happy about her seat assignment.  Luke got bored real fast, and I’m sure the fact that it was so late at night did not help his behavior.  Looking back, it was sort of funny the way he would hold his trash and just yell “JA  JAH!” Which means “I want!” He would yell it over and over til a stewardess came.  He also had a little hangnail on a finger and kept holding up all his fingers…s same scream, JA JAH! so then he got crazy with the bandaids and decided that he needed a new one every 5 minutes.  Thank God that was one of those items that I packed thinking “Will I really need this?"  

We landed, picked up our bags and met the person picking us up to take us to our hotel.  He was holding a sign that said YANG ELLEN MOON-KYU.  It was freezing!!! Got to our room and had hard time finding an outlet to work to charge all of our electronics.  Luke is an organizer and he immediately set in wanting to help and pull everything out.  Once I finally found an outlet that worked and everything settled I turned out the lights to go to bed.  Well, when I turned out the lights the outlets went out.  Oh boy! So then I found a small light in the room that was connected to an outlet that would be the least amount of light for the night.  The girls were long gone asleep but little Luke still awake. Well, he would not go to sleep with even that little light on.  Once again…JA JAH! So I had to turn everything off til he rocked himself to sleep and then get up and turn back on.  Waking everyone up at 6:30 was hard, but they did it and we got to the airport.  Long line for check in for the flight to Chicago.  Beijing airport is huge so lot of walking and getting on shuttles to terminals and elevators but we made it and all was well. Luke walked most of the way and that was a definite God send,  I did have to check in the Benadryl I had brought since it was over 100ml.  Ellen was so funny. When I asked at check-in and they told me no.  Ellen said, “Mom, we need that for him!  Give some to him now before you put in the suitcase.”  I thought we would find some in an airport shop before boarding, but really no time to search around.  But all is well, he’s asleep and everyone is happy!

 

He wanted Ashley's bow in his hair. 

The kids with our guide Helen

The end of the road for us in China!

Our last full day in China! Woohoo! No disrespect to my little Lukie Lu’s homeland but I need to get home!!!!  Hopefully we can come back one day for a heritage trip and he (and me!) can fully appreciate where he is from, but for right now I need to get the heck outta here.  Today on the way back to our room, all the kids ran to the room as usual and they each want to take the key and open the room door.  Well, this time, it was Ashley’s turn and Luke lost it when he did not get to open the door himself.  Well, we weren’t the only ones who knew it because after quickly sweeping him into the room and trying to pacify him with the iPad and suckers and such, there was a ring at the door. A housekeeper was there just simply saying “baby?” So I invited her in.  Well, she proceeded to talk to Luke in Chinese, pick him up, take him to the window, wipe his nose, and then tell me that we needed to change his shirt. She went to his suitcase looking for a shirt. She goggle translated for us the question, “he wants?” so I proceeded to write in what happened. She wanted to take him out and do the doorbell again but by this time he had stopped crying and I told her thank you and goodbye.  While she stood there we finished packing up our things and taking our suitcases to the door.  Once again, ugly looks and foreign comments.  Another housekeeper rang the bell and the both stood there with the ugly stares.  I mean have these people never seen a child cry? I feel like the worst parent.  Yesterday in a little pizza place (named Oggi’s and by the way was awesome!) Luke was talking loudly….just happy, and the ladies at the table next to us seemed so annoyed.  One was pregnant and all I could think was “you just wait., little mama.” 

Yesterday was a good day.  We had our appointment at the US Consulate.  There I took the oath for Luke to become a US citizen.  We fulfilled our last official bit of paperwork!!!! WOOHOO!!! Today we will get Luke’s passport with the visa in it and be on our way.  We have to wait til 5:30 to receive and we’ll officially be on our way home.  We fly to Beijing at 8:30 tonight (Wednesday) and arrive around 11pm.  We spend the night at a hotel and fly out bright and early for Chicago.  Our final destination in Charlotte will be Thursday night, our time.  

Ashley is struggling as much as Luke I think.  She wanted me to blog that she got her arm stuck in the elevator.  She was holding Luke’s shoes for us and went in first.  The doors started closing before we could get in so she stuck her arm out that was holding his shoes to hold open for us. The doors completely closed on her arm and Ellen and I screamed.  The doors then opened and a terrified look was on Ashley’s face.  They then started to close again…this time with her arm pulled in and Ellen yelled “Go to one!” We met her downstairs and of course she was full of tears.  Poor thing!  Was very traumatic for us all.  Ellen was sick to her stomach and I had a headache.  Just another incident that I was cussing Steve under my breath.  An adoption dad asked me the other day…”Does your husband feel bad that he’s not here?”  I just said, “He better!” LOL! 

