Bowling

--From July 8th--

Thanks to my wife we stayed cool yesterday. at least for a few hours. Amy had the brilliant idea to go bowling instead of hang out in our house that gets hotter than Hector. It was a great time for all us Swavels as we laughed, bowled and then played in the arcade. We even saw a Johnny Cash video followed by Bon Jovi and Twisted Sister. I know, strange combo to be showing on a bowling alley TV....

 However, everytime I bowl I am pleasantly reminded of my friend, Dave Sampayo. Why? Well, years ago he diagnosed me with a tendency to bowl like Fred Flintstone and was afraid my wrist might snap off if I didn't change my bowling style. So, he bought me bowling shoes, gave me his old bowl redrilled to fit my hand, a new bowling bag and some bowling lessons. Now, although I am not a great bowler I do not inflict damage to myself.

 Dave taught me a great lesson. Instead of walking a mile in my shoes, he gave me shoes and a bowling ball that remind me of his kindness each time I step on a bowling lane.

Swavel

Unscathed

--From July 5th--

About a week ago, I had an epiphiany. Strange enough, it happened while I was waiting for an order at a Pizza Hut in China. It had been a crazy day and I just paused long enough to catch my breath and listen to the background music. The speakers were playing the old tune, "someone to watch over me."

It struck me how appropiate this song has been for me and my family in the past few weeks. Now you can call me crazy, but I don't think it was mere coincidence my family and I went halfway around the world unscathed. I will give that credit to God who not only planned the trip but protected us as He always does. Even since we've been home He has let it be known that without His care we would be in big trouble.

 To me, John 15:5 best sums up how I am feeling tonight, ".....Without God I can do nothing...

 Swavel

Happy 4th

--From July 4th--

Two thoughts come to mind on this 4th of July:

 1- We live in a free country. Let that soak in for a minute................... Just recently my family and I came back from another country and you can only imagine how good we have it here. We have it sooo good here in the good old USA. My daughter, Sianna, best summed this up in China by saying that she couldn't wait to get home and kiss her bed.... I couldn't agree more with that sentiment.

 2-People died so we can have that freedom. Since, I will probably never get the chance to do the same, I believe the best way to honor those who have given their lives on our behalf is to live a thankful life for what I do have. Then, be willing to give my life up for that right if the opportunity does present itself.

 I will leave you with this quote from Revolutionary War hero, Nathan Hale, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

Swavel

Brailling Uno

--From July 3rd--

Just another day of adjusting back to real life. I learned today how hard it is braille a set of UNO cards. Still not finished because I goofed up the red #'s and didn't even know it because brailling is like needle point. You can't see what you are doing till you are done because you must punch the dots from the backside. On top of that you must do your brailling backwards, so the wrting on the front side of the card comes out in order. Confusing I know, but it makes sense to Lia when she reads it, so when I get it finished it will be worth it. 

 Got to thinking today that life is a lot like brailling. So often we are frustrated becasue life doesn't seem to be going the way we would like. But, If we let God do His brailling in our lives I believe in the end it will make sense. Till then I will just keep brailling UNO cards till I get it right.

 Swavel

Worth It

--From July 1st--
Got home last night about 5 pm and still trying shake off the jetlag. Thank you to all for your prayers and for all helped in our journey. It was a trip as my wife said before that was well worth it.

Swavel

All Systems Go

--From June 30th--
Just got a call (4 am). All systems GO. Hope to back in States today. Thank you Lord for being in control.

Swavel

Typhoon

--From June 29th--
If I had to write an ending to our trip to get Lia it would not be this: our flight may be postponed by a typhoon that is heading toward Hong Kong. No, I'm not kidding. But why not bring it on.
It seems to be par for the course for us Swavels. Hopefully and prayerfully the typhoon will not delay us and the next you'll hear from us we'll be home. If not, I'll be posting tomorrow from the other side of the world.

 Swavel

Whirlwind

--From June 28th--

Many years ago, my eldest daughter and I would watch the movie Tarzan together and my favorite part of the movie was when Jane would say to Tarzan, while on a tree limb, in a British accent, “Oh I see.’’

The other night while I was out hunting and gathering for supper (looking for Mcdonald’s) for my family in a busy China city it came to me, finally I see. Well, at least I see better. I see we... are exactly where God wants us, out of our comfort zone and that we have adopted a whirlwind.

Many have asked about Lia’s limited vision and to tell you the truth we are still not exactly sure what entirely she can and cannot see. This I know for a fact, it does not hinder her in her daily life. When you meet her, the first thing you will notice is her energy, which we are trying to harness. She can dress herself, brush her teeth, do her own hair, count money, and she can sing directly into a florescent light. She also sings a mean karaoke version of Phil Collin's song, “You'll Be in my Heart.”

Now what does all this mean? I’m not exactly sure I know, but here’s my best shot.
I can't see what the the future holds, but God does, so I will walk close behind Him.

Swavel

One of Those Days

--From June 27th--
Been one of those days. You know the kind when we are learning to adjust to one another. Just can't wait to get home and not have to worry about whether the ice in my soda will make me sick or not.

The highlight of the day had to be getting Lia her first happy meal from McDonald's and Sianna getting chicken nuggets. I know it sounds strange, but I've about had it with fast food. Please continue to pray for grace as our family grows here on the other side of the world.

Swavel

Lessons from a Chinese swimming pool

--From June 26th--

-Just keep swimming. Today I took my 2 daughters, Sianna and Lia to the pool at our hotel. Sianna was swimming away on her own and I was guiding Lia who was using floaties to keep her upright. One thing Lia has going for her is definitely her persistence, like Dori, in the movie Nemo, she just keeps swimming.

- Keep your mouth shut. First off, it keeps you from swallowing water and second, it keeps you from getting into trouble. Lia found out first hand about both of these truths today in the pool.

- Walls are a pain. While Sianna was doing laps, Lia and I were going around the square pool and we kept bumping into the walls. It was getting annoying, but it helped me to realize that walls are there for a purpose. It reminded me of the walls my family and I faced during Lia's adoption. They may have been a pain, but they didn't stop us from following God on our adventure to get Lia.

- Don't ask why so much. I could elaborate on this, but obviously our new daughter likes to ask 'why?' a lot. I don't blame her, we are new to her and her whole life is in flux. There was a time when I used to ask God 'why?' a lot and all it did was give me a headache, so I stopped.

- I cannot walk on water. However, Jesus can and when He calls you out, you better follow. Strange, but while I was in the pool I began to think about this whole journey to adopt Lia and about how there has been one miracle after the other. Jesus continually called us to follow Him even when the waves crashed around us and we began to wonder if it could ever happen. I am so glad that I serve a God who still does the impossible.

Swavel