Praise God in Heaven for His blessings poured out on us! Paul just called Chari while still taxiing on the runway! She called me and said that once they are through immigration procedures Paul and Gates will be meeting her at the concourse where she is now.
Gates slept almost the whole way!!!!! Thank you Jesus! Less trauma for him! I can't write much now as I need to post for you all!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Delay of Arrival for Gates and Dad.
Chari is still waiting in Los Angeles at the concourse, her Husband Brian is now tracking Paul and Gates. Their flight will land an hour later as they were re routed around a storm earlier in the flight. Jesus hold my hand.
Sorry to keep you up late on a week night. But an eight o'clock (LAX) arrival means they have to sail through the immigration procedures in order to make their departing flight at 10:30pm Los Angeles time. (for us that's 1:30am) I will be up. I would appreciate it if you would say an extra prayer or two before bed tonight whatever time zone you are in my dear ones. Thanks.
I will still post for you all when the three of them are finally together. My expectations are high because my God is Highest. May he be glorified in the condition of these precious ones and those who are with them!
May the God of all Comfort, comfort my Husband and fill him with supernatural endurance as he finishes the race to Gates that God put before us. Such a tiny child. Such a big world. Such a difference a day makes.
All that we've done to rescue him cannot compare with what he's endured alone while he waited for us. Jesus said he would have done it all for one of us. I believe him.
Sorry to keep you up late on a week night. But an eight o'clock (LAX) arrival means they have to sail through the immigration procedures in order to make their departing flight at 10:30pm Los Angeles time. (for us that's 1:30am) I will be up. I would appreciate it if you would say an extra prayer or two before bed tonight whatever time zone you are in my dear ones. Thanks.
I will still post for you all when the three of them are finally together. My expectations are high because my God is Highest. May he be glorified in the condition of these precious ones and those who are with them!
May the God of all Comfort, comfort my Husband and fill him with supernatural endurance as he finishes the race to Gates that God put before us. Such a tiny child. Such a big world. Such a difference a day makes.
All that we've done to rescue him cannot compare with what he's endured alone while he waited for us. Jesus said he would have done it all for one of us. I believe him.
All is calm... ON THE OUTSIDE!
Paul and Gates are still somewhere over the ocean Brian can't track the China Southern flight at this point, we must rest in the knowledge that the Lord knows where they are and that he is with them. This communication black out is not easy. We are trying to stay very busy, it's hard to focus though. Chari has landed in Los Angeles and is suddenly very aware that this trip means 16 hours of flight time! She was glad to get off of the plane and will have to wait for Paul and Gates for four hours and then wait with them until 10:30pm when their flight leaves for PA. It's so hard to think about her doing this all on her own! I know what Bridger means, having one more 'out there' is very, very hard! I will post when they are all together. Please pray for Chari's safety walking around LAX for the next several hours. She is still recovering from a sinus infection and she has been awake since 3am. This is one dedicated family we have here I've gotta tell you!
Chari called from Chicago.
Chari Called from Chicago. She left there at 1pm should arrive in Los Angeles 5:15 (Florida time)
2:15pm in California. She will wait for China Southern Flight at 7 pm California Time.
2:15pm in California. She will wait for China Southern Flight at 7 pm California Time.
Forever Family. It's Crucial.
Please pray. Mamma is holding tight with a grip of life. Can it be that he will actually come home?! I'm feeling sick and shaky but I'm so aware of the forcefield of love between me and fear! Thank you Lord. Our eldest daughter, Chari, flew out this morning in order to meet them in Los Angeles tonight! She will render aid, fresh clothing and meds while lovingly leading her exhausted Father and baby brother through the last two domestic flights and layovers bringing them home! We are so thankful for her compassion in doing this and for the ones reading this blog who specifically funded her tickets for this mission of mercy!
Bridger has been doing an outstanding job! God's favor is evident in keeping his little heart.
After the first time on the phone with Dad he threw the telephone hard into the wall and broke it. Anytime he has been mildly corrected he says, "You think I'm just stupid and Daddy is mad at me." (I let him watch one Charlie Brown at Christmas time and the word, 'stupid' has been lingering ever since, thanks Lucy). I noticed him pouting earlier. When I asked him what he is thinking about he said, "Gates is Gone and Daddy is Gone and now Chari is Gone. I'm all alone." Me and Sister Aimee, Grandma and Brian are all here but as each one travels away Bridger feels it very personally and very deeply.
For those of you who are new to our family, Bridger was moved eight times in his first six months of life while still in Korea. His needs were too much for the foster families and the poor baby would wake up and never see the people he was with again, over and over. Along with the loss of she who ushered him into this world, that root of rejection runs deep. But God is delivering him into new freedom and perceived safety with us. You can imagine though, that circumstances like this are especially difficult for kids like Bridge. He ADORES his Daddy and has never spent more than one night away from him. The last few days he would come into the room while we were skyping and say, "Hi Dad." and walk out.
After Bridger ate his cereal and strawberries we went to the fridge to mark off the day on the calendar. Bridger said what he always says, "It's daytime here and it's night time in China." I exclaimed, "Look Bridge. Only one more day, one more sleep and everybody will be back home... even Gates." Bridger looked at me with deep anquish in his eyes and said, "Forever. Right?"
Bridger has been doing an outstanding job! God's favor is evident in keeping his little heart.
After the first time on the phone with Dad he threw the telephone hard into the wall and broke it. Anytime he has been mildly corrected he says, "You think I'm just stupid and Daddy is mad at me." (I let him watch one Charlie Brown at Christmas time and the word, 'stupid' has been lingering ever since, thanks Lucy). I noticed him pouting earlier. When I asked him what he is thinking about he said, "Gates is Gone and Daddy is Gone and now Chari is Gone. I'm all alone." Me and Sister Aimee, Grandma and Brian are all here but as each one travels away Bridger feels it very personally and very deeply.
For those of you who are new to our family, Bridger was moved eight times in his first six months of life while still in Korea. His needs were too much for the foster families and the poor baby would wake up and never see the people he was with again, over and over. Along with the loss of she who ushered him into this world, that root of rejection runs deep. But God is delivering him into new freedom and perceived safety with us. You can imagine though, that circumstances like this are especially difficult for kids like Bridge. He ADORES his Daddy and has never spent more than one night away from him. The last few days he would come into the room while we were skyping and say, "Hi Dad." and walk out.
After Bridger ate his cereal and strawberries we went to the fridge to mark off the day on the calendar. Bridger said what he always says, "It's daytime here and it's night time in China." I exclaimed, "Look Bridge. Only one more day, one more sleep and everybody will be back home... even Gates." Bridger looked at me with deep anquish in his eyes and said, "Forever. Right?"
Flight Update: So far! So God!
Gates and Daddy should be in the air by now! This email just in from Fei Yang, our ASIA Program Coordinator for China. 10:34 pm China Time on June 30.
Hi Karrie, I took Paul to the airport, he is on the way home!!!! Everything is great, you will see him soon. -Fei
Hi Karrie, I took Paul to the airport, he is on the way home!!!! Everything is great, you will see him soon. -Fei
Monday, June 29, 2009
China 9pm US 9am! It's GO TIME!
Hey everybody! Please remember to pray for safe travel and God's hedge of protection as well as his favor in all cirucmstances for Paul, Gates and Chari (as she flies all alone for the first time and only her third flight ever) from Ft. Myers to Chicago to Los Angeles). Paul and Gates will be flying non stop for 13 hours on first flight then landing in LAX tomorrow night they will go through all of the immigration stuff and then meet up with Chari! After that joyous union they will all fly out again after 10pm then change planes overnight in Philly then reach Fort Myers on Wednesday, July 1st. USAirways # 1446 arrival 12:21pm at RSW.
Every time you think about it. PRAY! Gates needs endurance and peace for this incredible journey home. He needs God's faithful love and your devoted prayers on His behalf as always. I love y'all.
We've attended several homecomings including our own it's kind of like a delivery room waiting area. Emotions swing there is laughter and intense silence. Mostly, you just hang together until you see his face!
Paul and Gates fly out on China at 9am our time tomorrow morning. (9pm in China)
Chari is flying out at 9am tomorrow morning.
Paul and I are a little jumpy about the lack of communication over the next two days but we know the Lord will be with us both. He's all we need.
I'll keep you posted.
Every time you think about it. PRAY! Gates needs endurance and peace for this incredible journey home. He needs God's faithful love and your devoted prayers on His behalf as always. I love y'all.
We've attended several homecomings including our own it's kind of like a delivery room waiting area. Emotions swing there is laughter and intense silence. Mostly, you just hang together until you see his face!
Paul and Gates fly out on China at 9am our time tomorrow morning. (9pm in China)
Chari is flying out at 9am tomorrow morning.
Paul and I are a little jumpy about the lack of communication over the next two days but we know the Lord will be with us both. He's all we need.
I'll keep you posted.
U.S. Consulate Signed off on Visa Good to GO!
Gates aka William Gates Rudd has official permission to enter the United States FOREVER!!!!!!!
Paul just heard from the Embassy, we're BRINGING GATES HOME! Oath tomorrow flying out of China tomorrow night! Sleep well precious ones. He is safe.
Paul just heard from the Embassy, we're BRINGING GATES HOME! Oath tomorrow flying out of China tomorrow night! Sleep well precious ones. He is safe.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Gates said, "Good Morning!"
Paul just called from the breakfast table. After I said, "Hi." Paul said a cheerful "Good Morning!" Clear as a bell I heard a little voice in the background copy cat, "Good Morning!" AAAWWWww!
I talked with Gates on the phone he made little sounds and Paul said he was grinning as I talked with him. I hope he likes me.
I talked with Gates on the phone he made little sounds and Paul said he was grinning as I talked with him. I hope he likes me.
We're so close I'm trembling.
Monday Morning in China. Paul talked with me a few minutes on the phone. Gates fell asleep earlier last night and woke up crying with injection site soreness, (shots he received were in the double digits). Poor baby. After some Tylenol and a bite to eat he settled back down when Daddy patted his back. Hopefully, he will sleep a good while longer. The Consulate Appointment for paperwork is today from 11am and 12 pm. Once they are through that then the Visa process is over. Anyone who has been blessed to adopt internationally or is part of a family whose immigration to the U.S. was in this generation knows what an AWESOME thing that is!
Tomorrow Paul and Gates will check out of the Victory, travel to another city for an oath taking ceremony, receive the visa and head for the airport. Their flight leaves after 9pm tomorrow night. Oh wait, I meant to type, "TOMORROW NIGHT!" They will get to Los Angeles the next night (but a day earlier) around 7pm. Then they still have two more flights and a three hour layover before they arrive in Fort Myers Wednesday July 1 in the afternoon. I am so anxious to take care of them. I'm going to get Paul some soft relaxing clothes and stretch him out on the couch with an ice pack for his aching back and feed him the steak I've been saving in the freezer for his homecoming! I'm going to sit on the floor near Paul with the boys and play with them as they meet one another and begin the very beginning of their brotherhood together. I am going to admire my beautiful new Son without the blurriness of skype connections and I'm going to praise God without ceasing because it will be the day when Gates comes Home!
Tomorrow Paul and Gates will check out of the Victory, travel to another city for an oath taking ceremony, receive the visa and head for the airport. Their flight leaves after 9pm tomorrow night. Oh wait, I meant to type, "TOMORROW NIGHT!" They will get to Los Angeles the next night (but a day earlier) around 7pm. Then they still have two more flights and a three hour layover before they arrive in Fort Myers Wednesday July 1 in the afternoon. I am so anxious to take care of them. I'm going to get Paul some soft relaxing clothes and stretch him out on the couch with an ice pack for his aching back and feed him the steak I've been saving in the freezer for his homecoming! I'm going to sit on the floor near Paul with the boys and play with them as they meet one another and begin the very beginning of their brotherhood together. I am going to admire my beautiful new Son without the blurriness of skype connections and I'm going to praise God without ceasing because it will be the day when Gates comes Home!
