WE ARE DTC!!!!!

St. Patrick's Day happened to be our lucky day!!

I received an email today saying that on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, our dossier headed out the door bound for the CCAA in China. Now we are waiting on our LOA (letter of acceptance) and we are praying that it comes very soon. But, needless to say, everything is out of our hands (like they were really in our hands to begin with). We have nothing to do at this point but...


WAIT

We are waiting, but not without anything to do. The girls are keeping us busy so we're not bored by any stretch of the imagination. And, of course, we are still raising funds! Don't forget, we still have t-shirts available and would be glad to send one your way if you would like. I don't have a huge amount left, so the sooner the better. They are going fast!

Silent Auction Items - Updated List

Here is a brand new, updated list of the silent auctions that will be available tonight. Don't forget to come to Jim N Nicks to eat tonight. Be sure and drop your receipt in the basket provided! A portion of the food sales goes to help bring Isaiah home.

March 8, 2010
Jim N Nicks on Sam Ridley
5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

1. Scensty Warmer and Scent - given by Keeley Ward
2. Pottery Place Gift Certificate - given by PP at the Avenue
3. Handmade Baron Style Wooden Ink Pen made by Todd Graff
4. Oil Change given by Bennett's Automotive
5. Unique Necklace/Earrings set donated by Betty Jane Castle
6. Handmade women's crocheted sweater - made and donated by Reba Mitchell
7. Toots Gift Certificates $20 - donated by Toot's in Smyrna
8. 3 month membership to Curves in Murfreesboro - donated by Casey Overstreet
9. Handmade ABC's Children's Wallhanging - Made and given by Melanie Edwards
10. Jett's Pizza Gift Certificate $25 - donated by Jett's Pizza
11. Eagle Picture - donated by Lifeway Stores
12. Stephen Joseph Girls Backpack with monogram - given by Betty Jane Castle
13. 4 tickets to Predators game for March 18, 2010 - donated by Alan and Gina Kimble
14. 147 Million Orphans Set - Bag, Hoodie, Hat and Necklace - from Gwen Oatsvall and 147MO
15. Handmade Jewelry - Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings - made and donated by Monica Jackson
16. Haircut - donated by Malorie Mason at LaBelle Phoenix Salon
17. Crocheted Child's sweater - made and given by Reba Mitchell
18. Foil Highlight - donated by Malorie Mason at LaBelle Phoenix Salon
19. Project Hopeful Shirt - XS - given by Gwen Oatsvall and 147 Million Orphans
20. Oil Change - given by Bennett's Automotive
21. 147 Million Orphans Set - Bag, Hoodie, Hat and Necklace from Gwen Oatsvall and 147MO
22. Handmade Cocktail Apron - made and given by Dana Parker
23. Kameleon Necklace - given by Betty Jane Castle and Patsy Nunley
24. Stephen Joseph Boys Back Pack and monogram - given by Betty Jane Castle
25. Handmade Baron Style Acryllic Pen - made and donated by Todd Graff
26. 147 Million Orphan Project Hopeful Shirt XL - given by Gwen Oatsvall and 147 MO
27. All Over Hair Color - donated by Malorie Mason at LaBelle Phoenix Salon
28. Vintage Jewel Set - Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings - given by Dana Parker
29. Jett's Pizza Gift Certificate - $25 donated by Jett's Pizza
30. Oil Change and Front End Alignment donated by Bennett's Automotive
31. Handmade Reversible Apron - made and given by Dana Parker
32. Scarf - Cream color with crocheted edges donated by Betty Jane Castle
33. Crocheted Baby Blanket - made and donated by Kathy Shinkle
34. Coffee Basket/Biscotti
35.
36. Watercolor Painting by Dann Zehr
37. Subway Art made and given by Vanessa Dolberry
38. Tuareg Necklace/Earrings made in West Africa and given by Schroeder Family
39. Portrait Session and 11 X 14 wrapped canvas - donated by Alison Bynum
40. Kate Spade purse - Rhyne small group donation
41. Uppercase Living - Vinyl Wall Art - donated by Suzanne Curry
42. Framed Print - donated by Kristen Aune
43. Haircut/Wax dontated by Mistie Morgan
44. 2LoveOrphan Shirt - donated by Tracy Jones
45. Hair Products Basket - donated by Tammy Comer
46. Gift Certificate Studio 262 (Cut, style and wax)- donated by Kim Barry
47. O'Charley's Gift Card $25
48. Steamboy Mop donated by Chad and Dawn White
49. Brake Job (excluding 4 X 4's) donated by McClain's Automotive
50. Adopt plaque - donated by Tracy Jones/Jennifer Phillips
51. Gaither DVD (Church in the Wildwood) donated by Lifeway
52. Veggie Tales DVD donated by Lifeway
53. CD's (Selah and David Phelps) donated by Lifeway
54. Beijo Classic Purse-Charcoal donated by Rhonda Allen
55. Southern Living Plate Hanger donated by Andie Mueller
56. Southern Living Set of 2 cookbooks donated by Kelly Stewart
57. IKEA Ekorre hanging children's swing donated by Andie Mueller
58. LaBelle Phoenix Salon Basket (incl $158 spa services, candles, bathsalts, hair prod)
59. Pedicure - Sarah's Place donated by Kayla Short
60. Haircut - Sarah's Place donated by Maryann Watson
61. Cleansing Facial - Sarah's Place donated by Vanessa Haley
62. Intro Piano or Voice Lesson donated by Mark Thomas
63. Gift Certificate for Introductory Voice or Piano Lesson donated by Mark Thomas
64. Homemade Strawberry Cake gift certificate by Joy Conklin
65. Intro Piano or Voice Lesson donated by Mark Thomas
66. Southern Living Set of 2 Cookbooks donated by Kelly Stewart
67. Town Centre Pool/Fitness Facility Pass for Family donated by Mike and Hailey Moss
68. Strand of Pearls donated by Dick and Leslie Overby
69. Jade Chopstick Set donated by Dick and Leslie Overby

