Brian

Brian landed last night around midnight and went to the hospital for some tests.  It was determined that he would stay and need surgery.  I don't know all of the facts but I believe his white count was pretty high and that a cyst had formed that was fairly large.  They went in and drained it and may at some point go back in and replace a rod that is still in his bone from his previous surgeries 4 years ago.  I spoke with him briefly via skype phone and he said with the pressure being off it felt somewhat better.  He is still really foggy and on a pretty good pain control pump.  Hoping he'll get to go home Sunday but we'll see.  I know he is in capable hands and has loved ones around him....but its not me and that breaks my heart.  I'm thankful this morning that we made the decision that we did.  Please keep praying for him!!  And me, if you don't mind.  The stress has taken a toll on me and I'm not feeling well at all. 

Brian has landed

I checked a little while ago and Brian's plane has landed in Dallas.  Praise the Lord for a safe trip.  He is heading to the hospital now to get a few tests run so that when the dr gets to work in the morning they could be read.  Brian will be happy to stretch out in his own bed later tonight when he gets home, I'm sure!!!  Just praying that whatever is going on will be something that won't require surgery.

 

I'm so humbled and thankful for the sweet words of my husband and of all of you.  I feel your prayers and thank you for standing in the gap for me when I have no words. I feel so helpless being across the world from him right now.  The Lord will sustain us....

 

Rhett is doing ok.  I believe he is beginning to grieve and miss what he knows as home.  He has decided that he doesn't care much for me at all.  When we are in the room and he is happy about being in the room he is ok.  But as soon as we are with our guide or out in public he kind of shuns me.  But I know it won't last and I'm not taking it personally!  Its all part of the process.  Its just a bit hard when I'm here by myself.  However, the sweet couple in the province with me here has been amazing and very helpful.  I look forward to getting to Guangzhou for a change of scenery and for my sister to arrive.  She will arrive on Saturday night which is ya'lls Saturday morning.  Could you be praying for smooth travel for her? 

 

We will arrive in Guangzhou tomorrow and have the infamous medical appointment on Saturday.  Praying for good results of the TB test for Rhett and for a minimal amount of shots that he will need.

 

I'm sorry for not posting pictures.  Honestly, Brian has been doing all of that and if he gets to heal up at home then maybe I can email some to him and he can post them for me.

My Wife of Growing Noble Character

Will you please join me in overloading my wife of noble character with encouragement?

As I sit here in Shanghai airport catching the next flight home for physical reasons - she is full of questions, and frustrations because this trip has gone nothing like planned on "our" part. I just reread the words from my post last year about this amazing woman as we were picking up Adiah last year - it amazing how much truer those words are today than even then. Much like our favorite country artist Brad Paisley sings - "And I Thought I Loved You Then"--- I am overwhelmed with how much this beautiful woman has added to my life and added to all of my kids lives. I LOVE YOU MORE AMY WOODS! And Rhett loves and needs you to be the firece woman of God that you are - the King's daughter - beautiful, completely able in all things, and walking in Freedom.

To everyone else out there... If you have ever been encouraged, inspired, picked up, or helped by my bride will you please send truth and maybe a comment about how wonderful she is, how faithful our God is, and how even in this we will stand strong bringing worship and our prayers with joy - because he has made a way when there is no way to have love and joy in Him. Even now.




[From April 2008]
Tomorrow, the center of all attention in this "blog-world" my wife lives in shifts to the little girl anticipated for so long... but tonight as we wait for the final step on this long journey I would love for you all to know how adored and treasured my wife is to me...

Proverbs 31:10-11 "Who can find a virtuous and noble wife?" She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her and she will greatly enrich his life.

Many of you know that this journey has been a long and winding road for us over the past 13+ years. There have been many turns and trials, many joys and many victories. Many of those shared with each of you. Today as I was reading and reflecting on the calling and authority that I have been blessed with over my family (rapidly growing family)- I was overwhelmed with the understanding that while God has called me and blessed me in the ways that He has - He called me to these things knowing that He had already provided the most perfect mate for me to walk beside and behind. Without her I am truly nothing in this life and with her I have everything. I am honored to call her my lover, my best friend, mother of all my children and and my foundation of security that allows me to run and dream as big as I dare in all areas of my life. This trip and blog journey would not be complete without a testament to the beauty, grace, and amazement that my wife is... I cannot express in words how proud of her I am on this day. From the birth of this calling in her heart, to the first steps in Jan 2006, to the last few days traveling she has amazed me with her patience, persistence and grace in perseverance. Tomorrow we meet face to face to one chosen to join our family, and I look forward to the years ahead watching Adiah, Ridge, Natie-bug and Em all continue to flourish under the love and guidance of their wonderful mother. Everything a father could hope for his children to learn can be learned in observing their mother. I believe I am most excited for them to see the boldness in which she now proceeds through her life - being a blessing, encouragement, and lightning rod to those she encounters, and being willing to be used mightily in every moment into which her presence is called. Miss Amy, I love you and I am sincerely honored to be on this journey with you.

