I thought today of days on the beach when the boys would "chase" hermit crabs, as if they could really catch up to one. Hermit crabs, with their borrowed shells discarded by other crustaceans and found on the beach, and taken on by Mr. Hermit as a temporary home. A shelter from the elements. A haven and a place to hide. According to Wikipedia, this name of the hermit crab is a reference to the idea of a "hermit living alone in a small cave." There is, however, a species of hermit crabs who have "abandoned seashells for a free-living life." One of these is the King Crab. Or in our family's case, the Queen Crab.
Today, we have seen Ahna creep out from beneath her protective shell in a miraculous way, and we praise the Lord for His work in her sweet life. It's as if she all of a sudden decided that her "borrowed shell," her protective coating, was just too heavy to bear anymore, and she just ran out from under it. Oh, she still hides and retreats, but we see clearly that she's starting to discard that shell that was never hers to begin with. It was but temporary....
She has let us smooch her to pieces today; has giggled and been the silliest little girl; has mocked us and rolled and is scooting herself all over the place; and has loved being pulled up so that she can try to stand. There has been very little resistance to our affection today, and it has been a blast to watch. Yesterday, she was the little one who cried or whined most of the time. Today, she has had a smile for most anyone who tries to get one out of her. We know that there is still much adjustment to be made, but we are thrilled at the happiness and light we have seen in her today. (most of the photos posted today are of yesterday's events, but we'll try to get back on track tomorrow.)
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Not much to say about our day, since Bill's photos tell the story so well. The medical exam experience was just like we'd heard it would be: big crowds, lots of crying babies, and waiting. Ahna did weigh in at 21 pounds! For a baby who doesn't yet eat solid food, she is coming right along. :-) The boys stayed in the hotel while we took Ahna for the medical exam. Eli still has a fever and sore throat, but when he's had Motrin he feels like a new guy. Thanks for praying. He read all those comments today, and I know he appreciated them.
Tonight we walked a couple of blocks to an Italian restaurant, where they have purified water and ice. Cold drinks were wonderful! Most of the families from our travel group went; what a supportive, bonded group we have become. It is great to be a part of it. I'm sure a few photos of that meal will be in the next grouping by our resident photographer, Bill.
That's it for now. More tomorrow!
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6 comments:
I'm so glad that you've seen a major break through! I'll continue to pray for the transitions...
And I just want to say again how much I appreciate your honesty in telling your story - the good and the not so fun. It's encouraging and oh so real. Even though I don't personally know your family, you are all beautiful and I'm so thankful that I can follow along on your journey.
Praise Jesus she is learning to be herself with you guys and growing to love you! I'm sure each day will bring this more & more.
We miss you guys a lot. Grace was waving at your pictures today & cheesing! I think she misses you all too! She just stares, waves, & coos at Ahna.
We're so thankful she's coming out of her 'shell'. What an answer to prayer. She looks so healthy & beautiful! I'm totally jealous of all her gorgeous hair :-)
mwah.
Meases
It is great to hear that Ahna is attaching to you more. Praise God!
I hope Eli begins to feel better soon. I have been praying for him, and I am still praying for all of you. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Gena
PTL that little Ahna has begun to make herself open to her new family. :) Seeing Bill holding onto her little hands as she stands and tries to take steps is so sweet! She will be running before you know it!
Bekki tells me she has kept in touch and was excited to actually speak with little Miss Ahna on the computer! Amazing and I am so jealeous! :)
Eli, hang in there...gets some extra sleep and take that Motrin! Hello to Seth and Jacob!
It is amazing to watch these little ones come out of their shells and begin to bond and to trust. As you move her from place to place and her surroundings change, but you remain, she may be scared, but will trust a little more each time. As we travelled home from China with Elijah, he was scared, but we didn't leave him. As we traveled away from home the first time with him, he panicked completely, but we remained and the trust grew. Enjoy as she reveals herself to you.
I also sent this to your email. Reading all of your blogs sure brings back some memories.
We hope all is going well over there. I don’t know if you will get this or not but know you have many people praying for you.
I just got an email from our friends in China. They had to close one of their two stores. I believe they closed Shop on Stairs. The translations don’t always work so well. They have another store across the intersection from the old store. The best I can tell you is that if you are walking toward the White Swan hotel and toward the Pearl River, their store is at the four way intersection back from the White Swan. Their other store would be on the corner diagonal from where you would be looking at the White Swan. In other words, if you were standing in the intersection, the White Swan would be in front of you to your right. Their other store would be behind you and to your left.
Now the really goofy thing is that their store is actually in the back of the a different store when you first go in the door. When you go in the door, there will be a display case/checkout area directly to your right and a hallway to your left (actually looking pretty much straight when you come in the door). Their store is at the back of that hallway.
Can’t wait to welcome you back home.
Greg
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