Now to Him who is able to do IMMEASURABLY MORE...

God's immeasurable provision for Ellie...

Before we even arrived home with Ellie, a friend had connected us with Shriner's Children's Hospital in Houston. We applied and Ellie was accepted as a patient in their "hand clinic". Shriners were the old men that wore those funny red hats and occasionally used those hats to collect donations for disabled children --- that's about the extent of what I knew. And though I still don't have a clue what they do behind closed doors (not sure I want to!), I have been blown away by the incredible service they provide for the children in their care. Now when I see the men with the big red hats... I personally thank them profusely for the wonderful care they are providing for my very own daughter!

We had an appointment with the hand clinic just a few weeks after Ellie arrived home. Tests and Xrays confirmed that she does, indeed, need surgery to release the amniotic band from just above her left wrist. Without that, she would likely lose her left hand, as it would self-amputate, as her arm continues to grow. I did speak to them about the possibility of amputation, but they feel confident that they can optimize the use of what little hand and fingers she has with the option of lengthening her arm and fingers as she grows. Surgery was scheduled for late fall, but then an unexpected opening became available so that we could go ahead and get the surgery completed before school starts in late August. We met with hand surgeon Dr Gogola a few weeks ahead of time... LOVED her!!! We are to check in 24 hours before scheduled surgery for pre-op, and then expect to spend several days in the hospital afterward.

When we arrived at Shriner's they treated us like royalty from the moment we walked through the front door. After we checked in, we were taken to Ellie's room, where a stuffed animal was waiting for her in her crib. They also invited us to a pizza party being thrown for all of the patients currently hospitalized. We, of course, joined the other families for the party- complete with pizza, sodas, and a gift individually wrapped for each child - including Ellie! I was stunned! I'd never experienced anything like this before! The following day Ellie's surgery was completed in 2 and 1/2 hours and all went perfectly as planned! Her amniotic band was very tightly attached, all the way to the bone, pressing on her vessels and tendons- making the circulation to her hand very limited and it almost impossible for her to move her little "boo-boo" hand at all. This forced Dr. Gogola to practically sever the hand from Ellie's arm and reconnect it with a zig zag stiching. Ellie came out of surgery wrapped to the shoulder with a soft cast. We'd have to wait ten days to see if the surgery produced the results we were hoping for...

I actually really enjoyed the time in the hospital with Elle - It allowed us some time alone away from our crazy household where there is always someone trying to "steal" my attention from my new baby girl. And since I was the very last one that Ellie accepted into her circle of "love", it was good to finally have her build a new level of trust with me and look to me for the comfort she needed. She is one strong little girl though... She did not cry once from the pain! The only indication I ever got that she was in pain was the way she would begin to sweat profusely and get a little quieter. This makes me sad, realizing that she had learned at a very young age to internalize her pain and deal with life (and hurt) on her own...

It was a thrill to watch as they removed the soft cast to reveal the results of surgery! Ellie sat in my lap for the "unveiling" unaware that this would prove to be a special moment! I wish I'd had a camera to catch the look on her face when her hand suddenly bent at the wrist. Her little head snapped around and looked at me as if to say... "Did you see that?"...then back to watch herself do it again and again! She could move her hand at the wrist and her hand and little fingers were warm and pink! Sweet success! Dr Gogola was thrilled. This would enable Ellie to use her wrist to hold small objects and open up the possibilities for lengthening her arm and fingers in the years ahead. Shriner's will take care of Ellie through out her life and will provide any further surgeries she will need along the way in addition to providing a prosthetic hand, should she want one as she grows up. Right now, her hand hasn't proven to be an "issue" at all... There is absolutely nothing Ellie won't try and usually succeed at and her fine motor skills already appear to be ahead of children her own age! She is absolutely amazing and yes, the JOY of our home! My cup of blessings is overflowing!

Ellie- a "disability"?

NO!...Greater "abilities"!

Summer 2006- Ellie makes 7!

If someone had told me just a few years ago, that in 2006 we would be bringing our second daughter home from China to become a family of seven, I’d have laughed! I was myself from a family of seven, and even while in the midst of it, wondered how my mother held it all together. One of my closest friends had three children very close in age to my own three, but for several years after I thought that I was “finished having babies”, she delivered 3 more! I can’t count the times that I declared that God had somehow made her “different” than He had made me- I couldn’t handle such a family! How God must have laughed from heaven at such declarations, …knowing what He had in store for ME in the years ahead!

