At The Beach

While in Chongqing, our guide Michael marveled that we lived so close to the beach. He said that his family loved the beach and we promised to send pictures of Joshua at Virginia Beach.

Well, here is little Joshua on his first venture to the beaches of Virginia Beach.

Mom informing Joshua he really is at Virginia Beach,

Joshua's first warmup to the beach at a playground.

He loves the feel of sand between his toes.

Joshua and mom headed towards the water, hand in hand.

Joshua building courage to venture in the sand without mom or dad's hand.

Courage and excitement in high gear.

Joshua checking out the surf with Dad.

Joshua venturing into the surf with his mom close at hand.

Joshua telling the local tourists to "Get out there and catch a wave".

Meeting New Family (The Verhalens)

Randy's daughter Katie picked us up from the airport upon our return home. Thank you Katie.

You have a heart FULL of love for everyone in your life!!

* * * * *

The following are pictures of Joshua's sister Katie, her husband Ben, and their wonderful family. Joshua had a great time with members of his new family.

Katie and Joshua

Ben and Joshua

Kelleigh and Joshua

Katie, Ben, Tyler & Joshua

Ashleigh & Joshua

Tyler & Joshua At The Races

Grateful & Home in Virginia Beach

Mom brings Joshua into his new home!

Joshua and Dad having some fun with the balloons from Bonita.

Joshua found these sunglasses on his teddy bear that Mom had placed in his crib to welcome him home. He modeled his "star status" for Mom & Dad. It's amazing how he knew what to do and had that "yea, I'm cool look" on his little face.

Joshua checking out his new home. I think the smile says "I'm home!"

Pappa bear and baby bear down for their naps. All the homecoming excitement wore them slick.

Joshua's new high chair. He was not accustomed to being restrained for eating, but has tolerated it very well since he knows it means "let's eat."

Joshua and Mom out for their morning workout. Sorry Joshua no getting out of the workouts with Mom around.


Joshua takes his first ride in new car seat with Mom & Dad. Smiling it's a good thing.

Hey Dad, your chair fits me!
Joshua's first Sunday Church service. He decides that he's ready to take over for Dad at work.

Our biggest praise report:

Joshua saw a pediatric cardiologists today, and his heart has been diagnosed as 100% normal. He was refered to us as special needs due to congestive heart disease. However, it appears that God has other plans for this young man.

The Journey Home

Our next destination...the United States Of America.

Dad and Joshua wait at the Beijing Airport for tickets to ride the big plane home.

Joshua was helping to get baggage checked in at Beijing Airport

Headed to Gate E-20 for our flight home from Beijing.

Dad holding Joshua while he sleeps during our long flight home.

Overall Joshua did really well during the 12-hour flight.

Mom and Dad even got a couple of winks in while Joshua napped.

"Boots On The Ground"

Joshua with his feet on the ground in Chicago. His first steps on American soil (well actually concrete, but it's made in the USA)

We stayed overnight in Chicago so we could get some much needed rest and arrive on Saturday in the afternoon instead of midnight Friday. A good decision as you can see from the smiling faces of Mom, Dad and Joshua as we prepare to leave for the Chicago Airport for the final leg our trip.

ma ma = mother in Chinese

ba ba = father in Chinese

Sleeping boy waiting to board the plane in Chicago bound for Norfolk International Airport.


Mean while in Virginia.... a welcoming party is forming.

and waiting...

and waiting...

and waiting...

...and what!

The flight is delayed.

How much longer until Joshua gets here???

Mom, Dad & Joshua as we arrive at Norfolk International Airport with a crowd of 30-plus greeters from Mei Ming Adoption Support Group, sister Katie, sister-in-Christ and co-worker Laura and dear friend and "Gram" Bonita.

Joshua had on his squeaky shoes and ran to meet the crowd of friends and family there to meet him. He was all smiles and giggles as the kids crowed around him. He seemed in awe and just kept smiling and taking it all in. Mom and Dad were overwhelmed to tears as so many wonderful people came out to support and welcome us home. Thank you all. We could not have made this journey without your prayers, love and support! OH IT IS SOOOO GOOD TO BE HOME! We thank you Heavenly Father for our safe journey and our home. To YOU all the glory!!!

Friend and co-worker Laura and Bonita "Gram" greeting Joshua, Mom & Dad.

Big sister Katie is there to greet Joshua.

Katie gave us a ride home and Joshua his first ride in a car seat.

Thanks Katie!!

Bonita "Gram" presents Joshua with his Welcome Home ballons. One ballon said "Welcome Home Joshua" the other red star ballon said "Spicy Boy." Spicy boy is the name given to Joshua by the guide, Michael while in China. It represents his "little temper" and is a trait children from Fuling are famous for.

Ms. Laura presents Joshua with lamb's ear plant.

Mom and Joshua will have to have a planting day soon!

Hope introduces herself to Joshua. He is smiling and reaching out to shake her hand.

"Okay Joshua, we'll get up with you later for a game!"

"That sounds great guys"

IT's GREAT to be home!!

(Special thanks to Sandi for taking these wonderful pictures of our homecoming so we were able to share them with all of you. Thanks Sandi!!)

Homeward Bound

Today (Thursday) we completed all paperwork and processes at the US Consulate to get Joshua's VISA and bring him home. On Friday we fly to Beijing, and then on to Chicago. When Joshua steps off the plane in Chicago he will be an American citizen. We will then spend the night in Chicago and arrive in Norfolk at approximately 2:30.



We want to thank everyone that has been praying for us and supporting us through the journey. Family, church, friends, work.... you all have been wonderful. Your emails, posts, thoughts and love have been lifegiving. God has blessed indeed.

Joshua is a precious little boy and we are thrilled to have him in our lives. While most of our posted pictures have been of Joshua smiling, laughing and having fun, he also has his spells of crying, being stubborn and trying to have things his way. He actually reminds Randy of his grandchildren when they were much younger. Our hats are off to Katie and Marcia who did a great job raising their kids through some tough times of obstinate behavior, food thrown on the floor, screams when somebody didn't get their way, etc. Joshua's has his moments too.

As we fly out, we ask that you keep all the little children and their respective families in your prayers. We have been with 9 other families this past week. We all fly home tommorrow. The following pictures show the majority of these families:

Our wonderful Chinese guides for Beijing & Guanzghou (Maggie & Rosa)

The children we adopted