Our First Year Together

Our First Year Together 2012-2013

Here is a book I put together of our first year together! I think I will do this every year!

Growing Together

Well, here I sit with this precious little girl beside me. She is such a sweet and precious little girl. We can not imagine our lives without this precious little one! She has learned to trust us, depend on us, and love us! Each day I watch her vocabulary growing, her independence blossoming, and her understanding soaring! She has learned so quickly, I am amazed at her progress. God made her our daughter and I can not express in words how thankful and in awe we are of our Creator!

Gotcha Day 9/10/2012

We got up very early to catch a plane from Beijing to Guangzhou, China. We were about an hour delayed taking off from the airport. We arrived in Guangzhou around 1:30 pm and met our guide, Amy, who drove us to our hotel. We stayed at the China Hotel by Marriott.

 

We had about 40 minutes until we met Khloe for the first time! To say the least, I was in a panic, do I have everything, did we exchange the money right, will she cry, scream, or be indifferent? A million things were going through my head but I know God gave me a peace that I had never known before. I felt as if HE were carrying me through this joyful yet scary time in my life! Eric helped to keep me grounded although I think he was as scared and nervous as I was!


When Wendy, one of the orphanage workers from Guangzhou SWI, brought Khloe out we felt like we were in a dream! We had waited and prayed for this moment for over 15 months! We had cried for this girl and dreamed of who she would be, what she would look like, and how she would act for so long. She was a pleasant, beautiful, and quiet little girl when we met her. She studied our faces and was open yet guarded toward both Eric and I . About 20 minutes after we got her she pointed to Eric and said, "BaBa" which means daddy in Chinese. She only a few minutes later touched me and said, "Mama". I know she didn't know what that meant just mostly repeating what she had been hearing, but to Eric and I it was the first breakthrough! A baby step toward the day she will know we are her Mama and Daddy. The first step into her forever family, a precious little guarded girl had taken her first step into a life she would have only dreamed of in an orphanage. That is not to say that we are the best parents, we make so many mistakes with our kids and eachother! But God knew Khloe belonged to us, He made a match in heaven and who am I to second guess His plan!!

 

The next 9 days went by so slowly, but looking back they went by so quick. I think they went slowly because we so wanted to sweep that little girl up and fly her home to the rest of the Peacock clan! We deeply missed our boys and were so proud to finally have our baby girl! We enjoyed China and hope to get to go back one day. To show Khloe her homeland and possibly go back to her orphanage so she can remember the place that took her in and cared for her the first 2 years of her life! We are so thankful for that orphanage, which is not the best place for children, but because of the care they give children and gave Khloe, our baby was taken care of and seemed to come from a clean, caring facility.





Those 9 days were spent seeing sights, going shopping, finalizing adoption steps, a medical exam for Khloe, and many other things. We took a walk to a park, we shopped for souvenirs, went to Shamian Island, and had a cab ride that was off the chain crazy!!

Sightseeing

The Forbidden City
 

At a Tea House

At The Great Wall

3 Week Anniversary

Well all the little Peacocks are settled into bed hopefully dreaming sweet dreams! We have had a full month this past month. I am so sorry I haven't been posting much lately it has taken this long to get over jetlag, get adjusted with our new little one, and mourning the loss of our wonderful Pepaw.

I want to give you a trip down memory lane of our trip to China and our last 3 weeks with Khloe:

We arrived in Beijing around 10pm on 9/7/12. We were so tired, but tried to rest the first part of the flight and stay up the last part so we would be ready to go to bed when we got to our hotel. China is exactly 12 hours ahead of us.

We spent the first three days acclimating to the time change by being very busy!! They took us to the Great Wall at the Juyong Pass, the Summer Palace, Tiennamen Square, the Forbidden City, and a charming Tea House. Sunday we got to go to a wonderful Christian church service!! It was amazing seeing people from many nationalities praising the only true God. I sat by a beautiful teenage girl, most likely Korean. I couldn't help but think this will be my girl standing by me in church  in 11 years. Very humbling and yet makes me realize how fortunate I am, when I can worship God in this communist country but Chinese nationals can not. Our first chance to take Khloe to church will be something she could have never done in China.

Home!!

