4th of July - Backwards

Stopped by so Nana & Paps could meet Joshua

Nana with 2 of her special grandbabies

We spent our 4th this year with Pop (my Dad) in South Carolina with a weekend of fun and family. Thank you Dad and Kathie for a memorable weekend!

Yes, he had a ball!

Grandma Kathie and Joy

Badminton tournament

My beautiful girl

Annual 4th of July Family Pic with our niece Rosemary

Camping at Coneross Campground, Townville SC

We started the weekend by celebrating our sweet Grace's 11th birthday and Rosemary's (our niece) 5th birthday at the Skate Center.
How the years fly!

First Smore

As adoptive parents to a toddler we mourn the "firsts" we did not get to witness. However, we treasure the ones that we create. I wouldn't trade his first smore for anything!

Prayer for China!!

We just received an urgent prayer request from my sister-in-law Jessica. Wuhan, Joshua's birth city and her home away from home is experiencing serious flooding. Wuhan is a city surrounded by rivers and there is really no higher ground to flee to. Please say a special prayer of protection for Joshua's foster family and neighbors, especially little Bella who is awaiting her adoptive family. Also, for the safety of all the co-workers and families associated with Jessica's school. After viewing photos of the areas that we visited just 6 weeks ago, my heart aches for the people of Wuhan. May God show Himself sovereign through this disaster and open the local people's hearts to the Gospel. The following link contains pictures from the flooding in Wuhan.

http://bbs.qichelian.com/post_5154555_1.html

Jessica is in Beijing doing Master's coursework and we PRAISE HIM for her safety.

Gammie and Grandpa Rick visit Part II

(Look to the side bar on right for Part I)

Visit with Gammie and Grandpa Rick

We enjoyed a relaxing visit with Gammie and Grandpa Rick this weekend. Of course, Joshua and Joy turned on the charm and warmed their hearts. We enjoyed a yummy lunch at Chick-fil-A (Thank you!) and enjoyed attending church together on Sunday. Joy went to the Dr. on Thursday and she was very pleased with her back's healing. She officially has "sprinkler privileges" and should be able to swim by the 4th of July weekend. We can't say thank you enough to all of you who have prayed for her over the last 8 weeks. We may have to call on you again in the future!! Joshua is going to the pediatrician this Thursday so we are hoping for no unexpected news.

Family Time

A week of good ole' family time. Joshua's transition into the Ivey Clan is going wonderfully. His initial fear of the dogs has passed, though he doesn't care for their kisses. He eagerly greeted Daddy with a hug upon his return on Friday. We received delicious meals all week from our church family, enjoyed the TN Renaissance Festival and a cookout for the long weekend. It really is as if Joshua has always been part of our family. When I reflect on all the changes our little guy has seen this month, it astounds me that he is able to smile and laugh. I thank God for making this transition so smooth thus far. Don't get me wrong, Joy is a bit jealous and we have had a few issues over sharing toys, but overall life is normal. He sleeps well, eats a ton and enjoys doing all things "boy". Praise God - Joy has seen significant healing in the last week and will return to the doctor on June 9th. Please continue to pray for her as she can't wait to get the all clear to go swimming. She will also be appearing locally on TV for the Children's Miracle Network (benefiting Vanderbilt Children's Hospital) to talk about her positive experiences as an outpatient on June 5th. We are honored to give back to thank Vandy for the wonderful care they have given her in the past year.

Home Sweet Home!!

Our last photo at the White Swan Hotel

Sorry for the delay in posting! We arrived home late Friday evening, after a 2 1/2 hour delay on the last leg of the trip. Everyone was quite tired after over 26 hours of travel. However, we were able to visit with our brother and sister in Christ, Sharon and John Principe and their wonderful children Jack and Lily during our lay over in NJ. They were in our travel group for Joy's adoption and we grew very close. What a blessing to see them again and share the joy of adoption once again. They will be heading back to China this summer to bring home their 2 sons from Shanghai.
Joshua was a trooper on the airplane and we only had a few tears over wearing the seat belt. He is simply amazing! We were eagerly greeted by Aunt Lisa at the airport and laughed all the way home as we told her about our adventure. Andrew was up and waiting and the two boys hit it off instantly. It is as if they have always known one another. Joy woke long enough to smile and say hello and back to dreamland she went. Of course, jet lag has reared its ugly face, but I think we are over the hump.
We were able to make it to church on Sunday and introduce our newest addition. We can't thank our brothers and sisters in Christ, both here and scattered abroad for your prayers during this trip. We sit in awe once again of over the all encompassing LOVE OF OUR LORD!!

We are now just hanging out at home. However, we are missing Dad, who had to travel for business Monday-Friday. He was just jumping for joy to climb abroad another airplane! LOL
Our church members are bringing meals while he is away and I am getting spoiled. Please continue to pray for Joy, her back is slowly improving and she will be heading back to the doctor on Thursday. Joshua is fearful of the dogs so we would also appreciate prays over their interaction. Thank you again for following our journey! More pictures to come