Mission Accomplished!

A leisurely breakfast, some packing, and the purchase of just one more item from China comprised our morning activities, right before we checked out of the hotel and prepared for our U.S. Consulate appointment in Guangzhou. A 45 minute bus ride later, and we were joined together with 44 other families from the United States and their sweet little Chinese children, all waiting to be sworn in as U.S. Citizens. At that moment, after months of paperwork, waiting, more paperwork, waiting, and more paperwork and more waiting, Wu Hui Xuan became naturalized and is now legally able to come into the United States as our daughter and heir to all of the rights granted to us in our country, but rarely do we give them a second thought. Our mission is accomplished, and now the lifetime privilege of loving Willow for the rest of our lives, but now as a Kruggel just begins.

More than raising Willow, it's the marathon trek home that causes us the greatest consternation at the moment. It already started today when after Willow was sworn in, we hopped onto a bus, went to the Guangzhou train station and worked our way through the complicated process of trying to catch a train to Hong Kong in a foreign country where we don't speak the language. After barely making the train, dragging too many over packed bags for any of us reasonably handle onto the train, and traveling another two hours, we made it to Hong Kong. But that was just the beginning. We then had to find our way to a bus station to catch a shuttle to yet another train that would then take us to the hotel near the airport. We made it to the airport, and then walked for what seemed like forever to the hotel, again with all of our heavy bags hanging off of us. What a sight we must have been to all of those that were not foreigners. And through it all, our girls were very helpful (in spite of Willow's double ear infection that we just discovered this morning). It's now about 12:45 a.m., and we're finally in our hotel room. I ran out and grabbed a couple of burgers for the family, and we're going to get some shut-eye before we head out to the airport in Hong Kong tomorrow morning so that we can meet up with our two eldest, who we miss to death. They'll pick us up at San Francisco International on Saturday morning. (Odd, we leave Hong Kong on Saturday morning and arrive in San Francisco earlier in the day than when we left.) We'll need your prayers as this will no doubt be our most difficult leg of the trip.

I'm going to sign off, and we'll go "radio silent" once again until we arrive home. Until then, thank you for your support, love and encouragement. This has been the trip of a lifetime for us. We love China and are sad in so many ways to leave it behind. Zaijian China!

Warmly in Christ,

Tom

Give Until There's Nothing Left

Hey all. This is Barret again. I thought I could do one more blog before we head home. Well today was just right out a good day. I really wanted to enjoy one of our last days here in China and I definitely did. The day began with a little bit of sleep-in time which I loved of course. We then enjoyed our breakfast buffet at the hotel while sitting by the river. After resting awhile in the room, we went out to take a walk. We got a few gifts, went to the famous Guangzhou Starbucks, and just enjoyed walking around on a hot day. We soon then went out for a quick early dinner next to the river. After that we met up with our friends, the Thompson's, and went on a Pearl River night cruise. It was a great day!

The girls were alive today and we saw some of our first real action of them bonding. At breakfast they were running around together and playing and then when we went back to the room, they kissed each other while playing. It was very fun to see them enjoying each other so much. We got to enjoy our dinner to the utmost as both of the girls were asleep! Yes! It was a great dinner. I especially enjoyed the day mainly because I got to be with some of the people I love the most in this world and everyone was in a good mood and the girls were happy.

I also wanted to talk about yesterday when we went to go see where Poppy was abandoned. I was in awe of the entire trip from the scenery, to the lunch, and most importantly where Poppy was left. It was eerie to be standing exactly where Poppy had been abandoned long before we ever knew her. It was so cool and I will remember that experience my whole life. I told my dad at the end of driving for almost 13 hours total, "The trip was totally worth it dad, but barely!" The drive was just dreadful. There were no roads so it was very bumpy and I got a little sick and that is why I have to say it was barely worth it. But don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change that day for anything in the world.