We had an awesome trip and brought home our precious girl! She is doing amazing, I think she knows she is HOME!! It is like she has always been here, the transition has been so amazingly smooth. I know God has answered all of our prayers! “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. (Matthew 18:19 NLT). I believe in the true God who gives abundantly to those who ask for things in His will! Thank you all for praying with us throughout this adoption! God is so much more than good!!

China is Great but I am home sick!

Ready to be home! I am so thankful for our time in China! It has been such an amazing journey! I have experienced and seen things I never imagined! Getting Khloe Lan is amazing beyond words. It has been miraculous the change in her since her Gotcha Day! She has quickly become our daughter and has even begun to want me over Eric at times (mom\'s more fun, lol)! She has begun trusting us and loving us! Watching this unfold has been incredible! She is so sweet and the temper fits have almost disappeared! She is still pretty bossy and strong willed. She is very personable and likes to wave and even introduce herself at times (pointing at herself and saying Lan !
Keep praying for her and us we are so homesick for our family! Thanks for your prayers!!!!

Gotcha Day!

Today was a crazy day! We got up at 4:30, got ready, ate breakfast at 6am, and left for the airport at 6:30 pm. The airport was a little crazy, our bags were searched, we were wanded then finally got in. Made us feel very safe though. We had to board a bus to get to our plane, once on the plane we waited an hour before we took off because of a delay. We arrived in Guangzhou around 12:30 and Amy, our guide, picked us up and flew to the hotel. Apparently in China all traffic rules are merely suggestions!! That has been an experience in itself. I guess when you have 1.3 billion people and 25 million vehicles it just happens. Anyway, so  we had about 40 minutes to get everything for the big moment together. It was a whirlwind!! We left to go to the Civil Affairs building in Guangzhou. Then about 5 minutes later we met her!!! She was so sweet! Here is a video of the moment we laid eyes on our girl for the first time.

Countdown to Khloe

We are packed and ready to step on the plane tomorrow. Countdown to Khloe only 1day (yes only 1 really less though probably about 18 hours) ! Hopefully video to show tomorrow because it's Khloe's Gotcha Day! UNBELIEVABLE that we are here! Someone pinch me I think I am dreaming, (glad Eric's asleep he pinches hard! LOL!) So, I better get to bed because tomorrow is THE day!  Pray, Pray, Pray!!!!

I'm Gonna Be a MOMMY again!!!!!!!! I hope she likes me!!

Update

We have been nonstop for 2 days now! But we have learned so much and seen so much of Beijing! It has been so amazing! We have been to Tiennamen Square, The Forbidden City,  Summer Palace, and today the Great Wall!! The Great Wall is absolutely amazing! But the beauty that God designed before the Great Wall was created is the most AMAZING!

I am posting pictures on my FB for now. That is the quickest way for now.

It is crazy to think I will be a mommy again tomorrow. We are leaving bright and early at 6:30am for the plane to Guangzhou. I am thinking we will then go to our hotel and wait to be taken to where we get Khloe. So Excited and Nervous! I hope she likes me!! This whole thing is so surreal yet so real! I know God is giving me peace and I can feel the prayers for us even now! Please pray Khloe will warm up to us quickly and feel at peace with us. She is my daughter and I want her to know we will never abandon her and we will show her love that she has never known before. God, give me the strength to be strong tomorrow, help me to keep it together! Father, give Khloe and Eric and I a peaceful meeting! Show us your grace and mercy when we travel, help us to get to Guangzhou in a timely and safe manner. I praise You Father because in You and by You this is all possible. Your adoption of me helped me to believe and know that I could make a difference in one life. A life changing difference. To raise this precious girl under the direction and admonition of You. I Love You so much Father! Thank you for the beautiful BCIF church service this morning. How amazing and life changing to see people from so many different nationalities coming together as one in worship of You and only You! I held the hand of a beautiful Chinese girl in the service and could not help but think this young girl will one day be my Khloe. Holding her hand as we sang a song about unity in the body of Christ was so eye opening. Praise God for this service and prayers and blessings on BCIF.

Beijing

About to go get some breakfast then sightseeing! China here we come, the Peacocks  are here!  Excited! The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Tiennamen Square plus some shopping in Beijing! Pics soon!!

We are in China!!!!

