Break through day
Well, you may have noticed that we didn’t post on the 11th. It has been a pretty rough transition with Jade grieving for her caretakers, fighting a cold, teething, and bonding primarily to me (Mark).
Today we did some shopping, first at Walmart (I’m sorry Ruben, if Meijer had a store in Xi’an you know I’d be all over it) and then onto a department store for shoes for the kids (there is one other family with us from Great Wall). So at Walmart we got some essentials like diaper wipes, a new Barbie for Savannah (these are essentials, people) and some expectorant for Jade. We gave her the first dose around noon. At 3pm we toured the Muslim district which was fabulous. Guess who came out of her shell? Ok, that was pretty lame rhetorical question. Jade surprised us all with laughs and giggles. Of course, earlier in the day (when we were planning to take a nap–but Jade had other plans) Melissa was able to be with Jade for a bit without her crying. So then she took it a little further a little later by playing with her and her toys and doing zerberts on Jade’s feet (which she smiled about). So, I guess you could say the stage had already been set by the time it was time to go to the Muslim district (which was right after this play time with Melissa).
I resorted to carrying Jade in the sling as my right arm was about ready to fall off. So, as we shopped on Muslim street in Xi’an I began dipping her up and down, HUGE smiles and then some giggles. As the afternoon wore on more and more giggles, and not just from me interacting with her. Melissa and Savannah broke through and were giving her zerberts on the feet (no, that’s not gross, her feet have never touched the ground since we received her!) Anyway, I’m posting some pictures of our time shopping and playing with the stacking cups on the bed when we got back. Can you say 180?
Jade’s improvement has been remarkable to watch today. We are thanking God for his work through all of your prayers. Today was a good day and we feel so blessed!
Blessings,
Mark and family
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July 13, 2010 10:13 pm
Mark and Melissa,
I am so happy to hear your great news! I knew it wouldn’t be long before Jade wormed up to all of you. How can she help but love you guys. I am also glad to hear how Savannah is being such a big helper, she is such a sweetie. I can’t wait to see the new pictures. Enjoy the rest of your time in China. Love you guys ,
xoxoxoxox, Jilly
July 13, 2010 10:24 pm
what an incredible testimony of answered prayers. We want the healing in her heart to be manifested in love, laughter and joy that Jade gives to her new found family. thank you for sharing…we won’t stop praying!
Marilyn
July 13, 2010 10:27 pm
ohhh…I’m so glad she seems to be opening up a little bit and feeling safe with the other Elenbaases. She sure is a cutie pants. Hurry up and get on a Delta flight so we can Face Time. xoxo
July 13, 2010 10:33 pm
Wow, guys! That’s so awesome to hear. We’ve been praying for you. I know it’s been tough emotionally, but it’s all worth it. I know that God has great things planned for your family and for Jade! Just know that we’re praying our butts off here half way around the world for your family!
Dan
July 13, 2010 10:45 pm
Yeah! Thank you,God! What a beautiful smile and we can “hear” her giggle thru the pictures
They are wonderfulSpictures! Sounds like your day was blessed in so many ways..:) What an awesome miracle adoption is 
Have to go and look at the pics again 
Bye for now-sleep well 
Love and prayers,
The Marshes
July 13, 2010 11:52 pm
Mark and Melissa:
We’re so happy for your family. Jade looks so at peace on Marks shoulder. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. We look forward to continuing reading your blog and seeing you guys when you get home – The Richters
July 13, 2010 11:53 pm
Thank you for sending that pic and note of praise. We are rejoicing in answered prayer right along with you. She is so adorable!
July 14, 2010 12:39 am
Glad to hear all is going well, but then how could Jade not be happy having parents like you and a wonderfull big sister.
God Bless
July 14, 2010 1:17 am
We are so glad everything is working out. We have really enjoyed seeing the pictures and progress as you are all on your journey. Have a safe and happy trip home.
July 14, 2010 7:56 am
Sounds like everything is going great. We are enjoying reading your posts and wish we were in China too. It is only going to get better and better. We would love the password to look at your pictures?
July 14, 2010 10:42 am
So happy to hear Jade is opening up to your loving family. It sounds like Savannah is being a great big sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 15, 2010 2:27 am
We’re home!! We were in “No Computerland” since Monday a.m. but we had a great connection to God
and we’ve been praying so much for you. I got a little weepy catching up on the posts and all of the wonderful well wishes of so many people that love you guys. Jade is so precious and we’re so happy that she is allowing Liss and Savannah into her heart a bit. I know it was a set back for her to see her caregiver but there is some reason that God allowed that to happen when we thought it wouldn’t be best. We could speculate on that but we leave it all with an all wise heavenly Father.
It’s so sweet to see you having fun together as a family. We’re wondering if we can skyp tonight and see her in action. We don’t want to scare her with our Nana and Papa faces though!! I will leave the skyp up on the computer if it works out for you.
Love you all and we continue to pray for your bonding time and safety.
Nana and Papa
P.S. Our hugs and (some Mackinaw Fudge) are waiting a for your return!