We made it to Seoul, Korea after a 14 hour flight that left at 1:00AM from Chicago. The flight was very smooth. A special thank you to Kathy for posting updates to Facebook for us. We had excellent service with Asiana Airlines and 3 meals (I passed on one - considering it was the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!) Steve has done a lot of reading - one book is finished and he has only pages left in #2. (Thanks for the supply Steve Clem!) I have been enjoying journaling in my gorgeous journal (thanks Jess!), snacking on fresh saltwater taffy (what a treat Christy!), listening to praise & worship on my Ipod, reading some adoption attachment material and spending some time in the Psalms & Isaiah. There is nothing like singing about the Lord and His Majesty 48,000 feet above the earth. He has gone before us and I have such peace. I know that it is because of all of your prayers. We have been so blessed by the Lord through each of you. Thank you.
We are awaiting our next flight to Beijing and we will arrive in Beijing at 9:40AM (Wed. 7/21). That will be 8:40PM Tuesday night for most of you! After we get through immigration and customs we should be picked up by our agency guide and head to our hotel. The Wangfujing Grand Hotel of Bejing. We hope to get the lay of the land, find out where we can buy snacks and bottled water, figure out our internet access and get plugged in. I am really hoping to be able to Skype with the kids tonight. We miss them already and heard that there were some tears at bedtime last night. =( 18 more sleeps is a long time if the first one was rough.
I got an email from Grandma & Boppa that they are off to go sailing in Door County with the kids. I am sure that will be an adventure. Thank you for loving on them and to Bob & Donna for joining in!
It is really hard to believe that in just over 24 hours we will have Mia in our arms!!! I am excited to get to the city where her life began. I don't want to miss any of it. I hope to take it all in.
In closing, I have to share yet another unbelievable piece of God's sovereignty and His plan for Mia and our family. With our airline tickets, we received a huge city map of Beijing. I was thrilled to get it and start checking it out. I immediately looked to find the location of our hotel and then wanted to locate some of the other places that we have been hoping to see. The most important spot that I want to visit is Mia's finding location. In the paperwork that we received about Mia, it is very specifically documented where she was found - only days old.
(This is obviously a very painful part of her story and I want to be careful & sensitive in sharing it -please know I share this part only to give glory to God. The details are for Mia to share as she wishes).
What is unbelievable to me is that as I searched this HUGE map for the location....in Beijing - an enormous city with over 20 million people... I finally found the exact spot on the map where Mia's adoption journey began.
And it is ONE BLOCK from our hotel.
That can only be the hand of the Lord.
I was overwhelmed.
I know with certainty that the Lord - in His grace- has allowed us to see another glimpse of His perfect plan.
The Lord saw this newborn baby girl.
Left alone.
That must have been a devastatingly difficult decision by her birth mother.
A dark and painful time for both of them.
Yet in His Sovereignty, He provided a family.
Our family.
HER family.
From 10,000 miles across the globe, to return 1 small block away 4 years later.
She was never alone.
She was never lost.
He has seen it all and
He turns ashes into beauty.
I cannot wait to meet the treasure hidden in the darkness.
Here we come baby girl!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Here we go!
We are headed out in about one hour. The bags are packed and I think we are as ready as we will ever be. I didn't sleep too well last night. I woke up about every hour. Lots of emotions. Mostly excited. Please pray for us. Pray for the kids. Pray for my parents who "reported for duty" yesterday afternoon and all the other helpers who will take over starting July 28! We had special times of prayer with Steve & Alison, Ken & Tina, Brad & Jess and Derek & Christy. Thank you to all of you have prayed for us & with us. It means the world to know you are praying for us. Please continue!! We'll keep you posted.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
Family Hug
Friday, July 16, 2010
Remembering to Breathe
I can hardly believe that we are leaving in THREE days.
Have I mentioned that we are flying to the other side of the world??
To meet our DAUGHTER!
