Good for my soul

I cannot believe Michael has been our son for over two months now.   Time has moved so fast. 
He has been such a true gift to our family.  Every day comes with new challenges, new skills, new laughter.   I was talking with a girlfriend several weeks ago about our journey, and can I just say, my friends have been Jesus with skin on.  They rock.  In talking with this friend she was telling me about some of her prayers for us while we have been on this journey.   She shared with me the words that came to mind during this process for us. "Beautifully Complicated".  Incredible and true.   This road has been some of the most challenging and complicated that I have ever traveled.   And to think that I could have let fear stop me in my tracks, breaks my heart.   But I didn't.   And the beauty that our lives have been drenched in far surpasses the complicated.    It is good. 

But...

I needed my sister.   There are times throughout the year when not having my family here, hits me hard.   Going through this type of life changing experience has been one of those times.  Now just because we may live 1000 miles apart,  doesn't mean we don't still have coffee on a regular basis.  It just means we are on the phone and usually "on the go" and visiting while we drink our coffee. 

Several weeks ago, during a somewhat challenging week, I told her I needed her.   I'm not one to ask for help, but I did.  Keep in mind, her life is not dull.  This was not "convenient" for her.   She said "I'm coming". 

I picked her up on Thursday and for the last 3 days, I have been renewed.  We didn't do "big" things.  We did laundry together, stayed in every store we visited until closing, literally, and had coffee together for real.

She loved on my kids, who whole heartedly love her back.  Including Michael.  He reached for her hand the second she got off the plane. 

We listened to worship songs together, cleaned the kitchen too many times together, and drove through some snow storms that would probably have our mother stressed out.   We made homemade pizza and sat around the family room together.  We looked at pictures of our trip to China.

It's 5:30 am on Sunday morning and I'm writing this as she is getting ready for me to take  her to the airport.  The kids, husband, and dog are all sound asleep.   And when I look back on our weekend, all I can say is, it was good for my soul.

This was not taken this weekend.  We didn't take time to dress up like this.  :) 

This was in Seattle over the summer, but I love this picture.

Rachel and Aunt Jen.  Two very beautiful ladies!

We had to take a quick pic on the drive to the airport this morning.

Apparently all were exhausted from the fun this weekend. 

We love you Aunt Jen!

4 weeks

It's unreal to think that it has been four weeks since Michael was placed into our arms in a civil affairs office in Zhengzhou, China.   Our lives were forever changed that day.  Now that we are home, it truly feels like it has always been this way.  Maybe because it was meant to be this way.  Our home is louder, messier, and quite possibly, smellier.   I wouldn't change it.   I'm not going to lie, there have been some hard days.  Mainly because I am constantly learning to give up control that really wasn't mine to begin with.    God continues to be patient with me.  Thank goodness! 

 

As we were sitting around the dinner table last night, with dirty dishes and unmopped floors and my four kids rolling around under the table, playing with the dog and laughing, I realized that this is the kind of beauty that matters.  

 

There has been a lot of chat about our little dude lately, so we thought we would share some of the happenings with the rest of the Junge kids. 

 

 

Chris' basketball team made it to the championship game last Wednesday.  They played the game at the University of Denver.   It was such a great time for the team.  It's always cool to hear your name announced on the loud speaker after you've made a great shot!  I was so proud of Chris.  Their team lost but had a great game.  Chris scored 7 points and loved every minute. 

 

This is the jump ball at the beginning of the game. 

 

Chris was fouled and had a chance at 2 free throws. 

 

That ball is in the basket!  Nicely done.

 

Michael had to get in on the action after the game.  I think the ball is bigger than he is.

 

Congratulations Chris.  Always a winner to us. 

 

 

Rachel had her first climbing competition of the semester.   She has learned so much through this sport.  Reach high, stay strong, and in her own words, "persevere"! She is becoming such an awesome young lady. 

 

 

Here she is getting ready.  Safety first :-) 

She and her friend Evan make a great team.   

 

 

Her strength is constantly amazing me.

 

 

The descent is always fun.  Love that smile!

 

Michael was able to wear his "Rock Climb" shirt that his big sis picked out for him on the day we were matched back in August. Awesome on so many levels. 

 

My sweet spiderwoman. 

 

 

 

And...Baseball has begun.   Andrew's team was able to get an outdoor practice in yesterday. 

I love watching his first base "stretch". 

