Typical Chinese apartment living. These are EVERYWHERE. Some are over 40 stories high, but this is a small complex.
Saying Good-bye to our Changsha Guide, Peter. He was simply extraordinary. Please note that I am almost as tall as him. I'm feeling really tall around here.
Playing with bubbles in the room before we left Changsha.
Today we made our fourth airplane ride from Changsha to G-zhou. It was only about an hour flight and Lainie didn't like it one bit....... a big thanks to Aunt JuJu for sending the M&Ms. They are what got us through. We picked up Lilly on the way to the airport. As soon as we landed here David and Jan were off to find another hospital. I haven't heard from them yet. (It is 11:03pm here). Bobby is hanging out in their room while their girls sleep until one of them gets back in.
It was great to be back with all of the CWA group again. We greeted each other like we were long lost friends. Tonight we all also had dinner together... it was CHAOS. There are two two year old boys who have been adopted by famlies in our group. Two year old boys..... need I say more. Lainie just sat perfectly still and took it all in. I think that was the most action she had seen in her little life. I wish you could see these boys. They are ADORABLE.
We are a little more concerned about Lainie's health today. Her cough just seems to get a little worse each day. This morning I noticed a rattle in her chest. If this were one of my three healthy kids at home, I would have given it a few days to clear up on its on, but in light of her VSD and Lilly's situation, we really felt like she needed some medical attention. Now here is where the stress comes in. There are no medical "clinics" here. Just hospitals. We didn't really feel like we needed to go that route, so our CWA rep suggested we see the Dr. at the hotel Clinic. This is a very nice 5 star hotel - so we figured the medical office was probably up to par. Thing is, the doctor didn't speak English. Her assistant spoke a little english. So there we are, trying to explain to these people that Lainie has VSD and we are concerned about the rattle in her lungs. They thought we were saying something about a high fever.... (Which she doesn't have). Finally, our CWA rep who speaks English and Chinese showed up to help. The doctor said that Lainie had a moderate case of broncitis (sp). She wanted to give her four injections of antibiotic and some other meds. At this point I really thought I was just going to lose it. How were we supposed to make this decision? No one can tell us what kind of medicine it is or if it will be okay for her heart. I just had to walk out of the room and get myself together for a minute. Finally, Bobby and I decided that we would do it. We really felt like her "lung issues" needed to be treated. So, Lainie got a shot today and will get three more before we leave here. I did have enough wits about me to have them give me the names of the meds. So, when we got back to the room we called our good friend, Cecil Davis who is a pharmacist, and woke him up to find out if this was what she needed. While these are not meds commonly used in the US, he said it should treat what she has. All that to say, please pray for Lainie too. Our worry is just compounded by how sick Lilly is. Lainie really seems fine. She is laughing and playing and she isn't running a temp. But I still have concerns about how her lungs effect her heart, etc. Praise the Lord we will be home on Thursday and we can go to our regular doctor. I will never, ever, ever complain about how long I have to wait in the doctor's office, or how much it cost, we are so blessed with good healthcare in the US. I'll end with some pictures from the day. Thank you so much for all of your sweet comments. You have NO IDEA how much they mean to us. And Katie, especially for you, what a blessing you have been. If our kids turn out like you we will consider ourselves blessed beyond measure.
Jennifer
Playing with bubbles in the room before we left Changsha.
Trey, Jillian and Will - only 4 more sleeps until we are all together again. I miss you like crazy! Jillian - I can't wait to see those new crocs!
24 comments:
Hey everybody! Lainie and Lilly were prayed for at church today. Jennifer, do you need me to get an appointment for Lainie before you get home? I hope Lilly gets better soon so they can get her to the states. The kids are doing great. Slept well last night and we are on our way to Nanny's for lunch. Just a few more days and you will be home. Our love to Lilly! See you real soon!
Love, Aunt Crystal
Jennifer,
We are friends of the Bryant family. Thank you so very much for posting about Lilly. We are all so worried about her. Please let them know that the Cornerstone Church is lifting Lilly and all of you up in prayer.
Please give Katie and Shelby hugs from Ms. Sharon & Brinley.
We will be praying for your sweet little Lainie, too. She is just precious!
Sharon Millender
www.ourfamilyourstory.com
Please permit me to give voice to many of our thoughts through a written prayer.
Ronny (Jennifer's dad)
Heavenly Father, you are a loving Parent yourself so you know something of the frustration and worry of Jennifer, Bobby and Jackie and the Bryants. We ask that You make Yourself known to them as their Father and give them peace, freedom from fear, comfort, wisdom, and all that You alone can provide.