I'm officially in labor and I am trying to remember to breathe.
I have so many emotions. In many ways these feelings are so similar to the ones that I felt during labor with our other children. In other ways, it is so very different.
I am SO thrilled to finally meet Mia! I cannot wait to bring her into our family. We have long awaited this day. We have prayed for her more than you can imagine. We have dreamed of her and talked about her and longed for her for almost 3 years.
I am scared. Will she love us? Will she be terrified or angry or inconsolable? Will we be able to communicate?
I am sad. I will miss Caleb, Luke and Chloe tremendously. Anticipating being away from them for so long has been overwhelming at times. It will be hard.
I am contemplative. In these last days, there have been moments that I am overcome with emotion by the enormity of the change that lies ahead. What will it look like? How will every one respond to the change?
I am overjoyed. Very soon Ma Chun Hui will be Mia Jane Hui Vandenberg. She will never again be labeled an orphan.
She will be loved and chosen. She will belong.
She will be a daughter.
A sister.
A granddaughter.
A cousin.
A friend.
Never again an orphan.
Never ever again.
Thank you Jesus.
I am nervous. Will we get there and back safely? Will the kids be okay at home? Will our family & friends be exhausted? Will I remember everything we need? Will I be able to capture these moments and her history and culture to share with Mia someday? Will we be able to care for Mia's medical needs? Will we get the answers to our questions?
And then I am reminded... that God has taken care of all of these things in advance. He has gone before us. He knows what lies ahead and it is GOOD. Even if it is hard. Even if it is painful. Because we love Him, He will work ALL THINGS together for good.
He already has.
I am trusting.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. Isaiah 43:5
I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD. Isaiah 45:2-3
Have I mentioned that we are flying to the other side of the world??
To meet our DAUGHTER!
I'm officially in labor and I am trying to remember to breathe.
I have so many emotions. In many ways these feelings are so similar to the ones that I felt during labor with our other children. In other ways, it is so very different.
I am SO thrilled to finally meet Mia! I cannot wait to bring her into our family. We have long awaited this day. We have prayed for her more than you can imagine. We have dreamed of her and talked about her and longed for her for almost 3 years.
I am scared. Will she love us? Will she be terrified or angry or inconsolable? Will we be able to communicate?
I am sad. I will miss Caleb, Luke and Chloe tremendously. Anticipating being away from them for so long has been overwhelming at times. It will be hard.
I am contemplative. In these last days, there have been moments that I am overcome with emotion by the enormity of the change that lies ahead. What will it look like? How will every one respond to the change?
I am overjoyed. Very soon Ma Chun Hui will be Mia Jane Hui Vandenberg. She will never again be labeled an orphan.
She will be loved and chosen. She will belong.
She will be a daughter.
A sister.
A granddaughter.
A cousin.
A friend.
Never again an orphan.
Never ever again.
Thank you Jesus.
I am nervous. Will we get there and back safely? Will the kids be okay at home? Will our family & friends be exhausted? Will I remember everything we need? Will I be able to capture these moments and her history and culture to share with Mia someday? Will we be able to care for Mia's medical needs? Will we get the answers to our questions?
And then I am reminded... that God has taken care of all of these things in advance. He has gone before us. He knows what lies ahead and it is GOOD. Even if it is hard. Even if it is painful. Because we love Him, He will work ALL THINGS together for good.
He already has.
I am trusting.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. Isaiah 43:5
I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD. Isaiah 45:2-3
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Waters of Baptism
Today was a really special day for our two boys.
Today Caleb and Luke made a public declaration of their faith in Christ through baptism.
It was their choice.
They had been asking to be baptized for the last several months. Without any prompting from us. We talked a lot about it and what it means. They met with our senior pastor and children's pastor. They decided, individually, that they wanted to be baptized. And today was the day.
It was a big day for their mommy & daddy too.
Filled with LOTS of emotion.
