Home Sweet Home

It's so good to be home!  Ahhh...American soil and southern accents!  We had a good trip home.  I didn't know what to expect from Kell on the trip but he did great!  He got upset for the first time the morning we were leaving.  He thought the plane would explode...he saw it on the news!  He was assured in every language that it would be fine and he never seemed worried again.  He didn't sleep much at all on the 13 hour leg of the trip.  He was just so excited!  He was so good, though!  Watched a little TV, colored, but mostly was just another patient passenger.  I will say, though, that Korean Air is all about customer service and goes out of their way for kids...had to get that plug in!  Oh and they have way more leg room!

Our arrival at the airport and home was made SO special by friends!  I will post about that when I have pics to post....it just needs its own post!

Kell has been a dream!  He goes with the flow.  We had lots of visitors welcoming him home the first few days...which we absolutely LOVE!  I say it all the time...our joy is multiplied by so many joining the journey!  And Kell brings his own joy to the mix!  If you visit, he will proudly show you the room he shares with Burke (after being greeted in English!).  He includes the closet and shower (with demonstration...clothed, of course!) in the tour.  He's so proud of his new home! 

Kell is such a little love!  He has the cutest personality.  We laugh so much with him!  OK, sometimes when we really shouldn't.  Be careful what you say...he WILL say it!  He's picking up English quickly.  True Chinglish!  It's so cute (can you tell I'm smitten...we all are).  When he speaks English he still has the Chinese voice inflections. 

We are all in adjustment mode right now.  Another person in the house, at the table, at bed time, loading the car to go somewhere (the Berrys are back to booster seats).  We'll very soon be in our new groove.  Oh, wait, then school will be out...and then it will go back.  Hmmm...

Big brothers=adoration!  Kell loves his brothers and they love him!  I am touched seeing how our older boys have opened their hearts.  They are patient and kind and absolutely changed forever.  Mills and Burke have both say they're adopting.  They saw for themselves the need...and that was just one orphanage.  Burke says he will get me a girl!  Pink bows may be in my future afterall! 

This boy has brought SO much joy already.  Can't wait until he speaks really good English and can tell us what he has been thinking about all of this.  Probably that white women are way too huggy and kissy!  Kidding...but he is so precious that I cannot help myself!  There's lots of mommy time to make up for!

Kell has been practicing writing the alphabet.  He is a sponge!  Can't wait to see how he soars when he goes to school.  That will be after the Christmas break.  Our sweet friend, Jilly, sat patiently with him the second day he was home and had him writing his name.  He is good about sitiing and working on his "school work" ....plus, he's a genious!  Bias....

The only thing Kell hasn't adjusted to well is Raz, our dog ("gogo" in Chinese).  Surely he will get used to him and they will be big buds.  Kell drops food on the floor for Raz and then doesn't like that Raz follows him around.  I think we need a lesson in cause and effect!

Thanks for all the prayers, cards, emails, texts!  Our new boy is doing SO good!  He's a good eater ( I have never cooked such healthy tasteless foods) and I try to have Chinese food prepared for him...not Panda Express!  And, yes, chopsticks! 

Oops!  The Christmas PJs pic made it twice and I can't get it off!  Mixed messages...I tell him he's a big boy and then go buy him Santa jammies and slippers!!  He's just so darn cute!

Consulate Day

It's a beautiful Wednesday morning here in Guangzhou!  Yesterday was full day.  We went to the American consulate in the morning for our swearing in ceremony with about 12 other families.  We applied for Kell's visa and will get it this afternnon.   We then took about a one hour drive to Dongguan City to visit Kell's orphanage.  When we arrived the young children were napping and the older children were in school.  Lily took us on a short drive to Kell's finding spot.  Standing there was very emotional.  I prayed for his biological mother who no doubt has a piece of her heart missing.  I prayed peace for her, that she somehow know that he is well loved.  May he know that she loved him well, too, by giving him a life that she could not.



We returned to the orphanage to the sounds of lots of busy, happy children.  We met with Kell's foster grandma who he was happy to see.  We were not able to meet again the foster family he lived with for 6 years.  We have had contact with them and have been able to express our gratitude but I wanted for Kell to get to see them and his foster sister one more time.  We stayed at the orphanage for several hours.  They gave us an extended tour and we were able to meet and photograph several other children who are waiting for their families.  I sent those pictures to their families as soon as we were back at the hotel.  I remember well being the waiting mommy and wanting updates and pictures of your child.