Today I was kind of in a reflective mode as I often am at the conclusion of long trips. There was a brief time on the cruise boat that I was the only person on the top level. I was soaking in the beauty, the memories, the feelings, and the Lord. I just stood there and thanked the Lord for such a great trip. I started to pray that he would help me with my finals coming up in a couple weeks and then it hit me to stop always praying for things where I will gain. I listened to a song in the car ride that just reminded me that until the day we die we need to give until there's nothing left. It reminded me that many times we pray for our own gain. Not even knowing, that's what I was doing. Not that praying for the Lord to help me in school is wrong, but I just wanted to remember to ask the Lord to help me give my life to others, to pour myself out for the good of others! I do not think that it absolutely means to give money and belongings and palpable things, but rather to give your time, your love, and your effort so that others may know that you are His. And that is a main teaching I will try harder to live by every day. I want to give my life to others for my Father. The first time I ever learned what this really meant was last year at San Quintin, Mexico. I love to put my effort in play here and everywhere. I will give until there is nothing in me left.

Miss you all and can't wait to get home to see everyone and get back into the old California life.

In Him,

Barret

Abandoned, But Not Lost

We (Barret and I) made it! After seven log hours of treacherous driving over mountains, through jungle areas, between tiny villages, around rocks, and crossing rivers, we found the exact spot where our little Qing Zu Qiao (Poppy) was abandoned a little less than three years ago. The journey was half the excitement, but when we saw these beautiful people of the minority Yao tribe, many whom still wear their traditional native attire, we were stunned by the remarkable facial features that resembled Poppy's. We photographed a grandmother and her grandchild who we thought looked so much like our little Qiao Qiao that we couldn't stop staring at them. They were kind enough to let us photograph them (see photograph to the left). Poppy certainly lived among some lovely people for six months of her life, and also among some of the most beautiful terrain we've ever seen. The picture in the upper left hand corner marks the spot where Poppy was abandoned, and where she was also found. She would have been wrapped in some blankets and placed, early in the morning, on either side of this road. Needless to state, it was a bit eerie being there, standing in the very place where it all started for us Kruggel's with this remarkable gift from God.

The girls all stayed back (a wise choice), and are zonked out in bed right now. In fact, it's about midnight and I really need to hit the hay myself. I'll try to write and tell you more tomorrow about our exciting adventure to find Poppy's home town, but for now I'm going to call it a day. We're (all of us) exhausted. (Barret and I spent over 13 hours in the car.)

Thank you for praying for our trek. It was dangerous driving conditions, to state the least, and we're glad to be back with our family.

Gratefully in Christ,

Tom

A Mixed Bag

Today was a mixed bag of wonderful treats for all of us. Willow slept in until about 8:30 a.m., allowing Victoria, Barret and Poppy to enjoy a peaceful breakfast. I joined them for a few moments before Barret and Victoria headed off to the market to do some shopping. I guess the pearl deals were remarkable, but Victoria didn't bring enough Yuan, so she intends to return tomorrow to make a few deals. I stayed back on Shamian Island (next to the Pearl River where our hotel is located) and went for a long walk with the girls and did some swimming in the hotel pool. The girls were in heaven on both excursions and seem to be getting more and more used to one another. (I think the adjustment to being a sister is greater for Poppy than the one for Willow.) We spent the rest of the afternoon together as a whole family, went on some walks and got ready for an adventuresome dinner at the local fish market. Not only was the market full of all the smells your mind can imagine (and some they cannot), but we were able to actually pick out the cuisine we wanted cooked for dinner. First, we bought some eel, then some local shrimp, and finally some scallops; everything alive before taking it to the restaurant to ask them to cook it for us. What an experience and what tasty delights (although I'm not sure all of us Americans would find the entrees as desirable as the locals)!

Right before we headed off to dinner, we ran into another adoptive family from the Bay Area that really warmed our hearts. They (about our age) had just adopted two older (13 & 14 years old) sisters from another province, and had shared with us the miraculous story of how God had placed on their hearts such a strong desire to adopt that they, like us, just couldn't shake. I found myself to be in good company when I heard that he told his wife, right after mutually agreeing to adopt a few years ago, that "they would have eternity to rest, but now we have much work to do". Now that's a man after my own heart.

