Our Hope: Wednesday, August 7

This morning we went to the Yuntai Garden.  It was beautiful but hot, and we 
walked around for about an hour.  We have had our picture taken but this was the 
first time someone asked if they could have a picture with us.  She sent her 
kids to say "hi" and they were very proud that they could say it, and who can 
say no to two cute little kids. :)  

After the garden we went to the pearl and jade wholesale market.  It reminded me 
a little of the mart in Atlanta, and had floor after floor of pearls, jade, and 
jewelry.  We left there and came back to the hotel.  Chloe enjoyed her famous 
noodles for lunch and then we took a nap while Jeff went to the supermarket to 
get us some more bottled water and noodles to last us for the rest of the trip.  
We went to the pool for a little while after our naps and then came back to get 
ready for dinner.  We had heard wonderful things about a Tai restaurant called 
Banana Leaf so we ventured out to try something new.  As picky of a eater as I 
am, I was hungry (I've run out of my crackers or granola bars that I eat for 
lunch) and ready to try something new.  The restaurant was a short walk away, 
about 10 minutes.  We had planned to view the menu before we committed to eating 
there but we were swept in and seated before we had a chance to look.  The 
restaurant was really neat, decorated with interesting decor, and they even had 
a group playing the guitar and singing.  We ordered some rice, black pepper 
beef, and spring rolls for us, and Chloe had chicken & corn soup in coconut 
milk.  (I know, try not to be jealous about the soup. :))  She loved the soup 
and ate two bowls (small) of rice.  She wanted more rice but after the episode 
we had last week, we just had to say no.  

Tomorrow is our BIG DAY!  Our consulate appointment is the very last, yes the 
LAST thing we have to do here!  No more paperwork... hooray!  Our appointment is 
at 8:30 AM, which is Wednesday at 8:30 pm Georgia time.  Chloe LOVES music and 
dancing, and is pretty content and quiet.  She finds one thing and is totally 
fascinated with it for hours, sometimes days, and then moves on to something 
else.  She has learned to sign more, all done, and we are working on the sign 
for potty.  She can say momma, dada, and bye-bye.  We are beyond blessed that 
God has chosen us to be her parents!  He could have chosen anyone, but he choose 
us!  

Through adoption we learn to live.
Through adoption we learn the joy of acceptance.
Through adoption we learn the blessing of belonging.  

This sweet girl that God has made part of our family will never spend another 
minute, another day, or another hour tied to her bed.  She will never not hear I 
love you.  I might not be a super mom, but I promise to love this little girl 
that God has trusted me with until the day he calls me home.  The road will not 
be easy, and the days might be long, but I will put my trust in God and rest in 
his sovereign control.  There are so many friends and family that have helped us 
through this process.  You have prayed for us, supported us, and financially 
helped us.  God made the impossible, possible!  and I am beyond blessed and 
thankful for each one of you!

Our Hope in Him,
Jeff & Katie