five more days...

I just wanted to test out posting via email since it is unlikely that I
will be able to view or access my blog from China. Out going
communications are typically blocked significantly via the Internet. I
have a program downloaded that typically allows me to post via email
anyway, but just testing to make sure I remember how to do it. I do
have a back up plan. My great friend, Teresa has all of my information
and if I cannot post to blogger myself, I will email her the posts (and
more importantly the pictures) so that she can post them for me.

The rest of my time will be spend tidying things up at work and spending
time with my girls (oh and wrapping all of their Christmas presents
lol). I leave late on Thursday evening and the girls and I have plans
to stay home from school and go to the movies and just spend the day
together. I think that they may be more excited about staying home from
school and NOT being sick then they are about spending the day with
their dear old Mom.

On Friday night I had dinner with some of my dearest friends. Some of
them have walked this path I am about to take, adopting older children.
Their insight and experiences have prepared me for the wonderful and
challenging journey ahead. They showered me with some wonderful gifts
for Madison and I was so very touched by their love and support for my
entire family. Please pray for Madison during the coming weeks and
months. This may be an exciting and wonderful time for US, but HER world
is about to turn upside down. She is about to be taken from the only
people that she has known, from her familiar foods, her friends,
teachers, her HOME. The language barrier will be a difficult one to
overcome. I pray that I can comfort her with my gentle touch and the
help of Google translate LOL. She doesn't understand how to be in a
family. What exactly is a "family" when you have never had one? She may
be overwhelmed by all of the attention. She may just adjust and do
wonderfully, but I am prepared for some significant issues with her
grieving and figuring out just how she fits into our crazy family. One
thing I DO know is that we all love her so much and we will give her as
much time, support, and help as she needs to become comfortable and
secure in our family.

For those who have asked, I am staying at the Lakeside in Fuzhou from
December 17-23 (yes, I leave on the 15th--let's hope I sleep on the
plane).
From December 23-31st I am staying in Guangzhou at the Holiday Inn
ShiFu...last minute change of hotel there, but all is good!!!

I receive Madison on December 19th, which will be the evening of
December 18th over here in the States.

Thank you for following along. If you post a comment, I will get it
directly to my email. So regardless of whether I can post (or Teresa
does), I will get your comments.