Proverbs 31: 28-29 Her children (all four (5:)now) stand to bless her.

Her husband praises her. "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all."

her husband,
Brian

Brian is heading home...

Just wanted to give a quick update from China.  Brian left a little while ago to head home to the states.  Now that everything is finished as far as paperwork it was ok for him to not be here and we decided this morning to send him home.  I'm not happy about it but I know its for the best.  He has become quite uncomfortable and needs to get home so he can have his medicines and access to his dr's who know his history to see whats up.  Please keep praying for him.  Pray for comfort and safety as he travels.  And pray that nothng is seriously wrong with his leg.  My sister has graciously offered to meet me in Guangzhou this weekend to help me out.  We are hopeful that her emergency visa will come through tomorrow. 

 

This is not at all how I imagined this trip would go.  To be honest I've battled with anger quite a bit.  But for some reason the Lord has decided that we would walk this out this way.  I want to praise Him even in this storm....

 

 

It's Official - Rhett is a Woods!

Today in the eyes of China Rhett belongs to us!

We signed the remaining papers today and now we wait around for the rest of the week for his passport and documents.

Rhett slept OK last night. He didn't fall asleep until 12am and woke up at 5:30. He did wake up once around 2 crying but went back to sleep when I got him in bed with us. He is still very scared you can tell but is warming up. We've gotten lots of smiles...and a couple of tantrums!! He does say some things in Chinese but unless our guide is with us we don't know that he even said anything!!

We did just get back from visiting the orphanage and you can tell that he was well loved and cared for there! He was happy to see his main nanny! She came running out of the building saying his name and he grinned from ear to ear.


It is very nice to see that he was taken care of so well. Because of H1N1 we were not able to go in to the orphanage, but I was still able to get some pictures of some of the kids who have parents eagerly waiting to go and get their children.














We were able to get Brian a cane today. I hope it will help him, but honestly he is moving very slow and is in a LOT of pain. It brings back memories of not so good a time before- and we both hate that. Please keep praying for him! We need all of the prayers we can get over him! And for Rhett...I have no clue what he likes or needs. But his temperament is very controlled and truthfully has cried a lot less than we anticipated. Its overwhelming at times but have seen this once before personally - and many times with all my friends out there who have been done this road so we know it will get better.

CoCo was also able to shoot a few photos inside while getting pictures of our friends kids. These all come from his floor of the orphanage:

The kids playroom -

Wash Area where they cleaned lil kids and clothes etc














This next one is outside of the 5 story orphanage:
As we were there it was obvious Rhett had been loved. In addition the primary nanny above, there 5-6 other ladies who came up and hugged him and he laughed with them. And then when others inside learned it was Rhett outside several kids and other workers called down from the open windows above to wish him well and were full of smiles. Was a blessing to see how much love and attention he had received and also very comforting our prayers had been answered!













Well - day 2 is done and we're already ready to be home! We love all of you so much and cannot wait to be back!!

Living in Freedom even here -
(&Brian ;-)

Gotcha Day - Rhett Han Miller Woods

He's amazing!!!!!!!!!
We got Rhett today at 2pm. He arrived a little late so I was able to see the van pull up with him in it. He had a few tears and was super afraid at first. But he has warmed up quickly to both of us!!

We came back to the room (which is awesome by the way!) and he has literally not stopped moving around and exploring! I had to leave for awhile to do some paperwork and Brian said he was very studious and deliberate in how he gets into everything. And by the looks of this room I believe it! He mumbles some things every once in a while and we don't understand him but its too cute!

One amazing thing was what the nanny said who brought him to us. She said this, "When he was found he was very small and weak. He was very delayed because of his circumstances, but last year he has gotten a lot of help and has had a special nanny just for him. With her help he has caught up to the other kids his age. We (orphanage workers) think he is not special needs anymore." Can I get an AMEN???

Thank you, Lord!!

He is so smart! Everything I do he mimics. I was getting the gifts for the officials ready earlier and if I put something in a bag so did he. With hand signals and pointing he even follows very good instructions. And he loves to color and hold pens - and then put them back in their respective boxes in the same way they came out...

He is like the Tazmanian devil!!! Crazy busy and messy (but somehow very focused in the mess!). You need to pray for this neat freak!!

I'll write more tomorrow. We are completely spent and running on fumes. Please keep praying for Brian. His leg is really causing him significant pain.

