If anyone you know is interested, 20% of the sales from this children's book sale go to our adoption:
http://www.barefootbooks.com/marketplace/6427
Click on Koeppe Family at bottom and we earn 20% of sales.
Pass it on to anyone you know who might be interested. They have wonderful children's books for all ages.
Jill :)
This blog is intended for our family, friends and other adoptive parents, as we share our daughter's adoption story from Gaoyou, China to Michigan, and our Faith journey through God’s Amazing Grace. *******ALL RIGHTS RESERVED*******
"When life gives you rain, God gives you rainbows." ~ Unknown Author
Monday, February 8, 2010
Beginnings and Endings
I received our official Travel Approval in the mail today. There is an additional picture of our little girl on the official form. We have seen it before. She looks slightly younger and her head is shaved on one side. In China, they do a lot of IV fluids for heart children and they also tend to run IVs for children on their heads.
I am still waiting on my official travel date. Hopefully I will hear something this week. The Chinese New Year begins next week, so I will need to hear something by Thursday (China's Friday) to expect a travel date close to a February 20th leave date.
My last day of work is less than 2 weeks away. Where does the time go? I was planning on returning to both jobs on April 26th, however I will not be returning to my part-time after-school job after winter break. It makes me sad to think about not returning to my elementary school job, as I will really miss my 5th graders. They have brought me many professional challenges, laughter and joys. I am very thankful for that opportunity, but after much consideration I realized that it is the best thing for Jiliang and for T.J. as well. There are going to be a lot of household transitions and health factors for Jiliang, so I believe that a more normalized schedule is what my family needs most.
I have been waiting to hear from Ladybugs 'N Love about the cake that I sent Jiliang. Angela in Beijing, from LNL, checked last Friday about the cake. The person in charge of adoptions there has been out recently and they have been a little busy with their end of the year business. Their New Year starts next week. The orphanage left a message for the person in charge of it to place the order when they got a chance. Hopefully it will happen before I get there. I do understand that they are very busy, so hopefully it will happen and the pictures will be a pleasant surprise. Angela at LNL is really wonderful to work with and I am very appreciative that the orphanage has agreed to do it at all.
I am still waiting on my official travel date. Hopefully I will hear something this week. The Chinese New Year begins next week, so I will need to hear something by Thursday (China's Friday) to expect a travel date close to a February 20th leave date.
My last day of work is less than 2 weeks away. Where does the time go? I was planning on returning to both jobs on April 26th, however I will not be returning to my part-time after-school job after winter break. It makes me sad to think about not returning to my elementary school job, as I will really miss my 5th graders. They have brought me many professional challenges, laughter and joys. I am very thankful for that opportunity, but after much consideration I realized that it is the best thing for Jiliang and for T.J. as well. There are going to be a lot of household transitions and health factors for Jiliang, so I believe that a more normalized schedule is what my family needs most.
I have been waiting to hear from Ladybugs 'N Love about the cake that I sent Jiliang. Angela in Beijing, from LNL, checked last Friday about the cake. The person in charge of adoptions there has been out recently and they have been a little busy with their end of the year business. Their New Year starts next week. The orphanage left a message for the person in charge of it to place the order when they got a chance. Hopefully it will happen before I get there. I do understand that they are very busy, so hopefully it will happen and the pictures will be a pleasant surprise. Angela at LNL is really wonderful to work with and I am very appreciative that the orphanage has agreed to do it at all.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Today...
Today, I found out that we did not get the adoption loan or grant that we had hoped for. That was a downer to my day to say the least. Coming up with the funds to get to China and process the adoption on their end is pretty costly. My lowest moment in this adoption process ushered in today, wondering if I could truly make it work. I have tried my best to have faith and remain positive about our adoption for the last 4 years. I have invested my heart and soul into this little one, and I have never second-guessed my choice; but three times in the last three months, I have slipped into a sea of doubt of NOT whether I wanted it to happen, but whether it would truly become a reality for us.