The Lord's Day in Guangzhou!
Hi all! Paul said that Sunday was a blessed day for sure! He and Gates met with the group over at the White Swan (Hotel that is well known to all families adopting in China) for a professional photography session arranged by our agency at the 'red couch'. The Red Couch at the white swan hotel has become synonomous with a successful adoption in China. Like kissing the bricks at the brickyard race in NASCAR or planting a flag at the top of a mountain. The red couch photo means, "We DID it!"
After the photo session the group went in different ways. Some families took the sightseeing trip, Paul and amother family went by a bakery that was music to Paul's nose and had some warm banana bread then off to find the church which they did successfully. The bi-lingual service was called "English Bible Study". Paul said the worship was moving as he listened to classic hymns in Chinese sung through twice and then all of the english speaking attenders sang the same song through once. Paul said each time he was able to sing in English with the other voices in the wall to wall packed room he was deeply moved. It was good to be in the House of God in Guangzhou! The sermon was about coming to God, not for his gifts... but for his mission.
Afterward they did a little shopping together and Gates fell asleep in Paul's arms before they left for the Victory. Paul has tucked him in for the night now and will sleep soon himself. Thank you for your continued prayers for them. When they wake up it will be Monday. The Consulate Appointment for Gates U.S. Visa is between 11 and 12. The following day, Tuesday paul and Gates will check out of the Victory at 1pm then they will travel to a swearing in/commitment to US procedure sometime around 4pm in another province. After they leave there they will be headed to the airport for 10pm flight out of China! They will travel back in time and arrive in Los Angeles after 6pm on the same date that they left June 30. At 11pm they will fly out of LAX and face 9 more hours of flying and a layover in Philly then finally arrive home at RSW. That's the itinerary but I will keep posting each day.
After the photo session the group went in different ways. Some families took the sightseeing trip, Paul and amother family went by a bakery that was music to Paul's nose and had some warm banana bread then off to find the church which they did successfully. The bi-lingual service was called "English Bible Study". Paul said the worship was moving as he listened to classic hymns in Chinese sung through twice and then all of the english speaking attenders sang the same song through once. Paul said each time he was able to sing in English with the other voices in the wall to wall packed room he was deeply moved. It was good to be in the House of God in Guangzhou! The sermon was about coming to God, not for his gifts... but for his mission.
Afterward they did a little shopping together and Gates fell asleep in Paul's arms before they left for the Victory. Paul has tucked him in for the night now and will sleep soon himself. Thank you for your continued prayers for them. When they wake up it will be Monday. The Consulate Appointment for Gates U.S. Visa is between 11 and 12. The following day, Tuesday paul and Gates will check out of the Victory at 1pm then they will travel to a swearing in/commitment to US procedure sometime around 4pm in another province. After they leave there they will be headed to the airport for 10pm flight out of China! They will travel back in time and arrive in Los Angeles after 6pm on the same date that they left June 30. At 11pm they will fly out of LAX and face 9 more hours of flying and a layover in Philly then finally arrive home at RSW. That's the itinerary but I will keep posting each day.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Church Search in China is ON!
Thanks for your loving comments on gates waits, in email and in the precious snail mail for our boys. As for the airport greeting on Gates arrival to his new home town, I know that most people will not be able to make such a window of time. The airport isn't ever a close location to anything for a quick stop either:-) We are completely happy if it's just us and happy to share as well. For me, I will barely notice who attended, I remember when Bridger came home, I was throwing up from nerves in the bathroom until they yelled for the mothers to line up. I've never had a migrane before but I sure did that day. Silly how weak the flesh is isn't it?.
Please pray for God's direction for Paul on this Sunday morning in Guangzhou. In a couple of hours some of the ASIA family group will be trying to get their kids blessed at a buddist temple as a part of a sightseeing trip.:-(
At the same time, 11pm our time, Paul will be searching for an unmarked Christian Church for foreigners somewhere on the island. Pray that he makes it to the Church of the Most High and dedicates our Son to the Maker of Heaven and Earth, nothing and no one less that Jesus will recieve our devotion and it's to Him alone that we bow down ! To God ALONE be the glory and praise for BRINGING GATES HOME!
Love, Karrie
Please pray for God's direction for Paul on this Sunday morning in Guangzhou. In a couple of hours some of the ASIA family group will be trying to get their kids blessed at a buddist temple as a part of a sightseeing trip.:-(
At the same time, 11pm our time, Paul will be searching for an unmarked Christian Church for foreigners somewhere on the island. Pray that he makes it to the Church of the Most High and dedicates our Son to the Maker of Heaven and Earth, nothing and no one less that Jesus will recieve our devotion and it's to Him alone that we bow down ! To God ALONE be the glory and praise for BRINGING GATES HOME!
Love, Karrie
Visa Medical Is Over at Last.
Paul and Gates are through the visa medical process in Guangzhou. It was just about as bad as it could get for them both but God brought them through to the other side and they are back at the hotel. Soon to sleep. I sang lullabies and blew my exhausted, tearful husband skype kisses and promised him that tomorrow will be better. We booked their tickets home now that they are through this hurdle. They are scheduled/expected to arrive at the US Airways area of RSW in Fort Myers on July 1 sometime around 12:15 or later. Greeters who love Gates are welcome to witness God's Glory in his Homecoming! Chari is sick but recovering on Drs Rx. She will be meeing them in Los Angeles on June 30. She has packed snacks, dvd's of Bridger's Fave trucks and Baby Einstein on the Go.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Ten Days.
It's been ten days since Paul left home for China to bring Gates home. How can so much human experience be crammed into just ten days?! God's hedge of protection around my emotions has been blessed and stregthened by your loving prayers on our behalf. I can really see what the Lord meant when he said, "Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." When you let go it's hard to take credit for anything. You know?
One year ago this month June 6, 2008 we were approved as prospective parents for this amazing little boy. I'm just joe schmoe every day citizen. During this journey I have: Recieved calls from the U.S. House of Representatives while I was in the bathroom at Walmart. Had a package delivered from Berlin, Germany from the Central German Authority in the middle of making pancakes. I have been in regular communication with my Senator and Congressman and had breakfast on the Feds at IHOP. I'm not kidding. Six field officers with the Dept. of Homeland Security know me on a first name basis.
I took a road trip to the United States Citizens and Immigration Services in Tampa during a Hurricane watch along with Grandma, Paul and two of our Kids the day after our oldest had her bridal shower. Note: Preparing for said shower, Dad burned two fingers on a bunsen burner and Grandma sliced hers open on some heavy duty foil. Did I mention the USCIS appointment was to give digital fingerprints to the FBI?
I've hosted social workers for home studies, lunch and over nighters. I've completed hours of parenting course work on adoption of older/special needs children with PTSD online and participated in webinars involving government paperwork. Do you get how nuts that is? Webinar (duh? what?) on new forms created that actually require you to fill them out as proof that you filled out the old forms. It took us five families and our agency rep an hour and a half just to get everybody hearing each other. Ha! I stopped trying to understand each form the day I had to send in a copy of a paper that I signed stating under oath that my paperwork was original. Really.
I've also watched an entire community come together to volunteer away their hard earned down time to Bring Gates Home. George stood in the sweltering sun grilling hot dogs during hot dog thursdays funraiser at Keller Williams. Scores of KW employees supported Cyndi and Joan as they headed up a yard sale, cinco demayo party, car wash and phone donation campaigns. The KW Cares team invited our family to a big meeting where they presented the money raised. Some of the yard sale cash was in coin in a ziplock bag. Up in front of fifty or so realtors Bridger raised the bag and said, "I'm RICH!" We set up a big hot dog, nachos stand and Bridger's lemonade/ sno cone stand at Next Level Church's 7th Anniversary Tailgate Party early one Sunday. Paul and I watched some major players in the tailgating bbq world set up the best tailgate EVER right across from us. We thought, well we can't really offer anything like what they have. Turns out they were giving away pounds and pounds of bbq and ran over to us for a donation jar to help us bring Gates home! Every hour or so they would come dump their jar into Bridger's lemonade stand jar... that's how our 4 year old raised $1,500 selling lemonade and sno cones to children at the tail gate! I'm so glad those awesome people won the "Golden Habachi"
they even used their live professional band to regularly announce our cause bringing more people over to our van and stand! Class act those guys! We made almost all that we needed for the China plane tickets there and back, then there was a last minute check and a drum roll that brought in the rest! Cypress Lake Prebyterian Church supported us as well in many wonderful ways. So many precious people, some members of our family and some we've never met and many in between who heard about our Gates and dug deep into their own need and shared an offering toward God in bringing Gates home! We can never thank you enough. But may God reward you abundantly!
All of this lives in my heart along with the faces of my beautiful children:
Aimee's profile sitting in her rocking chair quietly hand stitching the blanket she made for Gates... just like the one she sewed Bridge before he came home only Gates's has horses because he liked the rocking horse at the orphanage. Seeing Bridger bent over his car wash poster drawing with a red marker that had rubbed all over his hands. He told me it read, "Bridger loves you Gates. Please come home because we are having a car wash for you." Chari's smiles as she held up cute little outfits and a bucket hat she found for Gates while shopping on her lunch break one day. Brian patiently sitting under an indoor umbrella at an airport table coaching Paul through skyping from an airport broadband signal. What an awesome group of brothers and sisters this little guy has waiting to love him! And I just can't say enough about his Daddy!
One year ago this month June 6, 2008 we were approved as prospective parents for this amazing little boy. I'm just joe schmoe every day citizen. During this journey I have: Recieved calls from the U.S. House of Representatives while I was in the bathroom at Walmart. Had a package delivered from Berlin, Germany from the Central German Authority in the middle of making pancakes. I have been in regular communication with my Senator and Congressman and had breakfast on the Feds at IHOP. I'm not kidding. Six field officers with the Dept. of Homeland Security know me on a first name basis.
I took a road trip to the United States Citizens and Immigration Services in Tampa during a Hurricane watch along with Grandma, Paul and two of our Kids the day after our oldest had her bridal shower. Note: Preparing for said shower, Dad burned two fingers on a bunsen burner and Grandma sliced hers open on some heavy duty foil. Did I mention the USCIS appointment was to give digital fingerprints to the FBI?
I've hosted social workers for home studies, lunch and over nighters. I've completed hours of parenting course work on adoption of older/special needs children with PTSD online and participated in webinars involving government paperwork. Do you get how nuts that is? Webinar (duh? what?) on new forms created that actually require you to fill them out as proof that you filled out the old forms. It took us five families and our agency rep an hour and a half just to get everybody hearing each other. Ha! I stopped trying to understand each form the day I had to send in a copy of a paper that I signed stating under oath that my paperwork was original. Really.
I've also watched an entire community come together to volunteer away their hard earned down time to Bring Gates Home. George stood in the sweltering sun grilling hot dogs during hot dog thursdays funraiser at Keller Williams. Scores of KW employees supported Cyndi and Joan as they headed up a yard sale, cinco demayo party, car wash and phone donation campaigns. The KW Cares team invited our family to a big meeting where they presented the money raised. Some of the yard sale cash was in coin in a ziplock bag. Up in front of fifty or so realtors Bridger raised the bag and said, "I'm RICH!" We set up a big hot dog, nachos stand and Bridger's lemonade/ sno cone stand at Next Level Church's 7th Anniversary Tailgate Party early one Sunday. Paul and I watched some major players in the tailgating bbq world set up the best tailgate EVER right across from us. We thought, well we can't really offer anything like what they have. Turns out they were giving away pounds and pounds of bbq and ran over to us for a donation jar to help us bring Gates home! Every hour or so they would come dump their jar into Bridger's lemonade stand jar... that's how our 4 year old raised $1,500 selling lemonade and sno cones to children at the tail gate! I'm so glad those awesome people won the "Golden Habachi"
they even used their live professional band to regularly announce our cause bringing more people over to our van and stand! Class act those guys! We made almost all that we needed for the China plane tickets there and back, then there was a last minute check and a drum roll that brought in the rest! Cypress Lake Prebyterian Church supported us as well in many wonderful ways. So many precious people, some members of our family and some we've never met and many in between who heard about our Gates and dug deep into their own need and shared an offering toward God in bringing Gates home! We can never thank you enough. But may God reward you abundantly!
