Monday, September 21, 2009

Sept. 21 - Guangzhou



We've done it - we've ruined Jada to cameras. This is what she does now when we get the camera out - as soon as she sees it - it's all over. The hiding begins. Silly girl. Oh well, I like a good challenge.

Our beautiful hotel - The White Swan is just amazing. A nice way to end your time here.

I am going to be openly honest here - today has been hard. We knew going into the TB test that Jada's arm was significantly raised compared to the other kids in our group. And when our guide had all of us meet before we went back to the dr.'s office, she shook her head "no" - even she knew it didn't look good. Sure enough, all of the other little ones flew through their checks - no problems - and then Jada. The nurse said "no" and whisked our peanut away to xray. Of course, more Yuan for that, but the money is minor at this point. This is what we have prayed that God would cover for us - we knew it could be a possibility - TONS of these little ones are exposed to TB in orphanages and we prayed God would spare us this. But no, for some reason, He allowed us to be one of those parents that has to sleep one more night wondering if we can bring our little one home. When the nurse said "no" my fears overcame and the tears started flowing. Our travel mates are wonderful - full of support - as hot as it was - they would not leave until we were done. But my heart is just so sad. Probably two-fold - selfishly - I do not want to stay here - which might be our only option - Joe has to go back to work - his vacation time is gone and we have both said - we have come too far with her to leave her - that just can't be an option. So, that would mean Jada and I here alone until she is "clear" - I do not think I am ready for that - but I also know that God can make you ready for things you never thought you could be ready for! Secondly, for our family - my four little lambs at home need Mom, Dad and Jada home as well. So we are pleading with God tonight - that he will make those xrays clear. That is NOT too hard for Him - we know that - He's shown us that over and over. Our guide told us that one family last week is still here as well - their little girl also was positive BUT she was running a fever AND coughing. We do not have either of those things right now so praying for God's mercy.

After getting over our huge disappointment, we continued to look around a bit more here in Guangzhou and then headed back to our hotel - out of the heat - and to get a bite to eat and let Jada take a nap.

We went to one of our favorite shops today - Jordan's - a gentle man that lets you shop in peace! As we were leaving - he was helping Jada go down his steps and he asked us why she was so careful going down the steps. We told him that she can not see well. He asked which eye and we told him both. He touched her gently and said, "God bless you little one." He turned to us and said, "God will bless you - you take her to the U.S. and fix her eyes." It was another "moment" for me - I know, that until the FDA approves iris transplants, there may be nothing we can really do for her vision - and even then, the transplants aren't guaranteed. I sure wish there were something we could do for her, and I still pray for miracles - that maybe even glasses will help her. Her vision is not good - but it is amazing how her senses of hearing and touch have taken over. I smile when I watch her - God makes amazing bodies!

We don't have big plans for tonight - dinner at Lucy's with some in our group and then play until bath and bedtime. When you look at the enormity and complexity of international adoption - I am in awe - I am thankful for these wonderful families here with us - and I am thankful for the people and family back home - also praying and caring for us in so many different ways. It is in times like these that we are thankful for God's amazing gift of The Body.

I leave you with this today - amazing words from a wonderful devotional book that I read, God Calling - this was shared by another adoptive momma stuck in another country - also waiting on test results for her daughter - she shared it today on her blog - may it touch your heart as it did mine.
You will not find MY peace by engaging in excessive planning: attempting to control what will happen to you in the future. That is a commonly practiced form of unbelief. When your mind spins with multiple plans, Peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion. I did not design the human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond your capability. I crafted your mind for continual communication with Me. Bring me all your needs, your hopes and fears. Commit everything into my care. Turn from the path of Peace.

26 comments:

Unknown said...

I remember meeting Jordan. Such a nice man and a wonderful believer.

Praying that the x-rays are clear. It is not too big for God to take care of. I'm sorry you are having to deal with this.

Hug on your girl for us!

Unknown said...

thanks for your words today..We enjoyed shopping at JOrdans as well! praying for ya

Musings from Kim K. said...

