It has been difficult to find time these past few days to post an update but it is also hard to even know what to say. We have had some very private moments as we all adjust. Bonding is much more difficult than we could have imagined. Even though we educated ourselves about the challenges, it is a very different picture when you experience it firsthand. It's just heartbreaking to see these babies grieve as well as some of their characteristics that are a result of them being orphans. Izaiah rocks himself back and forth, sometimes violently even, just to comfort himself. We of course try not to let him do that as we show him we will rock him, but it is just his habit. He does seem to be doing this much less though. He is so very precious.
Lily has very different challenges. When she plays with her toys, if she is feeling insecure, she will try to hold every single toy around her with the tightest little fist, just so that no one takes them from her. We will work with her on being gentle and playing nicely with others. We think she probably had to fend for herself at the orphanage so she has that survival spirit. She seems to be very smart though and already likes to imitate us so if she sees us sharing and being gentle, she tries to do the same. So very sweet!
Both of our children already recognize their American name when we call them; they will learn English very quickly. It is an amazing but also tiring experience, for sure. We pray every day that God provides our needs, sanity, patience, etc. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.
Since we have been in Nanchang, we have spent most of our time in our hotel due to unfavorable weather conditions and/or not much to do around the surrounding area but it just gives us more intentional time to bond. We did visit a museum and a historical castle and will go out tomorrow to browse some shops and visit a park. It will be our last full day here as we fly to Guangzhou on Friday at 6 pm. To us, it is just one more day closer before we get to go home. Oh, and did I mention they have a Starbucks?! (smile)
We need special prayers for Lily to be able to adjust to everything new and different around her. She is still having such a hard time and has several tantrums each day, sometimes lasting nearly two hours, without exaggeration. When this happens, we are unable to console her, so we just grieve with her and allow her to work through it. So please pray that God heals her precious heart quickly... and that mommy and daddy have God's grace and wisdom to know how to care for her needs and love her through this.
Much love to all. Our hearts are longing for home.
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