The first doubt was in October when we needed to do all of our costly updates and recertifications and we were going nowhere in the Non-Special Needs line. We were wondering if we could proceed with the process, and then within a week we had an opportunity to switch to the Waiting Child program and found Jiliang. Talk about a complete turnaround! About a month ago, I worried about not getting our paperwork processed, as we endured more paperchasing to get our immigration approval, letter of approval, Visa, and POA; but within a few days, it all was all resolved.
Today, I hit a low. I even considered the worst case scenario: "If I can't find a way to bring her home in time, I have to sponsor her and allow another family to adopt her." Every now and then, you need a loved one to bring everything back into focus and raise your faith. Luckily, Scott assured me that it WAS going to happen and that everything was going to fall into place, and to have FAITH that I will be leaving to get her in two weeks. So I am praying that God will take care of it on his end. In my heart, I truly believe that it will all work out.
I have grown to love Jiliang and she holds a special place in my heart. Tomorrow will be exactly 3 months since we first saw her face. When we locked in her file, we were told that this process would take about 3-6 months, but most likely closer to the 6 month marker. For some reason, it has been going faster than we had expected. Our process will have been about 3 1/2 months when I finally meet her. Now, all I can think about is when I will finally get to hold my little girl.
Your Prayers are be greatly apreciated!
Tonight, Scott said, "You know, Dads want daughters even more than Moms do. Dads want a Daddy's little girl - someone who they can take care of." If you know my husband, you must understand how endearing that is to hear him utter those words.
On a positive note, all of our paperwork that is needed for China travels and the adoption process is COMPLETE. The Power of Attorney to act on Scott's behalf came back today; I have my Visa, my Travel Approval and her immigration paperwork. I just need the official leave date and itinerary and I can book a flight.
All of your prayers, donations and support have definitely pulled me through this rollercoaster ride. Thank you so much. I just ask for your continued prayers for Jiliang to make it safely home to our family. I pray every day that she will have an Angel looking out for her in China to love her and keep her well until we meet. In the meantime, I am praying and thinking positive. If I fall, I know that my family and friends will be there to scoop me up and guide me in HIS name.
God Bless!
Jill :)
The first doubt was in October when we needed to do all of our costly updates and recertifications and we were going nowhere in the Non-Special Needs line. We were wondering if we could proceed with the process, and then within a week we had an opportunity to switch to the Waiting Child program and found Jiliang. Talk about a complete turnaround! About a month ago, I worried about not getting our paperwork processed, as we endured more paperchasing to get our immigration approval, letter of approval, Visa, and POA; but within a few days, it all was all resolved.
Today, I hit a low. I even considered the worst case scenario: "If I can't find a way to bring her home in time, I have to sponsor her and allow another family to adopt her." Every now and then, you need a loved one to bring everything back into focus and raise your faith. Luckily, Scott assured me that it WAS going to happen and that everything was going to fall into place, and to have FAITH that I will be leaving to get her in two weeks. So I am praying that God will take care of it on his end. In my heart, I truly believe that it will all work out.
I have grown to love Jiliang and she holds a special place in my heart. Tomorrow will be exactly 3 months since we first saw her face. When we locked in her file, we were told that this process would take about 3-6 months, but most likely closer to the 6 month marker. For some reason, it has been going faster than we had expected. Our process will have been about 3 1/2 months when I finally meet her. Now, all I can think about is when I will finally get to hold my little girl.
Your Prayers are be greatly apreciated!
Tonight, Scott said, "You know, Dads want daughters even more than Moms do. Dads want a Daddy's little girl - someone who they can take care of." If you know my husband, you must understand how endearing that is to hear him utter those words.
On a positive note, all of our paperwork that is needed for China travels and the adoption process is COMPLETE. The Power of Attorney to act on Scott's behalf came back today; I have my Visa, my Travel Approval and her immigration paperwork. I just need the official leave date and itinerary and I can book a flight.
