Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Hi Everyone,

          Sorry for the lack of updates. I made it to China about a month and a half ago which is just whole other story of its own. I think I've adjusted pretty well to life in China. You know, like not understanding a word anyone says to me. It's a lot of pointing, sign language and if I'm really lucky….google translate. Anyways, climbing six flights of stairs multiple times a DAY to make it up to my apartment has become my new normal. Just about every meal includes LOTS of rice with the use of chopsticks. Teen girls ganging up on me at the market, on the bus, in the street just to take a picture with the coolest/only American in the area to be seen. Yep, I'm living the dream 🙂

         So, I have something special to share with you. Tomorrow is a Big day for a special girl at Eagles Wings. Tomorrow will be her Gotcha Day where she will travel two hours to the big city to meet her Forever Mom. And soon, her Forever Family who are eagerly awaiting for her arrival in America. Simply put….I'm just a wreck over all of this and I haven't even known her for a full two months. On one hand, I am Super EXCITED for her. I helped her pack today and then we made banana muffins for her to share with her Mom on the trip home. But on the other hand, I'm really going to miss her presence. We have become really close over the past two weeks and she's become like a little sister to me. I taught her how to make an apple pie and an apple crisp last week. Just the other day we made cupcakes and in case you haven't guessed yet, we've been doing some serious baking around here. Mostly cause I am taking advantage of the fact that I have access to pretty much the only stove in the entire city and its the holidays. What better time of the year to bake than Thanksgiving/Christmas time? But thats beside the point, I am so thrilled for her even though selfishly I don't want her to leave yet. I wish I could transport you here so you could see the way her eyes light up whenever we talk about her new family. She's about to turn 14 and has spent her entire life raised in an orphanage and her greatest dream is about to come true. She has a family thats coming to get her right before her Birthday. A family she can spend the holidays with. A family that is going to love her unconditionally. A family that is going to support her. A Mom, a Dad, 4 Siblings, 2 dogs, and she couldn't be happier.