In China
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010 "TUNG TUNG DAY!" A day of miracles is the only way to start this post. We are now officially the parents of Sienna Grace. Lovingly referred to as our “Spicy Chang Chang.” We found out today that the phonetic way to say her name is not “Chung Chung” but “Tung Tung.” She answers to it, and it truly fits her! So Tung Tung did manage to let go and sleep for about six hours last night. I wish Jeff and I could say that. She woke up with no tears, but with a quiet resolve to figure out what is next for her. Slowly, she let us back in. We were successful in getting her bathed, to breakfast, and ready for our 9:00 meeting back at the Civil Affairs office. When our guide and group picked us up they were amazed that this was the little firecracker that lit up the Civil Affairs building yesterday. We know it was because of the specific prayers for us today. Thank you! We have confirmed that “Tung Tung” was VERY spoiled by her foster family. The orphanage staff confirmed this for us at our meeting. My guess is you have noticed her teeth in some of our photos. Unfortunately, she was allowed to go to bed sucking on candy when she was upset and her top teeth are decayed. Hard to understand and heartbreaking when we know how avoidable this could have been. Jeff and I are grateful for a personal relationship with our dentist, and wonderful insurance. We will do whatever we can to make her comfortable. But, as I said to some dear friends yesterday, regardless of her teeth, when she smiles her face lights up the Province of Hunan. Our appointment back at the Civil Affairs office was seriously a miracle this morning. The Hengshan orphanage director did not come, but sent the two women we met yesterday instead. This was answered prayer. Even though we had to sit with them, Sienna barely acknowledged them. She gave them the quiet stare that we were greeted with yesterday! It was like she had no need to look back in the rearview mirror! I got all teary eyed when the Civil Affairs official said to Jeff and I, “Congratulations on your beautiful daughter!” And, to Jeff she said, “Three daughters (with a smile) you are a lucky man!” I would agree! Before her orphanage staff left they thanked us, and said they were very happy that Tung Tung was going to our family! They even told me she looked cute today!!  Even though it is not customary in China, I hugged them both! How do you really ever thank someone for protecting your child for almost 5 years? Sienna and Ainsley had a big time while we waited for our four rotations of meetings to be done. We have discovered that “Tung Tung” loves to see her picture after I take it, so the cute hat photos were taken during our wait. Very surreal to see her laughing and being silly in that room this morning! Sienna was so good and very patient during all four appointments we had. Hopefully, this is the norm when she is in public, but my guess is she tests her boundaries when she can. We have seen so many positive things in her that we know with the right amount of love and clear boundaries she will thrive. There are a few things that we have observed about her already. She is a very big helper. It is so adorable as she reminds you to put the toilet seat down, comes back to close a door, or sets the table. We had room service for lunch and she was very excited to help transfer everything to the table in our room. She served a plate of pasta like she was an expert. We were beyond impressed when she broke out the chopsticks to eat penne pasta, rice, and a dumpling. Not as impressed when she didn’t like something she ate, and spit it out on the floor. Not kidding! So, we have a few manners to work on when we get home! She washes her hands like a surgeon up to her elbows! She has the cutest little raspy voice, and we love hearing her speak Chinese! We have a few words figured out. And when she wants Ainsley she says, Jie Jie. Too cute really! At exactly 24 hours after seeing her for the first time seeing her come off the elevator yesterday she came to find me and called me “Mama!” And, then she did it about three times because she wanted my assistance. Only God could do that! We also heard her say “thank you” in Chinese when Ainsley helped her with something this afternoon, and she shared her first “high 5” with the big sister. Something Ainsley has been working on! So, our “Spicy Tung Tung” is smart too! That was obvious within the first 5 minutes of meeting her! As I am finishing this post, Sienna just came to find me. Once satisfied that I was still here, she grabbed “Jie Jie’s” hand and walked back out to play. Amazing! Lastly, Ainsley and I both were awake at 3am. She looked at her new little sister and said to me, “Mom, it is a privilege to be her big sister!” I know what she means. It is a privilege to be their Mom! A friend of mine reminded me this morning that when God calls us, He equips us. Jeff and I know that this is true. We have seen it clearly in the last 24 hours, and, we are so thankful that we answered this call. Blessings from the tired bunch in Changsha! With grateful hearts we look forward to watching more blooms on our beautiful new flower unfold! Thank you for lifting us up! “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it!’’ ~1Th 5:24 ~Diana, Jeff, Ainsley and Tung Tung Dear Ruby Mei, We miss you like crazy cakes precious girl! We hope you had a fun night celebrating your new sister. We are ready to bring her home to you already. You are going to be quite the pair!! There is so much that Sienna needs you to teach her. But, most of all we just need you to help love her and help her feel safe! We love you to the China moon and back! ~Mommy, Daddy, and your sisters!!

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