A Quilt for Chinababy

We have created another blog to share each of the baby's quilt squares and wishes we receive. To make it easy to access I have put a link under A Quilt for Chinababy, on the right. Click on Chinababy Quilt and it should link you directly there.

Year of the Rat

The Year of the Rat started on February 7.


Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiacs, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.
Rats consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.

Not a Celebration for All

Chinese New Year has begun. Preparing has not been a celebration for all.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/2008-02/04/content_6441621.htm

Happenings

Since our last post so much but so little has been happening for us on this journey. Thank you to all who donated to Love Without Boundaries, they collected many donations and won the challenge, and $50,000. What a difference that will make for so many babies. We started collecting squares for our quilt, and I am going to start another blog to share each square as we receive them. More families received their referrals of their baby. The CCAA referrals covered up to December 28, 2005. We received a letter from the director of our agency stating that CCAA has had many changes including a director who retired and many contract workers being laid off (they are the people who review the dossiers and match babies with their families). We had a cyber shower for a family in our Make The Wait group and a book exchange. Please pray for the Ford and Brask families as they travel to China later this week to meet their daughters on February 18. Also, please keep China in your prayers as they battle a severe snowstorm. And lastly many prayers are need for my social worker and dear friend Robin who lost the love of her life last Saturday.