We made it to China - Take 2

We're here!!! We arrived yesterday afternoon in Beijing around 2:40pm, made it to the hotel around 5pm and then had dinner with my aunt and uncle and cousins who live in Beijing around 6pm. The flight was decent other than Brian not feeling so hot! He woke up Saturday morning with a stomach thing I think. But he is doing better. Please be praying for his hip. He is in a great deal of pain in the hip he hurt in his accident in 2004. Is it a spiritual attack? You bet it is, but we are praying and believing for his healing!!



We finally fell in bed last night around 8pm and slept until 4 so we could be down in the lobby for our ride back to the airport. We are now in Nanjing waiting to go downstairs to meet our guide to take us to Rhett. We will get him at 2pm China time!!! We are exhausted, excited, and emotional! And I'm so praying that Brian can enjoy this trip even in his pain. We'll try and post tonight with pictures of our new little man!!

Kids, we'll skype you when you wake up in the morning. We love you and miss you terribly!!!

Signing off.....

We've had a wonderful day celebrating Christmas today....probably one of the best! We've enjoyed family (I've been working on a Christmas post but blogger isn't cooperating with pictures), opened gifts (also involved a HORSE!! and a LAPTOP!! We have some happy kids in the house tonight), food, laughter, and wonderful memories. And tonight we are winding things down and preparing to leave the house at 3:30am (yowzers!!!! Once again....thank you, Dad!!). So I'm off to cuddle my kids for one last time until I see them in 2 weeks. I'm so honored to be doing this again.....Rhett, we love you! We can't wait to celebrate Christmas with you HERE next year. Please be praying for us as we go! Brian is hurting in his hip(the hip he hurt in his accident a few years ago) so I'm sure this trip could be hard on him. But we serve an awesome God who loves us and takes care of us! Victory is already ours!!
See you from China!!!!

This is getting so real....

“…The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:11



Dear Brian & Amy,



The day you have long been waiting for has finally arrived! You are about to meet your precious child face to face! The America World staff shares in your joy as this day quickly approaches.



Like most incredible life experiences, your trip to China will be both amazing and challenging. As Paul encouraged the Romans, so we also encourage you with this verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

(Romans 15:13)



Please know that you will be in our prayers throughout your time in China. We look forward to talking with you upon your return, and hearing all about your trip. If you will be posting pictures or updates to a blog while you travel we would love to have the link and follow along. We are thankful for the blessing of walking alongside you throughout this journey. May God bless this final chapter of your adoption process!



Please note that America World offices will be closed December 24th, 25th, 30th, and January 1st. Emergency contact phone numbers for Anna Graham and I are listed on your itinerary.



Have a wonderful trip and a Merry Christmas!



In His Love,



Kristen Hussa

Assistant Travel Director

I'm here, I'm here!

Well, its been a crazy last few days preparing for our trip to China. I believe we are almost done packing and organizing!! Today we decided to change our flight from DFW/Chicago/Beijing to DFW/San Francisco/Beijing. The weather in Chicago is looking too iffy and I would rather know that we are not going to be fighting icy weather with a possibility of having our flight canceled. I know other things could happen but we decided to go another way instead. Our agency was awesome to help us so last minute. And then Adiah woke up today not acting right. I took her to the dr and she has strep. Isn't that fun? So we started her on an antibiotic and praying that no one else will come down with it. Tonight we start our Christmas celebrations over at Brian's moms house. That will be fun!! So I'll check in with you later...Merry Christmas, ya'll!!

And now we can actually GO!!!

I mean, except for the fact that I'm not packed yet but thats neither here nor there!!

Today our TA arrived from our agency along with our passports/visas, our handy dandy AWAA tshirts, and a neato luggage tag. I laughed when I only saw one luggage tag. I thought..."do they think I'm only packing one suitcase? Wrong!".

I think I need to ask you all to be praying about the weather for the day(s) of our travel. We fly into Chicago before flying to Beijing. Of course, its forecasted to snow alot. And with it being Christmas travel I'm sure it could potentially delay things. Since we aren't leaving with the rest of the group on the 24th it doesn't give us much wiggle room with flight delays or cancellations. We need to be in Rhett's province by Monday afternoon. So will you pray with us about that? As my fellow travel mate reminded me, God has moved many mountains for us to even be at this point. He can move the mountain called "weather" too! I believe that!!

Oh, and I forgot to mention....

Rosa and Maggie get to be our guides again!!!!! I am SO super excited about that! I'm sure the other guides that AWAA works with are wonderful! In fact, I've heard that they are. But when you've walked this road before with people who were so key in your trip and making everything go so smoothly then you get a bit excited that you get to do it again! I cried my head off the day we said goodbye to those two ladies in March 2008. I'm just so thankful that I get to hug their necks again. I hope Rosa drinks that same yucky looking tea that she did last time....warms my heart thinking about it!!

