Catherine and boys take eye exam

Today at the clinic were only our four families from Holt. Tomorrow there will be 60 families in this little room waiting on three stations--1. see the doctor 2. ENT 3. nurses for weight and measurement.....We had a very calm visit.

Medical Exam

There are 3 other families with us here in Guangdong province. Eight more families arrive tonight to join us for the last part of the trip. I can't wait to meet the others especially Kathleen and her family.

Andi weighed 10.2 kg. Her paper work that we got on Monday said 11.2kg..Hopefully, by the time we get home she will have gained weight.

Sam

Jack

Lilia

Andi


Tad and Karley took the morning off.....

Photos with my iphone. I forgot the camera...bummer

Prayers Answered--Enough Said

Kind of crazy

I have already posted how we came up with her name. Her name Andi seems to have a bit more history to it.


My husband--Steven Andrews--called Andy
My oldest son--E. Andrew--called Andrew
My dad---Andrew D.---called Andrew
My brother---Andrew D., Jr--called Drew

My husband's brother--Drew--called Drew

Now, our daughter--Julianne--called Andi

Curly Hair

I would have never thought that our little girl from China would have beautiful, soft, silky, curly hair!!
She did not have much hair in her referral photos.

Her Uncle Drew Godwin had curly hair as a boy. Andi's looks like his.

Todd from our group says Andi looks like Lucy from Charlie Brown in this outfit.. :)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

USC gamecock, CLEMSON TIGER, Florida gator

I have been asked will Dad let her wear orange?


Mom--Clemson grad
Dad---gamecock fan
3 boys---successfully brainwashed gamecock fans
1 boys---officially bribed to be a gator fan
1 girl--???

Here is a photo of what John did to Andi's bed the morning we left. Original decoration was girly surfing bedding.

He also brought her a stuffed gator animal!!!

Friends and the park

Spent the day at the park with friends from our travel group. They actually took the boys yesterday to play soccer in the park. Then they offered again to take the boys during Andi's nap for a swim followed by the park..


They have been a blessing--huge blessing to our family--their kids and themselves...

I was able to have quiet time with Andi while the boys were out playing:)

Another journey

http://www.themcdonaldgangsjourney.blogspot.com/

run over to this blog..... you won't be sorry.... your heart will be filled with how glorious our God is:)

Our Hotel--The Victory

Walk this way boys

We miss Bub

Sad

Baby Andi is grieving in her way.. so sad to watch. She probably wants to go back to an orphanage for orphan life... changing caretakers, limited food, medical care probably rare, having to take care of herself.

She doesnt want to let go of anything in her hand. It doesnt matter if it is a french fry, toy, barbie, smushed (real word? wrong spelling?--u get the drift) cracker... she held onto the ritz cracker that she had when we got her for hours.

just last night she death gripped a french fry and the baby spoon even though she wanted to pick up the new french fry on the high chair.. soooo sad.... breaks this momma's heart... the french fry in her hand was all the way nibbled off so she couldnt eat anymore but she wouldnt let go to eat the new one.......

We are like her.... return to acting like orphans. trying to take care of ourselves, thinking we only need God in the big things--cancer, death.....but everyday life we have....

We would prefer to eat to eat table scraps and crumbs around the Lord's table instead of sitting at the table with the King.... We have been invited to sit with Him, to share in his riches, to be Jesus' brother, heirs with Jesus....everything He has we have...

BUT we so quickly return to being orphans... death grip on our control of life even though Life is in front of us....

But thank goodness He never tires of us having to be called back to sit with Him. To crawl up in his lap while He hand feeds us.... We dont even have to take the french fry off the dirty worn out high chair tray.....He picks us up, holds us, feeds us good things (not french fries)---living water and bread of life.....

So pray for us to return to Him quickly (because my heart is prone to wander, Lord I feel it) and not do this adoption trip alone---even the little details....

God is in the details... believe me He is....

Preaching the Gospel to my heart a fresh today.....because I have Gospel amnesia everyday I wake up and about every second of the day....

Great is His Faithfulness..... Great is His Faithfulness

His mercies are new every morning...

My sweet baby Andi just woke up.. going to snuggle in bed with 3 of her precious brothers....greatly missing dad and bub to be with us.......we are coming home soon...

Jewels and Masters' tickets

Dearest Ann, Clemson grad, currently you are winning the give away. You posted u love the jewels (good southern girl). I can bring the jewels back because a deal is a deal BUT tell Alan that I will bring that baby for you (you just let me know girl or boy and age) unless the good doc (clemson grad) comes up with a masters' ticket for me!! not for andy.. but if you want to get to then that is fine. I will share with andy.

I can get him those tickets to the Players in May.. You can come help with the baby.. so are you coming?
You havent been since you had your kids.....

Wiping her nose

BUT the boys will wipe her nose, but they act like the kleenex will kill them if they actually touch the nose snot (ok, couldnt quickly think of anything else to call it)

How do you get John to get out of the shower quickly?

YOU BRING THE BABY IN TO TAKE A BATH!!

You see John sits in the shower and plays and plays and plays... so cute.. andy and i enjoy watching and listening to him play in the shower. he just talks and plays....so innocent.

He wouldnt stay when the tub is behind the door, I am in front of the tub, andi's back to him.. no way, he was out of there.. gone like a flash.... cleared out.....

GIRL INTRUDER, GIRL INTRUDER...

How do you clear Godwin boys from a room immediately, with a happy heart?

YOU TELL THEM YOU ARE CHANGING A DIAPER!!

this is where loving on their sister ends...abruptly.....no negotiation.....not even for a reina cookie.....

Tom got the afternoon off

Thomas needed the afternoon off yesterday. He has been in charge of remembering everything that I need to remember: room number, people's name, names of shops, prices of item to compare at other shops, itinerary, what to carry when leaving room, where did i put something (which really is where did i put everything), directions,

A lot of pressure for a young man so he got the afternoon off. But he was only off a little while til he couldnt stand not being the leader so he eased back into his position.

Steven and John did a fabulous job stepping in to fill his role.. GIves a good example of raise the expectation and the kids will rise to the occasion....but we all have different roles and God given talents...

Thank you Thomas for all your hard work and dedication. Maybe Miss Sheila (the one who keeps andy straight at work) will get you a plague made for your outstanding performance.

But I love you without any performance---take all your days off if you want:)

St. Augustine resident, previous lived on Hodges

This is Katherine zangrilli
Joey. 3.5 age

They live in St Augustine now but used to live on Hodges Blvd!! They are staying in our hotel and leaving for home today. Katherine has been very helpful in giving me pointers..

Just another journey weaved together by His Hand...

She traveled alone to get Joey.. and also for her other little boy.. amazing woman.. filled with joy and love for her sons..

Go to Kathleen's page!! it is worth it, go now

Ok, the photo did not work...

now u have to do some work yourself. you wont regret going over to take a look...