For those of you curious about the local church in China, I've attached a few photographs that you might find of interest. Note the structure and the signage announcing the services and Bible Studies. I've been to this church twice now, and find it to be quite evangelical. Very exciting!

Tomorrow is day of our exciting excursion to Poppy's abandonment site. Barret and I will make a day of it, leaving all the girls behind (too tough on the little ones). We're thrilled to have the privilege of going to a place where very few Chinese nationals even go. We'll take plenty of pictures and try to forward them to you upon our return.

That's it for now. We now hear that the death toll of those impacted by the Chengdu earthquake is rising by the hour. Please continue to pray for these people. Between this disaster, the heavy Holiday snows, the Tibetan protests, the hand-foot-mouth disease, the recent train wreck, and the Olympic torch protests, this country has been through and suffered a lot.

Warmly in Christ,

Tom

From Guangzhou to Chengdu

A great breakfast, a not-so-great visit to the doctor (Who really likes to go to the doctor anyway? It must be something we're born with because mankind's avoidance of physicians seems to start at a very early age, as evidenced by Willow's reaction this morning - see picture to the left.), some wonderful playtime in the hotel, a nice walk/nap around the bank of the Pearl River, our first swim with our new family member (and boy does Willow like the water), some shopping with Momma and Willow in the baby-carrier, and a another not-so-great experience at dinner (because Willow had a melt-down and Baba had to take her back to the hotel room to settle her down), pretty much sums up our day. Time flies when you're having fun, and when you're stressed out.

Of course the big news in China right now is not the Kruggel's way to Willow Rae, but rather the devastating earthquake that has hit central China. We're hearing and reading stories already that thousands are believed dead. We've heard from some of our friends back home already, inquiring of our whereabouts and safety. Since we're in southeastern China, we're far from the epicenter and, in fact, never felt the shake. Nevertheless, we're saddened about this disaster and feel for these precious people who are suffering over the loss of so many of their loved ones. If you think to pray for us today, please turn your prayers toward those from the provincial capital of Chengdu.

Tomorrow we'll do a little more shopping, sightseeing and perhaps a visit to the local zoo. We'll take it a little easy since we tentatively plan to go to the abandonment site of our Poppy Mae Zu Qiao located several hundred kilometers from where we are right now. Some of you may know that Poppy is of a minority heritage here in China, known as the Yao people group. They're known for their love of dancing and music, which partially explains Poppy's affinity for the same. Very few foreigners travel to these parts of China where the Yao reside, so we feel especially privileged to take this trek to task. It will be a long day of travel, but hopefully very fulfilling.

We'll keep this blog entry simple and to the point, signing off with a few more lovely pictures from our adventures today (below). We are forever grateful for your love and affection, prayers, e-mails and even a few encouraging phone conversations with family back home.

Until we blog again...

Warmly in Christ,

Tom

P. S. - I particularly enjoyed the sign along the park this morning (see below) that read, "Please do not spit everywhere and litter up. Violators will be amerced with a range of 20 to 50 Yuan."

Happy Mother's Day

It's hard to believe that already one week ago we first were introduced to Wu Hui Xuan and she to us. As strange as that encounter was, today is Mother's Day and we celebrate Willow Rae Xuan Kruggel as a child to her adoptive mother, Victoria, and we simply wouldn't have it any other way. It's certainly been a memorable and will be a cherished Mother's Day for us for the rest of our lives.