All of your prayers, donations and support have definitely pulled me through this rollercoaster ride. Thank you so much. I just ask for your continued prayers for Jiliang to make it safely home to our family. I pray every day that she will have an Angel looking out for her in China to love her and keep her well until we meet. In the meantime, I am praying and thinking positive. If I fall, I know that my family and friends will be there to scoop me up and guide me in HIS name.
God Bless!
Jill :)
More needles
I got some bloodwork done today to see if I have an immunity to Measles, Mumps and Chickenpox. The Chickenpox vaccine was not available when I got my childhood vaccines, and the MMR apparently only worked for 95% of the population was it was administered to me in the 70's. Instead of getting unneccessary vaccines, I get to see if I have an immunity to them. In the 80's, I did have a mild case of Chickenpox, but then again, my sister got it twice.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Butterflies!!!
I had my vaccinations for my trip to China at around 3:30 today, and my arms starting hurting around 6:00 p.m. Ouch! The trip feels very real now. I am starting to get butterflies in my stomach now thinking about all of the business that is going to place before I get to meet my little girl.
Generally, I don't get excited about a trip until the day of or the day before I leave. That's not to say that I don't make plans - I just don't get excited until then. When my sister and I go on trips together, she is always excited weeks ahead of time, and I rarely get excited until we are at the airport, on the train, or on the plane. I think I just don't want any unneccessary stress. This trip is the exception, although I have never flewn overseas before, so there is excitement AND stress. Hence, I am flying alone. Yikes! I am trying to plan and not get too nervous, but I feel butterflies tonight.
After my flight is scheduled, I will have a HUGE burden lifted off of me. My main concern is that I make it there without delays or cancelled connectors, etc. The trip to China will be a different experience for me. I have been preparing for this experience for 4 years and have heard about many cultural differences. I am aware that the bathrooms will be VERY different from what we are used to in the Western world. The food will be completely different than your regular Chinese venue in the States. I am also aware that many things in China could potentially make me ill, because my body will not be used to things over there. However, the nurse today enlightened me about a few NEW things today, in regards to what I should anticipate in China:
Apparently spitting in public is not uncommon, so I need to step away from the curb, especially if a bus goes by, as I could get unintentially spit upon. I was glad for that tip, as spitting unnerves me. It's always good to be forewarned and prepared.
Urinating in public (for men) is not uncommon either, and kids do it on the street. Strangely enough, I can deal with that. Note to self: Watch where I tread.
Apparently, I will need my DEET in some areas of China that may be warm enough for mosquitoes. On another note, I found out that I can eat oranges, tangerines and bananas, because they have a thick peel. That is exciting. Supposedly, I can eat apples if they are washed well and the skin is peeled away. I am not so sure about that one. Carbonated beverages such Beer and Sodas are also safe choices. I knew there was a reason I have been drinking more pop from the can (something I never used to do without ice).
Well, now I need a chopstick lesson, a mini language lesson, and the etiquette on how to politely refrain from eating rare delicacies that Americans would frown upon eating. Had I known I was would be traveling in February, I would have taken Mandarin this fall, but that wasn't anticipated in my near future.
On the positive side of things, I am SO excited to visit her province and hope dearly that I will be allowed to visit the Gayou Children's Welfare Institution. I want to have an opportunity to meet Jiliang's caretakers and little friends and take lots of photos of her homeland so I can share it with her. Gaoyou is famous for a double-yoked duck egg. I am going to try it while I am there. I am so excited about traveling during Chinese New Year, but a little nervous about how crowded it will be, as I have a small crowd and germ phobia. Regardless, it is a rare opportunity for me, and one that I will cherish forever, despite any unforeseen surprises.
Generally, I don't get excited about a trip until the day of or the day before I leave. That's not to say that I don't make plans - I just don't get excited until then. When my sister and I go on trips together, she is always excited weeks ahead of time, and I rarely get excited until we are at the airport, on the train, or on the plane. I think I just don't want any unneccessary stress. This trip is the exception, although I have never flewn overseas before, so there is excitement AND stress. Hence, I am flying alone. Yikes! I am trying to plan and not get too nervous, but I feel butterflies tonight.
