RECENT ENTRIES
ARCHIVES BY MONTHS

Like my hat?

Amazing ivory carving

Our silly Jada

Not an unusual sight in China

And the race is on...

That's my little girl

Isn't she lovely?

Just before bed

Love in all sizes

Going Home Barbie
A Time to Laugh
And a Time to Dance
September 7, 2006

We’re still here. I hope you aren't getting bored with us. You know – same ol’ same ol’.

Not a whole lot to report for today. We had no official meetings or paperwork of any kind. After breakfast though, we boarded the bus for the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, locally called the Chen Ancestral Hall. Originally a family gathering place built from donations by the Chen Clan descendents in 1888 through 1894, it is now an important historical and cultural site under state protection.

After leaving the museum, we went to the Pearl Market. I have never before seen so many shops just teeming with all types of jewelry. It was amazing to think that all the shops could be in business, since it didn’t appear that there were all that many people shopping.

When we left the Pearl Market, it was raining and rained a lot of the afternoon. It pretty much kept us inside, but that was okay. We enjoyed the down time with Ruby. She is coming into her own more and more. She is a joy and the way she sleeps is something Sheila maintains is nothing less that a miracle. Those of you who know of Jada’s sleep habits must have sent some powerful prayers on our behalf. She sleeps abut 12 hours at night, in her crib no less, with not much more than a whimper when she is laid down. Then, she takes a two or three hour afternoon nap. Simply amazing!

Some of you may have heard about the adopting families who stay at the White Swan Hotel and the Going Home Barbie that Mattel provides for all the families. The doll is exclusive to the White Swan and the doll can not be bought anywhere. We got one three years ago when we were here for Jada, and we got one this time with Ruby. I hope you are able to tell a little bit about it from the picture.

Thanks you all once again for all your prayers on our behalf. They are certainly working. Please continue to pray for Ruby’s continued good health and adjustment. We can see her little personality starting to shine through her past experiences, and we are thrilled with what we are seeing. You will know what I mean when you see her for yourself. She’s a keeper!

I’m gone for now. We love the comments and that is the first thing Sheila and I want to do when we wake up. You want to see the journal entry, and we want to know what you think about it in your comments. Please keep them coming. They will be archived so that Ruby can read them when she is able.

Hugs to all of you and we can’t wait to see you all real soon.

Richard, Sheila and our two beautiful girls (WOW)

Comments
I love reading the journal entries each day. Ruby is beautiful - I can really see a change in her.. I'm sure Jada loves her little sister. You all have really been blessed! Can't wait to see all of you at church.
Not much longer....
Posted by: Michele on September 7, 2006 at 07:00 A.M.
Hi Lanes,
I have LOVED seeing the pictures of Jada and Ruby. I can't tell you about the chills I got seeing the LOVE in all sizes photo. I can't wait to add it to the LH DVD. We miss seeing you all so much. Can't wait to meet Ruby at the next reuion. Please don't worry that the posts sound the same. I am hanging on each word. It is a way to vicariously relive the China experience.

Love in Him,
Kathy for the gang
Posted by: Kathy Schettig on September 7, 2006 at 07:01 A.M.
Ruby is beautiful! God is so good!! Please tell Jada that we are looking forward to seeing her in Sunday School class!! I have really enjoyed reading your journal entries. It just proves that God has blessed us all in so many ways!!
Take care!
Tracie
Posted by: Tracie on September 7, 2006 at 07:16 A.M.
Bored??? I've been checking for a new update since 8:00 a.m., and it's now 10:45. LOL
Jada and Ruby are just gorgeous together, and look at them in the "race" pic...they look just alike. God is just amazing. That's all I can say.
You continue to be in our prayers!
Love
The Corrigans (Amy, Doug, Kyra and Isaac)
Posted by: Amy Corrigan on September 7, 2006 at 07:44 A.M.
No boredom here! I love looking at all the pictures! To see just how much Ruby is becoming a big part of the family is amazing! I think she looked a lot happier before going to bed than she did in the hat! HAA!
Can't wait to see you all back safe and sound in Kingsport! I wish that transporter was ready now!
Posted by: Aunt Karen on September 7, 2006 at 07:59 A.M.
Hey Sheila and Richard...I saw a precious romper in a magazine that said, "I was worth the wait!" The description was talking about how long 9 months was...they don't know nothin' about "long," do they? I know both of your girls are MORE that "worth the wait!"
God bless you! (I am hanging on every word...and picture, too!)
Angie Barnett
Posted by: Angie Barnett on September 7, 2006 at 08:08 A.M.
Richard & Shelia,