It is hard to express what it feels like to watch your son, in the arms of his father and the arms of a dearly loved friend and pastor, be covered by the waters of baptism.
Every night I pray for each one of our children that the Lord would get a hold of their hearts. That He would draw them close. That they would love Jesus with all that they have and all that they are, and that they would pursue Him with passion all the days of their lives.
I have literally begged the Lord for their souls.
It is absolutely what I want more than anything for their lives.
Nothing matters more.
If they don't get this - they have gained nothing.
Christ is the prize.
He is the crown.
That is why I make it my prayer.
Every. Single. Night.
Yes, I also pray for safety and protection. And for them to bear fruit in their lives. I pray for obedient hearts. And I pray that they would grow in wisdom & discernment & self-control. I pray that the Lord would make them humble, servant leaders for His glory.
But more than anything, I pray that they would LOVE Jesus.
With their whole hearts.
My kids are far from perfect. And sometimes I am probably too hard on them because they don't sit still in church or because they argue over who gets to stand next to Dad while they are supposed to be worshipping. I have had to confess my own sin of pride or discontentment when they don't "act" the way I think they should.
More times than I would like to admit.
I don't want my kids to put on a show. I want Jesus to have their hearts. I don't want them to think you have to jump through hoops to get to Jesus. I want them to know they just need to LOVE Him. And when they LOVE Him, their lives will respond by following & obeying Him. Love leads to obedience. It doesn't go the other direction. It is why we have spent our lives teaching them about their Savior Jesus. Because when you really learn about Jesus, when you really get to know who He is and what He has done for you & me - it changes you. He changes you.
God has got a lot of work to do in them still. In me too.
Today they showed the world they love Jesus.
And they were really fired up about it.
We were too.
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
With Tears of Joy,
Karen
Friday, July 9, 2010
Busy Nesting
I am definitely nesting and this is how I know:
I have...
1. organized and labeled every single box & bin on our storage shelves in the basement
2. compacted and compiled all of our photos on the computer by year
3. updated everyone's baby books
4. organized all of the toys by activity in the downstairs playroom
5. had the kids "stream-line" their bedroom toys & "treasures"
6. completed all of the Operation V - Crew folders for our leading commanders
7. shredded all of our old paperwork, financial statements, etc.
8. organized our file drawers
9. finished the names for the wall of the girls' room
10. got all of the rest of our garage sale items donated or to consignment
and I feel like I have SO much more to do....I want to clean & organize every kitchen cupboard & drawer, our bathroom drawers and hall closet. I'm telling you this is intense nesting. Anyone want to come join me?
And I need to keep packing, making copies, checking & double checking our documents and reviewing my lists. This has been a FULL TIME JOB. I cannot seem to turn my mind off...many things to do.
I just received an email that our passports, visas and airline tickets should be in my hands on Monday. I am hoping that our official agency travel itinerary arrives the same day.
Hope that you are all doing well.
TEN MORE DAYS!
Enjoy the photos of the girls' room and the official Operation V-Crew folders. :o)
I have...
1. organized and labeled every single box & bin on our storage shelves in the basement
2. compacted and compiled all of our photos on the computer by year
3. updated everyone's baby books
4. organized all of the toys by activity in the downstairs playroom
5. had the kids "stream-line" their bedroom toys & "treasures"
6. completed all of the Operation V - Crew folders for our leading commanders
7. shredded all of our old paperwork, financial statements, etc.
8. organized our file drawers
9. finished the names for the wall of the girls' room
10. got all of the rest of our garage sale items donated or to consignment
and I feel like I have SO much more to do....I want to clean & organize every kitchen cupboard & drawer, our bathroom drawers and hall closet. I'm telling you this is intense nesting. Anyone want to come join me?
And I need to keep packing, making copies, checking & double checking our documents and reviewing my lists. This has been a FULL TIME JOB. I cannot seem to turn my mind off...many things to do.
I just received an email that our passports, visas and airline tickets should be in my hands on Monday. I am hoping that our official agency travel itinerary arrives the same day.
