Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Reflections and Goodbyes

We have more luggage on this trip home than we have ever traveled with. Yes I know traveling with a child we will have more but we have lots of items for Lily from others on this trip home!
To say she is the same as when we got here is a vast understatement.
When we arrived Lily was jet lagged and terrified. She was experiencing so much of everything and with people she had only known for 2 weeks. Her trust level has risen with us now which is a great thing.
Shes experienced many new foods while here but her favorites so far are blueberries, cantaloupe, and eggs. She had an obsession with yogurt but that has faded.  I am constantly in awe of how she is doing in spite of all of this traveling.

We have her passport, her Social Security card but were unable at this time to get a visa. We have to readopt her to get a US birth certificate. This is because Korea does not honor the Chinese birth certificate. So, in order for this to happen we first need the certificate of citizenship which will come in the mail sometime in the next few months. Once that certificate comes, then we go through more paperwork to readopt her which follows by applying for a visa. We are unsure at this time whether we can do all this in Korea or have to fly somewhere.  We do however have to leave the country ever 90 days for her. She needs to go to another country and then she can come back for another 90 days. Repeat this process until we get the visa! Forced vacations. Those force vacations need money, so we will have to be so very frugal because we have lost support each month. Please pray for that, that the Lord would stir those that He has to join our Ministry team!

We are headed to the airport tomorrow morning for a 6am flight. We arrive Friday the 11th around 230pm. Please pray for our little one during this time as she shows lots of emotions now. Pray for a peaceful heart. 

Below are some photos of goodbyes!

One with Gong Gong and Pow Pow and the other with Tai low low. (Beckes Grandma)








Saturday, September 5, 2015

The last week before we go home!



This week we spent a lot of time playing, laughing and getting to know each other. This included a trip to Tae  Lao Lao’s house (Great Grandma) and a meal out with her.  Pow Pow and Gong Gong (Grandpa and Grandma) even went with us to Edwards Apple Orchard where we encountered apple donuts!   There were several other firsts this week, which included Swedish Pancakes, new friends and a Chiropractor visit. As we were driving by I was nudged by the Holy Spirit to notice a fish symbol on top of a Chiropractor sign.  As we turned around we decided to go in as Becke’s back was suffering.  No sooner than I entered the receptionist said: ‘Dan Haas, is that you?’.  The receptionist then said: ‘no missionary or pastor pays money to come here’!  As I looked up I noticed Brenda speaking, a lady from Creekwood Church!  With an appointment made for Becke I came out to the car and told Becke. We then had a mini praise service, thanking God for the divine appointment.  Part of how we praised was using a Mandarin kids praise CD.  When we have the CD on we can hear a little voice singing along in the back seat!  Another way we try and bring Mandarin into our world is through YouTube videos showing kids singing Praise Music.  A favorite song of all of ours is: Jesus Loves You. 
All in all this week can be summed up with new foods, God moments and fun bonding moments.



 At Rockford Roasters (a roasting coffee house downtown Rockford)
 Lily's face cracks me up the most!
 Four generation picture!
 Gong Gong and Pow Pow with Lily
 Waiting for Apple Donuts
 Sitting in a train with Baba
 Our little family!
 Play time with Kate (first time she went off with her without us)

Yep, newest Chick Fil A fan!

She LOVES Bubbles