I really thought I would have handled this trip better by myself, but I have to say….I did I pretty crappy job by myself!  Well actually, I wasn’t by myself and having Ellen and Ashley here has been priceless!!!!! I REALLY could not have done it without them! I’m soooooo very proud of them! Especially, Ellen!  She has been the ROCK of us all!!!!!  Very special girl I have there!!!!!

Appointment at the US Consulate to declare Luke a US citizen

Luke loves watching all the crazy drivers!

Amazing that people can drive within inches of each other without hitting someone.

Last night on the streets of Guangzhou

Had to take a picture in front of the kids favorite drink billboard

Attempting to jump all together in front of our hotel

Beautiful day at Shamian Island

It's 12:30am here and can't sleep so decided to blog about our day yesterday.  So we went to Shamian Island which is about 15 minutes from our hotel.  Beautiful spot with very European atmosphere...Savannah plantation style atmosphere to put on US terms.  Beautiful statues all over the grounds and Ashley wanted her picture taken with every single one.  She's been such a trooper, so I decided we would make that happen.  Had to miss the bus ride back with our group to make it happen, but we did it.  We ended up taking a taxi and everything was fine.  I will say though it was a little scary just seeing your guide and group take off without you and leave you in a strange place knowing that you will have to get back on your own....but then again that would explain this whole trip so what the heck.....
The island was beautiful and the weather was perfect.  Luke on the other hand decided that he would slide through the stroller and let his body fall and feet drag so much that he would began crying, spitting, drooling, screaming.  Okay so if you think Chinese people stare at blonde American people, let me just tell you that add a blonde American crazy woman with a screaming Chinese child and you have some serious stares....evil looks from the Chinese ladies.  Two things I will not miss about China:  squatty potties and evil looks from Chinese people.  Please don't get me wrong...we have also met some very nice Chinese people.  Some tell us what a good thing we're doing, some comment on our beautiful children.  Speaking of beautiful children, I love the fact that people here when they see that they can't communicate with me, they turn to Ellen and start talking in Chinese.  Yesterday at a convenience store, the clerk turned to Ellen and I told him "english" and pointed to her, but he proceeded to try to talk to her.  The look on her face during those times is priceless.
Despite Luke's tantrum, we were able to do some shopping.  The girls bought some things and we bought some things for Luke to have later.  One was a pair of cuff links with Chinese characters "Double Happiness."  Hopefully, we can give these to him when he marries or special occasion as ab adult. There was a place that made custom made name stamps with your name written in English and Chinese.  We bought one for Luke and the girls wanted one too so got one for them also. Sorry John and Alex :-)  Luke's tantrum ended with the purchase of some velcro sandals and an orange umbrella.  He was a happy boy after that!
We had dinner at a Irish pub.....yes, you read that correctly, Irish pub in China! Right above the noodle shop that we have eaten at the last two nights. Also right beside a massage shop that had "colon massage" on the list of massages available.  Wtf is a colon massage?!? Ken and Jen, the other couple here that we were eating dinner with, and I had a good laugh from that one.  Maybe we could bring that form of massage to the States.  Speaking of bringing to the States, Luke got a happy meal at McDonalds and an option instead of fries was corn...maybe we could bring that back to the States also.  It was very good! Actually better than the burger or nuggets! They just don't taste the same here.
The Irish pub was actually really good. Our waitress spoke very good English so made the ordering process much easier.  Was nice to have an American meal with a draft beer.  When I say American meal, please know that we truly will not have an American meal until we get home.  But they do try to assimilate it somewhat here.
Luke is slowly getting used to the word no.  And I'm figuring out ways to make it a little easier too.  Choices are good for him.  If I give him a choice between two things, he seems to do well with that.  He is also figuring out how to hand gesture wants to us and we've downloaded several preschool games and doing those with him is something that he loves.  We brought some seek and find books and he likes doing those so we'll sit and do those the four of us together.  He loves that feeling of success...I mean who doesn't, but with him if he can do something and see the results then he feels good. So I can see that once home I'm gonna have a little helper at home.  We've learned "good job" in Chinese and are really trying to praise the good behaviors.  He has the sweetest and cutest smile you'll ever see, so hard to stay mad at him for too long.  His smile would make anyone's heart melt.
We FaceTime with Steve, aka Baba (Chinese for daddy) and the boys in the mornings and at night.  It is the cutest thing....first thing he does when he wakes up is go straight to the laptop and lift the screen and then come get me to put in the password and then points to the menu picture of the FaceTime icon and says Baba.  It's been good for him to see Steve's face, so that when we get home hopefully he'll be somewhat familiar with him.
Tomorrow is our appointment at the US Consulate.  It is fairly early in the morning so I hope the mood of the kids can last through the day tomorrow.  This is an exciting day for us.  Luke becomes a US citizen! Officially when we hit US ground, but still a big step in the adoption process. Hey, and one step closer to home!
I truly want to thank everyone again for all their thoughts and prayers, texts, comments, and personal messages through Facebook.  I am a firm believer that we are the hands and feet of God and through each us God can be seen, felt, and heard.  I received a personal message from a friend yesterday that touched me so deeply.  She spoke of the sermon preached and how it spoke to her to share with me.  I know that is God's way of getting to me...is through her. So I thank her for listening to Him and relaying it to me.  She told me that they sang Here I Am Lord and then she proceeded to write the entire lyrics to me.....crying as I write this now.  She said how the words made her think of me and what I'm doing.  I LOVE THIS SONG and know it probably better than anyone, but to read each line and to read it during this time meant so much to me and really hit me.  Thank you Sarah for taking the time for me and being that servant of God to me.  Here I Am Lord was sang at Michael's funeral and to hear it now every time hits me like a ton of bricks.  On November 11, 2014 Lu ShuChen became Luke ShuChen Yang.  Offically a part of our family.  The same day 13 years ago, November 11, 2001, was the last day that I spent with my precious little boy, Michael.  How crazy is that?  I miss him so much every day and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. Michael's death date is always hard and then when you mix it with a new little boy who doesn't appear to want to be with me.....just a lot of heartache and asking God..."Where are you?"  Well, I know through all the words of so many that He is right here and He is with me.  So thank you for all of your words of encouragement.