And all of us feel some frustration at not being able to help. So, we need that same comfort and peace and the knowledge that You are taking care of them. I'm sure You already thought of this Lord, but we do ask that you give wisdom to the doctors and medical people who minister to Lainie and Lilly in China, that You begin now to prepare the airplane mechanics, technicians, and pilots for their safe arrival home.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, I feel better already. In Jesus' name. Amen.
We prayed for your families at church today. Everyone was going to tell someone they knew. Luke and his team in Africa are also praying. I love you all.
Tammy
Hello to everyone! Nanny's was missing a piece to make it complete today since you all are in China. But I will say that we could eat more lasagna though :)! (if that's not spelled right sorry Trey and I tried haha) Lainie and Lilly were lifted up in prayer today at church. Nathan and I are here with the kids this afternoon. He's outside playing ball with Will and later he's going to hit some with Trey. Thank you for what you said in the blog. You all have been the blessing in my life. I've had wonderful people to look up to!
Have fun!!
Mamaw I heard you think that the food is horrible. Don't worry you will be home soon.
Everyone realllly misses you all and we CANT WAITTTT to welcome little Lainie HOME!
Love and Miss you all
Katie
Hey Mrs.Barbee! I will pray for Lilly. I can't wait to see Lainie! I miss you very much. My mom wanted me to tell Jackie and Bobby hello for her. Be safe!
Love,
Kayla Chapman
Lainie is beautiful! We just saw the pictures and read about your trip thus far. We are praying for you all. Josh had his Sunday School class pray for you this morning! We cannot wait to meet Lainie and get to know her. You were missed at Nanny's house today. It sounds like Aunt Jack would like to have some of Nanny's lasagna. Take care. We Love You!
Praying for Lilly and Lainie and all of you! Keep enjoying your trip and stay healthy!!!
Hello everyone...
In this brief quiet moment before we head to church, I wanted to write. Thank you for the comment about Katie.... Everytime I read the blog I cried (nothing new HA).
We can not wait until Thursday to see you all. It has been a wonderful time for me...getting to be mom to Trey, Jillian, and Will. They are wonderful children and have been soo sooo soooo good!
I took Lainie pictures to church this morning and had to show them off..... I will continue later tonight........ I love you all.
We are continuing to pray that Lilly will fully recover and that Lainie's cough will completely clear up. We are confident this is possible with the help of the Ultimate Physician. As I think about all the excitement that will take place at the airport upon your arrival, I am saddened that Mom, Dad, Timothy and I will miss it. Timothy is graduating from seminary Friday morning (YAY!) and we are driving to Wake Forest on Thursday to spend the night for the morning's ceremony. Although we will miss that homecoming, we will be stopping by your house when we arrive back in town. We miss you all and pray for you often. My little 1st graders have fallen in love with Lainie and lift up thier little prayers as well.
Miss you and love you!
- Jodi and Timothy
Thanks for all your info on your trip and keeping us informed on Lilly too. Have Lainie on our prayer chain too. I know you are getting ready for a full day to get clearance. Will pray this goes well for both Lainie and Lilly.
love,
Rebecca Sibley, Orangeburg, SC
My heart just swells, at times I can't even read the update for the tears. This is like watching God's grace in action, seeing his amazing love and provisions being met with every update of Lainie. I can't wait to touch this precious miracle of God. Thanks for being upon to God's changing your life plan - look at who's life he can change when we are willing.
Love,
Denae Currie
Praying for Lainie's shots to 'clear' her lungs. I love her sweet smile!
In His Grip,
Sheri Dills
Lainie is so cute!!!!!!I can not wait to see her in person. We will contiune to pray for Lainie, Lilly ,and for your safety.
Love Alexandra Buff
Hey guys!
So sorry to hear that little Lainie isn't feeling the best, but so thankful she isn't running a fever along with it. We know you guys are ready to get her home, to her home, finally! Can't wait til that day! You guys along with Lilly are always in our prayers. Stay safe and see you soon!
The Hatley's
I felt that God placed many in my path this morning who were meant to be praying for Lainie and Lilly. I saw Cathy Chee (Edwin' wife..you spoke to a while ago), another mom who adopted a daughter from China about a year ago...sounds like from all the reading that there are many prayers being lifted for both your families. I found myself wanting to get back in touch with you about Lainie and her meds...Cecil's comment was "do you think that her trust is in percentages or the Lord?" That was all there was to say. We continue to pray for your strength and a peace that is beyond what we can imagine.
Love to you!
Christy
Hey you guys!!! Know you are ready to be home. Jennifer stop being that
worrier. I am one to talk aren't I.