If you want to check our the starting bid on the items and the bid increment, you can view the spreadsheet by clicking HERE! Click on SILENT AUCTION ITEMS at the bottom of the page.

The Work Continues!

In case you haven't heard, we are adopting again! We are excited about this adoption and we are having to work very hard to make it happen. A humbling experience, to say the least.

We have a fundraiser night at Jim N Nicks on March 8, 2010 from 5-9 p.m. in Smyrna. We will also have our t-shirts available and also have a silent auction. We are also gathering items that people have donated for the auction.

The items will be displayed beginning on Friday, March 6 at Community Christian Day School in the cafeteria beginning at 3:00 p.m. They will also be there on Sunday, March 7, beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. You can come by either one of those days to look at the items and even place a bid if you would like. Finally, the last display time will be at Jim N Nicks on the night of March 8th. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. and go until 9. You can come and eat at Jim N Nicks and a portion of the proceeds from the sales that night will be given to us. BE SURE AND DROP YOUR RECEIPT IN THE BOWL THAT WILL BE PROVIDED! This is how we will get credit for you being there. So, you come, eat, put your receipt in the bowl, bid, and go home. How simple is that? Be sure and enjoy the fellowship while you are there and BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU!

Here is a list of some of the items for the auction so far:

1. Scenty Warmer and Scent - given by Keeley Ward
2. Pottery Place Gift Certificaten - given by PP at the Avenue
3. Handmade Baron Style Wooden Ink Pen made by Todd Graff
4. Oil Change given by Bennett's Automotive
5. Unique Necklace/Earrings set donated by Betty Jane Castle
6. Handmade women's crocheted sweater - made and donated by Reba Mitchell
7. Toots Gift Certificates $20 - donated by Toot's in Smyrna
8. 3 month membership to Curves in Murfreesboro - donated by Casey Overstreet
9. Handmade ABC's Children's Wallhanging - Made and given by Melanie Edwards
10. Jett's Pizza Gift Certificate $25 - donated by Jett's Pizza
11. Eagle Picture - donated by Lifeway Stores
12. Stephen Joseph Girls Backpack with monogram - given by Betty Jane Castle
13. 4 tickets to Predators game for March 18, 2010 - donated by Alan and Gina Kimble
14. 147 Million Orphans Set - Bag, Hoodie, Hat and Necklace - from Gwen Oatsvall and 147MO
15. Handmade Jewelry - Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings - made and donated by Monica Jackson
16. Haircut - donated by Malorie Mason at LaBelle Phoenix Salon
17. Crocheted Child's sweater - made and given by Reba Mitchell
18. Foil Highlight - donated by Malorie Mason at LaBelle Phoenix Salon
19. Project Hopeful Shirt - XS - given by Gwen Oatsvall and 147 Million Orphans
20. Oil Change - given by Bennett's Automotive
21. 147 Million Orphans Set - Bag, Hoodie, Hat and Necklace from Gwen Oatsvall and 147MO
22. Handmade Cocktail Apron - made and given by Dana Parker
23. Kameleon Necklace - given by Betty Jane Castle and Patsy Nunley
24. Stephen Joseph Boys Back Pack and monogram - given by Betty Jane Castle