Ugly stares....I just wish I had my zoom lens on to capture a closer look 

Just a few of the statues....lots more pictures were taken...LOTS!!!

This is Ellen trying to work on her school work

BETTER DAY!!!!!!

Okay, today soooooooo much better! I hate to say it, but Luke can show some really defiant behavior and behaviors that I really don't know how to handle.  Yesterday to have the other families around was a huge relief.  Even though they tried to help during one of his fits and he was unresponsive to them, and even our Chinese speaking guide and driver too, it helped to just have them there for my own sanity and support.  We went to dinner last night and he was so good.  He ate so much and loved the food, so you better believe that we will be going back there tonight and maybe even every night til we leave.  Today we went to a beautiful park with lots of walking.  We had our stroller, along with the other two families and their little girls and it worked out perfect.  Minus a few times when he did not want to go and insisted on putting his feet out to stop the stroller or when we took the iPad from him.  We've learned to coax him to do what he doesn't want to do with a sucker.  I really don't agree with bribery as form of parenting but I feel like I'm in survival mode right now and gotta do what we have to do.  Ellen and Ashley have been AWESOME helpers!!!! They have been so patient and willing to give in to him so many times and in so many ways.  I've assured them that when we get home it will be different.  I think they know me well enough to know that the behaviors that we have to tolerate here, mom will definitely not tolerate at home.  My sweet little Ashley has had to take some "toddler abuse" and I will say that Daddy will owe her a big day out once back home.  I know it's been hard for her to see all the attention go to him.  She has wanted to be a mommy to him and he has wanted no part of it....lot of yelling and hitting at her.
Yesterday we tried to lay down and rest, hoping that maybe a nap for him would help his mood and behavior.  Well, he proceeded to open and close the curtains, laughing, turning lights on and off, pulling everything out of the bags and we eventually gave up when he crammed a candy bar in Ellen's ear.  Then proceeded to stomp on the chocolate all in the cream colored carpet.  Ellen was a trooper.  They have been very strong through this all.....especially even with a crazy, crying, "I can't do this" repeating, mom!
Like I said, today has been so much better.  After the visit to the park, we came back to the hotel and went to McDonalds for lunch, then Starbucks,then the 13th floor outdoor playground set, and now back in the room with Ellen watching the English speaking channel (yeah!!!! Just found it today!) and she's now asleep, Ashley and Luke playing and actually him sitting on my lap on and off.  Life is good!
I GREATLY APPRECIATE ALL THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!!! Please pray for my little Ashley.  I think it's been a tough day for her...for whatever reason.  3 more days here and we'll be on a plane home!!!

Starbucks!  My girls have been so good I upgraded their frappacino from a tall size to grande!!!

Ellen:  "Mom, let's take a selfie."  My sweet girl!!!

This pic was taken by Ken, one of the other adoptive parents.  Luke did not want to make the walk up to the statue so we left him at the bottom of the stairs with Helen, our guide, so that we could see it. He joked that we should caption this picture...."A moment of peace"....lol!

Guangzhou!