Right after posting my "Reflections" blog entry last night and feeling quite contemplative, I hit the hay with Willow by my side. It wasn't long thereafter that she began to be a very wiggly Willow, flopping and turning about every five to ten minutes or so, waking up from time to time, fussing and whimpering, only to fall back to sleep for short periods of time and then cycling into another round of pretty much the same. Needless to state, I was quickly becoming exhausted myself thinking this was going to be a long night, which would then probably turn into a long day. My thinking was right on target because when the dawn of morning arrived, Willow woke up for the umpteenth time and then proceeded to lose her cookies right on the bed. Yes, we truly had a weeping Willow this morning and pretty much throughout the day. She got sick to her stomach again and took numerous naps all through the day. Poor little thing. By supper time, she was starting to feel much better, witnessed by her voracious appetite during dinner and happy attitude until sleep time (notice the picture of her smiling face below).

Barret, Poppy and I decided it would be best to separate from the hotel this morning and let Willow nap with Mom (Victoria agreed, of course), and we went to the Guangzhou Botanical Gardens (some pictures here) with several other adoptive families. Stunning flowers, calm ponds fed by soothing waterfalls and filled with Koi Fish, sculpted shrubberies, and manicured lawns allowed us to bask in the beauty of some of the finest gardens we've laid eyes upon. When we returned to the hotel, I took care of the girls while Victoria worked on more paperwork for the U. S. Consulate.

Tomorrow we'll take Willow to the doctor for a required and routine "medical exam", a standard procedure for adoptive children leaving China. The rest of our day is free, but I'm sure we'll find some fun and exciting things to do here in Guangzhou.

Mom, Happy Mother's Day to you. I love you. Not only are you the perfect Mom for me, but you're also the perfect Grandmother for Willow (and Poppy, and Barret, and Annie, and Austin).

To the rest of you blessed mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day.

Happily in Christ,

Tom

Reflections

It's about 9:00 in the evening on Saturday here in Guangzhou and I have my two little sweet Chinese daughters sleeping behind me on the bed while I type here in the dark. I can hear their soft breathing, especially Willow's as her cleft palate causes her to wheeze a little more than normal. My grown-up Barret (who's been our savior on this trip) and lovely wife Victoria are in the room next door. Cocooned in this serene setting, I can hear the hustle and bustle of night life along the Pearl River, with glitzy neon lights flashing off the waterfront buildings as if it were a clip from the Las Vegas strip. What a contrast! Since none of us are very sleepy, and someone needs to sit by the bedside of these somewhat helpless souls, I thought I'd just journal a few of my deeper thoughts and reflections over the last week or so.

I left the United States about twelve days ago with split emotions between utter excitement and enthusiasm to shear fear and trepidation. On the one hand I was beside myself just thinking of the wonderful joy to give a momma and a baba (mommy and daddy) to just one more fatherless (among the millions) child, with a home and some love, all in the hope of giving away what doesn't belong to us anyway, life. Selfishly (a life-theme I cannot seem to extract myself from), I anticipate that we as a family will no doubt have full cups, with greater measure than what we've ever poured out, even though our cups will be chipped and cracked along the way, sometimes leaking and almost empty. In an odd way, the thought of this often tough, but mostly rewarding commitment makes me happy inside. On the other hand, I feel the tension in my gut when I think too hard about what I might be leading my family into; another sibling (for some, one they won't have a chance to spend much time with), yet another young child that needs enormous amounts of love and attention from a remarkable mother that's already given almost half of her life toward mothering, a financial obligation that will force me into extra years of working beyond our typical and cultural "retirement" period, and an anxiety about whether I'll have the fortitude to hang in there to the end - giving all five (now) of my children and my adorable wife what they need from a dad and a husband well into the future, however long that might be. But when it's all said and done, the first far outweighs the last, thrusting me beyond the uncomfortable into the strangely comfortable. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (II Corinthians 5:7)

And so, as I am about to lay my head on the pillow for another night, with three of my children beside me, my lifelong partner next to me, and my two eldest almost a straight diameter's length of the world beneath me, I rest in peace asking my sweet Jesus to do for us Kruggel's what only He could do, give us the sufficient grace He promises to help us give away what we cannot keep.

What a wonderful life this is.

Content in Christ,

Tom