We made it!! Thank you for all your prayers and gifts for Khloe! You overwhelm us with your love and prayers! God will bless you for giving from your hearts! Tell help a little girl so far away! B UT not for long!

Countdown to Khloe 2 more days! We went forward 12 hours so that means we are even closer to getting her than we thought. We had a great plane ride over , yes it was about 18 hours total but was a really good flight and crew Delta is awesome!

I want to say a special thank you to my mom for dropping us off the air port and for keeping the boys for a 6 days, I know they will enjoy being with their granny. So, we just made it to the hotel around 10:45 pm their time and that's am our time. They are 12 hours ahead of us. So Eric and I are pooped and ready for bed we tried not to sleep much on the plane so we would be tired when we got to the room. It worked.

A special thanks to Kelly and David for taking care of us at the airport, you guys are very good, godly, friends and we are so thankful for you all!!!

I love you all!!!!! Thanks Kristen and Craig also for the prayers. By the way, they worked besided being a little distraught over leaving my boys and mom, I have done great!! Not nervous or ill at all! But I am sure anticipation will build as we near Monday. Hope I will post some great pics tomorrow of some awesome sights in China. But for now we need some sleep sightseeing starts at
8:30 for Beijing!! Excited to learn about Khloe's homeland! All praise and honor goes to GOD for all HE has done!!

Countdown to Khloe 5 days!

Overwhelmed! We are traveling tomorrow!! We will have Khloe in 5 days! So many emotions and excitement! I am worn out too! Oh my how I will miss my boys:( I am going to bed now! I am going to try my best to post pictures and videos! I'm going to China to get my girl!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tickled Pink!!

We are TICKLED PINK on the Home for Khloe blog! Countdown to Khloe 11 days! Ok, so my mind is going 90 to nothing! Pray I can focus long enough to get all the important stuff done prior to leaving! Pray that my heart will not break completely in two when I think about leaving my boys for 13 days! We are gonna definitely try to get some really special time in with them the last few days before we leave! It is such a bittersweet time and I have so many mixed emotions right now! All because of the precious three boys I will be leaving in 7 days! But God will protect them and us, of that I am certain!

Countdown to Khloe...Days to go 12

12 more days until I meet Khloe!!! I have lots of snacks and Smarties ready to pack for her!! I haven't started packing yet but have her stuff laid out for packing. I have snuggly blankie for her and stuffed animals, sticker books, etc. to entertain her while we're there. I will post some pics of her bedroom this weekend if not sooner. Got alot to do to get ready but I know I can because I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!!

Funds Needed

If anyone would like to donate to our adoption fund for Khloe we are asking for as many people as possible to give $10 each to cover orphanage donation and incountry fees. We have to come up with $7300 more to take with us to China for these donations and fees. We also have travel fees that can cost up to $9600 for a total of $16,000. I know it seems impossible to come up with that type of money but I serve a God that can move mountains and right now this is the mountain that needs moving, and I know and trust that HE will take care of this for us! We have a week to get this money up! Please donate to our adoption by clicking on our donate button on our blog. If we could get this message across to 1600 PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GIVE TO A WORTHY CAUSE.... GIVING A PRECIOUS ORPHAN A FOREVER FAMILY.... Please do so now, as we only have a week to raise this money.  Send this message to everyone you know, you may copy it for facebook twitter etc. send them to our blog and click the donate button and donate through paypal. THANKS for your support!!! If 730 people give $10 each then the orphanage donation and incountry fees would be taken care of !! Travel Fees will most likely be around $9600 so we would need 960 people to give $10 to this adoption fund!  Let's see if we can get the message out and how many will help us bring our Khloe home!!!!!!!

In HIS hands,
The Peacocks

Travel Approval!!!!

TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!! We got the news today! We will be leaving on 9/6/2012!! This is so surreal! I can not believe we will be leaving for China next Thursday, 10 days!!!! So, now it's time for the countdown! Two weeks from today will be Gotcha Day! I read this today and it is soooo fitting!

From Daily Hope Devotional by Rick Warren:

"Then Joshua issued instructions to the leaders of Israel to tell the people to get ready to cross the Jordan River." (Joshua 1:10-11 LB)

There comes a point in time where you have to make the critical decision to go for it. And in this situation Joshua had to do it. He had to take the plunge — literally! For the children of Israel to go into the Promised Land, a million or so of them first had to cross the Jordan River. You may not think that was a big deal, but there weren't bridges in those days.