25. Handmade Baron Style Acryllic Pen - made and donated by Todd Graff
26. 147 Million Orphan Project Hopeful Shirt XL - given by Gwen Oatsvall and 147 MO
27. All Over Hair Color - donated by Malorie Mason at LaBelle Phoenix Salon
28. Vintage Jewel Set - Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings - given by Dana Parker
29. Jett's Pizza Gift Certificate - $25 donated by Jett's Pizza
30. Oil Change and Front End Alignment donated by Bennett's Automotive
31. Handmade Reversible Apron - made and given by Dana Parker
32. Scarf - Cream color with crocheted edges donated by Betty Jane Castle
33. Crocheted Baby Blanket - made and donated by Kathy Shinkle
34. Coffee Basket/Biscotti
35. Stoney River Grill Gift Certificate $25
36. Watercolor Painting by Dann Zehr
37. Subway Art made and givey by Vanessa Dolberry
38. Tuareg Necklace/Earrings made in West Africa and given by Schroeder Family
39. Portrait Session and 11 X 14 wrapped canvas - donated by Alison Bynum
40. Kate Spade purse - small group donation
41. Uppercase Living - Vinyl Wall Art - donated by Suzanne Curry
42. Framed Print - donated by Kristen Aune
43. Haircut/Wax dontated by Mistie Morgan
44. 2LoveOrphan Shirt - donated by Tracy Jones
45. Hair Products Basket - donated by Tammy Comer
46. Gift Certificate Studio 262 - donated by Kim Barry

There are other items that I don't have the specifics on yet. Items that people have told me that they are getting together, but not sure what they are. There are other salon and photography gift certificates that I have not received, something from Pier One, children's clothing, a vacuum or a steam mop, and others. Check back as I will be adding to this list as things come in.

As always, thank you for your love and for your support. We would have never done this without you. A huge thank you to Monica Jackson who was worked tireless and given selflessly to make this a success. The Jackson's are a family that is adopting from South Korea themselves! God is doing a great work through adoptive families. I can't wait to see what's going to happen next!

Fun, Fun Step Stools For Sale!!!

My wonderful friend, Roseanne, has graciously offered to paint/personalize step stools as a fundraiser for our adoption. She painted two murals for the girls in their room and has become a very dear friend. Just wait to you see what she has to offer.

You can leave me a comment or email me at amyrhood5@gmail.com and let me know what you would like. I have attached some pictures of what she has painted for my girls and for Isaiah, as well as others. We have two styles available. A two step, which the lower step raises for storage, and a single step. She can also take a piece of fabric or theme and match to what you would like for your child. The stools come with personalization of your child's name also!

Prices are as follows:

Two-step $50.00
One step $30.00

Both of these prices include personalization. Let me know what you would like! My girls LOVE theirs and "wash" their teeth all the time!!!

Fundraiser Tee's

Hey everyone!

Almost all of the shirts have arrived! They look absolutely amazing, we are so happy with the way that they turned out. The white ladies burnouts have not come yet, but should make it here the first of the week.