Kell was proud to introduce his new family to everyone at the orphanage.  He told one of the workers that he feels bad for his mommy because I don't own a pot.  In our suite there is a tiny kitchenette.  I have boiled water to make him oatmeal or grits so I suppose he thinks that's all I have to cook with!  He going to be dissappointed when we get home and there is no breakfast buffet!  Here's a pop tart and Mommy hardly ever uses this pot!  I'm kidding...I do a little better than that!



We arrived back in Guangzhou at dinner time and went to a Mexican restaurant....Tekila....in China?  Worlds collide!



We have decided to fly home sooner than planned.  The first flight we could get on after getting his visa is Thanksgiving day...how appropriate!  We will have a loooong layover in Seoul and arrive in Atlanta on Friday morning aroud 9:30.  We are sad to cancel our visit with friends in Shenzhen, but we are anxious to get home.  We miss our Jack!!!  We are happy to have a few days to get over the jet lag before getting back to our routine.  We are going to relax today and begin packing. 

Jesus on Shamian Island

We went to have Kell's TB test read today (it was fine) back on Shamian Island.  It is beautiful and quaint with lots of little shops.  The first shop we went into had some Christian items for sale.  I asked the owner, a young Chinese woman, if she was a Christian.  She happily answered that she was a new Christian and went to a church around the corner.  I told her that we were, also, and had been trying to tell our new Chinese son about Jesus and asked if she could help explain it to him.  Kell was already carrying around a cross that he had picked up in her shop.  This is what she told me that she told him in Mandarin: "God created the earth and all the people.  This is his son, Jesus, who came and died on this cross so we can go to heaven forever.  Jesus loves the little children so much and he sent your family for you.  You can read this in the Bible (and showed hers to him)".  He opened his hands like a book and said, "Bible."  Kell picked out a cross to buy and I have added a picture of Kell and Emma, the shop owner.



On the riverfront there were lots of people doing their morning exercise...group dancing, ballroom type dancing, "karate move" dancing, even balancing a ball on your squash racquet dancing. Kell really wanted in on the dance action so we paired up and did a little Chinese boot scootin of our own!  Mills told him never to do that again and Burke tried teaching him the John Wall...we'll see!



After some shopping and bargaining we had lunch at the famous "Lucy's".   It was real American food!!  So good!  We ate and ate even after we were full knowing our next meal would be far from western! 



We are back at the hotel where Kell and Baba are having their afternoon nap.  I am taking Mills and Burke down to see if we can get a squash court.  Yesterday we got a table tennis court (yes, a court, ping pong is serious here).  The attendant seemed surprised that we traveled without our own table tennis "racquets"!  Doug and Kell joined us yesterday at the end of ping pong time and these Americans got a little loud...we turned the court into the "Hokey Pokey" dance floor!  Oh and "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes".  Trying to think of fun ways to teach body parts in English.  It's sweet to see my big boys doing the Hokey Pokey for a good cause!

China's History and Beauty

The weather in Guangzhou today was perfect!  We were glad to see it after of couple of mist and humidity. Today we visited the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and the Botanical Garden.  We learned much about China's history and present government from our guide.  Again today, Mills and Burke were popular with the locals.  I should start charging for having pictures made with my white boys!  We enjoy just taking in the sights and sounds of everyday life here.



Our sweet Kell continues to settle in with us.  He is catching on so fast!  He picks up a little more English each day.  Today he brought the English newspaper to me and pointed out letters and their sounds.  I can't wait to see how he really takes off once we're home.



This boy LOVES his family...it's just the most precious thing!  He likes his people around.  If we could all be holding hands everywhere we'd go, that's how he would have it.  Soon enough he'll get it...that we're with him forever.  For now we're enjoying all this togetherness.  He's such a little love I could eat him with a spoon!  Can't wait for you all to meet him!

Jesus Loves Kell...and Medical Exam

We try to skype with Jack in the morning when we get up...when Jack is having dinner and getting ready for sleep.  Can't wait for these two to meet. 

We have just returned from Shamian Island where we had Kell's medical exam done.  He did great!  He didn't even flinch when they stuck him.  Poor baby!  Monday we will return there for his TB test to be read and spend some time sightseeing and shopping. It is beautiful!  We did quickly grab a pair of shorts for him.  He only has 2 pair small enough right now.