Thinking and praying for you. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through having to wait for test results. Prayers flowing from West MI.

Ann Marie said...

Praying and sending hugs!

Sandra said...

Sending LOTS of positive thoughts your way. I remember Jordan; such a nice and gentle man...

Heather said...

The tears are here again but I know that God calls us to turn the crying into CRYING OUT. SO MANY are bathing you in prayer, Bilby fam, and we are honored to join them again today, crying out to Him "who knows".

Tim Sanders said...

You are in our hearts and our prayers. We are so excited to meet Jada! God is working for Jada's good even now. God bless you all. We look forward to hearing a great report!

Pastor Tim & Trish Sanders
Spirit of Grace Church Coon Rapids, MN

LaLa said...

Sending you hugs and sending up prayers for all of you. I remember Jordan..what a sweet man : )

Dawn said...

Oh Joe and Becky...

We are praying here!

Carol said...

Definitely praying and crying with you! I love the devotional you included, applies so well to my own life too. I especially like the last part about what our minds are designed for. Wow!

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

Becky,

I have been praying for you and will continue to do so. You have such great faith!

I'm sorry your road has been filled with trials. But you have overcome them all. You WILL overcome this one as well. Thanks be to God!

Hang in there!
Hugs!
Robin

PS...We love Jordan!

Anonymous said...

Becky and Joe, you amaze me. In your saddest hour you comfort me! Since I certainly can't figure this out, I will bring it to the ONE who can. Love, Aunt Jan

~Linda said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Here's a big hug from Minnesooooota! :-)

A friend at Spirit of Grace,
Linda

ShaggaBear (Linda) said...

praying for your speedy return!

Kristi said...

Dearest Bilby's,
Oh how we are praying for you all. Our hearts are heavy over these hard things coming your way. We join you in your petitions to our Father on behalf of little Jada and her health/ test results. We continue to pray you safely home as scheduled. We are anxious for you and are finding comfort in this verse as we wait for better news. Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Dear friends, may you feel His strong arm around you as he upholds you along the rest of your journey. Sending our love, prayers and support for you!

JulieM said...

Praying you are finding peace in his perfect plan and timing for your sweet family. Know that we are praying for you!

~verna said...

Through all of those ups and downs, I just can't help but rejoice in Jada's beautiful smile. Hang on to that. It is simply beautiful. Feels like a cherub smiling down from Heaven. I'm having faith you will receive good news come 9AM China time. Hugs, VA

Anonymous said...

Been following your blog daily. Please know that The Body at New Hope is praying for you, Joe, Jada and your little lambs here in OC. I see them at the grocery store with grandma and at the football game with Verduins - I'm sure you are missing them tremendously but they are in good hands. Praying especially today for clear xrays for Jada. Pam De Haan

Anonymous said...

hope she comes back clear i am praying for you!!!

amber drilling

Charity said...

Becky, I am speechless. Praying for those xrays to look good. I know God is BIGGER than all of this. He knew this was going to happen all along. Thanks for sharing the devotional. It did touch my heart.
Praying for you 3 in China & the other 4 back here.
-Charity

Heather said...

Verna's travel buddy here (my daughter was from the same province as Noah). I am lifting you all up in prayer right now. This is NOT too big for God! He has gone before you to prepare your path...Heather

hollym. said...

Sending a HUGE HUG for you all. Try to rest, Becky. We are praying and God is at work on this. He loves you so and little Jada. Fortunately, this positive result is no suprise to HIM.
Holding this in prayer...

Carrie said...

Praying for you Becky-BE STRONG!

Mom 2 six said...

Prayers said for all of you !

Goosegirl said...

Becky, we are praying for you all.

Sivje

Janelle said...

Praying for clear xray results! And although it's true that you may not be able to "fix" her eyes as much as you might hope, your love WILL fix her heart over time, and that's way more important! :-)

When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don't go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.
~Deuteronomy 24:19

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