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february 5:
Marisa Mei-Lian Freeman
Baby Updates
We just got a page of updated information on Marisa. She now weighs 18 pounds (whew, we
packed clothes guessing she would be about that size), has 6 teeth, is very active and not afraid
of strangers (might make this afternoon a little easier). She can walk by holding hands and
likes to play with other kids, especially outside.
We found out a little about her Chinese name. Yuan is the name given to all the girls in the
orphanage born in January and February 2006. It is pronounced "yoon" and means "beginning."
Qiu is the only name unique to Marisa. It is pronounced "tso" or "cho" and means "good life and
happiness." We had been bothered by the interpretation of Qiu because all we could find is that
it means "fall or autumn" and why would you name a January baby "Autumn"? Our guide Amy
explained that it is a name associated with the prosperous feelings of the Harvest season.
We just got a page of updated information on Marisa. She now weighs 18 pounds (whew, we
packed clothes guessing she would be about that size), has 6 teeth, is very active and not afraid
of strangers (might make this afternoon a little easier). She can walk by holding hands and
likes to play with other kids, especially outside.
We found out a little about her Chinese name. Yuan is the name given to all the girls in the
orphanage born in January and February 2006. It is pronounced "yoon" and means "beginning."
Qiu is the only name unique to Marisa. It is pronounced "tso" or "cho" and means "good life and
happiness." We had been bothered by the interpretation of Qiu because all we could find is that
it means "fall or autumn" and why would you name a January baby "Autumn"? Our guide Amy
explained that it is a name associated with the prosperous feelings of the Harvest season.
We have Marisa! If you must, page down to see her, but then come back up to check out the rest of our day!
We began the day with a small crisis....after his shower, Nathaniel says, "Dad, I don't have anything to wear." Our checked bags
had been packed and taken to the airport the night before. Apparently, Nathaniel had fallen asleep and Doug packed what he was
planning to wear on the plane. After mentally scrolling through the options (pajamas - no, none; other boys on the trip going to our
province - none big enough; hotel gift shop - no, closed; hotel towel as a toga - maybe), we discovered Alexandra had a pair of
denim capri overalls in her carry-on bag that might fit and look okay as "shorts" with a t-shirt on the outside. Thank the Lord for kids
who can wear the same size and have flexible attitudes! Crisis solved!
We began the day with a small crisis....after his shower, Nathaniel says, "Dad, I don't have anything to wear." Our checked bags
had been packed and taken to the airport the night before. Apparently, Nathaniel had fallen asleep and Doug packed what he was
planning to wear on the plane. After mentally scrolling through the options (pajamas - no, none; other boys on the trip going to our
province - none big enough; hotel gift shop - no, closed; hotel towel as a toga - maybe), we discovered Alexandra had a pair of
denim capri overalls in her carry-on bag that might fit and look okay as "shorts" with a t-shirt on the outside. Thank the Lord for kids
who can wear the same size and have flexible attitudes! Crisis solved!
On the Plane to Guangzhou
Do we look a little bit happy about getting Marisa this afternoon?
While we are flying south to meet her, she and her nannies are riding 6
hours north on a bus to meet us at the Civil Affairs Office in Guangzhou.
The meeting will be at 4:00 pm.
Do we look a little bit happy about getting Marisa this afternoon?
While we are flying south to meet her, she and her nannies are riding 6
hours north on a bus to meet us at the Civil Affairs Office in Guangzhou.
The meeting will be at 4:00 pm.
On the Bus to get the Babies
Notice our expressions...the Martens family just announced that their camera
battery is nearly gone and their backup is dead. We will all, of course, cover for
them at this monumental occasion! We have become an extended family.
Notice our expressions...the Martens family just announced that their camera
battery is nearly gone and their backup is dead. We will all, of course, cover for
them at this monumental occasion! We have become an extended family.
Marisa Mei-Lian Freeman
The moment finally arrived! We were all
ushered into a very small and very warm room.
After spending a few minutes checking over
some paperwork, the babies were brought in
one at a time. We were fifth. Marisa came to
us without crying, but she was really reserved.
We went through a few periods of her starting
to whimper, but she was generally at peace
with the whole situation.
The girls all had matching outfits; some yellow,
some blue, and some orange. They looked so
cute!
Whenever Marisa started to get a little upset,
she would calm right away if taken to look out
the window. Maybe she liked the action down
below on the street or maybe she was plotting
her escape. We also discovered that she likes
to dance and sway to music. We got some
cute shots of her on her toes dancing to "Jesus
Loves Me." Overall Marisa appears healthy
except for a cough and runny nose which we
pretty much expected.
When we all had our babies, we were called
back individually to ask questions of the
nannies and make our (mandatory) orphanage
donation. We were instructed to bring crisp
$100 bills for the donation. One family actually
had a few of their bills rejected, but their
"extended family" stepped in and helped them
out with a few extra "crispies.". We are very
curious what would have happened if no one
had extras.
The moment finally arrived! We were all
ushered into a very small and very warm room.
After spending a few minutes checking over
some paperwork, the babies were brought in
one at a time. We were fifth. Marisa came to
us without crying, but she was really reserved.
We went through a few periods of her starting
to whimper, but she was generally at peace
with the whole situation.
The girls all had matching outfits; some yellow,
some blue, and some orange. They looked so
cute!
Whenever Marisa started to get a little upset,
she would calm right away if taken to look out
the window. Maybe she liked the action down
below on the street or maybe she was plotting
her escape. We also discovered that she likes
to dance and sway to music. We got some
cute shots of her on her toes dancing to "Jesus
Loves Me." Overall Marisa appears healthy
except for a cough and runny nose which we
pretty much expected.
When we all had our babies, we were called
back individually to ask questions of the
nannies and make our (mandatory) orphanage
donation. We were instructed to bring crisp
$100 bills for the donation. One family actually
had a few of their bills rejected, but their
"extended family" stepped in and helped them
out with a few extra "crispies.". We are very
curious what would have happened if no one
had extras.
Sisters at Last!
Folks - it all came down to this day. We had hoped, prayed, and waited. There is nothing greater in this life than
watching a new child come into this world. While there may have been some excitement when these children were
born - it was very short lived. Marisa was left to be found one day after she was born in a small rural town in
southern China. All the while our hearts were wanting in the middle of the United States. God loves us so much that
He made provisions to bring our family together. And now we are! Thank you Father!
First video is the "Gotcha" moments. Second is the slide show of the day. Enjoy and praise God for His love for us.
watching a new child come into this world. While there may have been some excitement when these children were
born - it was very short lived. Marisa was left to be found one day after she was born in a small rural town in
southern China. All the while our hearts were wanting in the middle of the United States. God loves us so much that
He made provisions to bring our family together. And now we are! Thank you Father!
First video is the "Gotcha" moments. Second is the slide show of the day. Enjoy and praise God for His love for us.
. . . AND THE VIDEOS