Our wonderful Anna!

Yes, it has been too long since we have posted an update. We have mentioned it many times but each day gets filled with weeding, grass cutting, keeping the girls busy, driving Jacob to work or get togethers with friends and of course, changing diapers. The past two weeks I have been busy planning the school year ahead of us.
We have been enjoying our wonderful little Anna so much. We are amazed at how well she has made the transition into our home and family. Josiah says he can't imagine life without her now and that is how we all feel. She is such a delight. She enjoys food very much. When she wants to eat she comes into the kitchen pointing her finger into her mouth. We are using a bit of sign language with her but she came up with that on her own.




Anna was in heaven in the raspberry patch!




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A Strange Thing Happened...

A strange thing happened today when looking for a splash pool at various department stores. I had to look high and low for an employee to help me. It is in sharp contrast to the past couple of weeks we spent in China. When you go into a store in China there is literally one or more employees for every isle! Very strange. I don't know how the stores make any money with so many employees. And they often just stand there doing nothing. At my work when there is nothing to do you at least try to look like you are doing something! :)

Anna has adapted unbelievably well with our family. The other kids love her.







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Home!

Finally home. Anna seems to have adapted well. The two boys have even commented about it. I suppose with 4 other kids it feels like her orphanage back in China! May try to take her to church tomorrow.

Couldn't resist taking a picture of this early this morning.




I missed this little girl so much!!!





The effects of jet lag!




She was awake when I started to change her diaper but sound asleep before I finished!



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Canada!!

Landed back in Canada tonight. Canada, we love you! We had a great time in China, a trip of a lifetime, but it sure is fantastic to be back. Currently we are at some friends house in Uxbridge for the night.
It's been great to actually view our blog as we couldn't in China because of government restrictions. Its also been good to read people's comments for the first time. Hope you didn't think we were being stuck up by not responding.
Very tired as I was unable to sleep on the plane so I've been up for about 30 hrs. Anna of course did sleep on the plane so she's wired and ready to go! This is daytime for her!
Will write more tomorrow.


Just missing our eldest who is working on his Grandfathers farm.


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Anna's Orphanage

Yesterday we went to Anna's orphanage and it was one of the best things we've done. Got lots of photos and video in which we will be able to show Anna when she is older.
The orphanage is American run and is dedicated to orphans on the lowest rung of the ladder - those with special needs. The good news is that the vast majority get adopted!



The Chinese nannies who raised Anna for a year and half were overjoyed to see her again.




Esther standing beside Anna's former crib.





Esther was moved by the whole experience. She's here with a boy with a cleft lip.




Few things are more depressing then leaving an orphanage with only one child. But it was still a good day and we're glad we went. We are so thankful for this little girl!




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Going Home!!!!!!!

Yesterday we went to Anna's orphanage and it was a great experience. Last night and this morning I tried to upload photo's to this blog but failed. I'll do it when we get back to Canada. Speaking of Canada we are getting on a plane in eight hours and heading for home! It has been a great experience here but we are dying to get home and see our other kids. We miss them so much!!!!!
Thanks to all who have been following this blog but please don't stop as I'll be doing regular updates for a while. Special thanks to the Vanberkels, Batelaans, Powlings and Vicki's father who have been taking care of our other kids while we've been gone! And oh yes, Dan who has been house sitting for us.

Mark

Location:Beijing

Fractured Arm!

After talking with an Australian couple here at the hotel who happen to both be doctors Vicki took Esther to a clinic. Xray's were taken and yes, she fractured her arm the other night.



I think when we get back home we will need to buy Anna a soother? What a little character. My other kids back home are going to love her.




Tomorrow we're going to visit the orphanage that Anna was at before we got her. Previously we were told she was raised by a foster family in Urumqi but........
Actually, we were given their website a few hours ago so check it out. You can even see Anna in one of the pictures. Her name at the orphanage was Wanda.

www.harmonyoutreach.org


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