I have mixed emotions about leaving Luoyang. Foremost, I'm ready for the next and final leg of this trip. It is difficult to live in a hotel with an (almost) 18 month old. Not much for us to do here and it's hard to get out because we don't really have places to go. However...I am about to take Maya away from the only home she has known...and the place of her birth. I cannot describe to you my feelings for Maya's birth-mother. How much sorrow she must feel for having to give up her daughter...and how heart-breaking that action must have been. It is an odd sensation to be walking the streets of Maya's city and wondering where her birth-mom is living. How is she doing? Does she think about Maya and pray for her to have found a family? Her greatest sorrow is indeed my greatest joy, and I will forever remember her and her sacrifice and be thankful for the gift that she has given me.
I've got some packing to do, so here are some photos from today with quick captions!
I love this photo....she did not realize I was taking it, and she looks so content to just be sitting on my lap on the bus!
and then...she DID realize I was taking her picture...but this one is just as cute!
yes...I know...the pictures of Dad behind Maya's stroller are getting a little redundant. All I can say is that Maya is getting closer and closer to letting Grandpa in...I'm praying it happens before the L-O-N-G flight home!!!
just for the record...I tried to get a picture of Dad on a camel....this was apparently a side show at the Shaolin temples...but he just wouldn't go for it!
Incredible! I wish I had brought a video-camera for this..but one of our travel-mates has a bunch of stuff on video that he is willing to share!!!
Ok..I know that's not alot of photos...and I actually had more, but then I realized that I should ask people if they mind me putting their pictures on the blog before I do so....common courtesy and all!
7 comments:
Michelle,
Things are looking good, I'm so happy for you. I can only imagine the emtions that you are going through, however, Maya is so lucky to have you as a mom. Hurry Home!!! Veronica
Michelle and Maya,
I caught up on your weekend this morning. I love seeing the photos of Maya. She is just so cute. You and she look so happy together. Hang in there, only a few more days until your home. Maya's birth mother gave you a great blessing of a little girl. Maya is lucky to have you for her mom and she will tell you that I'm sure as she gets older.
Cindy
Hi Michelle,
Maya's birthmother's prayers have been answered. Her child has a home and the uncertainty is over. Somewhere in that town is a woman who will not even know what is happening this week, but perhaps she will be graced with a lighter heart and an unknowing weight lifted. She did a good thing for Maya. What a blessed little girl!
Joli
P.S. To your father - Do you realize that Michelle puts all of these pictures of you on this blog standing behind a stroller. She says that it's because Maya is a little picky about the type of arms that hold her. We, fellow blog readers, are starting to think that your beloved daughter is just using that as an excuse to hog Maya the China Princess all to herself. Remind her of the lessons in sharing that you taught her oh so many years ago! :)
Hi Michelle,
What a bright and beautiful smile Maya has!!! I am enjoying the pictures and the reading! Take care-see you very soon...
Love,
Angela
It is time to come home. Your first music/baby sign/play class is starting next week! Come quick!
I am glad you stayed back with Maya. Isn't it funny, when it comes to your babies, sometimes you just KNOW what to do. Then there are times you can't figure out what to eat for breakfast!
Prayers for you,
The Grundys
Love the finger in the camera picture! How cute!!! We all thank God that Maya's birth mother made the choice she did so that you and we can love Maya in our family. I, too, hope her load is a little lighter. You're going to be a great, mom, Michelle. You already are! Can't wait to see you both. Hang in there, Grampa!
Hi there. We're getting ready for Halloween here in Holly Hills. It's supposed to be cold, but no rain. Next year you'll be out trick-or-treating with Maya. It's great fun. My favorite part is raiding the candy bags after the boys go to sleep. I pick out all of the good stuff and hide it for those late night study cravings! We miss you, keep the photos coming!
Love,
Peggy
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