Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Small Breakthroughs

Today we visited a famous Pavillion in Nanchang. We took a tour, got to see a short show (music, singing, and dancing), and toured the gardens around the Pavillion. It was great to get out and walk around. We also had decided on our own to get out into the city. We walked to a place called the RT Mart to do some window shopping. Yesterday we went to Walmart and it was super crazy. The sights, sounds, and smells were overwhelming. It made me thankful for our Florence Walmart - now that's scary. But the RT Mart was more like Super Target. It was a little calmer, not as trashy, and not as noisey. But it did have live fish/crawdads/turtles/frogs/
eels and more to buy and eat. And yes, we did take pictures. Jordan thought this was crazy.

All that stuff aside, Anna had some small breakthroughs today. When she woke up this morning I got her out of her crib. She cried some, but them let me hold her for a little while without crying. She interacted with Jordan more than she has with smiles, laughs, and even reached for her some. The best part of my day was our trip to the RT Mart because Anna let me carry her the whole way (15 minute walk) and didn't seem stressed or cry at all. I'm so thankful for all of your prayers as Anna continues to transition into our family. We pray that she grows more confident and trusts us more and more each day. She also had her first stroller ride today. She cried a lot when Jennifer first put her in, but warmed up to the idea and actually stayed in it while eating supper. That may not sound like a bid deal, but for Jennifer to have some time where she didn't have to carry her constantly was a huge blessing.

Tomorrow we go check out some places that sell pottery that Jiangxi is famous for and we will be taking a village tour. Have a great day. More to come soon.....

- Kendal

15 comments:

  1. God is so faithful! I pray that you all contiune to bond with your sweet baby girl. Tell Jennifer that I LOVE the bow in Anna's hair!!!!:-) Too cute!

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  2. She is precious! Wonderful to hear it is a better day! Praying for you all continually. It won't be long and Jordan will really get to be the big sister and do all the fun things she has been dreaming about. Love to you all, Cora

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  3. We're praying for all of you and especially Anna. Looking forward to meeting her in person.

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  4. Too cool! I remember eating squid on a stick when I lived in Japan. (Or it may have been octopus.) I hope and pray that Anna continues to transition well. Love y'all!

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  5. God is still Good, God is still God and To God be the Glory, as our beloved "Zac Smith" would say. Jordan is the greatest big sister ever. Can't wait to see you all. Sending love and prayers, Debbie Strickland

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  6. Praising God for small breakthroughs and continuing to pray for you all! I am thrilled that we have been able to be a part of your journey and especially that we can know what specific things to pray for! Looking forward to meeting Anna in person and seeing ALL of the Danford family together!

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  7. So thankful for the small breakthroughs...just the first of many. God is at work as He has been throught this WHOLE process! We love you guys!

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  8. Grandma & GranddaddyJune 3, 2010 at 5:59 AM

    Precious-So glad to get pics of all of you. We are so thankful for all the breakthroughs. Kendal, you getting to carry her for 15 minutes is huge. We're thankful she is warming up to you and Jordan. Jordan, you are such a sweet big sister! We get Lydia tomorrow! Ya! She's so precious too. We continue to pray for all. Sending love to all.

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  9. Anna is truly a blessing for all of us. We are very thankful to have the opportunity to see how her life will be impacted by the love your family has for her. Thanks be to God for this blessing and to the power of unconditional love.

    Diane & Bob

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  10. So happy to be reading your story and following you in this journey. Your joy radiates in these pictures. Praying for these first days together as a new family, for transitions, for bonding. Anna is absolutely precious, what an incredible blessing! Looking forward to meeting her soon.

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  11. So glad to hear Anna is warming up . . . she's beautiful! A true gift from God! We are continuing to pray for your safety during this wonderful journey.

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  12. Love all the pictures! But when did Jennifer get her hair cut? Or did I miss that? God is so faithful! Kendal, keep it up-patience as our Heavenly Father loves us as we grow to trust Him more and more.

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  13. Such a wonderful and fantastic update!!! I have tears in my eyes just imagining how you and Jordan felt when Anna started interacting with ya'll.....God is so awesome!!!! Pictures are absolutely precious and will be such great memories. Praising God for all the blessings...Can't wait to hear what he has in store for ya'll next. Keeping ya'll in our prayers.

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  14. I couldn't love you both more than I do right now.

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  15. I'm like Lori, loving the cute bow. She is adorable. She looks so perfect in the family picture. Can't wait to see the Christmas cards this year. Nicholas can't wait for ya'll to get back either. I think he thinks he's there big brother too. Love ya'll lots. Looking forward to the day you get back. Call when you are ready for guest or want to swim. Trina

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