Friday, June 12, 2009

Da Xin Letter #3

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

And oh, what blessings we have received this week!!!

What an unexpected surprise to receive another letter from Da Xin today! I wasn't expecting another letter at all. Our agency coordinator said she sounds pretty wonderful and I would have to agree. :)

Dear Papa, Mama and rest of family,

I received your letter couple of days ago. I love the birthday gifts and pictures you sent. I am very happy to receive those.

Our school has finals coming. I am preparing the tests now. May 28 is the traditional Chinese holiday – Dragon Boat festival. This holiday has over 2000 years of history. We had 3 days off. My Chinese Mama made “ZongZi”, killed chicken and prepared lots of dishes to celebrate. I miss you very much this few days. Don’t know if you miss me?

Okay, that’s it for today. I will miss you. Wish you good health.

Love your,
Da Xin
5/29/2009


The girls were both getting hair cuts when this letter arrived via email on my iPhone. I was literally laughing out loud in the salon when Da Xin mentions her foster mother killing a chicken to prepare for their special meal. I really hope that she won't be too disappointed with my culinary skills and that C*ostco chicken will be sufficient. LOL. But then it made me sad to think she questioned whether or not we miss her. Of course, something could have gotten lost in translation, too. She sounds like such a sweet, sweet girl.

On another note, we still don't have our travel itinerary, but I found out today that we will not get to go to Guilin. I was a bit disappointed as we had planned for that all along, but completely understand that we do not get to pick and choose our time frames for anything, so I'm already over it. We'll just go back someday when the girls are older and gorgeous Guilin is definitely on my travel list!!

WE LEAVE ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!! I took a crash course in Mandarin last night with Mia's Chinese teacher. She was so helpful! She even wrote a letter to Da Xin's foster parents to put in with their gifts. Two more check marks off my list! Woo hoo!!

Tomorrow, we have a family picnic and we get to see my nephews and niece. Stay tuned for some major cuteness. Until then... I couldn't resist posting this pic taken last weekend at our FCC Spring Picnic. Mia and her buddies, Alex and Abby.... awwwwwwwwwwww!!! Adorable!!

May 31 09 (1 of 1)-15

21 comments:

Julia said...

Yes, the part where she said she didn't know if you missed her got me all choked up. Does she know you'll be there in just a little over a week? Da Xin sounds like such an incredible little girl!

JG said...

What a sweet picture! And a sweet letter from Da Xin. I can't say it enough, I am so excited for your family!!

Sherri said...

The letter from Da Xin so just so sweet, I'm sure she knoes you guys miss her. The picture is just adorable! Complete cuteness.
Sherri

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

That is the sweetest letter:) I am sure she will be fine with your Costco chicken...LOL!!

I am still in complete shock that you are leaving in ONE WEEK...it is surreal!!

Enjoy your family picnic....just think, the next family event Da Xin will be with you....SO EXCITING!!

Happy Weekend!

Lisa

PS....that is some major cuteness!

Anonymous said...

Keep the blessings coming!!!

She sounds like such a sweetie - I love the parts about missing you and then questioning you if you miss her -- if she only knew;)

Ashley

6 days till you are on your way!

LaLa said...

What a wonderful surprise....loved it about the chicken LOL

Sweet girl..of course you miss her terribly!

Amie said...

The part that had me choked up was the part where she talked about her "chinese mama". Just love that she is making the distinction.. and love that she misses you, and I don't think the "do you miss me?" question was sad at all.. I think she is just making conversation, and the fact that she asked it, shows me she feels comfortable with you already and that she knows that you adore her enough to miss her. very very cool.

Big smiles here!

Sonn Da Xin... :) :) :) :) :)

:)
Amie

Stacy said...

I love the letter - show so much that she is thinking of you all. I think she just wants to know if you are thinking of her too! Soon you will all be together! I love that you have gotten so many letters and an insight to your sweet girl! (and cute pics of the girls - I guess I missed the picnic info..maybe next year!)

Jboo said...

So exciting for you to receive another letter! Hope your packing is going well! Have a fun weekend.

Janet

Natalie said...

What a sweet letter. She must be such a special girl. Can't wait to see pictures of her with her forever family.

Anonymous said...

Michelle,

I stumbled upon your blog a few months ago and I've been following it ever since! I'm thrilled with the adventure that is in front of you! I'm looking forward to seeing amazing pictures and being filled in with all the fun details!!

Travel safely,
Mrs Kish

Sharon said...

Awww, that sweet child has no idea of how much you actually miss her!!!!!

a Tonggu Momma said...

You mean you DON'T kill your chicken??? Heh. This is just the sweetest letter. I can't believe it will happen next week. How surreal it must feel at the moment.

Anonymous said...

5 more days till you are off!!!

Ashley

fleur de lis cottage said...

Da Xin has such a sweet spirit...her letters are heartfelt. I know you can't wait to get to China! And that last picture, if that's a preview of the serious cuteness...I can't wait to see more!

Sammy said...

That was a cute sweet letter.

mommy24treasures said...

life is good!:):):)

Julie said...

Michelle,
I've been reading your blog for awhile now and have been so inspired with your photography and parenting. I adopted SarahPearl last year from China when she was almost 2. I wish there was a way for me to go back and adopt an older child. As a single parent, I don't have a chance...but can watch your blessings from afar. I wish you well on your trip! She sounds like a sweet, brave little girl! Julia Anderson

Rydley said...

Oh you'll be there SO SOON! I wouldn't worry about the "missing" part of her letter. It could be a cultural thing. I've had foreign friends write similar stuff, she may just have been taught to not be presumptive? In any event, she clearly knows you care for her - that is evident!

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

Michelle~

It is so exciting to read about Da Xin and get a feel for her very sweet and tender heart. I know she's going to be a wonderful addition to your family. I can't wait for her to fully grasp the love you have for her and how special she is in your eyes and God's eyes.

Love you~
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Wow, Jeff just told me the news, so I had to head right over to your blog. Wow, the letters se sent you are amazing. I am all teary eyed. Well that explains why I haven't seen you at the pool. I can't wait to meet her. blessings, Missy