Hope that you are all doing well.
TEN MORE DAYS!
Enjoy the photos of the girls' room and the official Operation V-Crew folders. :o)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
13 days...
*This will be a quick post, but I wanted to try this from the laptop (my mom's) that we will be using in China. So this is an official trial run. I uploaded these pictures from my camera to her laptop and am writing this post as if we were there!*
I can hardly believe that we will be leaving for China in 13 days! We will start our journey by driving to Madison. My sister is going to meet us (with Mark?)at the CoachUSA bus stop - Park & Ride, and take our car back to her house. Or at some point they will get the car. I guess I don't have that finalized. =) Then bus to O'Hare. Dinner with Kristi. Fly out at 1am (July 20). Arrive in Seoul, Korea at 5am (July 21) and Beijing at 9:40am (July 21). If you look at the Beijing clock on our blog, it is 13 hours ahead of CST. We will have Mia in our arms the next day - July 22!!!
I have been super busy packing, making lists and schedules, instructions and childcare arrangements. There is much to do. I am incredibly grateful to our family and friends who are going above and beyond to help us care for the kids while we are away. It is overwhelming. We have waited so long for this time and it means the world to have your support. The kids are getting excited about their time with each of you. It will no doubt be an adventure. =)
We will miss Caleb, Luke and Chloe tremendously. It will be unbelievably difficult to leave them for 19 sleeps! Yet we know it is the right decision for us to go without them. We need to have this time with just Mia - to help her with her transition (which will likely be very difficult), to be available to meet all of her needs without being pulled & torn by the needs of the others. But it will be extremely hard. Just another reason why we are so thankful for the love you pour out on our kids. It brings tears to my eyes. God has been so good to us through you.
In the midst of all the planning, we also squeezed in some strawberry picking (24 POUNDS), jam making (over 60 jars!) and a FUN camping weekend with our pals the Bretls and the Clements. Sweet memories.
Mmm...yummy strawberries...
Officially finished with this first post via laptop.
Whew!
It took me a LONG time and was a bit frustrating that the cursor moved all around while I was typing. Grr. I must somehow brush the mouse pad. I will master it! =)
Have a great day!
God Bless,
Karen
I can hardly believe that we will be leaving for China in 13 days! We will start our journey by driving to Madison. My sister is going to meet us (with Mark?)at the CoachUSA bus stop - Park & Ride, and take our car back to her house. Or at some point they will get the car. I guess I don't have that finalized. =) Then bus to O'Hare. Dinner with Kristi. Fly out at 1am (July 20). Arrive in Seoul, Korea at 5am (July 21) and Beijing at 9:40am (July 21). If you look at the Beijing clock on our blog, it is 13 hours ahead of CST. We will have Mia in our arms the next day - July 22!!!
I have been super busy packing, making lists and schedules, instructions and childcare arrangements. There is much to do. I am incredibly grateful to our family and friends who are going above and beyond to help us care for the kids while we are away. It is overwhelming. We have waited so long for this time and it means the world to have your support. The kids are getting excited about their time with each of you. It will no doubt be an adventure. =)
We will miss Caleb, Luke and Chloe tremendously. It will be unbelievably difficult to leave them for 19 sleeps! Yet we know it is the right decision for us to go without them. We need to have this time with just Mia - to help her with her transition (which will likely be very difficult), to be available to meet all of her needs without being pulled & torn by the needs of the others. But it will be extremely hard. Just another reason why we are so thankful for the love you pour out on our kids. It brings tears to my eyes. God has been so good to us through you.
In the midst of all the planning, we also squeezed in some strawberry picking (24 POUNDS), jam making (over 60 jars!) and a FUN camping weekend with our pals the Bretls and the Clements. Sweet memories.
Mmm...yummy strawberries...
Here are my jam helpers
Officially finished with this first post via laptop.
Whew!