In times like these, I am so grateful that God’s plan includes things so much greater and eternally fulfilling than my own plans ever could… I shutter to think what I’d have missed, if I’d chosen my own way and forsaken His! This journey of adoption has been absolutely wonderful and yet so scary, exhilarating and yet so difficult at times, but without a doubt~ one of the most incredible experiences of my life! Through it all, I’ve caught a glimpse into the heart of God that I am convinced I would have missed otherwise. And in the end, when my life is measured, I want more than anything else, for it to be measured by the number of people I have loved, the sacrifices I have made for His Glory, and the servant’s heart I displayed most evidently within the walls of my own home! I have other hopes and dreams, of course, but none so great as the living out of my dreams through the beautiful family I have been so blessed to be the mother of! Let me proudly introduce them to you!....

Doug, Lori, Russ, Sarah, Ryan, Kate and Ellie

It seems a lifetime ago since meeting Ellie for the first time in the Changsha Civil Affairs Office. Thankfully, that first painful week together seems such a distant memory now, in light of the happy little girl she has become! She is hardly the same little girl and has made such an incredible adjustment into our family! If I had not witnessed this beautiful miracle with my own eyes, I would not have believed it myself!

We have traveled hundreds of miles by car and by plane since arriving home in early June. I totaled our driving time after one of those trips and I figured that the girls had spent at least 37 hours buckled into their car seats over a two week period. Whew!...That is a lot of traveling when it includes two 2 year olds! But Kate and Ellie have been angels…sleeping in so many different places, and visiting with so many old friends over lengthy meals on the road…all without complaint from either of them. I entered this adoption very cautiously, knowing that the odds of getting another “angel” like Kate were slim. Praise God,…He is not a God of “odds”! I have been so incredibly blessed; I am humbled by the mere thought of it on a daily basis! I am convinced that if there were only two angels in China, I got both of them! I regularly feel embarrassed by the lack of faith I displayed in this area.

Unfortunately, Ellie’s first month home was not her healthiest. Our entire family battled a stomach virus and upper respiratory infections while away from home in June and July. This meant a very traumatic visit to a pediatrician in my home town for Ellie, following two days of very high fever that we could not bring down. The poor baby had to have her ears cleaned out so that they could see her eardrums, was catheterized, had three vials of blood taken from her arm and then had to be held down for chest Xrays before it was finally over. She is feeling much better now, but has developed quite a dislike for anyone in a white coat coming toward her with any kind of medical instrument! So much so, that our ENT actually had to put her to sleep to clean all of that wax out of her ears, after she did not pass a hearing test to his satisfaction. But she has been an absolute doll through it all! Little does she know that her time with those “people in white coats” has just begun! The Shriner’s Hospital here in Houston has accepted Ellie as a patient and we had our first visit with their hand surgeon last week. They will do surgery to release the amniotic band sometime in the next few months. Then we will wait and see what can be done to make her hand more functional as she grows up. They will also provide a prosthetic hand for her when she gets a little bit older that she can wear whenever she chooses. Because we don’t have insurance to cover these expenses, all of her care there will be free of charge. Once again, the Lord has graciously provided everything we have needed for Ellie. I look forward to the day when I can tell Ellie what a wonderful Father she has… How visible His hand has been in her life already!

With every new day I am falling so much in love with Ellie that I think I might explode! It reminds me of being pregnant for the second time and being fully convinced that I could never love another child the way I loved my first, only to discover that there is more loved welled up inside of me than I could have imagined! My emotions for Ellie have proven this true yet again and I am enjoying watching her grow and blossom into such a precious little girl, so perfectly fashioned for our family!

This summer has not been an easy one, though, and I find myself completely exhausted following four separate viruses for me and the kids, along with the adjustment of adding another toddler to our home. Caring for two 2 years olds is a lot of work no matter how you look at it, especially when combined with three very busy teenagers! Even so, I am saddened to think about packing Russ’ things and driving him to college next weekend. It seems just yesterday HE was only two years old! This gives me a new perspective on how fleeting these toddler years are, and I am determined to enjoy every moment of them with Kate and Ellie! We “forced” everyone to take some time for our last photo session as a family of seven all living under one roof. Just looking at those photos now brings tears…How blessed I am to have been entrusted with five beautiful children! I could not have imagined it 19 years ago…but I wouldn’t change it today for the world! I thank the Lord for leading me places I would not have taken myself to show me how rich life can be when I follow His plan! I feel caught up in an incredible story I could not have orchestrated myself and am daily blown away to love and serve such a God as mine!

Sisters

July 25, 2006- Happy Birthday Ellie!

