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Two are better than one

Big sister - little sister

Just give me a year or two...

In the park

The Pearl River

Strolling through the park

Our little actress

Action girl

Rocky Top on air guitar

It's all about me...
How Sweet It Is
To Be Loved By Two
September 12, 2006

Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.

I love this quote by Lin Yutang.

How sweet it is to be the mother of two wonderful children! Indeed, I feel blessed beyond any measure. This trip has brought so many unexpected emotions. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for all God’s grace showing through the eyes of my daughters. They are more than I ever dreamed possible.

We’ve stayed near the hotel today and yesterday while our facilitator is busy getting all the necessary documents ready for our departure early Thursday morning.

Today, we had a late breakfast once again in the wonderful hotel dining room which overlooks the Pearl River. I’ve had French Toast every morning……..so good!

After breakfast, we went for a stroll through a nearby park. Lots of Chinese people dancing, singing, playing instruments and games like hackey sack & badminton. It’s so refreshing to see people of all ages outside enjoying themselves and getting exercise in such fun and interesting ways. Not many tourists wander over that way, so we were definitely the minority. The combination of Jada, Ruby and that Asian-looking doll draws quite a bit of attention. They speak to us (in Chinese) and we just smile and nod. Who knows what they are saying?????? :]

Richard loves all the statues around the island and Jada loves to imitate their poses. Makes for a perfect match!!

We had another wonderful dinner with our travel group tonight. No really weird food tonight. Maybe we’re getting better at ordering??? When I ordered the chicken, I made sure to specify “no head or other body parts attached – just bring me the chicken breast”. It worked.

Ruby continues to change with each passing moment. It’s amazing at how much she has changed in 8 days! She laughed out loud several times today and smiles so easily now. She is growing more and more comfortable with us and somehow, we fall more in love with her every day. (For the record, I still can’t believe she’s mine!)

It’s hard to believe our time in China is almost over! We will start packing up tomorrow (Wed) and I have no idea how we are going to get all our stuff back in the suitcases. ha

Today is ‘Freedom Eve’ for Ruby. Tomorrow, we go to the US Embassy and she will become a US CITIZEN! The freedom we too often take for granted will be a precious gift to her and she will be changed forever. She will be free.

Naturally, she is too young to realize the gravity of the moment, but her momma will be smiling and crying at the same time no doubt.

As you can guess….Richard let me do the journal entry tonight because not much happened today.

We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. It’s wonderful to know that even though we are thousands of miles apart, God is the same everywhere.

Thanks for all your beautiful posts and encouraging words. It’s been great fun reading all of them and sharing this amazing journey with you.

We will post once more before the Grand Departure.

Much love …….Sheila – Richard – Jada – and Ruby

Comments
It is all about you Ruby. And Jada well your the show stealer. I giggle everytime I see you with the statues. Your Mama & Daddy have done a fabulous job with you and I know Ruby is a lucky lucky BLESSED young lady to join your family. Thanks for letting a stranger from Kansas read your Journey. It brightens my day.
Posted by: Debi on September 12, 2006 at 08:27 A.M.
I've watched your journey and have been touched each day.

Children are truly the best "loan" that God can give us; afterall, they are His and we are their caretakers.

What a most precious baby, Ruby - and, wow! What a super special and beautiful big sister, Jada.

God has blessed you as parents, and He has blessed the girls with a wonderful home and a loving family.

Wow! How special.

Can't wait to see the smiles...

Be safe!
Tonda
Posted by: Tonda on September 12, 2006 at 09:07 A.M.
I've been brought to tears once again reading your journal. Richard and Sheila, if anyone were truly meant to be parents. I'd have to say you two are the ones! You've helped me realize how fortunate I am to have two great kids. Keep up the good work and see you soon.
Posted by: lisa harless on September 12, 2006 at 09:28 A.M.
It's almost home-time! I can't believe you'll all be home in just two more days. I know you're all anxious to be back home. We have loved being a part of every step of Ruby's precious new journey. Jada is absolutely hilarious with all the statues. I think see deserves an oscar nomination for her performances. I have to say it again. God is so good to us all! We're praying for your safe and speedy trip home where a brand new part of Ruby's journey will begin. Lot's of Love and Blessings, The Jacksons.
Posted by: Jill Jackson on September 12, 2006 at 10:01 A.M.
Jada is quite a little ham...a star in the making.. sisters doesnt get much better than that .. hurry home bonnie
Posted by: bonnie on September 12, 2006 at 10:14 A.M.
I just wanted you to know with the journal you have allowed us to share that I feel as if I have been there too. The girls are so cute and the best journey is just beginning for Ruby. You two are such wonderful parents and your family is truly blessed. I am praying for your safe return and cannot wait until we see ya on Thursday night. Love, Linda
Posted by: Linda Pendleton on September 12, 2006 at 11:30 A.M.
Greetings from the good old US of A! We have really enjoyed reading your posts and admiring your pictures! We missed you guys at the China Angels meeting on Monday night! We look forward to seeing you at the airport on Thursday evening! God bless your journey home!

Bill, Gina, and Kealee
Posted by: Anonymous on September 12, 2006 at 02:40 P.M.
TWO MORE DAYS!!!!!
Posted by: Brittany on September 12, 2006 at 02:45 P.M.
Hey guys, just wanted you to know La Carretta has just about went under with Richard gone so long!!! Anyway, we can't wait until Thursday night when the entire Lane family will be back on American soil and Ruby will finally be home!Stay safe and we'll see ya in 2 days!!!
Sandy
Posted by: Hammonds' on September 12, 2006 at 03:04 P.M.
Your blog is outstanding. Thanks for sharing it with us! Much Affection, We are adopting soon!
Posted by: Catherine E. Cook on September 12, 2006 at 04:52 P.M.
Your family has been so blessed to have two absolutely beautiful girls who fit perfectly!! I cannot imagine how happy you must be! Congrats and safe travels!

Posted by: Beth Lucas on September 12, 2006 at 06:08 P.M.
We just caught up on all the Lane adventures after being without internet for the last week. The girls are just beautiful and Richard, I hope you get your skirt back from the Chinese laundry without shrinking as it would be a wonderful homecoming outfit! Dave says it shouldn't take too long to shave your legs in the Detroit mens room ;) We can't wait to see you in less than 2 days! Safe travels home dear Lanes! Soon you sleep in your own soft beds and brush your teeth w/ good ole Kingsport tap H2o. Love, S,D, JD, and E.
Posted by: Susan and Dave on September 12, 2006 at 10:30 P.M.
So glad you all are back safely and can't wait to see you all! You are correct...the best gift from God is to be a mom! Love and Hugs
Laura
Posted by: Laura Gilliam on September 22, 2006 at 06:34 A.M.