Here is what is available:

Unisex Black Long-sleeved Small - 3XL $25.00

Ladies Short-sleeved S- XL (running very small) $25.00

Ladies Short Sleeved S - XL (running very small) $25.00

Men's/Unisex Short Sleeved Tee S - 2XL $25.00

Men's/Unisex Short Sleeved Small - 2XL $25.00

You can leave me a message in the comments or email me at amyrhood5@gmail.com anytime. You can also go by the church, Pat will have some there also. If you live away, I will be glad to stick them in the mail to you. Shipping is $5.00 and I will combine shipping if you want to order more than one. Thanks friends for your support.

This is a picture of the ladies burnout combo tees. I am out of the brown, but expect the white to come in today. These are GREAT shirts and have sold like crazy! Get your white one before they are gone too!

$30.00 Sizes S - XL (white only)

Serve One, Save One by Drinking One (cup of coffee)

I know a lot of you think Pat & I are out of our minds. Adopting one orphan is one thing, but adopting three international orphans at our age? What in the world are we thinking? Well, we're simply thinking we want to be obedient to what God has called us to do.

God has gripped our heart for the 147 million orphans in the world. In James 1:27, He specifically told us, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." We're so thankful to be a part of a church that takes God's Word very seriously. We have a large and growing number of people who are taking care of the world's orphans by adopting & many more who are taking care of orphans through sponsorship or by helping bring one home.

Amy & I didn't really do any kind of organized fund raising for Jadyn or Alyza Kate, but bringing Isaiah home so soon after Aly Kate is going to require that we try to raise a little cash. So, we've developed two different ways you can help.

First, buy some Java. We've set up an account with Just Love Coffee. You can go to our JLC webpage and order a bag (or ten). Believe me, this coffee ain't no joke. It's some of the best coffee I've tasted and you know that I'm a coffee snob. For every bag you buy we receive $5.00 . So, let's drink some coffee people. Why not buy yourself a couple of bags & also a friend a bag. They really do make a great gifts. To purchase go to www.justlovecoffee.com/hoodfamily

Second, buy a T-Shirt for everyone in the family. I know you want to be stylish, so we've designed a few Tee's to help us bring Isaiah home. I really feel called to start a ministry that advocates for orphans called One Orphan. The title was born out of the statement, "I can't help them all, but I can help one." It is our prayer that once we have the funds that we need to bring Isaiah home, we can continue to support their orphanages, help families who are adopting, and sponsor unadoptable orphans worldwide. We desire for this ministry to help change the lives of many orphans in our world.

There are 147 million orphans in this world. That's a little overwhelming. I can't help them all, but I can help one. I can't save them all, but I can save one. I can't serve them all, but I can serve one. I can't sponsor them all, but I can sponsor one. You get the point.

So, we've designed a few shirts to help us save this ONE from a life with no parents & no name. You can be very fashionable as you sport a Save One or Serve One Tee or both. We have them in men's & women's. The long sleeve are the common Anvil Tee. The short sleeve are Next Level. They're much softer than the Anvil. The women's combo burnout is one of the hottest shirt's on the market.

We'll have these shirts next week. You can pre-order (please pre-order) by emailing me at amyrhood5@gmail.com. We need to sell about 250 shirts. So, you can also help us by getting the word out. Viral marketing is the best. So, help us bring our little man home.

The men's short sleeve Save One is charcoal.

The men's short sleeve Serve One is stonewashed denim.

The women's short sleeve Save One is silver. (S-XL only)

The women's short sleeve Serve One in black.

The ladies long sleeve combo burnout tee is dark chocolate & white. (S - XL only)

The long sleeve Anvil is black.

Sizes are S - 2XL

Prices are $25.00 for the short sleeve Next Level & the long sleeve Anvil for both men and women. The women's long sleeve combo burnout is $30.00

Remember, you can pre-order by emailing me at amyrhood5@gmail.com If you live away and would like to order, we will be glad to ship your shirt(s) to you. Shipping will be $5.00 extra on your total order.

