We can't get this computer to upload images...but will try tomorrow again...
Getting late and need to go.
Promise to send photos by email tomorrow if necessary
the tale of our journey to unite us with our daughter...waiting across the sea
Visit our new blog at:
Jen Hope (Hai Zhen)
for I know the plans I have for you (Jer 29:11)
Safely home
July 30, 1997: in the loving care of Zhuhai orphanage, Guangdong province
December 17, 2007: in the loving care of her new family
December 17, 2007: in the loving care of her new family
Our Christmas Journey to China
Thank you for following us as we travel to China to meet our precious daughter, Jen Hope. We have been brought together through the marvelous grace of God and for that we are so very thankful. We hope you enjoy our story. We go with your love and prayers. Thanks for sharing the journey!!
--- Kristy and Steven
--- Kristy and Steven
Journal entries
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2007
(25)
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December
(21)
- 1/2 The rainbow's end
- 12/27 The Pearl River
- 12/27 Reflections on our journey
- 12/25 A Christmas Gift
- 12/25 Visit to Jen's orphanage
- 12/23 Things are going very well here
- 12/18 Gotcha Day Reflections
- 12/21 Between two worlds
- 12/18 Comments
- 12/18 Some more pictures
- 12/18 Sweet and Sour Pork in Guangzhou
- 12/18 Pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- 12/17
- 12/17 The stars are shining brightly in Guangzhou ...
- 12/16 Life as we know it changes tomorrow
- 12/15 Arrived safely in Guangzhou
- 12/10 Into the wind
- 12/7 The great paper chase is almost through
- 12/5 We've a got a ticket to ride
- 12/4 Whale song
- 12/2 Love needs no translation
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December
(21)
The Long and Winding Road
12/02 1st adoption seminar
12/29 the great paper chase begins
3/02 saw her picture
3/07 received referral
4/30 homestudy completed
5/03 sent Letter of Intent to China
7/18 received Preliminary Approval
7/20 sent our dossier to China
7/24 dossier logged in China
11/02 received Letter of Approval
11/26 received Travel Approval
12/12 depart for Guangzhou, China
12/17 Gotcha Day in Guangzhou
12/27 US Consulate appointment
12/28 Visa issued
12/29 The journey home begins
12/29 the great paper chase begins
3/02 saw her picture
3/07 received referral
4/30 homestudy completed
5/03 sent Letter of Intent to China
7/18 received Preliminary Approval
7/20 sent our dossier to China
7/24 dossier logged in China
11/02 received Letter of Approval
11/26 received Travel Approval
12/12 depart for Guangzhou, China
12/17 Gotcha Day in Guangzhou
12/27 US Consulate appointment
12/28 Visa issued
12/29 The journey home begins
The StarThrower of Costabel
Somewhere in the world today, ocean waves break along the shores of a place called Costabel. And once, not long ago, a man searching for meaning in life found himself along those shores. Early one morning he rose to walk the beach after a stormy night of wind and crashing seas. And as he walked he passed by kelp and driftwood cast up on the sand. He passed by broken shells and the flotsam and jetsam of life washed in by the waves. And then he saw the starfish. Starfish all along the beach and too many to count. Starfish everywhere...left on the sand by the storm. Then, in the distance, he saw the figure of a man stooping at the surf's edge. As he reached him, he watched as the man grabbed up a starfish and hurled it across the breakers into the sea. He greeted the man then said, "What difference can you possibly make? There are thousands of starfish on the beach." Quietly, the man stooped again and clutched a starfish that clung to life beyond the reach of the tide. And with a heave it sailed out into the waves. Then he simply replied, "It made a difference to that one".
And leaving the starthrower behind, this traveler walked on in search of the meaning of things. Then gazing back over his shoulder, he saw that a rainbow was stretching down from the sky and touching the beach behind him. And standing in the rays of that rainbow was that starthrower of Costabel -- stooping and casting little starfish back into the sea. And in that moment, he began to see things more clearly. Then kneeling down, he fetched up a little star and sailed it homeward to the sea. He too had become a thrower of stars...in a place called Costabel.
(adapted from "The Starthrower" by Loren Eiseley in his work, "The Unexpected Universe")
And leaving the starthrower behind, this traveler walked on in search of the meaning of things. Then gazing back over his shoulder, he saw that a rainbow was stretching down from the sky and touching the beach behind him. And standing in the rays of that rainbow was that starthrower of Costabel -- stooping and casting little starfish back into the sea. And in that moment, he began to see things more clearly. Then kneeling down, he fetched up a little star and sailed it homeward to the sea. He too had become a thrower of stars...in a place called Costabel.
(adapted from "The Starthrower" by Loren Eiseley in his work, "The Unexpected Universe")
7 comments:
Steven and Kristy, I am praying for you and Jen on this special day. God bless you.
Today's the day!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you. Can't think of anything or anyone else right now. Blessings to you and yours!
with love,
The Hubers
Welcome to the family, Jen!!!! We can't wait to meet you. You have a large family who loves you already. Don't be worried about coming to the United States, everyone will be friendly and you'll learn our language quickly.
Aunts Alicia & Cathy
Cousins Ian, Lindsey & John
Steven, Kristy & Jen Hope,
Oh happy day! We are thinking of you all. I wanted to share a quote (by Dr. Robert Schuller) from my daily calender, it is from December 15th, the day that you arrived in China ~
"In the presence of hope--faith is born. In the presence of faith, love becomes a possibility! In the presence of love--miracles happen!"
Congratulations on your miracle!
The Winder Family
noDear Steven and Kristy,
We are praying for all three of you on this special day! You will be awesome parents and there is a reason Jen Hope has waited so long just for you!
Love, Deidre
Kristy, Steven, you may know already, or you will soon know, that the hug of a child can refresh and renew like nothing else in the world. Jen will feel your love for her, and her new experiences will enhance her life tremendously as you help her grow toward adulthood. Never doubt you are doing the right thing. Love and best wishes, The Balagopals
Dear Kristy and Steven,
Today is such a special day!!
Wishing you'll every happiness as you'll grow together as a close and loving family.
Keeping Jen, you and Steven in my prayers,
Cheryl
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