July 16, 2010 Wow! Fifteen days have come and gone! In some ways, it was the longest two weeks of my life, and in others it flew by. The only word that I can think of to describe the last two weeks is amazing. It was amazingly hard, amazingly overwhelming, amazingly tiring, amazingly precious, amazingly wonderful, and amazingly a time that I will never forget. I so appreciate all of you for following along and leaving me comments here and on facebook and also emailing me. I have had many of you say that you have laughed and cried when reading the posts. I did the same when writing them. I hope I didn’t come across as negative or unappreciative, I was just trying to keep it real for those who will follow me, for Ruthie one day, and for any of you who have ever had the thought of adoption cross your mind. I hope I haven’t discouraged anyone who might have the notion to adopt! There was nothing like giving birth to my two sons, and I wouldn’t give anything for that experience. But there is also nothing like traveling across the world and being handed a child that you know God specifically created for you, even though you didn’t give birth to her, and in return being able to give her a family. I have been asked how you can love an adoptive child the same as your biological children. All I can tell you is that if God places adoption on your heart, He will give you all you need. I don’t look at Ruthie as an adoptive child, she is my daughter, just as much as if I’d given birth to her and the amount of love that is pouring out of my heart for her is equal to the amount I have for my boys. After spending the last two weeks with her, she is perfect for me and my family. She looks like us and acts just like me and Jon Milledge…which is a little scary! I have also been asked why in the world we would we want to start over when our boys are 14 and 10. This is another step of faith and about being obedient when He calls. Just so you know there were two sets of grandparents in our group who were adopting. Just sayin'. If you have ever thought about adoption but you keep finding reasons why it might not be right for you, I would love to talk to you and answer any questions that you have to the best of my ability. If I don’t have the answers, I will find someone who does. To me this journey in my life was not only about being obedient to God’s call, but also about the children and providing an orphan a family that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. I wish I knew the exact number but the number of orphans around the world is staggering, and we couldn’t help them all, but I knew in my heart that we could help one. Can you? Today was a free day; we have spent it packing and waiting on Ruthie’s passport/visa to be delivered to us. I just got a call that it was here, and I went to pick it up. We have everything we need now to go home. It is now raining here. Please continue to pray that the clouds part, and we can get home without any delays. Also, if you think about it, please pray for Ruthie and 24 hours of travel time. I know she will be exhausted, but hopefully she won’t scream too loud. Maybe you should also pray for the people who will be sitting around us. Tonight we went to Shamian Island in hopes of meeting my friend Kelly from Louisiana and her family including her new daughter, Eva. However, their plane was delayed, and we missed them by about an hour. Oh well, we have plans to get together next summer at the beach! Enjoy the next week in Guangzhou, Kelly! The shopping is great!!! There are a few people that I want to thank before this journey ends. I will try not to forget anyone but if I do, please forgive me. I have tired, Mommy brain these days. Many,many thanks go to: ~My friend Caryn for giving up her family and life for two weeks to come on this trip of a lifetime with me. I thought I could do this by myself, but thankfully God called her to come, and she listened. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her love, calm words, support, prayers and bag carrying duties! How do you repay someone who has done this for you??? ~My sweet Jon Milledge for enduring two shopping women, not to mention sometimes very emotional women, for two weeks. He has been a huge help, and I know at times he questioned why he wanted to come so bad. I love you Jon Milledge and I’m so glad we could experience this together! ~Milledge and Anderson for taking care of everything at home while we were gone. I know you have cleaned, washed clothes, taken care of animals, fielded calls for us, and prayed without ceasing. We love and miss you dearly and can’t wait to see you! ~My parents, family and friends for all your support. The excitement about our adoption and love that you have shown for my family, and already little Ruthie is precious to me. Thank you also for the prayers and good wishes. It won’t be long now, and I can introduce her to you all. I can’t wait! ~To my office for allowing me the time off. I miss and love all of you! To Patsy…thanks for picking up my slack! I can’t imagine how many I owe you! ~To everyone who Skyped us or even tried to Skype us. This is what kept us going. If we were unable to connect with you, we are sorry. The internet connection was not the best, and when we could talk, it was usually with our husbands and children at home. ~Chet and Dusty for hosting this site and posting all of my pictures and posts in a timely manner, even though they are on vacation! ~Emily Flynt at The Open Door Adoption Agency. I know you will be so glad when you can go three days without seeing my name pop up in your inbox or on your cell phone! You have been a great help to me, and I’m glad to call you my friend. I can’t wait to follow your journey to Baby Asher! ~Everyone in the USA and China from Small World Adoptions. You took care of everything we needed, and for that we are extremely grateful! ~The People’s Republic of China for the opportunity to love one of your children. I will always love you and know that you have a special place in my heart. ~To God, for the opportunity and honor to again mother and love one of your precious children. I honestly don’t feel I deserve to be this blessed. Please equip me to raise her to the best of my ability and in the knowledge of your love. Good night from Guangzhou, China. Next post from GEORGIA!!! Angie PS….the cameras are packed so you will have to endure some previously posted pics!   Love at first sight!     I wonder what she was thinking??   She looks sad to me, knowing how much progress she has made.     Love it!     Sweet feet!   Jon Milledge as a Terracotta Warrior     Warrior Caryn     This was the hottest day here...can you tell by looking at my hair!?   Precious!           This page hosted by