All of this lives in my heart along with the faces of my beautiful children:
Aimee's profile sitting in her rocking chair quietly hand stitching the blanket she made for Gates... just like the one she sewed Bridge before he came home only Gates's has horses because he liked the rocking horse at the orphanage. Seeing Bridger bent over his car wash poster drawing with a red marker that had rubbed all over his hands. He told me it read, "Bridger loves you Gates. Please come home because we are having a car wash for you." Chari's smiles as she held up cute little outfits and a bucket hat she found for Gates while shopping on her lunch break one day. Brian patiently sitting under an indoor umbrella at an airport table coaching Paul through skyping from an airport broadband signal. What an awesome group of brothers and sisters this little guy has waiting to love him! And I just can't say enough about his Daddy!
Checked in At Victory. No Quarantine:-)
Paul and Gates are in their room. 1 am there. I'm too shaky to write much. Love y'all.
Ni Hao Guangzhou!
Paul just called from Guangzhou! He said that he is with our ASIA guide and Gates is eating a cookie she brought for him. They are waiting for the other families to disembark and will then proceed to the hotel. Is it any suprise it's called, "VICTORY HOTEL" ?!
The U.S. Embassy ordered Visa Medical is tomorrow for them. Long lines and lots of drama for Gates and Daddy but after that it's Sunday off (our Saturday Night) and they can be outside and Paul can go to the foreign church, it's a Christian Church service within walking distance. God is God he never met a locked door.
Daddy said Gates was very annoyed by the seatbelt on the plane but once allowed to be with Dad he fell quickly asleep. They flew an hour, got off for twenty minutes, flew two more hours got off again, back on, back off. Praise our God in Heaven they are in Guangzhou! I choked and cried happy prayers and praise to Jesus, then I ran to tell you all.
The U.S. Embassy ordered Visa Medical is tomorrow for them. Long lines and lots of drama for Gates and Daddy but after that it's Sunday off (our Saturday Night) and they can be outside and Paul can go to the foreign church, it's a Christian Church service within walking distance. God is God he never met a locked door.
Daddy said Gates was very annoyed by the seatbelt on the plane but once allowed to be with Dad he fell quickly asleep. They flew an hour, got off for twenty minutes, flew two more hours got off again, back on, back off. Praise our God in Heaven they are in Guangzhou! I choked and cried happy prayers and praise to Jesus, then I ran to tell you all.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Paul is Gathering Strength to Go the Distance.
Good Morning Everybody. I just talked to Paul, he and Gates had fun at the zoo. I have no details as skype wasn't working and we had to go over some paperwork details without the call costing us a whole week's pay. There is a nice couple from Michigan there at the JJSun with their new Son and Paul and Gates had breakfast with them then met with their guide at 9 am and went to the zoo. They came back to the room after and Gates napped while Paul began packing in preparation for their flight out of Lanzhou tomorrow (Friday afternoon there, Thursday night here). He was told that the domestic flight will be very crowded and that the plane will be very small. There is a refueling stop after two hours and it's a four hour flight. Hmmmm, the phrase 'puddle jumper' comes to mind.
I know you will ALL be praying them through this as well. Stay focused precious ones. Paul mentioned something like 104 hours in Guangzhou. He's on a countdown of his own and it's not by the day but by the hour. That's very Paul. Quarantine opportunity on reaching Guangzhou, we're believing for the best outcome and trusting that the Lord will be with us regardless.
The A.S.I.A. people will be with Paul in Guangzhou. The four other families who have been dispersed throughout China will now come together in a huddle along with exec. director of ASIA China and our fearless leader Fei Yang from Oregon. More english speaking and more food Paul's Irish palate can endure! Here comes the sun!
I know you will ALL be praying them through this as well. Stay focused precious ones. Paul mentioned something like 104 hours in Guangzhou. He's on a countdown of his own and it's not by the day but by the hour. That's very Paul. Quarantine opportunity on reaching Guangzhou, we're believing for the best outcome and trusting that the Lord will be with us regardless.
The A.S.I.A. people will be with Paul in Guangzhou. The four other families who have been dispersed throughout China will now come together in a huddle along with exec. director of ASIA China and our fearless leader Fei Yang from Oregon. More english speaking and more food Paul's Irish palate can endure! Here comes the sun!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hoping for a Happy Trip to the Lanzhou City Zoo.
The supervisor of Paul's guide says that Eagle will be taking Paul and Gates to the zoo this morning. Gates's cough is a little better and his nose is running clear now so hopefully the pollution won't aggravate him too much. At this point though the Guys have such bad Cabin Fever we're thinking the possible benefits outweigh the risk of an outing. Of course the taxi ride is a risk all it's own. Praying that God's faithful love will guide the drivers hands and provide the hedge of protection this waiting Mamma wants for them. I'll post when I hear how it went. It's their last full day in the city where Gates spent his first four years. I hope he can have some fun. Love y'all.
Thursday in Lanzhou
First couple of days our little guy was so hyper vigilant and playful, now that he is feeling his loss more I suppose it helps to know that even after four years in SWI and all of those surgeries he is still emotionally intact. Daddy said he is speaking to him now and that the last time he packed up his new Elmo backpack to head out of the door he stopped to drag Daddy's carry on luggage to Dad too. I guess that means even though he wants to go back he want's Dad to come along:-) Poor little precious boy, so much drama.
Hi all. You welcome my honesty so I will tell you that I feel like I'm running around in two time zones accomplishing very little. I am so thankful that God gives me his lap where I can rest my face against his heartbeat and find wholeness and peace... again and again. My husband is missing me desperately, my little one in china is hurting and I cannot even take turns with the rejection and pain he needs to vent on me to begin healing. My Bridger is tired of waiting for Daddy and after talking with him two days ago he slammed the telephone against the wall as hard as he could. There was a thunderstorm last night and he crawled into bed with me and said, "Mommy it's screaming all over me." I totally get that.
We are all on the way out... together. We praise him in this leg of the race where we face our own ability or lack therof head on and we look for the smiling face of our Heavenly Father on the other side of the finish line... willing us through that final exhausting phase... to the prize of Bringing Gates Home!
Hi all. You welcome my honesty so I will tell you that I feel like I'm running around in two time zones accomplishing very little. I am so thankful that God gives me his lap where I can rest my face against his heartbeat and find wholeness and peace... again and again. My husband is missing me desperately, my little one in china is hurting and I cannot even take turns with the rejection and pain he needs to vent on me to begin healing. My Bridger is tired of waiting for Daddy and after talking with him two days ago he slammed the telephone against the wall as hard as he could. There was a thunderstorm last night and he crawled into bed with me and said, "Mommy it's screaming all over me." I totally get that.
We are all on the way out... together. We praise him in this leg of the race where we face our own ability or lack therof head on and we look for the smiling face of our Heavenly Father on the other side of the finish line... willing us through that final exhausting phase... to the prize of Bringing Gates Home!
Gates is Grieving:-(
Little Gates is hurting for the familiar right along with Daddy. He and Dad are very sad today. Gates is expressing extreme frustration and the loss of what he knows as an average day. Being trapped in the Hotel and feeling sick isn't helping him at this point. Gates is throwing his toys at Daddy and rocking back and forth very hard. When Paul tries to hold him he is rigid and is screaming what sound like Chinese obsceneties. (smile)
They are both miserable and tired but one of them knows God is with them. Please understand that Paul will be quiet for the next couple of days, skyping and phone calls will be at a minimum as he paces, rocks, prays and worships their way out of this oppressive place and into an environment where Paul can provide the occasional distraction of running in the grass and watching the ducks and other things that will be possible in Guangzhou that just aren't where they are now. Gates's rages and sobbing hysteria are healthy expressions to this major disruption in what he knows as routine and familiar. He is very afraid. Paul is tired, hungry and feeling so helpless to help this child he adores. Please join me in praying for them both.
They are both miserable and tired but one of them knows God is with them. Please understand that Paul will be quiet for the next couple of days, skyping and phone calls will be at a minimum as he paces, rocks, prays and worships their way out of this oppressive place and into an environment where Paul can provide the occasional distraction of running in the grass and watching the ducks and other things that will be possible in Guangzhou that just aren't where they are now. Gates's rages and sobbing hysteria are healthy expressions to this major disruption in what he knows as routine and familiar. He is very afraid. Paul is tired, hungry and feeling so helpless to help this child he adores. Please join me in praying for them both.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I just sang my first lullaby to Gates.
Paul and Gates are growing weary of the hotel room and will venture out for a photo shoot tomorrow after breakfast. Paul needs something, anything to make him feel closer to Friday when they can leave Lanzhou together.
Paul was rocking Gates in his arms on the end of the bed and I saw a certain look on Gates's face he just seemed so in need of comfort. I began to sing and I saw him respond to my voice, I sang song after song, hymns, Christmas songs, Rock a Bye Baby I was choking on tears as I ached to hold him beyond anything I can possibly describe to you. He was so attentive and Paul continued to rock him with tears running down his own face. When a Mamma sings a lullaby to her baby she wants to touch his fingers, kiss his face and whisper sweet nothings.
I am so very thankful though for the hard work of Paul, Brian, Chari and Grandma in getting the Skype to work. Being able to watch him and to sing to him all the way in China the way I've wanted to for three long years... priceless. Holding my breath until Gates comes home.
Paul was rocking Gates in his arms on the end of the bed and I saw a certain look on Gates's face he just seemed so in need of comfort. I began to sing and I saw him respond to my voice, I sang song after song, hymns, Christmas songs, Rock a Bye Baby I was choking on tears as I ached to hold him beyond anything I can possibly describe to you. He was so attentive and Paul continued to rock him with tears running down his own face. When a Mamma sings a lullaby to her baby she wants to touch his fingers, kiss his face and whisper sweet nothings.
I am so very thankful though for the hard work of Paul, Brian, Chari and Grandma in getting the Skype to work. Being able to watch him and to sing to him all the way in China the way I've wanted to for three long years... priceless. Holding my breath until Gates comes home.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Another Day Closer!
Hi precious friends and family! We are another day closer to Bringing Gates Home! I apologize for taking so long to post today. I've been all wrapped up in my boys and my chores. When one of them is sleeping (nap or nightime) the other one is awake so it's busy with Bridger or watching "G" tv, all Gates all the time. Well, and adorable Daddy too.
Gates is SO funny! His personality is just bursting at the seams! I watched (Truman Show Style incognito) as Paul pointed to a picture of a truck in a cardboard book Brother picked out and said, "Truck." Gates takes Paul's finger in his own hand and forces it back onto the page and says what I can only assume is "Truck" in Chinese as if he is helping Paul out. lol
I listen with tears in my eyes as he chatters in baby speak (that's what our translator says it is) and then you clearly hear, "Papa"!
Thank you for your prayers for Gates's health his cough is waaay better today. Thank our Lord!
He was playing with his hot wheels car on the floor and Paul crawled by him on all fours making a playful low growly sound. Gates started to squeal with delight and began crawling around on all fours also and he would crawl right under Daddy like a little bear cub and circle him and jump on top of Dad! They are amazing together. Every time Paul says something to me from the floor toward the computer Gates pats Dad's face and shows him something as if to say, "Hey over here! I'm not sharing you!" Gates has decided that he really likes Daddy's orange Lance crackers with peanut butter. Gates is starting to reciprocate Paul's affectionate caresses like moving his hair from over his eyes and patting him. Paul was playing 'this little piggy' while lying beside Gates before bed time last night. Gates gazed at him over his bottle quietly. When Paul rested his little foot back down onto the bed Gates raised the other foot to Paul. I've never watched anything more beautiful.