Kell is doing great with us!  He has a happy, joyful spirit.  He sleeps well and wakes up just a little too chipper for the Berrys!  Every morning he greets everyone in the breakfast room with a sing-song, "Good morning!  How are you?".  He loves practicing his English and tries to say everything we do.  Of course right now it comes out as "Chinglish" but I don't think it will take him long to have it down pat!  His favorite thing to say is "eat" which is also his favorite thing to do!  He sounds like an old Italian man when he says it..."eatsay!" and hand signs raking food in his mouth from a plate...which is also about the way he eats!

He's so sweet folding his little hands to pray.  He points to the Bible and says, "Jesus loves Kell.".  I know he doesn't really understand that yet but I think somewhere in his spirit he does.  We sing "yes, Jesus loves Kell".  I want him to feel that above all else. 

Catching Up...

Sorry there was not an update yesterday.  Doug had the laptop working all day.  The boys and I went with the big group to the Chen Temple.  It was beautiful and we learned a lot about how the ancient Chinese lived.  The biggest attraction for the Chinese tourists seemed to be my fair (kind of) blonde sons!  Mills and Burke were like celebrities!  Everyone wanted a picture with them.  I finally had to pull them away so we wouldn't miss our ride!



We had dinner at Pizza Hut with several families and Lily to say goodbye to 3 families that were leaving for home today.  Then we satyed up way too late last night visiting and letting all the kids play in the hallway.  We will always have have a special bond with these families and will no doubt keep in touch.



Time to get to Kell's medical exam.  Promise more pictures today!  Have a good night!!

East...Meet West

You know I didn't forget to bring my grits with me this time!  Kell tried them in the room today and he loved them....officially qualified to be a southern boy!  If you could see the way he eats...anything, everything, and more of it.  Oh and some of yours, too!  I'm hoping that will stop when he realizes that food is available to him whenever he wants/needs it.



Today was a free day and it was raining.  It was really good to have a day to slow down and have time together.  We read and rested, Doug worked a little, the boys swam during a break in the rain and Doug and I both got to go to the gym (not at the same time).  The boys (and the dads) have also been kicking a ball around in the hall with other kids in our group. 



Our sweet little boy who loves so much having a family had a heart to heart with us today.  We were all sitting together and Kell got up in front of us and gave the sweetest little heartfelt outpouring of his heart.  Those sweet beautiful dark eyes looked at each of us one at a time.  He crossed his arms over his chest then stretched them out to each of us and said "wo ai ni, Mommy", "wo ai ni, Baba", "wo ai ni, Mills", "wo ai ni, Burke".  "Wo ai ni" is "I love you" in Mandarin.  He has waited for us, longed for us and us for him.  The photo albums we sent him of our family are absolutely worn out.  They look as if they've been flipped through thousands of times.  He still loves to crawl up in a lap and look through the albums with us.  He looks at us with such a look of love...like "are you really here?"



Yes, we are really here and you are ours forever!

Zoo Day...

The boys and I went to the zoo with our big group today while Doug stayed at the hotel to work.  Guangzhou has a beautiful zoo.  The animal enclosures are not so big that you cannot see the the animals like we experience at our zoo at home.  We had a great time!  Sadly, the most memorable event of the day is when a lion backed up to a huge group of our kids and sprayed them with "territory marker"!  It was completely disgusting and all were practically bathed with hand sanitizer and baby wipes...it was all we had.  Thankfully, the Berry boys were lagging behind and were spared!   



 It was really hot and all the walking tired us out!  We are back at the hotel for a short rest before we go to apply for Kell's passport.  Mills and Burke are doing homework.  Kell and I will be working on a few alphabet letters.  Must turn the computer back over to the working man.  Just wanted to share some pictures!

Group Picture....

Dinner Cruise

 

Tonight we enjoyed dinner on the beautiful Pearl River (kinda funny, Mississippi friends, right?).  The sights were beautiful and we are traveling with such an awesome group of people.  There are families from all around the US.  Each has an amazing story to tell about how our merciful God led them here to adopt.  All these stories put together would be such a treasure.  We are witnessing our loving savior's world as he sees it. Where "worlds collide and colors fade"...what a privilege!



We fall more in love with Kell every minute we spend with him!  Sweet and loving!  His favorite place to be is right in the middle of his "mommy" and "baba" with his brothers within reach!  He is a joy and we are having so much fun with him!  He makes us laugh so much!  We are certainly blessed beyond measure!