Ellie is TWO!

Isn't she precious?

A princess indeed!

Blessed smiles!

Yes...it was a hard trip! But once Ellie figured out that we were there to stay, she decided that maybe we weren't so bad after all! Her first love was Doug! (so what's new, right?) Then she decided that Kate was alright...then Sarah. Lastly, and FINALLY, she figured out that I was Mommy and since she was stuck with me, she'd give me a chance! I will admit that our first week together was one of the more difficult weeks of my lifetime and not one I'd want to repeat. Many times I was certain that we had gone wrong in giving Ellie the name Elizabeth JOY... what were we thinking? There was obviously not a hint of joy in her little body!... Oh, but how wrong I was!!! Each day Ellie woke up with a brighter and brighter perspective! And by the time we returned home to Houston, we'd realize that God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave us her name!

“He Knows My Name”
I have a maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

Here are some of my favorite photos from our journey to bring Ellie home... What a precious blessing she is!

Our first REAL smile!

Not the best photo... but one of the best moments in my life!!! A smile for ME!

Sisters Forever!

Red Couch Favorite!

"God sets the lonely in families"

And Ryan was nervous she wouldn't like him? IMPOSSIBLE!

Gran's girl!

Let's just be real...

OK... Let's just be "real"! This adoption trip was.... ummm... how to put this... really hard!!! Ellie grieved deeply for her foster mama, which meant many, many tears were shed in our hotel room... and no... Ellie wasn't the only one crying!!! Let's just say that they don't make bath mats thick enough in Chinese Hotel bathrooms for this Mom! I am so glad that Sarah was along for the trip, as she brought much comic relief to what was a very tense time for all of us!

Have you ever tried to blog when you really don't have anything "nice" or poetic to say? We found this unusually hard, so decided to post funny travel tips that Sarah picked up along the way! They were so popular among our followers that I think they might be worth sharing again! Enjoy!...

Following are Sarah’s Top Ten Survival Tips if you ever find yourself in China…

#10- If you have blonde hair and blue eyes, be prepared for lots and lots of staring! EVERYONE WILL STARE! Let’s just say I have a whole new respect for famous people…but I would never want to be one! Don’t be surprised if people want to take their picture with you….just a little heads up!

#9- If you are holding an adopted baby (or two), people will stare just as much, if not more. The best way to handle this is by simply smiling….even if their not smiling back at you, just kill them with kindness

#8- If you’re carrying a guitar, everyone will assume you are an American rock star and interrogate you about American music. This is alright, just as long as you make sure your dad doesn’t lie to the hotel and tell them you actually ARE a famous singer… but that’s a whole different story

#7- If you like oldies like the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears, you’ll feel right at home….Backstreet’s back, Alright!

#6- Beware if you are traveling to the Hunan Province (the spicy capital of China)…even KFC soaks their chicken in Tabasco sauce. Have a few bottles of water prepared in advance!

#5- It may be a good idea to bring an extra mattress or two, unless you particularly enjoy sleeping on a slab of concrete -which may cause severe bruising of the hips!…But if you happen to forget yours, don’t fret! There are TONS of places to get a cheap message if necessary.

#4- Never assume that just because the Lay’s chip bag happens to be green, it is sour cream and onion flavored… China is abundant in interesting flavors we don’t have the pleasure to enjoy in America (…like Mexican Tomato Chicken….mmmm good!). Good thing Kate will eat anything!

#3- I strongly recommend bringing extra snacks with you to China as to avoid the meat section of the food market, unless you #1- enjoy eating chicken, eggs, and rice for EVERY meal, of EVERY day, your ENTIRE trip!...or #2- you like the raw stench of dead, hanging animals. Yummy!

#2- China is the land of merging traffic! If you stick a limb outside of your vehicle (by more than one inch), be prepared to lose it! And please do NOT attempt to cross the street without an experienced Chinese guide or a very good life insurance policy!...and don’t be fooled, the bikes are just as dangerous as cars (especially when large home appliances are stacked and strapped to the back…you would be surprised how much one man’s thighs can handle!)

And finally…

#1- When you find yourself in need of a public facility while in China, a copy of my soon-to-be-released book, Sarah’s Seven Secrets to Surviving Squatty Potties, would be most helpful. Be sure to pick it up at your local bookstore before traveling!

Sarah’s Travel Tip of the Day-
Don’t order food without a translator…or you might just end up with “pickled” FUNGUS! Doesn’t that sound delicious?...