Gates is SO funny! His personality is just bursting at the seams! I watched (Truman Show Style incognito) as Paul pointed to a picture of a truck in a cardboard book Brother picked out and said, "Truck." Gates takes Paul's finger in his own hand and forces it back onto the page and says what I can only assume is "Truck" in Chinese as if he is helping Paul out. lol
I listen with tears in my eyes as he chatters in baby speak (that's what our translator says it is) and then you clearly hear, "Papa"!
Thank you for your prayers for Gates's health his cough is waaay better today. Thank our Lord!
He was playing with his hot wheels car on the floor and Paul crawled by him on all fours making a playful low growly sound. Gates started to squeal with delight and began crawling around on all fours also and he would crawl right under Daddy like a little bear cub and circle him and jump on top of Dad! They are amazing together. Every time Paul says something to me from the floor toward the computer Gates pats Dad's face and shows him something as if to say, "Hey over here! I'm not sharing you!" Gates has decided that he really likes Daddy's orange Lance crackers with peanut butter. Gates is starting to reciprocate Paul's affectionate caresses like moving his hair from over his eyes and patting him. Paul was playing 'this little piggy' while lying beside Gates before bed time last night. Gates gazed at him over his bottle quietly. When Paul rested his little foot back down onto the bed Gates raised the other foot to Paul. I've never watched anything more beautiful.
We heard blog comments are presenting a challenge.
I'm a rookie at blogging. I just did this to share God's glory in Bringing Gates Home. During this season in our lives I really want to encourage you to encourage us with your kind comments of support.
So, if you can't post a message on the blog could you maybe drop us a postcard so I can add it to Gates's homecoming scrapbook under "People who prayed for you."? I'm printing your loving emails. If you'd like you could mail Gates a birthday card! He would love getting his own mail from the mailbox!
Bridger's 5th Birthday is August 20th. They are eleven months and one week apart:-) Paul said Gates likes to put cheerios in the back of his Tonka Dump Truck! These Brothers are a match made in Heaven! We knew that already though didn't we?
Our address in 5526 Gordon Drive Fort Myers FL 33919
We will keep the blog going until just after Gates's 4th birthday on July 14! Love y'all!
So, if you can't post a message on the blog could you maybe drop us a postcard so I can add it to Gates's homecoming scrapbook under "People who prayed for you."? I'm printing your loving emails. If you'd like you could mail Gates a birthday card! He would love getting his own mail from the mailbox!
Bridger's 5th Birthday is August 20th. They are eleven months and one week apart:-) Paul said Gates likes to put cheerios in the back of his Tonka Dump Truck! These Brothers are a match made in Heaven! We knew that already though didn't we?
Our address in 5526 Gordon Drive Fort Myers FL 33919
We will keep the blog going until just after Gates's 4th birthday on July 14! Love y'all!
Almost Bedtime in Lanzhou.
Gates is amazing! It's so good to see him again! It broke my heart when we lost internet connection after only one skype session. I'm thankful this morning for the wonderful time I had watching Gates play in their 'upgraded' THANK YOU LORD! room. Gates looks so much more relaxed after several hours in one place. His cough continues but you can hear that he is getting better hydrated having constant access to his bottle of electrolyte solution mixed in bottled water. The agency rep and a physician in Guangzhou called Paul this evening to ask about how it's going and to listen to his cough via phone again. The little guy never stops moving. He has figured out a way to play basket ball using the little orange Nerf ball from his Elmo back pack and tossing through the top level of bars on the roll around porter cart for hanging clothes. lol
You should see Him!! He backs up to the bed lining up his feet and lines up the shot pushing the ball out from his chest like an Orlando Magic center! lol I'm guessing he liked playing with the big boys! The size 24 months clothes we packed are loose on him but he looks SO cute goofing around the room in his little league red, white and blue baseball shirt and Thomas the train underwear. I watched the two of them play and at one point the basket ball hit Paul against the side of his face, Paul 'fake fell' as if knocked down with an 'ooof' sound and Gates belly laughed for more than a minute. Slapstick is big with little boys no matter where they are born!
You should see Him!! He backs up to the bed lining up his feet and lines up the shot pushing the ball out from his chest like an Orlando Magic center! lol I'm guessing he liked playing with the big boys! The size 24 months clothes we packed are loose on him but he looks SO cute goofing around the room in his little league red, white and blue baseball shirt and Thomas the train underwear. I watched the two of them play and at one point the basket ball hit Paul against the side of his face, Paul 'fake fell' as if knocked down with an 'ooof' sound and Gates belly laughed for more than a minute. Slapstick is big with little boys no matter where they are born!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Giving and Receiving is Over. It's official!
I just talked with Paul, right now he and Gates are being moved into their third room in attempts to get both internet and air conditioning in the same location:-) Paul says that the ceremony was emotional for him and Gates was visibly shaken by seeing faces he recognized. He was calm again after retreating with Dad. He is trembling more right now and we thank you for continued prayers for his health and peace. Please join me in asking God for sleep for Paul. He really needs some. Love y'all. The adoption registration is officially over, thank you Lord.
G & R Going On Right Now...
In China, it's Monday morning 12 hours ahead from FL time right now. The giving and receiving ceremony has been underway since 9 am. Paul will take an oath not to abuse or abandon our beautiful boy, he will declare his intentions as a new Father to provide for this child. He will submit to a lengthy interview, sign required paperwork, pay required fees and retribution on William Gates Rudd's behalf and then they will put our little one's foot in red ink and stamp his foot onto the adoption decree as his signature. Paul said that he is so totally in love with this child he feels nervous in his flesh until it's all over with the officials. I'll post as soon as I hear from him. The new room he moved into with the working a/c last night still doesn't have internet:-(
They are still doing GREAT together! When the porter came into the room this morning Gates started to cry, when Paul picked him up he clung tightly to him. Paul said he sings a little song to himself in this adorable tiny voice and rocks back and forth in an effort to self soothe when he gets upset. Paul said the taxi driving makes him want to sing little songs too!
They are still doing GREAT together! When the porter came into the room this morning Gates started to cry, when Paul picked him up he clung tightly to him. Paul said he sings a little song to himself in this adorable tiny voice and rocks back and forth in an effort to self soothe when he gets upset. Paul said the taxi driving makes him want to sing little songs too!
Sleepy time in China for Father and Son:-)
I just had to post one more time today. Paul's amazing experience in delivering this child by the hand of God continues. Gates has slowed down some, which means he is feeling somewhat safer. I watched from my invisible Mamma room on Skype for a while. He and Daddy are finding a place of familiarity already that can only be described as supernatural.
The air conditioner has been broken in the room for two days as Paul has been trying to get some cooperation with fixing it. He and Gates were sweaty and uncomfortable so Dad removed a layer or two of clothing to cool our little guy down with a rag dipped in bottled water. At one point Gates put his hand over the long scar on his stomach, this scar removes any visible navel. Paul kissed around Gates's hand and Gates exposed the scar, Daddy kissed that too and Gates began to point out all of his surgery scars and the mosquito bite he had scratched open earlier on his ear. Daddy kissed all of his ouchies and Gates let out a sleepy sigh. As I watched him in adoration, he was lying next to Daddy gulping down his bottle of water mixed with electrolyte powder to begin hydrating him. There was no audible sound in the room except for a little cough from Gates every once in a while. It's a dry cough, probably from the heavy pollution. Just before bed the Lord provided a new room for them and the a/c is running in there. Daddy and Gates will rest better now. Tomorrow is the bank, adoption registration and the passport office please continue to pray for the favor and Glory of God in all circumstances. Night night little one. Mamma loves you.
The air conditioner has been broken in the room for two days as Paul has been trying to get some cooperation with fixing it. He and Gates were sweaty and uncomfortable so Dad removed a layer or two of clothing to cool our little guy down with a rag dipped in bottled water. At one point Gates put his hand over the long scar on his stomach, this scar removes any visible navel. Paul kissed around Gates's hand and Gates exposed the scar, Daddy kissed that too and Gates began to point out all of his surgery scars and the mosquito bite he had scratched open earlier on his ear. Daddy kissed all of his ouchies and Gates let out a sleepy sigh. As I watched him in adoration, he was lying next to Daddy gulping down his bottle of water mixed with electrolyte powder to begin hydrating him. There was no audible sound in the room except for a little cough from Gates every once in a while. It's a dry cough, probably from the heavy pollution. Just before bed the Lord provided a new room for them and the a/c is running in there. Daddy and Gates will rest better now. Tomorrow is the bank, adoption registration and the passport office please continue to pray for the favor and Glory of God in all circumstances. Night night little one. Mamma loves you.
Karrie Is BACK! I can see my Baby and my Son!
Hi everybody! Gee what are the odds that the DSL would go out just before Paul called to say he has Gates!(don't answer that) I had to wait to see him and now I can! How beautiful is this child?!!
We rejoice in God our Savior! He who makes a way where there is no way and opens what none can shut!
Gates will never wait another day for love. He is clearly embracing his new experiences and although his behaivor of running to and fro with reckless abandon from one gift to another and back is typical of fight or flight endorphin rush in toddlers, it's wonderful to see this response from him. God has sustained him and he has strength!
Watching him reminds me of the joy of being free!
Captivity has been taken captive and this bruised little soul is now liberated! Gates loves the little Tonka trucks! Another all about wheels boy for us! Yay! Paul says he is facinated by his new britches, the ones he knows are the 'split' pants used in China so children just go whenever.
He keeps checking out the seams. lol He has never seen anyone who looks like his Daddy before and he comes right up to Paul and shows him his toys. packing and unpacking his little Elmo backpack with elation! He enjoys his little circus box of animal crackers and Paul has his water bottle and a bowl filled with cheerios out where he can see it at all times, to remind him that there is plenty now. Every few seconds he runs over there for a sip and a few more cheerios.
Gates can already see the favor of being in the presence of his Father! Thank you God for acceptance, for provision, for belonging in you and by you! Happy Father's Day Y'all!
We rejoice in God our Savior! He who makes a way where there is no way and opens what none can shut!
Gates will never wait another day for love. He is clearly embracing his new experiences and although his behaivor of running to and fro with reckless abandon from one gift to another and back is typical of fight or flight endorphin rush in toddlers, it's wonderful to see this response from him. God has sustained him and he has strength!
Watching him reminds me of the joy of being free!
Captivity has been taken captive and this bruised little soul is now liberated! Gates loves the little Tonka trucks! Another all about wheels boy for us! Yay! Paul says he is facinated by his new britches, the ones he knows are the 'split' pants used in China so children just go whenever.
He keeps checking out the seams. lol He has never seen anyone who looks like his Daddy before and he comes right up to Paul and shows him his toys. packing and unpacking his little Elmo backpack with elation! He enjoys his little circus box of animal crackers and Paul has his water bottle and a bowl filled with cheerios out where he can see it at all times, to remind him that there is plenty now. Every few seconds he runs over there for a sip and a few more cheerios.
Gates can already see the favor of being in the presence of his Father! Thank you God for acceptance, for provision, for belonging in you and by you! Happy Father's Day Y'all!
Giving God all of the glory, we are very excited to tell you that Daddy and Gates are together! Due to technical difficulties, we cannot post photos quite yet, but we will very soon! Thank you for your continued prayers! Gates is all smiles and joyful leaps around the room, playing blocks and trucks with Daddy!
BIG MESS! BIGGER GOD!!!! PRAY FOR PAUL!!!
Paul's guide is terribly unprepared. Does not know the paperwork. Speaks very little ENGLISH! Information on him was not accurate. Paul is now eighteen minutes from receiving our child and just found out that he needs copies of documents he did not know he needed. That he has to exchange ALL of his USD INCLUDING THE 5200. orphanage donation fee into RMB! The downstairs hotel desk cannot exchange that much so he has to find a bank on his own and get 40, 000. RMB as well as additional copies of my power of attorney, his visa and both of our passports in the next eighteen minutes!!!!!!!
Susan Song is trying to walk Paul through this on his Panda Phone and she told him he needed the $400USD for the visa today and he said that is already paid and she asked, "Are you Hague Family?" We are without Help in Lanzhou BUT GOD! If you read this in time to do something... HELP! PRAY!!!
