One year ago (July 23rd) we became a family of three. It is very difficult to put into words a summary of the past year. We have all experienced so many firsts and learned much from one another. Joshua’s adjustment has been nothing short of miraculous. We know that your prayers before, during, and since his adoption are a big part of that! I have recently been in email contact with two American volunteers who worked in the orphanage while Joshua was there. They both remember him and have told me that he and the other children were prayed over each visit and that “Jesus Loves Me” was sung to all the kids as well. I was a little overwhelmed to receive this little bit of information about his past. When you have almost nothing, a little bit can seem quite big. I had thought about posting all sorts of “then and now” photos or recapping all the events of our trip last year, but I have decided that I will allow Joshua to sum up the past year for us. The following video is of him singing and dancing to his favorite song from Vacation Bible School, it is called “I Know My God is Real!”
In June, Joshua and Mommy went with Jordan and his Mommy to a local animal park. Some animals are in cages but most are roaming freely. Many of the animals can be fed the crackers and peanuts that are available to purchase at the ticket counter. Joshua enjoyed tossing peanuts at the animals but was not too crazy about feeding them straight from his hand. Just as he dumped his last nuts on the ground for a peacock to enjoy, a curious and bold squirrel approached for his share. Joshua was uneasy and backed away but the squirrel continued to move in on him. I stopped filming video so I could chase it off before it attacked. I hope you enjoy the video and pics of our fun animal adventure. (We finished our adventure with a trip to Krispie Kreme, don’t the boys look so adorable in their hats. They look like little car hops from the 50’s)
This is my first “catch-up” post. I have decided to start at the very beginning of the summer. I will try to post a couple times a week until I get caught up.
Joshua and I enjoyed a great year of preschool at our friend Ms. Jenny’s house. We started attending in late September and went one morning a week through the end of May. Joshua made new friends, learned numbers, letters, etc. He made art and cooking projects, learned to share, and overall had a great time! I lead music and movement activities with the kids each week and enjoyed some grown up conversation with Ms. Jenny while the kids played. We will both miss this time with our friends as we start a new school next year, but we thank God for the blessing it was to have this experience. The pictures are of the whole gang on the last day of school at Ms. Jenny’s.
Yesterday morning Joshua and I (Julie) walked in a 2K Fun Run to benefit the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. This cause is close to my heart since a little over two years ago my father passed away from a Brain Tumor. My family participated for the first time last year while we were in China. I was glad to be able to participate this year. I was not fully prepared for how emotional the experience would be for me. So many people running and walking in honor of or in memory of a loved one who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. There were a lot of children, many with shirts saying things like “In memory of Grandma” or something similar. At the finish line all of the kids were handed a purple ribbon. Joshua was so excited. He said “Mommy, did I win the race?” We hope that Team “Strong Dad” (My Dad’s nickname taken from my brothers’ cartoon character Strong Bad; who can be seen at www.homestarrunner.com) will be even larger next year.
Joshua started taking swim lessons this week. He is taking them at a great community aquatic center with his friend Jordan. For this class one parent is required to be in the water with the child. Joshua decided he wanted his Daddy to take him in the first night. (He decided all on his own around the end of May, that we are not Ma Ma and Ba Ba anymore. We are now Mommy and Daddy) Jason and I will trade off taking turns in the water. The class is 30 minutes and goes for 2 weeks. We are having fun and are hoping that when it comes time to put his face in the water, that Joshua will have the courage to do it and finish the remainder of the sessions.
I have been trying to post for a few weeks but we have been having technical difficulties. Now that they seem to be worked out, I have a few more posts and pics to add in the near future. So check back again soon.