Dear USCIS

Today, my I800A went into a FedEx envelope and was sent on it's way to Lewisville, TX. I am sure that it will be processed immediately and we will quickly receive our fingerprints appointment. :)

Well, at least that is what my prayer is! It was a form that kind of had me freaked out this time. It's not like I've never done this before, but this one made me a little paranoid. I was teetering on the edge of being VERY paranoid about the whole form. I filled it out online and then checked it a million times. I second guessed some questions, called Lisa several times, went over it again, called Lisa again, oh well, you get the picture. It took SO long to get our immigration paperwork when we filled it out for Alyza Kate. Five months to be exact. I need this paperwork to be processed very quickly as we have a deadline to get our dossier to China. So, USCIS, when you receive our application - get on with it!

I am working on dossier paperwork and am nearing completion of all of it. When we receive that coveted immigration piece of paper it can be sent on it's way. One step closer to bringing little man home.

So, pray with us if you will. Pray that it falls in the hands of a super efficient person and that all the pieces of the puzzle fit right together. Thanks for checking in on us! I'll let you know when I hear something.

A Little News

I received a call from our home study agency social worker, Lisa Mosley and she said that she had received a call from Heartsent and they have signed off on our home study. So, we have final approval on it and she received that letter of approval, we will be able to send off our immigration paperwork! Can I get an AMEN?

Please begin praying now that our paperwork goes through immigration very quickly and smoothly. Once we get our immigration paperwork, our dossier can be on it's way to China! I'll let you know when I mail the immigration paperwork so you will have something to pray about.

Please remember to check out our coffee fundraiser. You can go on to our webpage and order coffee from Just Love Coffee Roasters and they will give a portion of what you pay to our adoption fund. Plus, you will get some REALLY good coffee. As most of you know, Pat is a real coffee snob and he says it's some of the best he has ever had. It's a win, win for us all. Here is the link to our page. Tell everyone you know and enjoy your coffee! Thanks again for walking down this very challenging road with us. You guys are GREAT!

Where Are We?

Just in case you have been staying awake, night and day, waiting on my next blog post, her it is!
I've got to do a little better at keeping this journey of this adoption documented on this blog. So, here's an update.

First and foremost, some pictures of our little man.




Isn't he the most precious thing in the world? We think so.

We have decided on a name. His name will be Isaiah Yang Hood. We didn't have a whole lot of trouble this time deciding on a name. There were few names that Pat and I both like, so the pool to choose from was relatively small. Almost non-existent in fact. :) But we both love the name Isaiah. For the record, Pat likes the dumbest names. Why is that always the way it is?

We are moments away from having our homestudy complete. At that time, it will make it's way to immigration and they will QUICKLY process our immigration paperwork. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. We are waiting on our final, approved copy and off it goes. In the meantime, I am working on dossier documents and as quick as we get that coveted piece of paperwork from immigration, our dossier will be on it's way to China. Please pray that all of this happens very quickly.

So, that's kind of an update of where we are with this adoption. We cannot wait to get our little guy home. He needs to be with his family and we need him here. Please pray that things move quickly. But not too quickly, we've got some money to raise! Ah yes, it's God's perfect timing that comes in to play once again.

Thanks for reading and love you all!

How Do You Know?

One of the questions that I have gotten in the past few days is "how do you know?" meaning how did we know that the little boy that I found on a waiting child list was the one that we were supposed to move forward with. That is a great question and I wish I had an answer.

For months, I have checked waiting children lists. On one of the yahoo groups, I ran across a link to Bringing Hope to Children and decided to check them out. So, for a couple of weeks, I checked their list fairly regularly. I even went so far as to request the files on a couple of little boys that were precious. There were some factors that we already knew. We knew that we were going to adopt a little boy this time, we knew we were going special needs, we knew for the most part what SN we were open to. A short list which included cleft lip/cleft palate and heart defects. While the boys files that I had requested were precious, there wasn't a "tug" of my heart.

