We went to our first ASL (American Sign Language) class last night! It was such a good class. We learned the entire alphabet (which we pretty much knew already) and around 40 new signs. The instructor, Tony Cook, is deaf and was wonderful. He made learning ASL fun and easy to remember. If we are going to learn 40-50 new signs a day, in 8 weeks we will have learned about 400 signs! The most difficult signs to learn are the ones that have 3 or 4 different signs for one single word. We have to learn them all so that if we are talking with someone who uses a sign we do not use.

During class, he was teaching us how important facial expressions are when signing. You do not smile while saying you're sorry. Another instructor came in and signed with him a bit. She signed "sorry," but was smiling. He laughed and signed to us that she wasn't really sorry because she smiled.

We are through gathering documents for our dossier. We are now waiting on our home study draft and our fingerprinting appointment from the USCIS. We sent our authenticated birth certificates to the Chinese Consulate in Chicago to be authenticated by them. We are going to send off a packet of other documents this week to be authenticated by the Texas Secretary of State. We are also waiting to hear back from Congressman Chet Edwards office as to why the USCIS in San Antonio has a different fingerprinting policy than the rest of the US. This will hold our adoption up by about 2 months.

The package that we are getting together for Brighton is about ready. I just need to get the letter and photos translated for him. We are hoping and praying that Brighton will be excited about becoming part of our family and that he will not be too fearful of the unknown. We are also praying that he will be allowed to write us back and tell us more about himself and what he likes/dislikes, etc... Please pray that Brighton will look at the photos we are sending and will feel a sense of safety and not of fear.

Tina


"Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to say." Exodus 4:11-12

MORE GOOD NEWS!

Praise the LORD! We received an email today from a wonderful lady at CWA (Mei) about our little boy! I emailed Jane in China, asking for updated information from Brighton's CWI. They took 7 photos of him yesterday and sent us an update. The info is below, followed by the photos we received. He looks much older in these photos than the last photos. Isn't he handsome??? Please leave comments too! We would love to hear from you! Click on the "comment" at the end and leave us a message!

Current Report on An Sheng

Current Condition
HT-147cm; WT-37kg; Head Circumference-53cm; Chest Circumference-72cm; Foot Length-24cm; # of Teeth-26 (height 4'9" weight 81lb. Dani is 4'10" and weighs 71 lbs., so I can take her shopping to find clothes to fit him!!!)

Health Condition
An Sheng is in excellent health condition. He runs, jumps, moves around freely. He is very strong physically. He seldom gets sick.

Daily Routines
An Sheng’s life is very structured. He goes to the School for Deaf and Mute in our city from Monday to Friday. He follows his school schedule. He gets up, bathes, eats, takes classes, and goes to bed, on time. He takes care of himself in his daily routine activities.

Personality & Hobbies
An Sheng is an open, active, diligent, and strong child. He also is very helpful to others.. Every Saturday and Sunday after he finishes his homework, he volunteers to help care takers with their chores. He loves sports, especially basketball.

School Condition
An Sheng started school in 2005 and is now in 3rd Grade (I am not sure how their school works.—notes by Mei). He can converse using simple sign language. He can understand teachers’ sign language and basically has no problem communicating with his classmates and teachers. An Sheng makes B, C grades. He is able to focus on teachers’ lectures in class and finish homework in time. According to his teachers, An Sheng is a smart child.

The People’s Republic of China
Liaoning Province, Anshan City,
Anshan City Children’s Welfare Institute


(Info Dated on 9/6/2006)

Our handsome son!