Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Paul and Jocelyn

I bet the pictures are a little fuzzy because of all of the excitement going on.

Jocelyn and Paul.....best friends

Message from China

Paul with Jane the CWA agency guide.
Rhonda, Jocelyn's mom, whispering to Paul that his mom and dad are on their way.


Today was a great day! It all started at 6:00 am this morning when I was checking the journal of family who is in China now and adopting a little girl from the same orphanage as Paul. This family is also using the same adoption agency that we are. I knew that the family was going to try to visit Chenzhou while they were there. Not many adoptive families visit the SWI because it is so far away from the province capitol, which is where the adoption takes place. I emailed the mom, Rhonda, and asked that if they were allowed to visit the SWI would they please request to take pictures of Paul. I sent her his birthdate and his Chinese name. You can imagine the joy I felt as I read their journal. I will quote it:

" Jocelyn's nannies showed us her old crib which already has another baby in it. We put her in her old crib and she DID NOT WANT anything to do with that. She ran up to her best friend ( a little boy whose name is going to be Paul as soon as his mommy comes to China to adopt him). The nannies told us that every morning as soon as Jocelyn got up and out of her crib, she would run to find Paul and they would play all day. It was very evident that this was true. There was also two other little girls her age who are also waiting for their assigned families to travel to China to get them. We played for hours with all of them and I gave each of them many hugs and kisses and whispered in each of their ears to hang on and be strong because their parents love them lots and are on their way to them. They all hold a very special place in my heart."

If this doesn't tug at your heart you need to visit a cardiologist. She ended her journal with:

"p.s. Alison, please know that I will contact you as soon as I get home to give you pictures and video of your little boy (and also the little girl). They are both very precious little souls and seem to be doing very well!"
If you would like to read more on the Kelly's trip go to : www.foreverfamilystories.com/jocelynkelly

Just when I thought my day couldn't get any better, I received an email from the adoption agency. The 'in China' agency guide who traveled with the family had forwarded pictures that she had taken of Paul to our caseworker, Mei, in South Carolina. Here is what Jane had to say:

"zhi qiang , very attached to care takers but willing to let me hold him . I was told that he knew how to use his right arm when he needs . I was told by caretakers that if you give zhi qiang a candy he will use his left hand to get it but put under his right arm right away and raise his left hand for another one .
Jane"

How clever is that?? Not only is he cute but he's smart too!!

Mei let me know that our file is now in the review room at the CCAA (Chinese government). She is hoping for the good news of our travel approval shortly after the October Chinese holiday. Which means that we are still hoping to travel in November but we won't know for sure until we get the "TA CALL."

Life is good and God is Great!!