Your little Ruby is just a doll. We are so happy for you and have enjoyed your site so much.
Blessings to you all
Tammy and Randy Ball
Posted by: Anonymous on September 7, 2006 at 08:18 A.M.
We love hearing from you every day. It is the first thing we do each morning. Kelly loves to look at the pictures. She's already talking about what kind of "welcome home" present and "new big sister"present she wants to get for Ruby and Jada. And yes, she still wants to know if we could adopt a baby sister too. We had talked about adoption before and Kelly didn't really understand the concept, but now she thinks she's got it all figured out. She thinks we can "drive" (Ha! Ha!) any time we want and let her "pick out" a baby sister. I tried to explain everything that has to be done in order to adopt, but she thinks her way would be much easier. Oh well, how do you convince a 4 year old they are wrong? Ruby is so adorable. I didn't think you possibly could have gotten a little girl as beautiful as Jada, but I was wrong. Her pictures are priceless. I can't get over that precious smile. You have been blessed with another angel straight from heaven. God is so good to bless us with the de
Posted by: Jill and Kelly Jackson on September 7, 2006 at 08:26 A.M.
Reading your posts and seeing your photos is such a joy in our day!!! You are doing so great! Love to you all. What great smiles from Ruby and Jada truly is too cool - we miss you.

Dana, Charlie, and Amanda
Posted by: Dana Outlaw on September 7, 2006 at 08:31 A.M.
We have been praying for you! We are so happy that your getting SOME rest with Ruby sleeping... We can't wait to meet her in person!
Posted by: Steve and Lisa Ferguson on September 7, 2006 at 09:01 A.M.
Yawn... so bored--- NOT!!!! Sheila and Richard, your trip is anything but boring- even a same ol same ol day is exciting to us. Ruby is so cute and has the biggest smile. Jada is adorable in the picture with the statue. It is exciting to know that Ruby seems to have adapted so well and so quickly, what a prayer answered. Please be safe and continue to keep us updated, it is a highlight of the day to read your journey.
Posted by: Michael and Starla on September 7, 2006 at 09:33 A.M.
Richard--Sheila--Guys your journal is beyond words---i'm just like everyone else--i can't wait for the next day to see all of the pictures and read every ones post for the day---i can see Ruby's smile grow every day---she is so cute--Jada is nothing but a clown and a little monkey--she steals the show every where she goes--love and prayers to you all ----see you tomorrow---opal
Posted by: opal Ragsdale on September 7, 2006 at 10:35 A.M.
Yawn... so bored--- NOT!!!! Sheila and Richard, your trip is anything but boring- even a same ol same ol day is exciting to us. Ruby is so cute and has the biggest smile. Jada is adorable in the picture with the statue. It is exciting to know that Ruby seems to have adapted so well and so quickly, what a prayer answered. Please be safe and continue to keep us updated, it is a highlight of the day to read your journey.
Posted by: Michael and Starla on September 7, 2006 at 11:03 A.M.
Thanks again for sharing.... of course, that is just the kind of folks that you are. Your beautiful daughters are blessed beyond measure to have such parents. I know that you feel that God hand picked them for you but I am convinced He hand picked you especially for those little girls. I pray that the days pass quickly now and that everyone stays healthy for the return trip. Much love and prayers. Julia
Posted by: julia on September 7, 2006 at 12:31 P.M.
Hi Sheila and Richard, Thanks for sharing your journey. It gives those of us who are waiting - HOPE that it is all worth the wait!

I love to see the 2 sisters smiling and playing together. They are both precious!

Blessings,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Hauck on September 7, 2006 at 12:46 P.M.
Hey guys! We love the journal entries! Thank you for letting us be a part of this amazing journey with you. The pictures just make me want to hold Ruby and Jada and let them know how much I love them! We're counting down the days until you are home! Love you all!!