On November 19, I ran across a boy on their list that had May 25, 2008 listed after his name. That caught my eye as May 25 is my birthday. I read the information about the little boy and requested his file. When I received the information on YHH, I opened the pdf and just sort of sat there. That familiar ache of my heart was there. Not sure what it meant yet, but it was there. I forwarded the information to Pat at the church and simply said "look at this little boy" in the subject line of the email. We continued over the next 2 weeks to go back and look at the pictures. I printed the file out and took it to our Dr. to look over, something that I don't normally do but felt like I needed to. I corresponded back and forth with BHTC with some general questions, all the while, feeling that longing in my heart when I looked at his pictures. I felt as though I had a pretty clear understanding of how quickly we could move through this process and what we needed to begin.

After much prayer, we did something that I knew in my heart all along that we would do. On Saturday, December 5, I emailed Bringing Hope and let them know that we were ready to move forward with the adoption of YHH if he was still available. This was on a Saturday. We heard back from them on Sunday evening and he was in fact still available and they would contact me on Monday about getting the pre-approval process started.

So, I tell you all of that to answer your question this way. I don't have an answer to "how do you know" but somehow, you just know. There was that familiar longing that I felt deep in my heart for this child. The kind that you feel when a part of you is missing. Can't explain it, but it's there. We think he is just beautiful and is just perfect. We can't wait until we can post pictures of his beautiful face.

Thank you for sharing in our joy. You will never know how much we appreciate it.

I'm Baaaaaaack!

Wow, It's been forever. Please do accept my apologies. It seems as though Facebook has taken over my life and I have let my blog fall the the wayside.

But, nevermore!

I can't use FB as the only excuse, however, my life has been just plain crazy since we returned from Ethiopia in June. What a ride it's been. Alyza Kate slipped right into our family and has adjusted beautifully. She just fits right in. Funny how God does that, huh? She has bonded quickly and has a fire in her that is not quickly dimmed. She absolutely cracks us up. She smiles ALL the time when she is not crying. There is no middle ground with this child. She is either smiling or crying. She still really good a crying when she don't get her way, she don't like to be told no, and she still tries to play the "I was in an orphanage" card occasionally. It use to work, for about a week, then I revoked that card.

We have such chaos in our lives. Imagine your world with a 2 and a 3 year old in it. The schedules are still the same, we just have 2 little ones that we have to drag everywhere with us. They really do very well. They are getting along great, for the most part. They have their toddler issues, but most of the time they do pretty well together.

We must be enjoying our life, because we are stepping out on faith and doing it again. We have begun the process to adopt one more time (Pat says this is the last one, but I'm not convinced) and we are now adopting a beautiful boy from China. I can't wait to tell you more about him and hopefully very soon I will be able to post his picture. Take my word for it, he is truly a handsome young man. We are in love. That's the sweetest feeling in the world too.

So, stay tuned for more information on our little man. We've got some exciting things on the horizon so check back on us often. I'll try to do a little better updating!!!

Love you all,

Leaving for Ethiopia

We are leaving for Ethiopia on Saturday. We probably won't have much, if any, internet access while we are there but most of the blogging will happen on our Africa blog. See you when we get home!

Introducing Our Newest Daugher!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Update on Alyza Kate

Check out Alyza Kate's blog to read an update about her!

Click HERE!

Warning: Court Date Approaching

Have you checked Alyza Kate's blog lately? Our court date is THIS Friday, May 22. Needless to say, I'm a little restless.

But, God is good and yes, He is still in control. Check out her blog HERE.

Thanks for checking in on us and I will be putting out a call to all prayer warriors later in the week, so, stay tuned.

Gotcha Day Letter to My Daughter

My Dearest Jadyn,

It's so hard to believe that 2 years ago today, my life was changed forever. I am not sure that I even realized how much of an impact you would have on our lives. Oh, I knew that things would change on the outside. There would be babysitters to find, toys to pick up, doll shoes to step on, sleepless nights, ear infections, potty training and the list goes on and on. But change me on the inside?

When we made the decision to adopt, we knew in our hearts that we had a daughter in China. We did not know you name, or when we would get to bring you home. We did not know what you would look like or if you would even like us. One thing that we knew for sure, we knew that God was in complete control of leading us to you. We began the process on May 2005 and thought that we would have a very short period of waiting, little did we know. Every time I reflect on these times, I remember how very hard it was waiting to bring you home.

