One week down

Although its hard to believe, our first week in China has passed as we travelled from Zhengzhou to Guangzhou today. In Zhengzhou we received John's Chinese passport.   Here in Guangzhou we will get his medical exam and his US visa.  Other than 3 of us getting a a stomach bug which ruined a few days, our time in Zhengzhou was a lot of fun.  We made several trips to Walmart, sampled a good bit of the local cuisine, and played a lot around the room and hotel. 

We were able to visit Maria's Big House of Hope in Luoyang.  Both John and Davidson spent the first part of their lives in Maria's receiving the loving care of the staff, nurses, and of course Dr. Steve Martin.  We are so thankful anytime we get to visit the Martin family.  Janie and Rebecca played with the Martin children like they have been lifelong friends, and Lauren, Laura, Steve, and I join in conversation seemingly where we left off this summer when we spent time together in Beijing. This trip we were also able to meet the Renich family, Nate, Vicki, and the boys.  They are the newest addition to the Maria's family. They live in Luoyang, near Maria's, and do...well it seems like a little bit of everything there!!!  While there it seems like we are home, I guess because it will always be our John and Davidson's first home, and we will always be indebted to Steve, the ayis (nannys), and New Hope Foundation for giving life to two of our sons. 

Before going to Maria's, Lauren asked for updated pictures of other Maria's babies that are now with their forever families. She shared those pics with the ayis in each of the rooms.  You would have thought she gave them all gold coins they were so excited.  These ladies put their lives into caring for these sick babies, and after  the babies leave they almost never get to see what happens to them.  It was a special time for sure.  I think the best part, however, was that John wanted only his Mama while we were there.  No one  else could even get close, not even his favorite Ayi. 

There were plenty of firsts this week too.  A first bath in a hotel bath tub (or probably any tub for that matter), a first ride on an amusement park style ride, a first airplane ride, and of course a first trip to McDonalds. And of course, the first time to be with his family. The way this boy likes to eat, there will probably be  many more in his future.  

Below are some pics of all of the fun...