December 9, 2011

We have had Josie now for only four days. I can honestly say, and I am baring my soul here...be kind...these have been the most difficult, most emotionally devastating four days of my life. Without boring you with the gory details, adoption is God's plan for orphans, He blesses the endeavors of those who step out and step up to do it, but Satan is just as intent on messing the whole thing up.  David and I have waged a spiritual battle these last four days and, praise God, have come out of it more committed to adoption and to this precious, beloved child of God than we were before.  Is everything unicorns and rainbows now?  Absolutely not.  We know we have a tough road ahead and that we need to be constantly on guard for more attacks, but right now we are thankful to God for bringing us through.  For those of you who are not Christians I know I probably sound like some sort of quack and I admit, I hesitated to post this, but what kind of Christian am I if I hide the reality of my challenges and don't testify to Christ's saving and sanctifying work in my life? 

On a lighter note, we are getting a little more into a routine everyday with Josie.  She is responding more positively to us each day.  Bedtime has gotten a little better, smoother each night.  She's treating us to more smiles.  She is definitely more comfortable with me than with David but he's understanding of that and is slowly but surely gonna' draw her in.  She loves being fake scared of him chasing her at the playground and she runs a little ways then looks back to make sure he's following and then she sets off again with that squeal that only little girls can do.  And she laughs and laughs.  It's great to see her happy.  She is an eager eater and has tried lots of different foods.  We're pretty much feeding her the most fattening, but healthy (ish), stuff we can find.  We can write in her baby book that her first English word was "cookie".  She's had lots of rice and noodles but also french fries, spaghetti, grilled cheese, sausage, fried chicken, juice, and chocolate bars--yum!  We are calling her Josie about half the time and Xiu Guan 

(chee-you-gwahn) the other half.  

We still don't get home for over a week.  It's way too long.  Miss everything.  Can't wait to get there.  We can get e-mail here (hint, hint).  

girl in the hood

happy playground girl

she's fascinated by all the statues

she worked on her pose a long time to get it just right

loves the statues

this vase is covered with butterfly wings--amazing, beautiful, slightly disgusting

more butterfly wing art

this is what we do in our "home"

  E-mail is our lifeline (hint, hint)

Josie's desk 

 She's got coloring things, her favorite watch, and some toys that she keeps very well-organized in the drawer