Two Daughters and a Mutt: Ni Hao from Shanghai

We received an e-mail telling us the care package Lin sent back to her friends in Shanghai arrived safe and sound. They even sent back pictures of the kids opening their gifts! Since Lin has been home with us, we've sent many pictures of her back to her old orphanage. She has even spoken to her friends several times on the phone, but this was the first time she has "seen" them in over a year. We weren't sure how she would react, but she seemed very happy to see their smiling faces.

One of Lin's "aunts" showing off the photo album we sent to the kids.

Lin has talked so much to us about the kids in these photos and looking through the pictures they sent is bittersweet. It feels like WE know them a little bit too. Our hearts are open for them... if only we could just open our doors as well. Lin definitely plans on staying in touch and sending more care packages. She also wants to know when we can go back to visit. It was hard enough the day we met Lin and our bus pulled out of the orphanage having to watch her friends and caretakers wave goodbye. I can't imagine visiting these other kids that we've come to know from the stories Lin told us and having to get back on the bus and say goodbye. It helps us understand some of the loss Lin has had to endure.

Lin's best friend back in Shanghai opening gifts and reading a letter

Okay, wiping the tears away... the girls only have two weeks left before school begins. Lin will be heading into 7th and Ruby will be taking another year of preschool. Our adoption agency had a Summer ice-cream social where the kids had a chance to win some back-to-school supplies. They play numerous carnival games and left with backpacks stuffed with notebooks, pens, scissors, erasers, calculator, etc., etc.

Ruby demonstrating her wicked swing... GOAL!

Lin giving it a shot... another fine GOAL!

The girls hanging out with our social worker Jan, an amazing person with the biggest heart!

The girls are also squeezing in one more trip before Summer vacation ends. In just a couple of days, Lin and Ruby will be taking off with their grandparents and cousins for a trip to Mackinaw Island. What ever shall we do with the house to ourselves for a few days?!