It took me a LONG time and was a bit frustrating that the cursor moved all around while I was typing. Grr. I must somehow brush the mouse pad. I will master it! =)
Have a great day!
God Bless,
Karen
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Booked Flights!
Well, we have booked our flights and this whole thing is starting to feel REAL!
Of course there is a story behind it all...where God demonstrated His power and His hand in the details again.
And I have to tell it and give Him the glory.
Here we go...
When we started searching flights, the ticket prices looked outrageous. We were recommended a travel agent from some other adoptive families, described as the best with the lowest prices. The agent came back with a couple of options and it looked like our tickets would be $2699 a piece, plus $1799 for Mia on the return.
*GULP!*
I have to admit, I had some serious sticker shock. We had been told June-August flights to China are almost TRIPLE the cost of flights Sept-May. They were right. WHOA.
I didn't want it to steal my joy.
While talking with my sister, she reminded me of some great truths from the Treasure Principle. (One of my absolute favorite books)
It all belongs to God. Every penny.
I really believe that and it was a perfectly timed reminder. So with peace, I moved forward. If He wants us to use $7200 of His dollars to bring Mia home then that's great - I am just His money manager anyway.
When I forwarded our itinerary to our adoption agency to approve before purchasing the tickets, our caseworker said those tickets seem really high. I wasn't bothered. The tickets were on hold until 12:30pm (PST). I had called another travel agency (Sunshine Travel) whom our agency recommends and uses for all of our in-China flights, but had heard nothing. She told me she would get me a quote before we had to purchase our held tickets.
I waited.
I prayed.
I was totally at peace that the Lord would work it out if we were supposed to do something different. I truly was not worked up about it all. At 12:20pm (PST), I received an email from Sunshine Travel with an itinerary including flights at $1992 for each of us and $1434 for Mia.
I was SHOCKED!
PRAISE YOU LORD!
She saved us (Him) $1800 with 10 minutes to spare.
To make things even better...
We are flying Asiana Airlines. I was a little apprehensive since I hadn't ever heard of them. Now I know that I am not some international flyer or have EVER flown to China before, but I wanted to make sure this wasn't some little prop plane that we'd (I'd) be white-knuckling it in for 14 hours. Especially since it was SO cheap.
(Did I just say $1992 is a cheap ticket?)
It's funny how the Lord can change your perspective. Anyways, I looked them up on-line and kept reading about this 5 star rating for Asiana Airlines. I thought it was somehow put out there by Asiana to promote themselves. So instead I went to my expert friends from my on-line adoption forum and asked if they had any feedback about Asiana. These are just some of their responses:
They are WONDERFUL!!! I highly recommend them! We flew from Los Angeles to Seoul Korea to Hangzhou China. One of the very best airlines we've been on. Our first trip we flew China Southern Premium Economy, and we liked the coach seats and service better on Asiana
Ooooh, I can never pass up the opportunity to give an Asiana plug. AWESOME. I've flown with many international carriers and hands-down Asiana is the BEST. Great, great, GREAT service, great food--just really GREAT.
I agree! Hands down the best international airline I've been on! They could give lessons to a lot of the American carriers!! Great food and service.
We flew them this month to Korea. The best flight I've ever had-seriously! No complaints what so ever.
We flew Asiana to Korea...they were outstanding! Best service I have ever had in coach. I'd fly them again in a heartbeat.
WOW! Not ONE negative or even neutral comment. You would have thought it was a paid commercial. Needless to say, we are thrilled.
And God keeps blowing us away with the details.
An extra bonus is that we will be leaving Chicago-O'Hare at 1:00am on July 20.
Why is that a bonus you ask?
It means we will have about 5 hours to spend at the airport before we fly out (after arriving via bus). The BONUS is that my sweet friend Kristi from college is going to come to O'Hare - pick us up (hopefully after our luggage has been checked) and we are going to have a pre-CHINA dinner together! We haven't seen each other in over a year and I am thrilled!