Susan Song is trying to walk Paul through this on his Panda Phone and she told him he needed the $400USD for the visa today and he said that is already paid and she asked, "Are you Hague Family?" We are without Help in Lanzhou BUT GOD! If you read this in time to do something... HELP! PRAY!!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
It's Father's Day in China!
Hi everybody. I just talked with Paul on Skype for awhile. We talked until after Midnight China time and I thanked him for delivering our Son and prayed with him for a blessed day in God's favor and grace as he meets his fourth precious child. Tears and Prayers abounded but clearly the LORD is in this thing!
We love y'all. The G&R Ceremony (Giving and Receiving) is scheduled for 2:30pm China time. Paul has rinsed out bottles and put circus animal crackers into Gates's backpack along with a few specially chosen toys from his siblings and parents. Infant stacking cups, a nerf ball, two miniature tonka trucks, 12 miniature wooden building blocks, three carboard books in a set and a hot wheels car from Big Brother.
We are hopeful to get pictures from Skype of Gates and Paul together to share with you soon!
We love y'all. The G&R Ceremony (Giving and Receiving) is scheduled for 2:30pm China time. Paul has rinsed out bottles and put circus animal crackers into Gates's backpack along with a few specially chosen toys from his siblings and parents. Infant stacking cups, a nerf ball, two miniature tonka trucks, 12 miniature wooden building blocks, three carboard books in a set and a hot wheels car from Big Brother.
We are hopeful to get pictures from Skype of Gates and Paul together to share with you soon!
Gates Waits One More Day!
Good Morning! We're not getting a lot of sleep around here. The grown ups anyway. Brian and Chari have been monitoring the skype in case Paul could make contact the past two nights and they enjoyed a tour of his Hotel Room with them last night. The pics here on this blog are ones Chari took from that skype session.
Paul has internet! You can email him at KLRudd@aol.com or skype him (also free) at paulrudd17 It's not always easy to get through. Paul will bring the skype up in the hotel room so we can see Gates. We won't be bringing him up to the screen though. Mamma is not a one dimensional freak with her mouth moving and the sound coming later. That will not be his first image of me:-) I do SO appretiate the opportunity to see him move and to watch his early responses! Skype is amazing!
It's also kind of emotional for me having a virtual husband like this. My irrational side feels weird being able to see him and not being able to touch him. This long journey has never seemed so long as it does right now. So, enough whining from Mamma.
PAUL WILL HAVE GATES IN ONE MORE DAY! He will purchase more bottled water and set up a play area for them with a clean comforter and a few of his toys out. He found some kid friendly stuff on tv there.
While we are sleeping the night before Father's Day here it will already be Father's Day there and Gates will finally come home into his Father's Arms. I will post as quickly as I can for those who are up and down checking.
I also want to encourage you to consider the Fatherhood of God. I didn't have a Daddy myself. But when I learned of a Father's Love it was the powerful acceptance and attentive love of God poured out on me. The Bible says that God is Father to the Fatherless.
Father's Day is a really emotional day for those who've never had the love of a Father, those who have known and loved Fathers who have passed, those who adore their Father and are seperated from him and those who will finally know the embrace of a Father's strong arms. All are represented in our Family this year! God stands ready to kneel and welcome you into his Father's Arms just as Paul will Gates. The paralells of Paul's union with his far away child at last is a beautiful glimpse into what Christ did for you so that you could be with your Father in Heaven. We're praying you have a wonderful day tomorrow!
Paul has internet! You can email him at KLRudd@aol.com or skype him (also free) at paulrudd17 It's not always easy to get through. Paul will bring the skype up in the hotel room so we can see Gates. We won't be bringing him up to the screen though. Mamma is not a one dimensional freak with her mouth moving and the sound coming later. That will not be his first image of me:-) I do SO appretiate the opportunity to see him move and to watch his early responses! Skype is amazing!
It's also kind of emotional for me having a virtual husband like this. My irrational side feels weird being able to see him and not being able to touch him. This long journey has never seemed so long as it does right now. So, enough whining from Mamma.
PAUL WILL HAVE GATES IN ONE MORE DAY! He will purchase more bottled water and set up a play area for them with a clean comforter and a few of his toys out. He found some kid friendly stuff on tv there.
While we are sleeping the night before Father's Day here it will already be Father's Day there and Gates will finally come home into his Father's Arms. I will post as quickly as I can for those who are up and down checking.
I also want to encourage you to consider the Fatherhood of God. I didn't have a Daddy myself. But when I learned of a Father's Love it was the powerful acceptance and attentive love of God poured out on me. The Bible says that God is Father to the Fatherless.
Father's Day is a really emotional day for those who've never had the love of a Father, those who have known and loved Fathers who have passed, those who adore their Father and are seperated from him and those who will finally know the embrace of a Father's strong arms. All are represented in our Family this year! God stands ready to kneel and welcome you into his Father's Arms just as Paul will Gates. The paralells of Paul's union with his far away child at last is a beautiful glimpse into what Christ did for you so that you could be with your Father in Heaven. We're praying you have a wonderful day tomorrow!
Friday, June 19, 2009
call from Lanzhou
Paul is in Lanzhou! He is exhausted and jetlagged with major culture shock but once he gets some sleep he will be much better. The drama of the health screening added some stress but NO QUARANTINE!!!! YAY! We're on schedule receive Gates on Father's Day!
Paul said that there is a crib in the room with a little blue lamb comforter and that the remote control for the hotel tv is all in Chinese! Funny the things that guys notice:-)
He also mentioned that there are about a million people on the streets and nobody stops for anybody with their cars. He watched cars driving on the side walk like it was nothing. Only altercation thus far was with a hotel clerk who insisted on money as deposit for wet bar in hotel room. Paul stood his ground so he's still got that 200RMB in his pocket.
His guide, Eagle Feng, is twenty five years old and was educated as an English Teacher. Thank you Jesus they can understand each other!
Paul said that there is a crib in the room with a little blue lamb comforter and that the remote control for the hotel tv is all in Chinese! Funny the things that guys notice:-)
He also mentioned that there are about a million people on the streets and nobody stops for anybody with their cars. He watched cars driving on the side walk like it was nothing. Only altercation thus far was with a hotel clerk who insisted on money as deposit for wet bar in hotel room. Paul stood his ground so he's still got that 200RMB in his pocket.
His guide, Eagle Feng, is twenty five years old and was educated as an English Teacher. Thank you Jesus they can understand each other!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Hi from Hong Kong!
I got in to h.k. about 5:30 and through all the checks about 6:00 am. I got to know nice couple from H.K. We got each other's pictures . the last three hours of the flight we had rough turbulence so bad people were loosing their lunch.I got some pictures here it is amazing mountains and all . I'm doimg ok dinner was beef potatoes with bb cheese cake, and an egg and sausage sandwich.I love you all so very much !!!!!! love paul-daddy
Day Two. Flying to China
Good morning. Paul is flying to China right now. He will be there tomorrow. I'm terrible with the time zone stuff. Really I am.
After weeks of patient teaching and enthusiastic coaching our Brian helped Paul and Grandma have a skype session along with him. This three way communication will allow all of us to see one another and talk with one another and see Gates together while in China! It's also completely free! How cool is that!? Skype Rocks! It wasn't easy. After Brian and Chari spent all afternoon with two computers and both cell phones getting the flight thing worked out by the POWER OF GOD, Brian went to church, took care of the VBS event sound systems, came by here with Chari to check on everybody then hung in with Paul until he was through the boarding pass deal with the new flight then the skype stuff. We are all so thankful for Brian's devotion to our Daughter and the gift of his love for the rest of us moves me to tears. Thanks Chari and Brian your commitment and intentional encouragement inspires me.
Aimee is constantly moving and helping and doing her utmost for His Highest. She plays enthusiastically with Bridger. Setting aside her own agenda for the day and playing preschool video games, builds with blocks and admirably feigns genuine interest John Deere tractors and hot wheels. She's helping with meals and bath time and jumps in to help Mamma mow the lawn.
Whenever she is quiet she is finishing the delicate hand stitching of the satin border of Gates's blankie. She began this blanket for him a year ago and every one in a while you will see her sewing on it. She prays for him as she sews. She will bring it to the airport when she meets her little brother. You would never know she is suffering with those miserable 22 year old wisdom teeth. Thank you Aimee. You are my sunshine.
Your prayers and words of encouragement have lifted us through the drama and victory in just the first day! Thank you precious ones. Every email you sent me I 'kept as new' so that Paul could read them from where he is. So if you want to send him an email just send it to KLRudd@aol.com .
Bridger really missed Daddy last night. He doesn't know what to do with the power of his emotions about all of this. He is so brave! I have a copy of Gates's Notice of Coming to China for Adoption on the door of the fridge. Bridger will kiss the little picture of Gates and say. "It's okay." God is with us.
After weeks of patient teaching and enthusiastic coaching our Brian helped Paul and Grandma have a skype session along with him. This three way communication will allow all of us to see one another and talk with one another and see Gates together while in China! It's also completely free! How cool is that!? Skype Rocks! It wasn't easy. After Brian and Chari spent all afternoon with two computers and both cell phones getting the flight thing worked out by the POWER OF GOD, Brian went to church, took care of the VBS event sound systems, came by here with Chari to check on everybody then hung in with Paul until he was through the boarding pass deal with the new flight then the skype stuff. We are all so thankful for Brian's devotion to our Daughter and the gift of his love for the rest of us moves me to tears. Thanks Chari and Brian your commitment and intentional encouragement inspires me.
Aimee is constantly moving and helping and doing her utmost for His Highest. She plays enthusiastically with Bridger. Setting aside her own agenda for the day and playing preschool video games, builds with blocks and admirably feigns genuine interest John Deere tractors and hot wheels. She's helping with meals and bath time and jumps in to help Mamma mow the lawn.
Whenever she is quiet she is finishing the delicate hand stitching of the satin border of Gates's blankie. She began this blanket for him a year ago and every one in a while you will see her sewing on it. She prays for him as she sews. She will bring it to the airport when she meets her little brother. You would never know she is suffering with those miserable 22 year old wisdom teeth. Thank you Aimee. You are my sunshine.
Your prayers and words of encouragement have lifted us through the drama and victory in just the first day! Thank you precious ones. Every email you sent me I 'kept as new' so that Paul could read them from where he is. So if you want to send him an email just send it to KLRudd@aol.com .
Bridger really missed Daddy last night. He doesn't know what to do with the power of his emotions about all of this. He is so brave! I have a copy of Gates's Notice of Coming to China for Adoption on the door of the fridge. Bridger will kiss the little picture of Gates and say. "It's okay." God is with us.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
VICTORY IN JESUS!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Cathay Pacific Los Angeles International (LAX) to Hong Kong Int'l (HKG)Departure (LAX): June 17, 11:50 PM PDT (evening)Arrival (HKG): June 19, 5:25 AM HKT (morning)Class: Economy View the latest airport conditions at: LAX Friday, June 19, 2009Cathay Pacific Operated by: DRAGONAIR -- KA 900 - Please check in with the operating carrier Hong Kong Int'l (HKG) to Beijing Capital (PEK)Departure (HKG): June 19, 8:00 AM HKT (morning)Arrival (PEK): June 19, 11:25 AM CST (morning)
This flight arrives two days later.
This flight arrives two days later.
Chari Granstra here - I just called Daddy and told him that Mission Control is working on the situation... we'll find him a way to get a square peg into a round hole, just like on Apollo 13! Please be praying for a quick and smooth process while we try to get around this hurdle. Please also pray for my mom and dad, as this is... EVER so stressful!
Flight Cancelled Paul In Los Angeles Volcanic Activity in China
No. I'm not kidding. PRAY EVERYBODY!!! PAUL IS IN LOS ANGELES AND THEY CAN'T PUT HIM ON NEXT FLIGHT BECAUSE IT'S CANCELLED DUE TO VOLCANIC ACTIVITY IN BEIJING! PRAY HARD!