Ok, now this is getting FUN!!!

Adoption Itinerary
December 26th –January 8th

Saturday Depart for Beijing
Sunday Arrive in Beijing 12/27/2009

Gotcha Day!
Monday Morning: Flight to Jiangsu
Afternoon: Meet Rhett Han Miller Woods

Tuesday-Civil Affairs Appointment
Wednesday-Friday Paperwork & Sightseeing
Friday-Flight to Guangzhou
Saturday-Medical Exam
Sunday-Consulate Paperwork
Monday-Sightseeing & Shopping
Tuesday-Consulate Appointment 1/5/2010
Wednesday-Consulate Oath Taking Ceremony
Thursday-Pick up Child’s Visa
Friday-Depart from SHANGHAI

Uh, this can't be good

I am nowhere NEAR ready to leave in 10 days. Oh sure, I have a pile. But what you don't know is that the pile hasn't been sorted.  I have no clue if I have things I need or not.  Brian and I don't have clothes ready. Still working on getting all of my cash ironed and sorted out.  Trying to locate all of the cords and things we'll need for various cameras we are taking.  PLUS, Christmas is in 9 days!!  Wow!!  But here is some fun news...and this will only really matter to those who know us well and know the significance of this....but we found out that we are in Travel Group 155.  Do you love it?  I do!! Thank you Lord for another reminder that you are in control and that your grace covers all! The packing continues....Rhett will be in our arms in 12 days!!

Travel meeting and we're OUT of the teens!!

First things first....12 days until we leave for China! Can you even believe that? I can barely get my head around it!! If I could find my head these days, that is. Man, what a busy time of year to plan to go to China and adopt a child!!! But all of this will be so worth it in the end! I really can't wait! Just praying that we all stay healthy between now and then so I can continue to prepare and plan for this amazing trip.

Today we had our required travel conference call where we "meet" the other families traveling with us and get lots of information. Talk about overload! Its all stuff I know but when you hear it in one conversation it can get your head spinning! So many details that have to happen...its crazy. But there are only 8 families traveling with our group at this time. And either one or two other families besides us going to the Jiangsu province to get our children. I couldn't really hear where some of them said they were going. Everyone sounded super nice! It got me so excited!!!! I can't believe in only 14 days we will be holding Rhett in our arms!!

We're in the teens!!

Nineteen days until we leave for China! And just 21 days until we have Rhett in our arms!! I woke up this morning and ran to the computer to see the most precious pictures of my friend, Jaclyn, holding their new daughter from China. I feel overwhelmed today!! I'm so thankful that the Lord has trusted us with this again. I'm honored! I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!

Trying out email to blogger

Just adjusted my settings to see if I can email directly to blogger.  Did it work?  Lets go see!!!

Plane tickets have been purchased!!

I just finished booking our plane tickets! Going there isn't so bad. Pretty good times. But coming home has much to be desired!! Arriving home at 11:03pm on Friday the 8th. Yuck. But that's okay! We'll get through it and Rhett will be home!! I can't believe it....we're going back to China!!!!

Concrete Travel Dates!!!

I'm so excited to say that our travel coordinator emailed this morning with our consulate appointment! Which means we can officially say we are leaving the day after Christmas to fly to China. We will get Rhett on December 28th!!! Actually it will be our Dec 27th during the night since China is 12 hours ahead. Most of the group is leaving on Dec 24th but we have asked to leave on the 26th and skip the Beijing portion so we can be home on Christmas morning with the other kids. We will return on January 8th! I'm waiting on a call from our agency so we can officially book the tickets today. Once that is done I'll let you know for sure! Yeah!!! We're coming Rhett!! We leave 3 weeks from tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, folks....We're going to China!!!

I really can't believe I get to type these words!! We got our TA today!!! At 9:29 this morning, our travel coordinator called and said the words I'd been waiting to hear since we saw Rhett's face in May...."I have some good news to share with you!". And the rest is a blur!! She will be requesting our Consulate Appointment tonight and once that is made we can book our plane tickets. It looks like there is a group leaving on December 24th. If the cost isn't ridiculously more expensive we will probably skip the Beijing portion of our trip and leave on the 26th so we can spend Christmas day with our other kids. I'll have more details later this week but I just wanted to share the good news with all of my faithful prayer warriors and blog followers.

Even though we know that God's timing is perfect it still hurts in our flesh when things don't "seem" to go right. My sister in law and her husband did not pass court last night in Ethiopia due to a reason beyond their control. So its been a very bitter sweet day. Praying that they will get to go to court again on the 8th and bring those sweet babies home!! Its all for His glory!!!

Stay tuned for more details!!

Let's look at him again, shall we? Oh, Rhett! We can't wait to hold you and love you and smother you with kisses!! And get you a dude's jacket!!