Monday, October 29, 2007

It has been a quick 5 days back in the States. Has it really been five days?? Jet lag still has me in a fog at times. I wake up everymorning between 3:00 and 4:00, stay awake for a couple of hours, then sleep again until 8:00 or 9:00. It is nice that we are still at my folks house, because my mom fixes breakfast for the kids long before I join them. Richard wakes up early as well, but doesn't stay in bed as long as I do later. MinMin seems to have done fine with the adjustment. She sleeps all night and doesn't take any naps. Must have something to do with the age.....

We feel like the first five days have gone very well. MinMin enjoys playing with the kids, likes to help out, and overall is adjusting well. Of course, we don't really know what she is feeling and thinking, as she can't talk to us, but she seems to be the quiet type, anyway. We have Molly here, a student from Taiwan, who speaks Chinese to her, but MinMin doesn't really say much to her yet. But, from body language, she seems to be doing fine.

We went to church yesterday, and MinMin was reluctant to come in with us at first. I think that it was the overall idea of a new placed with lots of people. She stayed with us in our class of adults, and sat through church. She was very antsy, but then sermons do seem very long when one doesn't understand what they are saying! I know, I sat through one in Chinese in Guilin two weeks ago! Last night was better. She wasn't reluctant to enter, and sat much stiller.

Saturday we went to Silver Dollar City, in Branson. I know you aren't supposed to overwhelm new kids with such things the first week home, but we had the tickets, and it was the only day they would be open while we are here in Missouri. Amanda went with us. MinMin really enjoyed the day! She wanted to ride most of the rides, even when I tried to tell her they were scary, went upside down, etc. I made sure she watched the ride a few times before she got on so she would know what it would do. There were a couple of rides that she didn't like, or didn't want to go on, but for the most part, she enjoyed them all. We had a fun day.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, she has a check up with our family doctor. On Friday we head out to Mississippi for our Jiangxi reunion--the group we traveled with when we got LiAnne almost 3 years ago. It should be lots of fun. We leave there on Monday, heading home to Mexico. It will be a two day drive, and we will finally be home! It will be nice to get the kids all on a routine of meals, school, activities, etc. and really settle in again.

Thanks again for checking in. Your encouraging notes and prayers while we were in China were such a blessing! I'm sure that is why MinMin is doing so well now. Many keep asking me what we call her, and we are sticking with MinMin for now. We haven't really talked to her about her American name, but figure that will come in time, when she is ready to hear it.

I'll post again once we get home.

7 comments:

Lisa said...

Glad to hear all is well. MinMin has a beautiful smile and I hope to see more of it.

Hope to see many updates and good luck with your trip home. I know once you are home things will be much better.


Lisa

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you got to go to Silver Dollar City. I am glad that Min Min had a good time. I think she will have a lot to get used to, but you have to try things at least once. I bet you will be glad to bet home though. I am anxious to see how teaching her English will go. Too bad you don't have a Chinese person to teach her.

Anonymous said...

That was Rose Kull in the last blog.

Charlotte said...

Starla,

It brings tears to my eyes to see your beatiful little flower open up ! She is looking more and more happy each day, and smiling and it looks like lip gloss on her lips. She is turning into a young lady !

Charlotte
www.rachaeljanew.blogspot.com
11 days til China !

Anonymous said...

I've been following your journey ever since my sister told me about MinMin a few weeks ago....glad to hear she's doing well. The rough days maybe will bring many 100fold good days. My sister is in China now. Our new niece (8 yr. old) joined our family yesterday morning. So far, so good from the communication we're getting. I'm sure she'll fill you in - I think she's been corresponding with you.

good luck with your new family!! I look forward to hearing how things go when the routine and "normal" life settles in!

S.H.

Chelley said...

I am so glad that you are "almost" home and safe!!

I hope that you will be able to update us as MinMin opens up in to the wonderful butterfly that she will be come

Anonymous said...

I followed your trip to China and wish you well with your daughter. I am a grandma in waiting and admire and respect all of you adopting Moms and Dads. God Bless all your family. Sincerely, Mary B.