My goal is always to keep it real, so keep that in mind as you journey through yet another day in China with us. I realize we are in the home stretch here, but it feels as though Friday will never come! It is close quarters around here everyday. I am have company in the shower and every bathroom stall. The squatty potty situations are the most fun! Don't get me wrong, I adore my girls, and I am so thankful to be with my Maggie Grace, we are just sharing a lot of "togetherness".
I made the mistake of telling the girls I needed some time to not be bothered. Maggie continued yanking on my arm asking, "Huh?, Ma, huh?" Haddie decided to step in and pull her sister off of me saying, "Mama needs a break, no more mama!" I soon realized not the way to communicate mommy needs some space to the newly adopted child who is digging having a mama. All is good now, and the girls are bouncing around the room with balloons. They are loud, but no one is touching me or asking me for something and I am hanging on for 2 more hours till this:
They are precious!
This morning my little FAITH builder, Libi had a seizure. Nothing makes me feel further from home than knowing my precious girl is struggling, and I can't be there. I trusted in the One who was with her, and was not taken by surprise at the circumstance we found ourselves in. It is no coincidence that the night before the Lord was washing me with these words, "On my bed I remember you; I think of You through the watches of the night. Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You, Your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63
All is well with little Libi Love. It seems that she may be coming down with a cold. So thankful for my amazing man who is doing a phenomenal job holding down the home front!! Can't wait to be in his arms soon and introduce him to our new daughter!
Last night was Pizza Hut for dinner. It was a busy place, and we found it difficult to receive service, which is surprising considering we held the attention of most patrons in the place. The menu was quite extensive for a Pizza Hut and included some interesting toppings such as, corn, and pepper steak.
On the agenda today was the Safari Park. Maggie was very excited! She shared with our guide that she had never even been to a zoo.
As we rode through the half of the park that was navigated by tram, Maggie kept tapping Jacob's leg and pointing. She wanted to share her excitement with Jacob, not wanting him to miss a single animal.
After we acknowledged seeing the animal as well, she would clap her hands with delight!
Jurassic Forest was a new addition and ended up being one of the best parts of the park for all of us except Haddie. Picture Jurassic Park meets a children's zoo, China style!
Maybe this mama should have paid more heed to the "Gentle Reminders":
As we entered, Haddie's apprehension was grew more intense. Not mattering how I tried to reassure Haddie, her imagination outweighed reality. Walking along the path, sounds of roars and heavy footsteps loomed in the air. Maggie was so excited, and Haddie was terrified!
Every time Maggie looked over at Haddie she busted a gut at how frightened she was. Jacob and I were laughing so hard at Maggie, it was difficult to be a comfort to Haddie.
Haddie just kept her head down, and I kept telling her to look at the ground.
The end was almost too much for her to take, and she bolted for the exit. Poor girl!
The dinosaurs were okay for Maggie, but the giant Lion mascot, not so much.
You can figure this one out for yourself, I am still working on it.
Feeding the giraffes was yet another highlight of the park. Haddie found a baby to care for, which is not at all surprising. Her heart was just made to nurture!
Jacob had to help Maggie, because the giraffes were a bit too powerful for her to keep ahold of her branch. She is a tiny little thing!
PEACE!
Even the Pandas were on ice!! It was the hottest day yet, and I am pretty sure Maggie walked miles. Jacob and I kept trying to carry her, but she would not have it. She is a fighter!
Haddie passed out on the way back to the hotel, and once again Maggie thought her sister was hilarious! She tapped me, pointed to Haddie and just giggled her head off!
Some more REAL...
I am still amazed at how comfortable life with Maggie feels. She fits in beautifully, yet there is a bit of apprehension in my spirit when I think about life at home with two girls who are physically handicapped. Honestly, some real fears creep in of what it will require for their care. Maggie often leans on me for assistance when walking. She can walk independently, but it is easier when she has a hand to hold or an arm to grab onto. Getting dressed is more labor intensive as well. Things that the reality of living with her 24x7 have allowed me to see more clearly. It will not be all butterflies and rainbows, nor did I expect it to be. I am thankful that God has blessed me with another daughter, another child to mother; however, I am well aware that the road ahead will have difficult days.
Think of what Maggie's future could have been. There are times in China when the reality of it stares me right in the face. We pass by many who are lame on the streets here in China. This is not a country that has much to offer those who are disabled, or without family.
Last night we passed a gentleman who walked on his hands, literally wore shoes on his hands to move about. The girls were filled with concern for him, and carried money over to his box. I wondered if he too had once lived as an orphan. Is that what landed him in this place of hopeless desperation? A product of the system he lives in? Had he simply "aged out" to be destined for this life he now lived? I cannot just look away. I cannot ignore, even if it is just one. A difference for just one! Just one!
I do not have a photo of the gentleman we met, he deserves more dignity than that, but I have photos of these:
Little boys who could one day find themselves on the street, begging, lonely, and hungry.
Be a voice...be the difference for just one!
Maggie continues to daily display her girly qualities. She freely expresses her emotions, and it is usually clear what Maggie is feeling. She will let me know if there is something she wants or needs. This has been good, but yet I am pretty much the only "need meeter" for her so that leads to a constant beckoning. "Ma! Ma! MA! MA!!!" 