Praying for you daily. Can't wait to meet the newest Barbee. See you soon!!
Curtis, Pam, Courtney and Wesley
Jennifer and Bobby,
Your precious boys sat behind me at church tonight. They are doing great but said they were ready for you to come home! We are having fun making Presbyterians out of them while you are gone! They may end up Baspyterians like me!! The best of both worlds! Seriously, we are all looking forward to your homecoming! Love and prayers...
Sharyn VonCannon
Jen your dad is the bomb, loved his prayer I know it must have helped you. Just keep trusting the Lord is doing amazing miracles thru you, Bobby, Lainie, Trey, Jillian, and Will. I saw the boys tonight at church, good kids and very exicited about you coming home. It amazes me that as big as the Barbee family is, it is so clear to see and feel when some of you are missing. Lainie is going to be so bleesed to become a member of your family. Stay safe and hope your travel is enjoyable. I don't think I sent any "G" rated movies for Lainie on the trip home! love you dearly-
Lori
My last quiet time of the day...It is 10:30 at night....and everyone is asleep. I told them they are all getting spoiled. Jillian is in your bed and me and Will have the couches...because he wanted to sleep with me... I am paying Jillian MONEY to sleep in her bed tomorrow night...HAHAHA! Anything to make things work.... Really...the kids have been great and I told Corletta tonight..that now I am afraid of how I will detached myself from these kids...when you get home......it will be hard.....
I want you to know....EVERYONE is helping and it has been a priviledge of mine to help just a little.....FOR AS WE SAY....It is all for Lainie.....
If you read this before our morning..please call me and give me your telephone # again. I think I have lost it...I feel a little better with it......
Please tell Mom Hello and we miss you all and love you all very much!
Until another quiet moment...
We are PRAYING FOR LILLY & LAINIE!
Hello everyone -
I'm so glad the M-n-M's did the trick on the airplane ride. I sure hope 2 packs are enough for the 12 hour flight home!! I told Abi about it tonight, and she said, "That was really nice, wasn't it, mom??" She is such a precious little girl...
To Bobby: I want you to know how proud of you I am. Mom and dad have raised a fine young man and God is making you more like Him by the minute. I Love You, my little brother. You are a great dad!! Trey, Jillian, Will and Lainie are so blessed. I'm looking forward to seeing Lainie and Honor in uniforms together - maybe you can be their coach...
To Mom: When you went with us to Daytona in February Dave Grigg prayed for our safety and added that you were such an incredible person to be giving up your time for your children and grandchildren. You've really sacrificed so much for us - we notice and love you so much for every minute you spend with us, every meal, every hug and so very much more. I know that Bryant children love you and want to adopt you as their mamaw as well. Can't wait to see you on Thursday...
To Jennifer: There was not one bit of doubt in my heart that Lainie would just cling to you. You are such a beautiful person and a wonderful mother. My children love you and your children can't wait to get their arms around you!! Hang in there... God is bigger than all of this sickness - Your dad's prayer said it all...
I Love All of You and am praying for you and the Bryants EVERY DAY!!
Aunt Juju
I Thess. 5:16-18
Bob and Jen,
We missed you guys at church today!Bob - I can't carry a tune in a bucket w/t out you. I know that you both are emotionally drained w/t worry over Lainie's health, just remember that our savior said, " Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest "...he has gotten you this far, I have faith that he will finish strong for you and Lainie. I'll keep praying for good health for LAinie and Lilly, and for strength for you both. See you soon.
Rodney Furr
Hello Bobbie, Jennifer, Jackie, and Lainie,
I've been keeping up with the blog each day but thought tonight that I'd let you know to include me on the long list of those praying fervently for you all. I've been so burdened for Lilly and for Lainie--I remember the stress of having sick little ones, but to add the complications you all face, I cannot imagine. May His peace comfort and calm you and may the Hand that heals touch these precious ones.
What a precious gift of God you are to each other. I'm so blessed by your godly example of demonstrating the core of the gospel in such a vivid way.
When I said good night to Josiah on Thursday night (the night before his 10th birthday) I said "this is the last time I'll get to say 'goodnight' to my nine-year-old," he quickly answered, "Unless we adopt, Mom! Then you could have another nine-year-old!" What God is doing through you is touching us all.
With much love,
Ruth Moran
for all the Moran clan (Hey, if you can be a "gang" then we can be a "clan," right?!)
Hi Barbee family,
So good to hear you are all doing well and Lainie looks so very happy. I am praying for Lilly now that her health will improve and that she will be able to travel on Thursday. Please give my thoughts to the Bryants.
Cindy Coursey
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