Kate says “pee-yew” to fungus

Sarah’s Tip of the Day-
Beware before considering the purchase of a used bicycle in China...You just never know what it’s been through!..

Sarah’s Tip of the Day-When climbing into a taxi cab in China, there are a few things you might want to check for:
1. Air conditioning (especially when its 95 degrees and bumper to bumper traffic)
2. A driver that understands at least a little bit of English
3. A driver that KNOWS where he’s going (and where he’s going is where you actually want to go!)
4. A driver who follows basic traffic laws (like going the RIGHT way on a one way street). This should help prevent your taxi from being pulled over by the authorities
5. An honest driver (one that will TELL you when he’s lost… instead of allowing you to believe that he knows exactly where he is, only to see him asking directions from the cop that just ticketed him!)

See Travel Tip #10

See Travel Tip #4

See Travel Tip #2

Sarah’s Travel Tip of the Day-
Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever (not enough evers) enter a Chinese photo shop without the intention of actually dressing in TRADITIONAL Chinese outfits….hats (or boxes) and all. This is a very important tip. You think I’m kidding….just look what happened to me!

Yes, this could really
happen to YOU!

Travel Tip #1

Sarah’s Tip of the Day-
When booking airline tickets, the safest bet is to request the seat directly in front of the emergency exit row…this will help prevent little kids kicking the back of your seat, jabbing your heals and banging your head with umbrellas, etc. (you get the picture!)

Looks can be deceiving!...Grr!

Sarah’s Tip of the Day-
Potty trips are advised before cheer practice in the pool…

NO, it’s not really as it appears...but you never know!

May 29, 2006 - Gotcha Ellie!

The morning started bright and early, but it's not like I could sleep anyway... I was awake before the alarm clock could do the job. I simply wonder how sleep could elude someone so exhausted, but all I can think about is what today holds...

I am as excited and anxious as I was the first time. This surprises me. I thought that I'd be far more calm and composed this time around, but my emotions are proving my theory false. There are so many unknowns and I am worried about how Ellie will handle the sudden separation from her foster family. The Lord calmed my heart through some beautiful songs on trusting Him and resting in His faithfulness when fears prevail. It was a sweet gift from His hand and I was grateful for a reprieve from my anxious thoughts.

We arrived in Changsha and were greeted by our guide, Peter, who informed us that we would meet Ellie at the Changsha Civil Affairs Office at 3 PM today. I had hoped that they would bring her there, as this is the exact place we met Kate a year and a half ago. Doug and the girls went to lunch at a Chinese restaurant across the street from the hotel, but I had a strong urge to "nest" and prepare our room for Ellie's arrival. Besides...who can think of food at moments like these???

We left promptly at 2:30 to go to meet her. It was again a very surreal experience as we pulled into that familiar parking lot and headed up to the 3rd floor waiting room. We arrived to find 10 families there who had all met their girls today as well. I was thrilled to discover that they were all from Yiyang CWI (Kate's orphanage) and were all the same age as Kate was when we first met. Chatting with them kept the wait almost "bearable"!
Moments later, I turned around to see a little girl in a polka dotted dress being carried in by an orphanage worker. She sat down and stood her next to her chair. I looked at her and instantly knew that it was Ellie. Mostly because I thought she looked so much like Kate! I had thought, too, that I would not cry this time... wrong again! Just seeing her standing there set me off!

We were not allowed to approach her, as the "officials" had not checked our paperwork and our guide was not there. She stood there tentatively and looked at all of us as if wondering who we were and why we were there. After what seemed an eternity, our passports and approval were checked and they summoned us over to Ellie. The moment she realized that my intention was to remove her from her caretakers side, she made it clear that she wanted no part in that! :( Her cries were the most pathetic I have ever heard. When she started calling out for her "mama", I could hardly take it anymore and joined her in her disintegration. No one could calm her breaking heart. We tried bribing with food, balloons and bubbles. She lunged toward the windows where she could see her caretakers walking away. Finally when she decided that her crying was in vain she settled down a little bit and took an interest in Kate. We were ushered back unto the van to head back to the hotel. Just leaving the building seemed to help a lot and she actually almost smiled as she watched Kate's antics in trying to make her happy.

I was completely blown away by how beautifully Kate handled those stressful moments. She gently stroked Ellie's arm and softly said-"It's OK Ellie...Don't cry!" Finally tonight, as we walked to supper, Kate took Ellie's hand and walked her down the hall in front of us. This, too, brought tears to my eyes. Which should not surprise anyone, as EVERYTHING seems to bring me to tears these days! :)