The "Five O's" Grows!

Two days ago we took a 4 hour bullet train from Nanning to Guangzhou where we will be for a week. It was refreshing to see the countryside as we have primarily been in big cities since arriving in China. Audrey woke up with a sore throat, fever and headache and traveling was not fun for her. She slept all day until we had to leave at 4pm. She could barely walk, she was miserable! So we took 4 children and 7 suitcases to the train station, rode 4 hours and then had a 50 minute ride in a van to our hotel. I have to say it is a miracle that we have not been in a vehicle, bike, moped or rickshaw accident yet! The drivers here are absolutely crazy!! Nobody stops for anyone and they are constantly honking! We checked in at our hotel at 11:30pm and the next morning at 8:30 had Ruby's medical appointment. Our guide told us to take Audrey and have the doctor take a look at her too as she was still sick. Ruby checked out great and Audrey has a virus which knocked her down for 2 days. ...

As many know, words cannot explain the pure joy in your heart when you see your baby for the first time. We have waited and planned for this little girl longer than she has been alive. Our first thought when we saw a little girl going into our receiving room was, "That cannot be Ruby, she is so small!" But then we realized she was wearing the outfit we sent in a care package. We were taken into the room and she was immediately handed to mom. We could not understand anything that was being said to us....but it really didn't matter. We finally had our Ruby. She was quite uncertain of us from the beginning and it took playing with her and several snack offerings before she warmed up. We could not get over how small she was and still can't. But she is perfect....perfect for us. We all immediately loved on her and by that afternoon she was playful and smiling. Yesterday was a rough day in that she was not feeling well. She is on several restricted foods due to her dige...

Isaiah 43:5 Fear not ,   for I am with you;      I will bring your children  from the east      and gather  you from the west. The day we hoped would come has finally arrived! As we wait in the government office for our family's name to be called and receive our new daughter, we pray that Ruby makes a smooth transition and that she is able to attach quickly. Amen.

WOW! We arrived in Beijing, China on June 21 and the time change threw us for a loop! Despite our fatigue, we spent several days exploring and experiencing the customs of Ruby's country. Our adventures included a lengthy hike from Tiananmen Square through the Forbidden City, a ride in a rickshaw through crowded city streets, as well as a trip up the Great Wall. The intricacy of the designs on the buildings and statues here are amazing. We have found the Chinese people to be friendly and accommodating everywhere we go. Many people have asked to have their pictures taken with us fair complected Americans! One of the best parts of the trip so far has been getting to know the other families from the U.S. we have travelled here with. Many have brought their children along as well. What a blessing to witness forever families and forever friendships being formed before our eyes! As we write this, we take in the city lights of Nanning in Guangxi on the eve before we receive Men...

We have come so far physically, spiritually and emotionally. This has been quite a long experience, but the reward is so worth the wait. Ruby Rebekah Anmeng Olson was born August 12, 2016 in Yulin city, in the province of Guangxi. She has changed our lives and we haven't even met her yet! She has taught us to be patient when the road is rough, trust in the Lord and give it all up to Him. Blessings take time, and they are always worth it.