I'll post when the Victory of God has Manifested!
I'll post when the Victory of God has Manifested!
Pray for Eagle Feng.
The air is bristling with expectancy and activity!
You can just feel it ... GATES IS COMING HOME!
Paul and I poured over detailed lists that looked like this:
Passport
Adoption Decree for China (TA)
Notarized Dept. of State Authenticated Power of Attorney (Karrie's)
Copy of Entire Dossier
Copy of Home Study
Three years of Tax Records
Proof of Medical Coverage for Special Needs Child
3 cc Syringes (For Gates's Immunizations Required by US he'll have at least 6 injections that day but our family physician bumped it up a few extra in case Paul needed any shots while there, we will be able to donate those to protect other families from the less than sterile clinic conditions and potential infection)
Immodium, Pepto, Actifed, Children's Benedryl, Ch. Tylenol Meltaway Tabs, Ch Immodium, Rx for Cipro... (stomach antibiotic type thing in case somebody forgets and brushes their teeth with tap water of something, don't worry we will tape down the faucet as advised) Extra BP Rx for Paul. A&D ointment for Gates's skin as well as Neosporin and rash cream.
3 changes of clothes for Paul. 4 changes of clothes for Gates (AAAAWWWW)
A soft blankie, books and bottle/sippy for bundeling and bonding with Daddy.
Camera
Mini Lap Top for Skype so we can see Gates before July 1! Thanks Grandma!
Cell phone for States. Panda Phone for China
Notebook filled with forms
Orphanage Donation Reimbursement
E ticket for planes
Itinerary for China
2 mini tonka dump trucks, 10 1 inch cube building blocks which he will play with and get used to using his fingers and hands more as restraint was a big part of his life, WAS.
rain ponchos big and little
Mickey Mouse Doodle Pad and stacking/nesting cups infant toy which are BIG with these kids
and on and on and on
So, can you tell I've had too much caffeine and too little sleep? My writing will probably not be up to par for the duration but hang in here with me Buddies!
Paul's Guide in Lanzhou will be a Mr. Eagle Feng. He will translate, lead and navigate for us throughout the adoption registration process. For eight days Paul will be his project and we all know... his blessing.
Paul's plane is leaving No. Carolina this hour and it's on to LAX in five hours or so:-)
You can just feel it ... GATES IS COMING HOME!
Paul and I poured over detailed lists that looked like this:
Passport
Adoption Decree for China (TA)
Notarized Dept. of State Authenticated Power of Attorney (Karrie's)
Copy of Entire Dossier
Copy of Home Study
Three years of Tax Records
Proof of Medical Coverage for Special Needs Child
3 cc Syringes (For Gates's Immunizations Required by US he'll have at least 6 injections that day but our family physician bumped it up a few extra in case Paul needed any shots while there, we will be able to donate those to protect other families from the less than sterile clinic conditions and potential infection)
Immodium, Pepto, Actifed, Children's Benedryl, Ch. Tylenol Meltaway Tabs, Ch Immodium, Rx for Cipro... (stomach antibiotic type thing in case somebody forgets and brushes their teeth with tap water of something, don't worry we will tape down the faucet as advised) Extra BP Rx for Paul. A&D ointment for Gates's skin as well as Neosporin and rash cream.
3 changes of clothes for Paul. 4 changes of clothes for Gates (AAAAWWWW)
A soft blankie, books and bottle/sippy for bundeling and bonding with Daddy.
Camera
Mini Lap Top for Skype so we can see Gates before July 1! Thanks Grandma!
Cell phone for States. Panda Phone for China
Notebook filled with forms
Orphanage Donation Reimbursement
E ticket for planes
Itinerary for China
2 mini tonka dump trucks, 10 1 inch cube building blocks which he will play with and get used to using his fingers and hands more as restraint was a big part of his life, WAS.
rain ponchos big and little
Mickey Mouse Doodle Pad and stacking/nesting cups infant toy which are BIG with these kids
and on and on and on
So, can you tell I've had too much caffeine and too little sleep? My writing will probably not be up to par for the duration but hang in here with me Buddies!
Paul's Guide in Lanzhou will be a Mr. Eagle Feng. He will translate, lead and navigate for us throughout the adoption registration process. For eight days Paul will be his project and we all know... his blessing.
Paul's plane is leaving No. Carolina this hour and it's on to LAX in five hours or so:-)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Grace Like Rain. Love Never Fails.
Surely Jesus said, "Love Never Fails." The Fundraising is Over.
Gates is Coming Home.
Words fail me. I want you to know that we asked God to choose those on whom He would rejoice in pouring out the reward of welcoming a child in His name. We are delighted that our lack has translated into the Glory of God and the outpouring of His blessing on you all.
It's two am in China right now. Gates is asleep. I wonder if His heart can feel that His Daddy is on the way. May His dreams be sweet Lord Jesus, may your peace surround His little mind and prepare His soul to love You.
Your love never fails.
Gates is Coming Home.
Words fail me. I want you to know that we asked God to choose those on whom He would rejoice in pouring out the reward of welcoming a child in His name. We are delighted that our lack has translated into the Glory of God and the outpouring of His blessing on you all.
It's two am in China right now. Gates is asleep. I wonder if His heart can feel that His Daddy is on the way. May His dreams be sweet Lord Jesus, may your peace surround His little mind and prepare His soul to love You.
Your love never fails.
In the wee hours I was thinking about you all.
Hi.
So, it's four something in the morning and I'm wide awake. I don't know how much of my sleeplessness can be attributed to the grande vanilla latte I had at the airport Starbucks at ten pm last night while Brian and Paul were practicing with the computer, and how much of it is because we are so very close to welcoming this little face into the family album forever.
Paul and I have been close since second grade. We've been married for decades. We've done a lot and we've endured a lot side by side. We've never done this before. It's mind blowing to consider what lies ahead in the next two weeks for us as a family, for us as a couple, for us as individuals.
We will never be the same. God will create in us new things and a new awareness of our reliance on Him... for every step. We are so thankful to know that although we will be apart from one another (which is still a very uncomfortable thing for us) God will be with us both. He unites us beyond physical nearness. He has tied our hearts together in an enduring love.
That's what it's like when you love a child you've never met. It's beyond the love that grows through familiarity, it's more like the conception of a relationship that is inevitable and mutually dependent. You don't just connect with your child's story. You connect with your child's life force in a tangible way. I sense Gates the way I do when one of my other children are in the next room. I'm aware of them even when I can't see them and I'm tuned in for clues as to how it's going 'in there'. After awhile if it's too quiet or there is a loud sound I investigate and assure myself of their safety. It's incredibly hard to describe to someone who has not lived this experience how miserable you feel when your child is always in 'the next room' and you cannot check on them or reassure your parental instincts that all is well.
I am very aware of our inability to pull this off on our own. I am even more aware of God's ability to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we ask, think or even imagine.
So, Paul leaves in less that twenty four hours to Bring Gates Home. I invite you into the next room with me... where we will find out together how it is with Gates... as we welcome this precious child and recreate our family in God's big hands.
So, it's four something in the morning and I'm wide awake. I don't know how much of my sleeplessness can be attributed to the grande vanilla latte I had at the airport Starbucks at ten pm last night while Brian and Paul were practicing with the computer, and how much of it is because we are so very close to welcoming this little face into the family album forever.
Paul and I have been close since second grade. We've been married for decades. We've done a lot and we've endured a lot side by side. We've never done this before. It's mind blowing to consider what lies ahead in the next two weeks for us as a family, for us as a couple, for us as individuals.
We will never be the same. God will create in us new things and a new awareness of our reliance on Him... for every step. We are so thankful to know that although we will be apart from one another (which is still a very uncomfortable thing for us) God will be with us both. He unites us beyond physical nearness. He has tied our hearts together in an enduring love.
That's what it's like when you love a child you've never met. It's beyond the love that grows through familiarity, it's more like the conception of a relationship that is inevitable and mutually dependent. You don't just connect with your child's story. You connect with your child's life force in a tangible way. I sense Gates the way I do when one of my other children are in the next room. I'm aware of them even when I can't see them and I'm tuned in for clues as to how it's going 'in there'. After awhile if it's too quiet or there is a loud sound I investigate and assure myself of their safety. It's incredibly hard to describe to someone who has not lived this experience how miserable you feel when your child is always in 'the next room' and you cannot check on them or reassure your parental instincts that all is well.
I am very aware of our inability to pull this off on our own. I am even more aware of God's ability to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we ask, think or even imagine.
So, Paul leaves in less that twenty four hours to Bring Gates Home. I invite you into the next room with me... where we will find out together how it is with Gates... as we welcome this precious child and recreate our family in God's big hands.
Monday, June 15, 2009
We are not alone. Thanks for your love.
Hi everybody! It's 4:31 pm and we received our TA fed ex and the mail brought some beautiful offerings of love and devotion to our little Gates from all over. One sweet card came all the way from MI, thanks for your beautiful words and prayers Grandma Rachel. Chari sure married into a precious family.
Our 1500 needed is down to 1100 now. Where there is life there is hope!
Our 1500 needed is down to 1100 now. Where there is life there is hope!
It's June 15 and God loves you!
For those who check on the progress to Bringing Gates Home everyday I wanted to post something. I know you all are as ready as we are to see it all come together. We're all sitting on the edge of our seats as the Conductor of the Universe Himself raises his baton!
I'm sure we are in for the powerful finale... very, very soon.
Paul is on paid vacation this week. It was scheduled months before we knew this would be our travel week. But God knew. Paul is running around doing odd jobs for people today while the family crew keep the preparations moving forward. Chari has prepared for her trip to California and is honing her airport skills to make the last 24 hours of travel as easy on her Daddy and baby Brother as possible. Brian tracked down the evasive Chinese power converter at Brookstone and has stood in many bank lines getting crisp new one hundred dollar bills for the Orphanage Donation with the money we have thus far. As of this moment we still need $1,500 more.
We will receive the Fed Ex carrying the Notice of Permission of Coming to China (or TA) Today.
The airline tickets to and from including the ones in country are all handled. Hotels for Lanzhou and Guangzhou are set. Adoption Travel Insurance is taken care of. Free Panda Phone Rental for adoptive families and .29 per minute card is set so that Paul can communicate with agency reps and govt. offices while in China. I separated the forms and authenticated power of attorney documents as well as tax returns for past three years etc. etc. etc. into two different folders for Paul. One is marked Lanzhou and One Guangzhou so he doesn't have to sort anything. Bridger asked me for a neon colored post it note and I watched him scribble on it and put it onto a coloring book, "This way I remember to color this first." I love sharing all of this with him. I hope he understands better the passion and indescribable love we put into bringing Him home as he watches the deliverance of his little Brother.
I'm sure we are in for the powerful finale... very, very soon.
Paul is on paid vacation this week. It was scheduled months before we knew this would be our travel week. But God knew. Paul is running around doing odd jobs for people today while the family crew keep the preparations moving forward. Chari has prepared for her trip to California and is honing her airport skills to make the last 24 hours of travel as easy on her Daddy and baby Brother as possible. Brian tracked down the evasive Chinese power converter at Brookstone and has stood in many bank lines getting crisp new one hundred dollar bills for the Orphanage Donation with the money we have thus far. As of this moment we still need $1,500 more.
We will receive the Fed Ex carrying the Notice of Permission of Coming to China (or TA) Today.