Jadyn, I pray one day that you will understand the mountains that you have moved. You completely turned around the life of a brother, you forever changed the heart of another brother, and you have melted the heart of your father. As your mother, you have given me a renewed purpose in life. The role that you have played in changing so many things about our family is enormous. We are so very grateful to our Father in heaven for creating you for our family. Jadyn, we believe that even before the world was created, it was God's idea for you to be our daughter. I will always hold a special place in my heart for your China mommy. She loved you very much Jadyn, I am sure of that. When I look into your beautiful eyes, I think of her. I am so very thankful for her and love her for the gift that she gave us. The gift of you.

The past two years have gone by so fast. These 2 years went by much faster than the two years it took waiting for you. Oh, how anxious we were to bring you home. And, at the exact time that was ordained by God, you became our daughter. That day was May 13, 2007. Today, as we celebrate you day, we want you to know how very much we love you. As we were crowded in that little conference room on May 13, 2007 we realize now that we are bonded to the other families in that room with a very special bond. We shared something that not many people get to share. We saw God perform 14 miracles at one time in that room that day. Each child was placed into the arms of the family that they were created for. How very grateful we are that you were the daughter that He chose for us. Thank you, sweet Jadyn, for being you. For making us laugh, keeping us young, and helping us to see that we are called to take care of the children in this world that have no one to care for them. We consider it an honor and a privilege to be your parents. You have made our lives so much better. We love you with all our heart and cannot wait to see what God has in store for your life.

I love you sweet girl. Happy 2nd gotcha day!

Mommy

Happy Gotcha Day Jadyn

Just to hold you over, here is a recount of Jadyn's gotcha day. It was 2 years ago today that our beautiful daughter was placed in our arms. In a small conference room at the orphange in Fuling, China. Our lives have never been the same.




May 13, 2007

2 Mothers, 1 Gift

OK, I'm laying in the bed feeling guilty because I didn't make more of an effort to get some pictures posted, I did try - really I did, but I was just SO exhausted. After I got Jadyn to sleep, caught a few winks and woke up with you on my mind. This is the best that I can do until she is wide awake tomorrow. This was a risk, snapping pictures of a sleeping baby, what was I thinking?

Let me just answer those questions rolling around in your mind. Yes, we think she is absolutely beautiful. She is truly a treasure and "Bao" means treasure in Chinese. We were deeply saddened by the conditions of the orphanage. This is one of the better facilities in China, but still it is an orphanage. And we were reminded of this with our visit. We were somewhat shocked back to reality. There were times all four of us were sobbing. The boys hearts were truly broken to know that she spent the first year of her life here. They will come away from this trip forever changed. And that was our goal.

She is still pretty somber, although, we are seeing a little personality. She has begun to play with her toys a little, self feed from our hands (love those Gerber puffs) and seems to be letting her guard down. No smiles on camera yet. Maybe tomorrow. She has on her "gifted" pajamas because what a gift she is. She is truly beautiful. What a day it was, life changing at the very least. We will forever be connected to a family in this part of China. The family that gave us the gift of our daughter. Whether I can look out the hotel window and not realize that they are just over the hill, or they are somewhere many miles from here in the countryside, I will truly be forever connected to the woman who carried, gave birth to, and loved my child enough to give her a chance. When I look deep into her eyes, I can't help but think of her Mother on this Mother's day. The joy, elation and excitement of one Mother is paralleled by the pain and sadness of another Mother. One that I will never know. But, on this day, there is a Mother who prayed for another Mother and praised the Father above for the connection that the two of us will forever have. The connection sleeping soundly just a few feet from me. Our daughter Jadyn Grace BaoJun Hood. Truly a treasure.


And yes, in case you are wondering, that is MY bed she is sleeping in. I just didn't have the heart to put her in that port-o-crib. Not quite soft enough in my book. Pat's sleeping well in the other bed. ;)

Reflections on China: The Greatest of Walls

Thinking all this week about where we were 2 years ago today. What sweet memories they are...