After my flight is scheduled, I will have a HUGE burden lifted off of me. My main concern is that I make it there without delays or cancelled connectors, etc. The trip to China will be a different experience for me. I have been preparing for this experience for 4 years and have heard about many cultural differences. I am aware that the bathrooms will be VERY different from what we are used to in the Western world. The food will be completely different than your regular Chinese venue in the States. I am also aware that many things in China could potentially make me ill, because my body will not be used to things over there. However, the nurse today enlightened me about a few NEW things today, in regards to what I should anticipate in China:
Apparently spitting in public is not uncommon, so I need to step away from the curb, especially if a bus goes by, as I could get unintentially spit upon. I was glad for that tip, as spitting unnerves me. It's always good to be forewarned and prepared.
Urinating in public (for men) is not uncommon either, and kids do it on the street. Strangely enough, I can deal with that. Note to self: Watch where I tread.
Apparently, I will need my DEET in some areas of China that may be warm enough for mosquitoes. On another note, I found out that I can eat oranges, tangerines and bananas, because they have a thick peel. That is exciting. Supposedly, I can eat apples if they are washed well and the skin is peeled away. I am not so sure about that one. Carbonated beverages such Beer and Sodas are also safe choices. I knew there was a reason I have been drinking more pop from the can (something I never used to do without ice).
Well, now I need a chopstick lesson, a mini language lesson, and the etiquette on how to politely refrain from eating rare delicacies that Americans would frown upon eating. Had I known I was would be traveling in February, I would have taken Mandarin this fall, but that wasn't anticipated in my near future.
On the positive side of things, I am SO excited to visit her province and hope dearly that I will be allowed to visit the Gayou Children's Welfare Institution. I want to have an opportunity to meet Jiliang's caretakers and little friends and take lots of photos of her homeland so I can share it with her. Gaoyou is famous for a double-yoked duck egg. I am going to try it while I am there. I am so excited about traveling during Chinese New Year, but a little nervous about how crowded it will be, as I have a small crowd and germ phobia. Regardless, it is a rare opportunity for me, and one that I will cherish forever, despite any unforeseen surprises.
TA!!!!!!!!
I received my Official Travel Approval (TA) today!!!!! I will know my official travel date very soon, and will probably travel around February 20th!!! That is the date I had hoped for. The next step is for Adam, in China, to schedule my Chinese Consulate appointment. The rest of my China Itinerary will revolve around this particular appointment. Soon I will have my "Gotcha Day" for Jiliang, and then the real countdown will commence.
T.J. is waiting impatiently for his little sis. He has been asking all week when Jiliang will be coming home from China with me. I told him this morning that I will fly to China in about 2 weeks and he will get to meet her in approximately 4 weeks. He said "Yes!!" Today, T.J.'s friend Veronica brought one of her baby blankets to school for T.J. to give to Jiliang. How sweet was that? I'll have to make sure her mom knows about that. :)
T.J. is waiting impatiently for his little sis. He has been asking all week when Jiliang will be coming home from China with me. I told him this morning that I will fly to China in about 2 weeks and he will get to meet her in approximately 4 weeks. He said "Yes!!" Today, T.J.'s friend Veronica brought one of her baby blankets to school for T.J. to give to Jiliang. How sweet was that? I'll have to make sure her mom knows about that. :)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Photos of Jiliang's Orphanage
These three photos of the Gaoyou Children's Welfare Institution were graciously given to me by Charles Day, creator of the website: www.aboutgaoyou.com
They were taken in 2006. It will be interesting to see if it has changed in the last 4 years. You can see that Jiliang is at the same building in the picture with the bike. I hope to add more pictures of Jiliang soon, but for now, this is all I have.
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