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

U.S. Consulate

Yesterday, we had our U.S. Consulate appointment and turned in all our paperwork. We are due to receive Joshua's US visa around 3pm and we are OUT OF HERE!!! Train to Hong Kong at 5pm! We spend the night at the Marriot Skycity and depart for USA in AM.

Things we won't miss about China:

1. The staring

2. Squatty potties

3. The unique and pungent smells

4. Lack of toilet paper

5. Brushing your teeth with bottled water

6. The question-"Is it safe to eat?"

7. Sleeping on a box spring

8. Polluted air

9. People everywhere

10. Traffic

Best part of our trip: Bringing our Joshua home!!

Traditional Market

Those AREN'T noodles!
Wrapped Kitty? In a net? You make the call!

Mad Cobra!

Pet! Thank goodness.

Snakes, Scorpions and Centipedes. Yum!!!

Meat on a stick? (Tendons of something)

Presenting the Scorpions, Live.

Herbs and Fungi

Wandering through the streets of Guangzhou....

Red Couch

Why are they all crying?

13 of 18 children in our travel group

It is adoption tradition here at the White Swan hotel to take a photo on the red couch of your adoption group. I am not sure why we torture the children this way!! What a handsome boy!!

Yuntai Gardens/TB test

We braved the rain and humidity today and visited a nearby garden. It wasn't quite in full bloom, but was worth the visit. Our guide then took us to a local restraunt for a delicious meal. The kids enjoyed the pool while Joshua napped. The biggest update- Joshua's TB test was negavtive!!! Thank you for your prayers!

Prayers for Joy

Today we are heading out for another tour. However, after skying with my mother this morning, I would like to ask for all to pray for Joy. Her back is draining again and her wound has gotten bigger. My mother had to take her back to the surgeon once again. We are very concerned as we are approaching 1 month after surgery and the wound is not improving and still open to infection. Please lift her up to our Heavenly Father, that he would put his healing touch upon her and heal her completely.

"Heal me O LORD, and I shall be healed; Save me and I shall be saved, for You are my praise."
Jeremiah 17:14

Sunday- Tour to Chen Family Temple

No the haziness in all the pictures is not our camera. It is the air. No blue skies in China! Pollution is choking this country!

Hi All,

Today we enjoyed a great breakfast and then headed for a tour of a local landmark, the Chen Family Temple. We were able to see some wonderful handiwork and antique furniture, not to mention, the unique architecture. We ended the evening with pizza from Papa John's. Joshua is doing wonderfully and enjoys being outside and riding in his stroller. He is always up for an adventure.