"We left the factory and traveled to the Great Wall. I'm talking the Great Wall of China - the one that you read about, the one that can be seen from outer space, the one that stretches about a bazillion miles through the mountains of China, the one that you read about in your history books and travel guides. Pretty incredible huh? But, here's the deal. It was amazing and it was definitely incredible. How many times to you get to climb the Great Wall in a lifetime? But, the strange thing is that, while we were impressed, standing at one of the highest points on the Great Wall, it just simply pales in comparison to the real reason that we're here. Sounds strange? An abandoned orphan girl, given up by her parents, while probably in tattered clothes and a bungee cord diaper, more exciting that the Great Wall of China? In my eyes and the eyes of every family traveling with us, you will get a resounding YES. Pat and I were talking on the bus on the ride back to the hotel and in less than 24 hours, we are going to get our little girl. That little girl that we have always wanted or at least that I have always wanted and Pat has wanted for the past two years. I can't help but wonder what she is doing right now and how she has no idea that in less than 2 days, her whole world is about to change as well as ours. Our minds are reeling and our hearts are full. Tomorrow is Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City, equally important, it's also a visit to the Beijing Harley Davidson dealer."

Reflections on China

Days 2 and 3 of our visit to China

"WOW! What an amazing 48 hours!!! I think we arrived in Beijing last night. I'm really not sure since I'm in the twilight zone. We met Hope Chen, the house mom for the foster home ran by the m* family where we're exploring starting a partnership with. We arrived at the foster home about 11:15 and went straight to bed."

We visited the city of Langfang, went to the small orphanage there and had a very somber tour of that little orphanage. We spent all day in Langfang and then were taken to our hotel, the Beijing International, in Beijing to meet up with the rest of the travel group.

"We arrived at our hotel in Beijing about 3:30 and got settled in before going to dinner and STARBUCKS with some of the families in our travel group. It's already been an amazing adventure and it's just begun. One thing I know, the people of China have a spiritual hunger that only Jesus can satisfy."

And here is the post from my blog:

WE'RE HERE! And we still can't believe it. Pat posted some pictures on his blog so be sure and check them out.

Man, what a trip. We are having a great time so far, but everything just pales in comparison to the real reason that we are here. My mind is on one thing and I'm having a little trouble feeling the excitement of everything else around us.

We had a great visit with a M family last night and this morning. They are doing an incredible work running a foster home. I so enjoyed seeing the children and visiting with them. All of the 12 children in their home are special needs. They are just so precious. We arrived at the hotel this afternoon and have been out walking the street looking for dinner. The guys ate at McDonald's and I opened the lid of a grilled chicken (?) sandwich that just didn't look to suit me - to much unidentifiable things attached to it. Oh well, the picture on the box looked good. Anyway, I don't think I will starve. I had part of a mashed blueberry muffin that I saved from the plane. :)

Remember to check Pat's blog for more pics. Remember to pray for our little girl. We're so ready to get to her. We love you all and we'll post more tomorrow!

Stay tuned for more reflections.

Here is the post from May 7, 2007, we were headed to China. I cannot believe it's been 2 years. What an exciting 2 years it has been. I will be posting all this week about our adventure. Let's take a stroll down memory lane, shall we?


May 07, 2007

WE'RE OFF!!!!

I can't believe it's finally here. We flew out of Nashville this morning at 8:12 & are now sitting in the Detroit airport waiting for our connecting flight to Tokyo. It'll take us about 24 hours to arrive in Beijing...this really gives new meaning to the phrase "slow boat to China."

We've been waiting for this day for two years & it seems almost surreal. I'll be updating my blog every day, complete with pictures & maybe even a little video, so check in & see where our adventure takes us.

We won't arrive in Beijing until 9:25 tomorrow night, which will be 8:25 AM in Nashville. We're being picked up by some missionaries & we'll stay the first night at their home. They'll take us to our hotel on Wednesday evening, China Time, so it may be Wednesday morning, Nashville time, before I'm able to have Internet access & give you an update.
If I have a chance between now & then, count on an update.

Until then, please pray that we all stay healthy & safe. Pray for Jadyn to have as little problems as possible attaching to us when we pick her up on Sunday. Pray that all the families with us have an incredible experience.