Good night to you...I mean good morning! 

Fun Day!

We had some free time this afternoon after signing Chinese adoption papers at the civil affairs office.  Chinese government says he's officially ours!  We took a walk to a beautiful park near the hotel.  We "played" on the outdoor exercise equipment....loud, American style.  The true exercisers there seemed irritated at the noise.  I think they were trying to meditate a little so we moved on to a little soccer elsewhere.  We're back at the hotel to get ready for the Pearl River dinner cruise with our travel group.



Kell is such a sweet boy!  He pushes the limits but always listens and minds very well.  Once he understands the Berry boundaries, we're in business!  We weren't sure how much his speech was affected by the cleft palate.  Rebecca has talked much with him and says his speech is perfectly clear...I wouldn't know a Chinese speech impediment if I heard it!



Thanks for all your encouraging emails, texts, and messages!  We are loving getting to know our new treasure!

Gotcha Day!

Indescribable JOY!!  This child is absolutely amazing!  Thank you for all your prayers.  He was very ready to receive us.  When he saw us he quietly said our names...recognized us.  Took him about 2 minutes then he was full on all about us!  He is loving and affectionate.  Gives lots of hugs and kisses.  He knows some phrases and uses them appropriately..."I love you," "please," "thank you".  He seems to understand us much better than we understand him.  He is very polite.  He's eager to share anything that is his.  He is such a happy boy!  Communication has not been a problem so far.  He repeats what we say.  I think he will catch on quickly. 



The first thing we did back at the hotel was change his clothes and put on the new BOY shoes!  Then we went out for a walk and to dinner.  He eats like a man!  Maybe it's a growth spurt!  Besides a little English, someone has taught him some things I hope he teaches his brothers.  He eats lots of green things, cleans up his messes, wipes the table after he eats and the best....made the bed the second his feet hit the floor.  We were jumping and clapping for that one!



I realize I am rambling but have so much to tell you!  We have to go to the civil affairs office to do some paperwork now.  I will update and send more pictures soon!



I have loved him since I first saw him!  Doug loved him as soon as he saw his picture in January.  We are sure more than ever that this is of God. 



Good night to you!

He's HERE :-)

This is Amy here...I got a text from Shannan because their internet is down and she can not email...here is basically what she said:

*He came to them wearing girl shorts, pink shoes and socks carrying a gift bag with his belongings (they immediately went to the shoe store and got him new shoes...)
*He knew all of their names
*He immediately grabbed Shannan's hand and said "Soba!"  which means "lets go"
*She said he is doing awesome, he is very happy not shy at all and very chatty and that she wished she knew what he was saying!
*He can sing his ABC's and can count
*She said he is TINY (all his clothes she brought are too big)..full of energy and laughs
*He chatters in Mandarin and bosses Shannan around...she is letting him the first day and the word NO starts tomorrow :-)
*Rebecca warned her bed time may be rough...i haven't heard from Shannan since the afternoon there so I don't know how bedtime went
*she said to tell everyone their first day with him was GREAT!...
Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming!....

Nihao from China!

Nihao! 



We made it safely to China and have been enjoying the sights and sounds of Guangzhou.  Still trying to shake the jet lag.  We've enjoyed getting to know the other families in our travel group.  There are 10 families in our group.  Some are getting their first children and two families are getting #9 and #10 (don't worry Mom!).



The look on the boys' faces when choosing what to eat is so funny!  This is NOT Panda Express!  We decided  to give them a taste of home and went to Pizza Hut...without our translator.  We ordered with pictures and charades.  Ended up with a pizza topped with a little of everything including hot dogs and niblett corn!  You get what you get if you don't speak Mandarin! 



It's 9 am here and we will be getting Kell at 2:30!  We are so excited!  Please pray for us before you go to bed tonight that his heart will be prepared to receive us and that the transition is smooth.  There's lots of love waiting for that boy.  We praise God for keeping him safe and cared for in this beautiful country until we have been united in His time.



Goodnight to you!  Check back in the morning for pictures of the cutest boy in Asia becoming a Berry!!


Please note:...this is from Amy...the temporary blogger since Shannan can't get on her blog in China...I am a little techna challenged and an old picture of Kell is in this blog and I can't get it off...please don't think this is a new pic and that they have him yet ;-)....that will be coming SOON!!!!