"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."


Matthew 18:5



Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Last Blog Entry From China!

Well, today is the last blog entry from China!! It is bittersweet in that we will be leaving wonderful friends that were made and that we will never forget. It is, however, more sweet than bitter, because I cannot wait to get off of the plane and squeeze the dickens out of our 3 beautiful children that have been at home this whole time!!

We started the day off with "Red Couch Pictures". Nothing too mind boggling, just pictures of the babies on a red couch in the lobby! It's a tradition. There were a lot of babies too! The picture of the large group is all of the moms with their adopted children, so throw in the dads and a few other biological children and you'll get a good idea of how large our travel group was!
Mary was wonderful, of course, looking absolutely darling as ever!

When we finished with the pictures we went to the Wholesale Pearl Market. I went because I wanted a jade ring, and the wholesale jade market was right next door. It was all so beautiful! But, they were a lot more expensive than I thought they would be and bargaining with them wouldn't have made much of a difference I don't think!

We hit Lucy's, again, to split a burger and fries for lunch. There was a really bad storm that came through when it was time to leave, but thankfully we had an umbrella! That, however, didn't help me to NOT slip and fall down, looking like a complete idiot. I had warned Scott to carry Mary because my shoes were slick, so I'm thankful that he did! I was drenched! Good times; good memories!

We are awaiting the delivery of the children's visas and then I think we are having Papa John's pizza! Still have to go back and say goodbye to our good Chinese friend at the shop. We've met so many amazing people on this trip. It is mind boggling to me how God hand picked each and everyone of us to come to China on this trip to adopt these amazing children. If you have ever thought even a little itch to adopt, please, please pray about it. It is an amazing gift that God has given each and everyone of us the ability and funds to do. So many people say, "it's too expensive". It is a lot of money, but if God lays it on your heart to do it, He will find the funds for it. We had the money 5 years ago to do it, but times change and we didn't have the money in our hands for this adoption until 2 days before we left for China. God is good, and He will provide a way for you to do His work. And, oh, the blessings you receive from doing His will are just amazing. (I've been using that word a lot in this blog entry, haven't I?) The stories that people have shared with us about losing their own children to death, miscarriage after miscarriage, infertility, I mean, our story is so boring compared to what others have gone through. Don't get me wrong, I like boring sometimes!! Boring can be good!!! Anyways, please know that adoption is something that God wants us to do, so if you feel that tug, He will provide a way to make it happen. It may take 5 years, but He will make a way!!!

*Note: Jill was able to get her jade ring afterall! :)





9 comments:

The McCrary Family said...

I am so glad that this is your last blog entry from China because I am beyond ready to have you home! I am thankful for this amazing trip and the beautiful result of this trip . . . Mary! Thank you for allowing me to follow this with you as closely as possible being over 6,000+ miles away. It was an honor and a privilege! Mary looks absolutely darling in these pictures! The picture of the three of you is beautiful! We love you and are praying you home!

Crazy Mom of 3 said...

Can't wait for you to get home!!! Will be praying. love ya!

Valarie said...

I love this entry! You are giving a testimony that many people need to hear, including me, about trusting God to see you through whatever He puts on your heart. He will always take care of you!!! I'm so very thankful that we have become such great friends, I am beyond happy for your family to be in the final stretch of this journey and I can't wait for you to get home, give you and Mary big hugs in person!!! Praying for your safe and quick return! Love ya!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! How awesome to see the seven little lives sitting on that red couch who's lives are being changed forever (saved for that matter!). How blessed your little Mary is!! Thank God for giving you all the courage to do this, and for giving you these children in good health. You'll have so many prayers for you while in the air on your way back home. I CANNOT wait to see her!!!
Bethany

Anonymous said...

I've had the song, "Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll love ya tomorrow, you're only A DAY AWAY!" going through my head all morning. I know Benjamin, Luke, and Hannah have to be busting at the seams to know that they get to see you all tomorrow! It seems that this weekend I noticed the closer you coming home got, the harder it seemed to be. Hannah talked a lot the other night about being homesick. They have done terrific, though. Way better than I ever imagined they would! God has certainly stretched you, Scott, and the kids but He has been faithful as He always is. Can't wait to meet my beautiful new niece in person. Love you!

Jennifer

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for allowing us to follow you on this love journey! I'll be praying for your trip home! Can't wait to see Miss Mary!
Love you!!
Michelle'

Anonymous said...

Honey, I'm comin' home! I know you are super excited to reunite with the kids and get back to life in USA as the new/improved/expanded Ruddle family. I am so happy for you and thrilled I could be a part of this journey. Thanks for following your heart and setting such a great example for all of us.GOD is GOOD. . .ALL the time! Love ya and can't wait to see you all together again. Praying for safe travel. SCM

Samantha said...

Wow, I had tears rolling down my face looking at all those happy Mommy faces! Praying you have a sweet and most precious reunion with your family when you arrive and for the jetlag to not settle in for long.

I am also praying for the other kiddos in this group, praying they adjust as well as Mary has already and as well as we know she will continue to.

Your beautiful family for now is complete! Congratulations! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through your journey. What a blessing you are! Love you!

Anonymous said...

We can't wait to see you, Scott, Mary, and the rest of the Ruddles!! I am so glad I was able to read this blog and find out what you have been doing. Thanks Stephanie for doing this. Praying that all will get adjusted. Love you!! Julie