The Jordan River is usually about 100 feet wide and 20 feet deep. But in the springtime, when the Israelites happened to be there, it often floods and becomes a rushing, raging river. There seemed to be no way they were going to cross it. So God said, "I'm going to do a miracle. Remember 40 years ago when I opened up the Red Sea? I'm going to do something like that again, only this time it's going to be a little different. At the Red Sea, I opened it up and then you walked through. This time, I want you to start walking through it first.”

The Bible tells us in Joshua 3 that God dammed the river up, 17 miles upstream, so 17 miles of water had to go through before the water receded. The spiritual leaders went first. They stepped in up to their ankles, and nothing happened. They walked further, up to their knees, then their hips, and then their chests. But God's timing is perfect. The waters did recede, and they were able to walk across the Jordan River and capture the Promised Land.

What do you do when you know what you ought to do and you know what's right, but you're afraid to do it? You do it anyway. What do you do when you know God wants you to do something, but you don't have the faith to do it? You do it anyway. You move against your fears. You do the very thing you fear the most. The very situation you think is going to swallow you up will become your greatest victory when you trust God and step out in faith.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, " If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never plant anything and never harvest anything” (GNT). There's never a better time to start doing what God meant for you to do than right now. (by Rick Warren)


God has truly blessed our step of faith throughout this journey! And I know He will see it to completion! He has orchestrated His plan so beautifully and faithfully throughout our adoption of Khloe! I stand in AWE! Words cannot express the excitement I feel, words cannot express my gratitude, I stand in AWE of Him who "fearfully and wonderfully" created us all in our mother's womb. He has a plan for us all, a plan for us to have hope and prosperity.

When we started this journey we didn't know how we could take on another responsibility, we didn't know how we could afford it, we didn't know if we would even qualify, but God said DO it and this time we DID!! God has grown my faith in things I can not do or see because HE can DO it and HE can SEE it through! Don't wait until it is too late, DO what God leads you to do and HE will take care of the details!!

All PRAISE and GLORY be to HIM who is ABLE to complete a GOOD WORK in you!!!

IN HIS HANDS,
Amy

Waiting for TA!

We are still waiting for our travel approval! It should come within the next week or so! Everytime the phone rings I am hoping and praying it is America World. As soon as we get the TA, we will then begin making travel arrangements. Generally, travel will take place within 2 weeks of the TA. So, we could be traveling in a couple weeks! We are estimating the travel time to be around 9/13 or 9/20. The itinerary always starts on a Thursday, Beijing on Friday through Sunday, and Gotcha Day on Monday!! I am so excited to share our Gotcha Day with you all. Hopefully, I will be able to get video of the first time we see our new baby girl!
We are anxiously anticipating that day! We are finished with her room and I am gathering items to pack for her. We are really coming Khloe! I hope you love your new, crazy, and loving family Khloe!!

Article 5

We received our Article 5 today, (I am getting confused at what all these numbers mean at this point), now we are only waiting on our Travel Approval saying when we can travel. We should receive this within 2-4 weeks! That is the point when we make our consulate appointments in Guangzhou and our travel arrangements! It is so incredible to think that in a little over a month we could be meeting our daughter for the first time face to face!! I have been reading in Ezekiel about how God told Ezekiel to prophesy and God gave the dry bones in the valley flesh and breathed life into them. God took something that was without hope and gave it hope and life! As I have meditated on this account, I feel like God has done the same thing for me, our family, and for Khloe. He has given us purpose and life more abundant since this journey began. We have had our valleys and I know there will be more to come, but God in His infinite wisdom saw fit to give us HOPE in the valleys and life to make it through to the mountain top. He is there with us through thick and thin, hopelessness and happiness, the ups and downs of this life. Pray with us as we anticipate the meeting of our daughter. We are so thankful to be this close and are so humbled at how God has blessed this journey. Absolutely overwhelmed by Your greatness my Father!!

Visas Here!

We got our visas back Tuesday in the mail! We are ready to go as far as passports/visas are concerned! Now we are waiting on our Travel Approval which we should get in about 4 weeks hopefully! Then we will travel approximately 2-4 weeks once we receive the TA. I can not believe we are this close!