Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Fresh Grace















Mostly pics to share from the Emperor's Summer Palace in Beijing last week, but wanted you all to know that Sophie is having much better days as she learns to trust me.

 Tonight she finally figured out that I'm a "back scratchy" specialist, so at bed time, she pulled off her jammie shirt and asked me to scratch her back. Of course, I did so willingly...and she fell fast alseep! Sweet!!!

She even let me carry her and she held my hand willingly as we walked  in Guangzhou city, today!! (That's another post, entirely!)  

God's grace is sufficient and evident in Guangzhou!!!

We've resorted to her asking for practically everything (food, drink, TV, activities); I think she was overwhelmed w/ too many choices. In her orphanage, she had no choice about anything. This technique has helped her overall willingness to obey. 

It's amazing how much English she understands and is willing to speak. Today, I taught her all the major parts of her body and she easily repeated them.

The Summer Palace pics are from Beijing, but hadn't gotten posted yet; although, Todd may have posted some on Face Book earlier today.

Tomorrow is the official swearing in ceremony for Sophie Rose Xueqin Bentzel to become an American citizen. Thursday we have red couch pictures and Friday we fly home.

We can't wait to see all of you and we think she do fine if you all want to come to the airport on Friday night. Currently, our flight is to arrive at Dulles 7:45pm. We'll try to keep Paul Wilson and The Thompson's abreast of any changes.

We're all feeling better today!

Thanks for your continued prayers for the last leg of this journey till we arrive home on American soil....boy, I can't wait to come HOME!!!

Love you all, Shari for our party of five!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bekah can't wait to meet Sophie!! She had a dream about her the other night...playing with her on a playground. She is excited that she likes to swim, too!!!

So glad to hear that Sophie is warming to you...I know that must be hard for you, but it seems that you have handled it with much grace, compassion, and love for her.

What an adventure you are on!!!

Praying for a safe, peaceful flight home!

Polly

Anonymous said...

Every morning I have so enjoyed getting on your blog to see the next part of the adventure--like a movie, what's the next scene! Thanks for all the wonderful pictures. It's so nice because we feel like we've gotten to know Sophie even before she comes home. Can't wait to see y'all. We hope to make it to the airport, though we don't want to overwhelm her. We love you all. Praying all goes well on the flight home.
Michelle