 

We are looking forward to many days at the ball field this spring/summer. 

 

It's unreal to think that this young man will be 13 in less than a month.  

 

 

We had a chance to attend a Chinese New Year celebration at our church this past week.  Michael wore his "silks" and absolutely loved the music. 

 

Here is Michael with Josh.  He and his wife Lily, are the co-founders of CCAI.  We are so grateful for their ministry and love of these children. 

 

This was a beautiful night.   The songs and dancing were fantastic.  It felt so great to be there with Michael on my lap bobbing his head to the music.  We all had a great time. 

 

 

 

Michael with Lily. 

 

 

In other news, Michael has visited the pediatrician twice now.  Once for a general overview of his health and blood draw.  He is doing awesome.  Developmentally on track and very healthy.  Praise the Lord. 

 

His second trip, was for 5 shots.  Yep, 5.   His poor little thighs.   We had to get a picture of him checking out the Snoopy band aids.   

Speaking of his sweet thighs... little man gained 10 oz in 11 days.  Dr. said that's a great thing and that he's thriving.    

 

 

What a busy, chaotic, beautiful four weeks this has been.  I wouldn't change a thing. 

The new normal

Jet lag is real.  There is a reason the blog has been silent.  We are just plain tired and adjusting to our "new normal"  Life is busy, life is exhausting, but life is GOOD.   This post is more of a picture post.  Enjoy.

This was the van ride to Hong Kong.  The beginning of our travel day back to the US. 

Michael did really well considering it was 6 am. 

We arrived without any issues at the Hong Kong airport and had about 4 hours to wait before we left for San Francisco    Our pajama boy loved checking out the big planes. 

Snoozing with Daddy on the international flight.

Waiting in the San Francisco airport for our flight to Denver.   He is now officially a US citizen. 

Michael loves his snacks. 

He was ready to go.

Michael decided to nap for the ENTIRE 2 1/2 hour flight home.  Mommy was thankful because she did the same. 

This was our welcoming committee.  Our family rocks!

 

 

This picture was the first one of my FOUR kids.  Words cannot express how wonderful it felt for them to all be together and for us to be home. 

 

 

Big Sis Rachel.   She is such a great helper!

 

 

After 24 hours of travel, 6 flights to, within, and from China.  We are home.  God is good. 

 

 

First time in a carseat.

Not sure if he's a fan yet.   He still prefers the China method, sitting on mommy's lap. 

Sorry buddy.

 

 

Welcome home Michael.

This is one of my favorite pictures.  This represents our new life with a busy toddler who likes to throw everything within his reach.  I had just sat down with an ice cold glass of vanilla diet coke.  He decided to throw the cell phone and it landed right in the middle of the glass, shattering it.   Here we go!
 

 

He found the Tupperware cabinet.  He is the most lovely, normal 16 month old around.   How do you learn about your new environment?  Take it apart and put it back together.   Not sure he knows the "put it back together" part.  We'll get there.  Love this kid.

 

And  yes, the gates are up. 

Grandma Junge sneaking in a quick squeeze.  Grandma Junge took over homeschooling for Chris while we were gone and stayed with the kids for the first days of our trip.   Couldn't have done this trip without the support of the Grandmas. 

 

 

 

 

Great Grandma offering a treat to Michael.  With newly adopted kiddos, there is a general rule that Mom and Dad should be the only ones feeding, providing for the child.  We are following that for the most part.  We made an exception for the 3 days we were blessed to have Great Grandma here.   We don't know how many, if any more trips will be made by  her to Colorado.   Travel is hard.  This trip was hard on her.  Hospital stay, ride in an ambulance, physical weakness.   This woman has brought joy to every life she has touched.  Michael is blessed with this sweet woman and we wanted her to experience some of the joy she so lovingly gives to us. 

 

This picture melts my heart.  Those who know how much I love her, know why. 

 

 

 

Grandma Sandy had to get in on the action too.  She was nurse, mom, taxi, house cleaner, cook, and the list goes on.  I love you mom.   

 

 

 

This picture speaks for itself.  I love these kids.  I love the fact that God has trusted us with these blessings.  Adam and I have said to each other several times since being home...These kids rock. 

 

We are hoping to post an update on the blog weekly as our journey continues.  Thank you to everyone who has prayed, encouraged, and loved on us during this process and while we were gone.  We felt every prayer. To our friends and family, We love you.