Now I need to get back to all of the planning, packing, and schedule making for Operation V. Crew.
With Joy,
Karen
Of course there is a story behind it all...where God demonstrated His power and His hand in the details again.
And I have to tell it and give Him the glory.
Here we go...
When we started searching flights, the ticket prices looked outrageous. We were recommended a travel agent from some other adoptive families, described as the best with the lowest prices. The agent came back with a couple of options and it looked like our tickets would be $2699 a piece, plus $1799 for Mia on the return.
*GULP!*
I have to admit, I had some serious sticker shock. We had been told June-August flights to China are almost TRIPLE the cost of flights Sept-May. They were right. WHOA.
I didn't want it to steal my joy.
While talking with my sister, she reminded me of some great truths from the Treasure Principle. (One of my absolute favorite books)
It all belongs to God. Every penny.
I really believe that and it was a perfectly timed reminder. So with peace, I moved forward. If He wants us to use $7200 of His dollars to bring Mia home then that's great - I am just His money manager anyway.
When I forwarded our itinerary to our adoption agency to approve before purchasing the tickets, our caseworker said those tickets seem really high. I wasn't bothered. The tickets were on hold until 12:30pm (PST). I had called another travel agency (Sunshine Travel) whom our agency recommends and uses for all of our in-China flights, but had heard nothing. She told me she would get me a quote before we had to purchase our held tickets.
I waited.
I prayed.
I was totally at peace that the Lord would work it out if we were supposed to do something different. I truly was not worked up about it all. At 12:20pm (PST), I received an email from Sunshine Travel with an itinerary including flights at $1992 for each of us and $1434 for Mia.
I was SHOCKED!
PRAISE YOU LORD!
She saved us (Him) $1800 with 10 minutes to spare.
To make things even better...
We are flying Asiana Airlines. I was a little apprehensive since I hadn't ever heard of them. Now I know that I am not some international flyer or have EVER flown to China before, but I wanted to make sure this wasn't some little prop plane that we'd (I'd) be white-knuckling it in for 14 hours. Especially since it was SO cheap.
(Did I just say $1992 is a cheap ticket?)
It's funny how the Lord can change your perspective. Anyways, I looked them up on-line and kept reading about this 5 star rating for Asiana Airlines. I thought it was somehow put out there by Asiana to promote themselves. So instead I went to my expert friends from my on-line adoption forum and asked if they had any feedback about Asiana. These are just some of their responses:
They are WONDERFUL!!! I highly recommend them! We flew from Los Angeles to Seoul Korea to Hangzhou China. One of the very best airlines we've been on. Our first trip we flew China Southern Premium Economy, and we liked the coach seats and service better on Asiana
Ooooh, I can never pass up the opportunity to give an Asiana plug. AWESOME. I've flown with many international carriers and hands-down Asiana is the BEST. Great, great, GREAT service, great food--just really GREAT.
I agree! Hands down the best international airline I've been on! They could give lessons to a lot of the American carriers!! Great food and service.
We flew them this month to Korea. The best flight I've ever had-seriously! No complaints what so ever.
We flew Asiana to Korea...they were outstanding! Best service I have ever had in coach. I'd fly them again in a heartbeat.
WOW! Not ONE negative or even neutral comment. You would have thought it was a paid commercial. Needless to say, we are thrilled.
And God keeps blowing us away with the details.
An extra bonus is that we will be leaving Chicago-O'Hare at 1:00am on July 20.
Why is that a bonus you ask?
It means we will have about 5 hours to spend at the airport before we fly out (after arriving via bus). The BONUS is that my sweet friend Kristi from college is going to come to O'Hare - pick us up (hopefully after our luggage has been checked) and we are going to have a pre-CHINA dinner together! We haven't seen each other in over a year and I am thrilled!
Now I need to get back to all of the planning, packing, and schedule making for Operation V. Crew.
With Joy,
Karen
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