The airline tickets to and from including the ones in country are all handled. Hotels for Lanzhou and Guangzhou are set. Adoption Travel Insurance is taken care of. Free Panda Phone Rental for adoptive families and .29 per minute card is set so that Paul can communicate with agency reps and govt. offices while in China. I separated the forms and authenticated power of attorney documents as well as tax returns for past three years etc. etc. etc. into two different folders for Paul. One is marked Lanzhou and One Guangzhou so he doesn't have to sort anything. Bridger asked me for a neon colored post it note and I watched him scribble on it and put it onto a coloring book, "This way I remember to color this first." I love sharing all of this with him. I hope he understands better the passion and indescribable love we put into bringing Him home as he watches the deliverance of his little Brother.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Men's Call For Prayer Action! -Paul Rudd
Hey Guys! I KNOW you are still praying for God's Glory in bringing my little boy home! I fly out of LAX on Wednesday and reach Beijing on Friday then into Lanzhou where my sad three year old is waiting for Daddy to rescue him by the hand of the LORD! After a week in Lanzhou me and my boy will fly to where the embassy is in Guangzhou. When all goes well in the favor or our Lord I will fly home starting on June 30th.
I am prepared to be quarantined and herded into a hospital if ANY body on our entire flight into China is found to have a fever. That's how the US Embassy says it will go down. The flight crew, passengers everybody for at least a week! NOT my plan for sure so I ask that you would pray for a plane full of healthy passengers and crew with me. Although I am more than prepared to pay that price to save this child... MY CHILD, I don't want him to have to wait a minute longer than he already has. He's not very strong right now.
I am prepared to be quarantined and herded into a hospital if ANY body on our entire flight into China is found to have a fever. That's how the US Embassy says it will go down. The flight crew, passengers everybody for at least a week! NOT my plan for sure so I ask that you would pray for a plane full of healthy passengers and crew with me. Although I am more than prepared to pay that price to save this child... MY CHILD, I don't want him to have to wait a minute longer than he already has. He's not very strong right now.
Gates Knows.
When I woke up this morning my heart was pounding with the knowledge that Gates knows. When we received the TA he was told that his wait for a family is over. He was shown pictures of his family and he was moved to a new location within the institution where children are prepared to leave.
There are a lot of things happening around him that may concern him greatly in his current environment. To embellish may put others in process at risk. Suffice to say, "Please pray for him and for good will between nations so that the children still waiting have the hope of a homecomming one day too."
Paul will fly out until Wednesday and we are SURE of God's provision to allow that! He has all the power and I've got none of it. So, I got dressed and went into the kitchen and made chocolate chip pancakes for Bridger, then we went to church.
There are a lot of things happening around him that may concern him greatly in his current environment. To embellish may put others in process at risk. Suffice to say, "Please pray for him and for good will between nations so that the children still waiting have the hope of a homecomming one day too."
Paul will fly out until Wednesday and we are SURE of God's provision to allow that! He has all the power and I've got none of it. So, I got dressed and went into the kitchen and made chocolate chip pancakes for Bridger, then we went to church.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
It's Saturday and Hope Reigns!
Our Bridger is so excited to bring little brother home. He is telling everybody, everywhere about it! "My Baby is going to come home lasterday! He is going to sleep in my bed." (Mamma interjects, "It will be BOTH your beds at first until Gates gets used to sleeping alone.") "Umm Yeah. But he won't want to leave me because I'm going to take care of him every day. But you can change his diaper and feed him Chinese food because I don't like that smell."
Not sure if he was referring to the diapers or the Chinese food.
Not sure if he was referring to the diapers or the Chinese food.
Friday, June 12, 2009
It's A Wonderful Life!
Hi everybody. Thanks for praying and hanging in here with us. I know the drama gets to you sometimes but it's our prayer that God's glory will get all over you too as you have welcomed this child in His Name!
You know that scene at the end of It's a W0nderful Life where George is on his way to jail and the whole world shows up with love and prayers and laughter and if I remember right, one nice old guy with a pocket watch he passes off to a child in the joy of giving.
The scene is set. The adversary is poised like old man Potter prepared to see us sink and fail in bringing Gates home! We are still nearly two thousand dollars short in coming up with the expenses in China for reimburseing the Orphanage for Gates's surgeries and putting a roof over his head for four years. They will not allow the adoption to be registered without those funds. Our adoption is formal in China but Paul cannot register it until Gates's debt is satisfied. Jesus PAID OUR DEBT IN FULL! Do you know how AWESOME that iS!? Please Continue to Pray.
We can't fly without the entirety of this money. Fundraising has purchased plane tickets, donations and saving every dime and working side jobs and the miraculous provision of God has paid for domestic travel expenses as well. We have to satisfy this debt for a baby boy who hasn't had anything since the day he was born except loss, pain, sickness and unbearable lonliness... yet he has debt. He is our child, we take responsibility for him. We take his need and his grief and will provide well for his medical care as we have excellent insurance and generous medical professionals on hand to aid in his healing, we can give him a happy home from the hand of God. However, in this specific area of need, we don't have this money in the natural. Please kneel with us and devote this day to pray for Gates to be free from the captivity he has known since he first opened his eyes! I need you guys. Gates needs you guys! Prepare to rejoice with us as God unveils his plan. If it's one big check waiting in the wings or a hundred people showing up with jars of change and love in their hearts, to God be the Glory!
You know that scene at the end of It's a W0nderful Life where George is on his way to jail and the whole world shows up with love and prayers and laughter and if I remember right, one nice old guy with a pocket watch he passes off to a child in the joy of giving.
The scene is set. The adversary is poised like old man Potter prepared to see us sink and fail in bringing Gates home! We are still nearly two thousand dollars short in coming up with the expenses in China for reimburseing the Orphanage for Gates's surgeries and putting a roof over his head for four years. They will not allow the adoption to be registered without those funds. Our adoption is formal in China but Paul cannot register it until Gates's debt is satisfied. Jesus PAID OUR DEBT IN FULL! Do you know how AWESOME that iS!? Please Continue to Pray.
We can't fly without the entirety of this money. Fundraising has purchased plane tickets, donations and saving every dime and working side jobs and the miraculous provision of God has paid for domestic travel expenses as well. We have to satisfy this debt for a baby boy who hasn't had anything since the day he was born except loss, pain, sickness and unbearable lonliness... yet he has debt. He is our child, we take responsibility for him. We take his need and his grief and will provide well for his medical care as we have excellent insurance and generous medical professionals on hand to aid in his healing, we can give him a happy home from the hand of God. However, in this specific area of need, we don't have this money in the natural. Please kneel with us and devote this day to pray for Gates to be free from the captivity he has known since he first opened his eyes! I need you guys. Gates needs you guys! Prepare to rejoice with us as God unveils his plan. If it's one big check waiting in the wings or a hundred people showing up with jars of change and love in their hearts, to God be the Glory!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Paul STILL Leaves in Five Days!
We received communication that borders remain open and that Paul should be prepared for brief period of quarantine from three to seven days if any passenger on his plane has flu symptoms. Paul says its a small price to pay and we push onward!
Still need roughly $300 per day for the final five days before we fly! Isn't this SO exciting!!!!???
Gates is packed. His little back pack is stuffed with cheerios, toddler toys and carboard books along with his blankie for comfort.
Paul is packed and chomping at the bit to get going! Once those wheels are up we'll all feel better won't we? Then one milestone at a time until ... GATES COMES HOME!!
Love Y'all!
Still need roughly $300 per day for the final five days before we fly! Isn't this SO exciting!!!!???
Gates is packed. His little back pack is stuffed with cheerios, toddler toys and carboard books along with his blankie for comfort.
Paul is packed and chomping at the bit to get going! Once those wheels are up we'll all feel better won't we? Then one milestone at a time until ... GATES COMES HOME!!
Love Y'all!
Tickets Bought WHO calls Level 6 Pandemic
It's SO GOOD to know you Lord. We can do this as long as it takes. You are the ENDURING HOPE of our life. If borders close-you are God. If quarantines and panic ensue-you are God.
If Gates must wait even longer- you are God.
Are we all still breathing?! Hang in here with us friends this isn't a journey for sissies but it's one that saves lives which hang in the balance every day! Don't turn away! Hold fast! Dig deep! PRAY HARD!
If Gates must wait even longer- you are God.
Are we all still breathing?! Hang in here with us friends this isn't a journey for sissies but it's one that saves lives which hang in the balance every day! Don't turn away! Hold fast! Dig deep! PRAY HARD!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Mr. Rudd Goes to China a week from TODAY !
Through wall after wall our little Boy walks through doors installed by the God of the Universe!
Gates is COMING HOME!!!
WE just got word that our Consulate Appointment is confirmed in Guangzhou for June 29th! By God's grace abounding in the final details we are confident that Father and Son will be flying out of China and Homeward bound on China Flight CZ**** the afternoon of June 30th!
This means that Paul will fly out of California ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! He will have one stop in Canada then on to Beijing! He should arrive in Lanzhou on the 19 (China time) and sign the adoption registration on Father's Day! Gates will be brought to the Hotel on Sunday and the two of them will spend a fun filled week of paperwork and appointments in Lanzhou City until the 28th when they will fly to Guangzhou. Once in Guangzhou the U.S. Embassy stuff begins! That's how it all stands right now! Tickets to and from China are booked! Thank you Jesus!
I will keep posting as it happens. The money is not yet here to take care of China expenses in country, but we aren't letting our hearts be troubled or afraid we believe God and in Christ his son our Lord and He is ABLE!
Gates is COMING HOME!!!
WE just got word that our Consulate Appointment is confirmed in Guangzhou for June 29th! By God's grace abounding in the final details we are confident that Father and Son will be flying out of China and Homeward bound on China Flight CZ**** the afternoon of June 30th!
This means that Paul will fly out of California ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! He will have one stop in Canada then on to Beijing! He should arrive in Lanzhou on the 19 (China time) and sign the adoption registration on Father's Day! Gates will be brought to the Hotel on Sunday and the two of them will spend a fun filled week of paperwork and appointments in Lanzhou City until the 28th when they will fly to Guangzhou. Once in Guangzhou the U.S. Embassy stuff begins! That's how it all stands right now! Tickets to and from China are booked! Thank you Jesus!
I will keep posting as it happens. The money is not yet here to take care of China expenses in country, but we aren't letting our hearts be troubled or afraid we believe God and in Christ his son our Lord and He is ABLE!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Soon.
The Waiting Child
by Debbie Bodie
I saw you meet your child today
You kissed your baby joyfully
And as you walked away with her
I played pretend you'd chosen me.
I'm happy for the baby, yet
Inside I'm aching miserably
I want to plead as you go by,
"Does no-one want a child of three?"
I saw you meet your child today
In love with her before you met
And as I watched you take her out
I knew it wasn't my turn yet.
I recognize you from last year!
I knew I'd seen your face before!
But you came for a second babe.
Does no-one want a child of four?
I saw you meet your child today
But this time there was something new
A nurse came in and took MY hand
And then she gave my hand to you.
Can this be true?
I'm almost six!
And there are infants here, you see?
But then you kissed me and I knew
The child you picked this time was me.
Copyright 1997
Monday, June 8, 2009
WE GOT TRAVEL APPROVAL !
Surely, Our God IS God! Thank you Father in Heaven, you who put the lonely into families, you who say that whomever welcomes a child in your name welcomes you!!
Hey everybody! Our Travel Approval was received just now!!! Advocates are working on getting our Consulate Appointment date for the Embassy in Guangzhou. As soon as we get that we can buy plane tickets!!!!!!
I can hardly think straight! The rest of the funds needed are just going to materialize from the supernatural right into the natural any second now!!
Big GROUP HUG! GATES IS COMING HOME!!!
Hey everybody! Our Travel Approval was received just now!!! Advocates are working on getting our Consulate Appointment date for the Embassy in Guangzhou. As soon as we get that we can buy plane tickets!!!!!!
I can hardly think straight! The rest of the funds needed are just going to materialize from the supernatural right into the natural any second now!!
Big GROUP HUG! GATES IS COMING HOME!!!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
First Day. New Week. Will Travel Come Tomorrow?
Begining of a new week. Sunday, the first day of the week. I'm so glad we spend it together. This morning Paul left early to do his security thing first service and enjoy his time with God and the Congregation. He gets an even earlier start to enjoy some Daddy/Son time with Bridge and dual bowls of Captain Crunch along with some deep four year old table conversation.
