Harder Family

Harder Family

Monday, August 15, 2016

Countdown

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

We are all trying to enjoy every minute of our last few days together. Thursday morning, we will pack the van and drive Piano Man to the airport. This sweet boy who has captured all of our hearts and affections, will fly away to China with a part of each of our hearts. 

Please pray that God protects him during this time of transition. He told me yesterday that where he lives there are lots and lots of children. He doesn't want to go back, but he has to go back. This strong, resilient boy has had to live 9 years in an orphanage without a family to call his own. He has endured surgeries and injuries without a mom or dad to hold and comfort him. We have been amazed at his willingness to open up his heart to love us, complete strangers. My heart soared when he was showering and I heard him sing "Jesus Loves Me". Yes sweet boy, Jesus loves you so much! As much as we love you, He loves you even more. We are praying that God protects his heart and reminds him of this sweet song while he remains in China. 

Please also pray for the trip to the airport. Piano Man informed me that he thinks that I will cry. I asked him if he will cry, and he stoically told me last night that he won't cry (even though he has been telling me that he is going to cry). Thursday is going to be a hard day on all of us. I know that we aren't the only host family that have fallen in love with our host children. Pray for all of the children, especially those still waiting to have a family pursue them.

Here are some pictures from the last few days:



I found a recipe for Wonton Soup and I nailed it. This kid ate the entire pot (I double the recipe so I'd have leftovers), in just two meals. I had to run out and get more supplies to make another batch.



We met with some more friends at the park. They brought their dog, which Piano Man loved.






Piano Man surprised us with some additional skills. This kid knows how to sew! He fixed his Buzz Lightyear's arm that had fallen off. He was so proud.


Thursday we had some additional kids over. A lady at church had a doctor's appointment, so I told her to bring her 3 little ones over. With two double strollers and an ergo, we managed to walk to the science center near us since the oldest 4 girls had a science class. Thankfully, I bought some ice cream as a bribe. It was super hot out and I kept telling everyone (especially Micaela who had to walk), that we had ice cream at home. The bribe worked and we stayed inside to cool off.








It was fun holding a baby again. It was also nice to hand him back to his parents after having some cuddle time. 


Saturday, we headed to Lake Michigan to hit the beach. The kids loved playing in the water and the sand, and I enjoyed reading a book. 





















Sunday we went to church, came home a took a nap, and then took the family on a bike ride to a local park where we played basketball. I'm sure we looked like a big group. We had two in a trailer, 5 kids riding bikes, and two adults. On our way home from the park, we stopped by 7-11 to get slurpies. After we got back from the park, Piano Man kept working on Micaela's bike. He told me that he could "ride" a bike (which he couldn't). His idea of riding a bike was to keep his legs up in the air and let the momentum of the slopped driveway take him. After about an hour, Wayne came in to tell me that with a little help, he had learned how to ride a bike. Sure enough, this tough, persistent kid taught himself how to ride a bike. He was so excited!! What an accomplishment before he leaves. Now we just need to get him a bike that isn't pink. :) 


No comments:

Post a Comment