We're here and can say that Guangzhou seems more westernized than Hefei.  The hotel is very nice.  I wish I could say the same about Luke Shu Chen....lol!  He has been difficult for me to handle.  Just very defiant and I don't know how to handle that.  First real melt down came shortly after arrival. Mine this time!!!! I've got to get a handle on this.  Trying to keep it all in perspective and talking to other adoptive families definitely helps.  Today is Saturday and we went for the medical exam with the other families and our guide.  Luke is hot or cold, and we just never know what we'll get at any time.  Counting down the days til we're home!!!!

One of his first defiant moments.  Got off elevator and refused to go to the room.  Just sat here for about 15 minutes before the dumdum coaxed him there.

We went on a paddle boat ride while in Hefei

With our guide, Jane

Luke Shu Chen loved the airplane ride!

Next few days in Hefei

Today is Wednesday, November 11 and we just visited the orphanage.  Gonna back track to Sunday when we arrived at Hefei.  Our train ride ended in Hefei around 5:45. Getting off went very quickly and we had to hurry to get all of our luggage off.  I was glad that we took the bullet train because we were able to see a lot of the countryside of China. Once off, we were approached by many strangers wanting to take our bags, but thanks to friends on Facebook I was prepared for this.  Scared Ellen though. Then we approach the escalator that is broken and a long set of stairs that we don’t know how we’ll get our luggage down.  So I tell Ellen to stay at the top and I will go down and come back up for the other luggage.  Ellen very quickly said “No way your’e leaving me here.” So the only thing to do is to carry the luggage down the stairs so I took the heaviest pieces.  Ashley had one suitcase and only way for her to get down was to drag it.  It went flying down the stairs and handle broke at the end.  Now we have lots of luggage and upset Ashley to get to the outside. Happily at the top of the ramp was Jane, our guide with a sign that said WACAP/Lori Yang.  So happy to see her.  Lots of traffic and people, it was dark, lots of honking and traffic, but we got to our hotel, checked in and prepared to meet Jane the next morning to go to the Civil Affairs Office to meet Luke and take custody of him.  

The next morning we were picked up at our hotel by Jane at 8:45.  We missed breakfast just trying to get all prepared to be united with Luke.  We arrived at the office to find another family from the Netherlands there also to pick up their child from the same orphanage.  We worked on paperwork and then just waited.  Our guide made a call to the orphanage to ask when they would arrive and just then they walked in the door. Oh my, our first sight of Shu Chen in person!!! So cute and all smiles when our eyes met.  Once brought into the room though he held onto the nanny’s hand and shook his head side to side.  Coming to us was not going to happen.  We stayed back and just tried to wave and encourage him to come to us.  After not happening, our guide suggested maybe we go to him.  So we took our dum dum suckers and toys and went to the door to where he was.  Still shaking his head he slowly warmed up to us and the toys we brought.  Thank goodness for the dum dums.  He loved the suckers!!!! I think we went through at least 6 in our first hour together  By the time we were ready to leave Luke walked out willingly with us and got into the van and pretty happily rode to the hotel with us.  The binoculars and toy airplane were a big success and made everything a little easier.  The rest of the day was just playing with him and becoming familiar with each other. The first day went well!

Second day got off to a rocky start.  Breakfast was hard, knowing what he wanted, and not really sure, just know that he was not satisfied with anything.  At end of breakfast, screaming and crying occurred and lasted all the way to the civil affairs office.  Once there we were put in a separate room since he was so upset.  Finally calmed down with help of a dumdum and game on Ellen's phone he was back to normal.  While waiting we played a little ring around the roses with him and it was smiles the rest of the day.

Wednesday was the visit to the orphanage.  The facility was cold.  I see now why all the children wear coats all day.  So strange to visit the place where I have seen pictures for the past year.  Once off the elevator we ran into his foster father.  He also works at the orphanage as maintenance worker. He was very happy to see us.  Luke made sure to hold onto my hand, which I felt was a good sign.

We went to the kindergarten class first, Luke's class. So cute, all the kids!  The teachers were glad to see him.  All the children were very shy.  Then we went to another classroom before we left.  There we saw the little boy with microtia that we have followed since we found Luke.  Sweet little boy and he and a friend danced for us.

Then we went to the foster home of Luke and met his foster mother.  Very sweet and shy lady.  Seemed to love him very much.  Luke smiled showing us around.  The foster mother talked to us about Luke.  He was ready to go by the end and didn't seem to mind leaving.

Thursday will be a free day and Jane will take us to a park. Then Friday off by plane to Guangzhou.

 Luke's foster fatther          

 

 

Luke Shu Chen's finding place.  He was left here in a box at 9 days old with a note stating his birthdate.

This is a respected place of business.  When I asked if possible that his parent worked here, the response was no, most likely left here because educated well-off people work here.