Aunt Vickie
Posted by: Vickie on September 7, 2006 at 12:49 P.M.
Its amazing, seems like yesterday you were waiting for the TA and now :) We do have questions but will wait till your home to post. Ruby seems like she has always been a part of your life. The wait was worth it. A very special and beautiful family you have. Ruby is blessed with wonderful parents, enjoy your trip and will pray every chance we get for you all. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: david and Denise on September 7, 2006 at 03:32 P.M.
Richard, Sheila, Jada and Ruby,
I love reading your journal every day. It is certainly not boring. I love to see the pictures every day. Jada and Ruby are absolutely beautiful. I hope Ruby continues to sleep well after you get home. Your journal helps to relive memories of our trip almost 3 years ago and helps me dream of what is to come for us in 2007. May God continue to bless your family and keep you all safe and healthy. Praying for a safe trip home for you.
Posted by: Joni and Bob Waldron on September 7, 2006 at 03:42 P.M.
Can't wait until next Thursday night! One week from now and you all will be home, and we'll get to see her in person! We are enjoying every word you write and every picture you post. Ruby is finally smiling through her eyes. So glad some of the sadness is gone.
Posted by: Brittany & Beverly on September 7, 2006 at 04:16 P.M.
It truly is amazing to be a part of your journey in China on the other side of the world. I LOVE following your experience and look forward to the next day's installment. Keep it coming and I look forward to seeing you at the reunion next year too! I still remember meeting you in Gettysburg when we were waiting, helping at the crafts table and wondering what our little girls would look like. Now you are a family of four and our family is going to grow by two feet sometime soon!!! Seeing Ruby gets me so excited about meeting the special baby that God has chosen for our family...Speed those referrals up!
Novemeber 8, 2005 DTC
Posted by: Kolleen and Juliana on September 7, 2006 at 04:50 P.M.
I don't even "know" you and I can't wait to read every update!!! Your girls are BEAUTIFUL! LOVE the BIG SMILE pics!!! God has blessed your family greatly!

Sonya
Jeff
Drew (12)
Ben (9)
Katie Lin (2) home since 3-5-05
http://tochinaforkatielin.blogspot.com
http://hodgefamilynews.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sonya on September 7, 2006 at 05:27 P.M.
Hi there! This is Traci (Jada's preschool leader during VBS this summer). Well, I fell in love with all the girls this summer and after several years discussing adoption and all the information Sheila provided to me...we're underway! Working through the paperwork and home study...I know it is going to seem like forever before we are blessed with our new baby girl. We have loved following your journal and pray for your continued blessings. Jada and Ruby are both beautiful as is your whole family. Thank you for allowing us to follow your family's story and helping us get started on the road to adoption. The Moore Family
Posted by: Traci Moore on September 7, 2006 at 06:18 P.M.
Traci Moore, Congrats to your family!
Posted by: Brittany on September 7, 2006 at 06:39 P.M.
Traci - yippee!! Eliza was one of the girls you had in Bible School this summer - she had a ball. We're so happy for you and your family!
Posted by: Joel, Donna & Eliza on September 7, 2006 at 07:03 P.M.
Richard, Sheila, Jada & Ruby - what a perfect family! It is such a blessing to see the happiness in ALL of your faces! Ruby becomes more and more animated and at peace right before our eyes! By the way, Joel wanted me to ask about the pictures of Jada and Ruby....are they twins???? HA! He just wanted to be the first to officially ask that! Can't wait to see you all next week - it won't be long now. Talk to you soon....
Posted by: Joel, Donna & Eliza on September 7, 2006 at 07:08 P.M.
We just loved the picture of Ruby in her hat. She is so beautiful. I can't believe we will get to see her in 1 week, We are counting down the days now!We miss you all so much!
Posted by: The Laughlin Family on September 7, 2006 at 07:58 P.M.
We sure are glad that she is a keeper? Should you decide not to keep her bring her home anyway I an sure we can find someone to keep her! She sure is beautiful!! Give Jada our love. We can't wait to see all of you when you get back. Lots of love and prayers.
Ray & Sally
Posted by: Ray & Sally Sanders on September 7, 2006 at 08:29 P.M.
Richard, you always have good idea in your pictures. Ilove that hand picture!That is so special and full of love. Thanks for sharing the pictures with me. I guess you will not come to Nanchang this time. I hope I could see you next time in China.
Posted by: sissi on September 8, 2006 at 12:05 A.M.
Sheila, Richard, Jada and Ruby: What a lovely family drawn together by a Perfect Will! I do not know of two parents in the world that two little girls could pick that would be better than you two! I am so proud of your patience and deligence. My love to all 4 of you and can't wait to see you home!
Posted by: Pam Wooten on September 8, 2006 at 03:56 A.M.
Can't beleive it is almost time for you to come home! I'm sure you are definately ready. Love the pictures. Jada is just a beautiful as ever. Ruby is just precious. She is so tiny. But, I'm sure Sheila will have her growing in no time once you all get home. Jada looks like she is being such a good big sister!! Loved the picture of all of your hands, "Love in all sizes". Really puts a perspective on things. If we can do anything for you, please let us know. Can't wait to see you all!!
Posted by: Tonya Mounger on September 8, 2006 at 05:11 P.M.