At the end of first service Mom brings child to Daddy and happily goes in for second service. More Daddy time for the little guy and some much anticipated worship and learning time for Mamma. Beautiful time in church and as always, I was strongly impacted by Pastor Matt's enthusiastic leadership through the powerful words of God our Savior. He referenced the scriptures and challenged us to remember that God is speaking to us... are we listening?
After Church, the guys picked up Aimee and I. On arriving home we ladies made a quick change and headed out for some 'us' time along with a light lunch and some not so deep conversation. When we returned a little while later it was nap time so I sang Bridger to sleep and slipped out for a little walk on the beach and a sweet tea with Paul. Aimee and Grandma were on hand for our sleeping prince.
The pelicans were flying high and the surf was rough. It was just so big and dramatic on the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon. The water seemed to be churning and the winds were gusty at times. For me the beach is always beautiful but I longed to just listen and listen and listen. Paul and I walked, held hands, talked a little... not much though there is just so much more communication going on in the quiet places these days:-) I guess that's why the message of God speaking was so personal to me this morning. As you may recall from earlier posts, I've been asking God to make his voice louder inside me so that I can't get led astray in my thoughts or heart during this intense time of opportunity in my life. So, we walked and hug out together with no real agenda.
After about ten minutes somebody walked across our path. We stood and watched as this well dressed man with an expensive hair cut staggered under the power of too much sun and alcohol toward the water. We watched him walk into the water up to his knees and sit down, then Paul said, "Don't make me save your life or something Buddy." So we stayed and watched him take off his sandals under the surface of the water then hold them up over his head as if to keep them dry.
I prayed for the glory of his testimony one day soon and Paul stepped closer to render aid. He seemed to notice us at last and stood up. He walk up out of the water and began to walk up the beach again, we hope to his hotel.
Paul and I talked about how much need there is here for Jesus and how much opportunity we all have to help someone who needs help... even if they don't know it yet. I'm so glad God saw me far off in my need for him and stopped to keep me from drowning. We made him save our lives because we got ourselves into a sinful condition that we couldn't escape. Like an idiot I held by own head up in knee deep water thinking I was taking care of myself. God knew better. He always knows better. He knows where the safety is and where the threat is and I trust him to look out for us as we head into the unknown... again this week.
News of travel is expected at any time. Gates's blankie and little toy truck is packed along with airplane projects to play with inside his blue Elmo back pack carry on. Hope is alive in Christ and
I face this week grateful for the love, family, future and eternity that God has offered me. He is able.
At the end of first service Mom brings child to Daddy and happily goes in for second service. More Daddy time for the little guy and some much anticipated worship and learning time for Mamma. Beautiful time in church and as always, I was strongly impacted by Pastor Matt's enthusiastic leadership through the powerful words of God our Savior. He referenced the scriptures and challenged us to remember that God is speaking to us... are we listening?
After Church, the guys picked up Aimee and I. On arriving home we ladies made a quick change and headed out for some 'us' time along with a light lunch and some not so deep conversation. When we returned a little while later it was nap time so I sang Bridger to sleep and slipped out for a little walk on the beach and a sweet tea with Paul. Aimee and Grandma were on hand for our sleeping prince.
The pelicans were flying high and the surf was rough. It was just so big and dramatic on the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon. The water seemed to be churning and the winds were gusty at times. For me the beach is always beautiful but I longed to just listen and listen and listen. Paul and I walked, held hands, talked a little... not much though there is just so much more communication going on in the quiet places these days:-) I guess that's why the message of God speaking was so personal to me this morning. As you may recall from earlier posts, I've been asking God to make his voice louder inside me so that I can't get led astray in my thoughts or heart during this intense time of opportunity in my life. So, we walked and hug out together with no real agenda.
After about ten minutes somebody walked across our path. We stood and watched as this well dressed man with an expensive hair cut staggered under the power of too much sun and alcohol toward the water. We watched him walk into the water up to his knees and sit down, then Paul said, "Don't make me save your life or something Buddy." So we stayed and watched him take off his sandals under the surface of the water then hold them up over his head as if to keep them dry.
I prayed for the glory of his testimony one day soon and Paul stepped closer to render aid. He seemed to notice us at last and stood up. He walk up out of the water and began to walk up the beach again, we hope to his hotel.
Paul and I talked about how much need there is here for Jesus and how much opportunity we all have to help someone who needs help... even if they don't know it yet. I'm so glad God saw me far off in my need for him and stopped to keep me from drowning. We made him save our lives because we got ourselves into a sinful condition that we couldn't escape. Like an idiot I held by own head up in knee deep water thinking I was taking care of myself. God knew better. He always knows better. He knows where the safety is and where the threat is and I trust him to look out for us as we head into the unknown... again this week.
News of travel is expected at any time. Gates's blankie and little toy truck is packed along with airplane projects to play with inside his blue Elmo back pack carry on. Hope is alive in Christ and
I face this week grateful for the love, family, future and eternity that God has offered me. He is able.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Up and Down Date:-(
Hello Paul and Karrie,
Unfortunately the CCAA didn’t issue the TAs for our group. On Monday, they said they will issue it either on Monday or Tuesday, and send out right away. That’s why we contacted families and ask them to be ready for travel. When we checked back on Wednesday, they said they didn’t issue any TAs. And they ask us to wait. None of us understand the delays. It’s frustrating when they told us one way, and do it anotherr way. So we are not expecting any TAs this week or next week. I am afraid the families can not make it before July 1st.
F.Y.
program coordinator
A.S.I.A.
AND...
U. S. Embassy Guangzhou, China
New Message --- H1N1 flu
June 1, 2009
This message provides U.S. citizens with the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, and it updates the message dated May 6, 2009.
Many travelers enter China’s borders each day without difficulty. With the summer tourist and student season approaching, however, the Chinese government has recommended that travelers from countries with cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including the United States, quarantine themselves upon arrival for seven days. Some local authorities are being exceedingly cautious and are imposing mandatory quarantine periods on all American travelers hosted by their institutions. As implementation of these local policies is decided by Chinese officials and host organizations and may vary by location, you should check frequently with your tour group, host institution or hotel before traveling to China on what procedures will be in effect for you or your group. You should be aware that foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, to China are obliged to follow local procedures regarding quarantines and any public health-related measures.
Paul and Gates are all packed... and even though it doesn't look good... God IS!
Unfortunately the CCAA didn’t issue the TAs for our group. On Monday, they said they will issue it either on Monday or Tuesday, and send out right away. That’s why we contacted families and ask them to be ready for travel. When we checked back on Wednesday, they said they didn’t issue any TAs. And they ask us to wait. None of us understand the delays. It’s frustrating when they told us one way, and do it anotherr way. So we are not expecting any TAs this week or next week. I am afraid the families can not make it before July 1st.
F.Y.
program coordinator
A.S.I.A.
AND...
U. S. Embassy Guangzhou, China
New Message --- H1N1 flu
June 1, 2009
This message provides U.S. citizens with the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, and it updates the message dated May 6, 2009.
Many travelers enter China’s borders each day without difficulty. With the summer tourist and student season approaching, however, the Chinese government has recommended that travelers from countries with cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including the United States, quarantine themselves upon arrival for seven days. Some local authorities are being exceedingly cautious and are imposing mandatory quarantine periods on all American travelers hosted by their institutions. As implementation of these local policies is decided by Chinese officials and host organizations and may vary by location, you should check frequently with your tour group, host institution or hotel before traveling to China on what procedures will be in effect for you or your group. You should be aware that foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, to China are obliged to follow local procedures regarding quarantines and any public health-related measures.
Paul and Gates are all packed... and even though it doesn't look good... God IS!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Any minute now, we will get word of travel.
Love never fails. Jesus said it. I believe it. Words fail me as we sit poised on the front row awaiting our Lord and Master Conductor to raise his baton and bring this all together.
Monday, June 1, 2009
ALMOST BRINGING GATES HOME!
Our latest update (just in) on Gates confirms that he is losing weight (a lot) and his failure to thrive issues continue. The picture we got previously was not him but a mix up with another child a year older. The picture on this blog is the most recent we have and it's from Sept. 07.
We need to get him HOME!
Well, we just got word five minutes ago that our TA is expected this week. Our international advocates will be hoping for the CA (Consulate Appointment ) to be issued this week also. Paul could be in China as early as this SUNDAY! We have been told that Paul needs to be in the province on a Saturday to sign some papers and then at the appointed hotel on a Sunday afternoon when the orphanage personnel will bring Gates to Him!!! They will not allow Paul to travel to the orphanage or meet any of the caregivers, they want to keep all contact with U.S. travelers to a minimum but ARE currently registering adoptions in that province!!!!! This is HUGE people! If the CA is not issued in time for this week then travel will be scheduled for next week. Paul and Gates are expected to be back from China before June 30! Your Will be Done Lord. You can. We can't. You are. We're not. PLEASE PRAY!! Once this is all confirmed I will post immediately. Does anybody need a very used and very loved van? We've got to sell everything that isn't nailed down asap! The Lord is faithful! You wonderful friends have joined us for front row seats to the Glory of God! Dance with me! We're ALMOST Bringing Gates Home!
We need to get him HOME!
Well, we just got word five minutes ago that our TA is expected this week. Our international advocates will be hoping for the CA (Consulate Appointment ) to be issued this week also. Paul could be in China as early as this SUNDAY! We have been told that Paul needs to be in the province on a Saturday to sign some papers and then at the appointed hotel on a Sunday afternoon when the orphanage personnel will bring Gates to Him!!! They will not allow Paul to travel to the orphanage or meet any of the caregivers, they want to keep all contact with U.S. travelers to a minimum but ARE currently registering adoptions in that province!!!!! This is HUGE people! If the CA is not issued in time for this week then travel will be scheduled for next week. Paul and Gates are expected to be back from China before June 30! Your Will be Done Lord. You can. We can't. You are. We're not. PLEASE PRAY!! Once this is all confirmed I will post immediately. Does anybody need a very used and very loved van? We've got to sell everything that isn't nailed down asap! The Lord is faithful! You wonderful friends have joined us for front row seats to the Glory of God! Dance with me! We're ALMOST Bringing Gates Home!
Red Light
I've been a little more distracted than usual lately. The noises of defeat, fear and condemnation inside me try to convince me to focus on preparing myself for losing Gates. It appears the rubber will meet the road any minute now. The complete provision has not yet been revealed. I know it will be though. I know it will. I have been asking Jesus to amplify his voice so loudly inside me that I cannot get off of the path in following him and so that his voice would be loudest in leading me through the final walls ahead.
I was running an errand early this morning. While sitting at a red light less than a half mile from home I noticed sheepishly that I was out of gas. I'm telling you, the indicator on the dashboard read, 'fumes that's it'! I looked at the two options in front of me as I sat there. One road offered a shoulder where I would be able to pull off to the side more easily, the other way offered a highway. I surmised within myself that it would be tough to run out of gas in the middle of that as I would have to jump out and push the mini van across two lanes and up onto the curb across a bike path. I spoke out loud. "Well Lord, if I walk You're with me and if I ride You're with me. Which way should I go?" That loud voice I was asking for was immediate, "Are you planning to make it or are you planning to break down?" I chose the highway and didn't look at the gauge again, just drove straight ahead... all the way home. Nuff said.
I was running an errand early this morning. While sitting at a red light less than a half mile from home I noticed sheepishly that I was out of gas. I'm telling you, the indicator on the dashboard read, 'fumes that's it'! I looked at the two options in front of me as I sat there. One road offered a shoulder where I would be able to pull off to the side more easily, the other way offered a highway. I surmised within myself that it would be tough to run out of gas in the middle of that as I would have to jump out and push the mini van across two lanes and up onto the curb across a bike path. I spoke out loud. "Well Lord, if I walk You're with me and if I ride You're with me. Which way should I go?" That loud voice I was asking for was immediate, "Are you planning to make it or are you planning to break down?" I chose the highway and didn't look at the gauge again, just drove straight ahead... all the way home. Nuff said.
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