Gotcha Day #5

September 2008 in China

 It has been five incredible years since we met Iris.  In the adoption world, the exact date of receiving the new family addition is known as "Gotcha Day."  For us, it means reconnecting with families that we met and traveled with around China as all of us began to love our little babies.  Can you match the babies with the photos below?

The whole group was larger, but these three other families were together because our babies were from the same province, Gansu.

Alex (jie-jie) and Isabelle

Karis

Warren

Iris (with friend, Claire)

Anna (visiting China)

Anaya (in HK)

 It's a delight to see the beautiful changes in our children.  I imagine that God delights as well, each time His children (followers of Jesus) grow in trusting in, and mature as we abide in His Holy Spirit. 
I believe that this is a fun age to see our children.  They continue to seek out parents, ask questions, practice until they "get it" and laugh often.  Iris reminds me often that I must let go of the small stuff, and not worry about less important things.  I want to trust Jesus in all things and in all ways.  That is my prayer for Iris and so many loved ones.

May God continue to grow our hunger and desire to know Him as our reigning King and Savior.

It's Kindergarten (again?)

 Hello!
Bonjour!

C'est moi, Iris!

Je suis avec mes amis-
Serena et Katilyn.  





Nous sommes dans la grande section Kinder-C"
J'aime la classe de Mdme. Zeina.   Regarde la masterpiece!



The first day of school started August 15th and went well enough.  Uniforms were the norm this year.  Iris liked this jumper.  As a welcoming of all families, there was a picnic in the park called "École en Blanc" that first weekend when everyone was asked to wear as much white as possible.  It was a very hot day, but a lovely time to meet new and familiar school families.  Daddy missed the

Iris's friends, Marta and Valentin, are now at my school.

fun and wine, but Iris enjoyed playing with friends.  It was a miracle that she didn't stain her white dress permanently.  She really wanted to go down to the creek with friend, Grayson, and others, but Momma said, "Not today". 

Also, new this year is the luxury and privilege to buy freshly cooked hot lunches.  I (Mom) have been volunteering during lunch periods, and have found it to be hard work.  This is because our school is trying a new way of serving the students, encouraging them to engage in conversation and to eat delicious gourmet-type dishes, e.g. pesto orzo with chicken, fudge zucchini bread.  The daily price is higher than other schools in the district, but this is a revolution of sorts to bring "real food" back into the school lunch rooms.  I think it can only be positive, but it takes a lot of parent volunteer hours and dollars.  But then again, it's all worth it to keep our children healthy.  Just look at Iris's smiling face! (A bit fakey, but still a smile for the camera).

See the grasshopper!

A few weeks later, there was a grasshopper on the hood of my car.  It hung on as I drove home, but jumped off as I neared the house.  Iris wanted to catch it sooooo bad!  Is there any spiritual or biblical significance to grasshoppers?  I'll keep searching.

Precious times on video

Summer lovin'

As the old rock song goes, "School's out, for summer!"  But summer seems to have come and almost gone too quickly.  Why?  Here's a list of activities/events with some photos:

• Swim lessons at YMCA for Iris and Sophia
• Pool parties for Sophia's friend (Karn) and Sophia's final week 
• Pool playdates with Alina, Pili, Valentin and other friends
• Dental emergency for Sophia a week before her Western Safari Tour with Rotary students

• San Diego family trip
• French Extra Classe (camp) with Iris's KinderAcademy teacher -two different weeks
• Two farewell dinners for Sophia

• Theater shows with family, namely "The Wiz" and "Shrek-the Musical"
• Swim lessons with friends Grayson and Linden
• Starting Kungfu lessons (Iris likes it!) 

 

• Fairies Dance camp (starting next week)
• Meeting Associate Pastor candidates for the open position at my church (Translations:  whole weekends that Mommy is not around for dinner)

As August approaches (the "naked lady" pink flowers have started blooming!), it means trying to get ready for the fall semester of teaching a new course, a new school year with a new teacher, and new choices of extracurricular activities for Iris.

 Of particular family notes, one niece (Shelby) got engaged this month.  The wedding will be next summer.  Another niece (Marissa) went to Azerbaijian for a three-week leadership camp.  One nephew (Matthew) will be attending college in Ohio.  Another niece (Grace) will start college in So. Cal.  Where has the time gone?  We have 13+ years to put Iris through school.  How will that go?  The best I can do is pray for God's provident, loving and almighty hand in our lives.

Dear Lord, 
  Thank you for the many celebrations, good times, and promises of future adventures this summer so far.  Forgive us for the distractions of busy-ness that cause us to forget your Word and purpose for our lives.   

Please give us the Spirit^[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that we may know You (Jesus) better...that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which You have called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in your holy people, ¹⁹ and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. [Adapted from Ephesians 1:17-19]


AMEN.