Michelle, Kelly, and Annabeth are going to be getting on a plane in 45 minutes, from the time I am wrinting this, to go to Zhengzhou. This is where Mary Alan will be given to them. The official adoption will take place at the end of their trip but Mary Alan will be with them for the rest of their stay in China. They will get her Sunday afternoon(our time- they are 14 hrs. ahead of us).
I was able to talk to Michelle a little bit yesterday morning about their time at New Day Foster Home and at Mary Alan's foster parents' home. She said Mary Alan is very attached to her foster mother, Joan, and would get very upset when she would leave the room. It did take her a little while to warm up to them but before long she was playing with them and being silly. Please pray for Joan. Michelle said this was her first foster child and I am sure she is very attached to her. I can only imagine the bond that has formed over the last year. This precious family will always be very special to us because they have loved Mary Alan and taken such good care of her. God has put Mary Alan in a very unique situation. Most orphans are not put in foster homes. But New Day is very special. You can find out more about them here.
Joan and Michelle with Mary Alan
Mary Alan's foster parents and her new parents
In case you are wondering, Michelle, Kelly, and Annabeth have been able to do a little sight seeing while they have been in China. They got to go to the Great Wall yesterday, which almost got cancelled due to SNOW!!! I don't think I realized it snowed in China, but then again, I don't think I have ever had a reason to know about the weather in China. Until Now :). Michelle has more pictures and more about their journey here(password: seven). She isn't always able to update so I will do my best to keep you informed.
I will ask you to continue to keep their whole family in your prayers. We have no idea how Mary Alan is going to respond tomorrow when Michelle and Kelly get her. I am praying she will bond with them quickly. That God will give her peace and comfort in her mother's arms. That He will give her a knowing that her new parents love her and she is safe with them.
Michelle and Kelly have 3 other children, who are here at home. They are staying with all of us, at some point, during these couple of weeks. Pray for them also as they are away from their parents for what seems like a very long time. They are busy with school and ball games but still life is a little different for now. Pray the transition for the whole family will be easy when they all get back together. I know it will. God has got this all handled already. Thanks y'all!
14 Days To Go