Bush's Summer to Remember

After many years of absence we are making a soft come back to the Blogsphere friends! This will be an amateur attempt to journal a little of the first time taking our RV out of state. Though the blog doesn’t lend itself to post many pictures as Facebook, still we figure the blog format allows for a little more descriptive remarks of our memories. Let’s see how it goes! We are still figuring how to factor in down time on our trip for relaxing and recovering as we travel up the East coast. We are calling this trip a “Bush’s Summer to Remember”. We are on our way to Maine by the end of the June, and back to Florida by the end of July.

We left the Carolina’s yesterday and arrived to VA safely. While in the Carolina’s we stayed at “Givhans State Park” Such a beautiful park! The name makes one think of a short for “Give Thanks”..doesn’t it? We enjoyed the beautiful natural views and took several walks and bike rides around the Edisto River. A sight to remember were the plentiful cardinals flying and chirping throughout the park. We love cardinals in our family. We have a faithful couple of them living in our backyard. I guess they’re making us feel at home. Not only do they look pretty, but also their crimson plumage, swift flight and faithfulness to their lifelong partner makes me think of Jesus. Want to know why? Check this Bible verse out. So fun to see them along the East Coast! We also saw bunnies and fireflies. Michaela even caught one and it was so amazed by seeing them sparkle in the dark. Another noble creature that points to our awesome creator huh? 

The day after arriving to SC, Michaela was a tad under the weather. So the girls and I stayed at the campground to give her some rest and recover. We enjoyed a lovely time of praise and worship with God's creation as our sanctuary. So sweet! It was also wonderful to be able to connect with church and listen to the sermon online.

In the meanwhile Dave took the boys to town to explore the “Hunley museum”. This was a Confederate submarine commanded by Lieutenant Dixon in the Civil war. Dave says it was a fascinating visit. It turns out this submarine successfully carried its mission of sinking the Husatonic, an union ship blockading the Charleston harbour.  However, it sunk on its return for unknown reasons which are still a mystery to this day. The Hunley was found in the late 1990’s. Isn’t that wild!?

Another place we visited in Charleston, SC was the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. This ship was built by the Navy and was an instrumental fighting vessel in the pacific theatre retaliating the Japanese Pearl Harbor attack in World War 2. This carrier is so huge & with such educational load on American history, aeronautics, engineering, etc! It took us 4 tours, all day and we still didn't cover it all. we learned a lot together and everybody had a blast. Also both Dave and Garrick got over their 10,000 steps in!

Downtown Charleston, SC was also a quaint and refreshing quick stop. Strolling through the colonial roads and pathways was quite relaxing. Most of the 18th century architecture has been preserved and updated in a very sensible way to keep the colonial feeling. There were beautiful flowers everywhere..ah, and the Hydrangeas! I wish I could take their flower baskets & gardens home with me!

After leaving SC we overnighted at a RV resort in North Carolina where we decided to stay put and recoup before heading to Virginia. That’s where we are now. More to come! So grateful to have this extended time to take this time away to make memories and build our family up. We normally don’t leave for such a long time, but Dave gets the perk of “adoption leave” this year, remember?!  Such a blessing! We are having such a blast. God is good friends. I hope your Summer is drenched with His blessing too! Jump here to the next journal entry if you wish: VA.

Gotta see this movie: The Phantom Tollbooth

Oh my goodness! Another highly recommended movie. I can't wait to dive into the study of this book with Garrick next year. In his own words with a grinning face-Garrick: "Mom, this movie is hurting my brain!"..But in my house 'we read the book first' you might say. Well, I do most of the time. But sometimes there's nothing wrong with tantalizing your senses first to get motivated. After all, motivation is the first step to open the door to learn..and we are gearing up to flex our brain muscles in a new way to help us get better at learning anything! So there we go 8th grade, we are coming. Let's learn together about argumentation & logic to understand the world! Let's join Milo in going through the Tollbooth to learn how the kingdoms of Dictionopolis & Digitopolis are a gift from the Lord to help us know the Giver of all things and all He has created. After all, knowledge is a gift from the Lord to point us back to Him. And eternal life is to get to know Him..that's right, eternally. (John 17:3)

You better check it out from the library soon. That may increase its circulation and give it more chances to stay there. Not sure how much longer though. They're clearing the shelves from the good stuff you all, and just filling it up with brain sleep aids. People out there don't want you to use your brain properly..Here some quotes from the book to amuse you:

"You can swim all day in the Sea of Knowledge and still come out completely dry."

“You must never feel badly about making mistakes ... as long as you take the trouble to learn from them. For you often learn more by being wrong for the right reasons than you do by being right for the wrong reasons.”

"Rescuing children [and adults] from boredom and the dark fate of the lazy mind."

“Whether or not you find your own way, you're bound to find some way. If you happen to find my way, please return it, as it was lost years ago. I imagine by now it's quite rusty.” 
― Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

Anne of Green Gables #1 - Review

What a delightful read. I had watched the movies, but had skipped the books.  I will definitely come back to this book just to enjoy the ride of reading through the sentences and getting my eyes refreshed to appreciate nature, and beauty and life with al that comes with it. I can’t wait to get to the second one in the series and to read it with my daughter.

I think this is a great character-building story in so, so many ways. One I’d like to highlight is the great illustration of “Beauty being on the eye of the beholder”. We all need a little more “Scope for imagination” to color our everyday realities and grow in contentment and gratefulness. I think this book is a good place to stir some of that scope. I totally recommend it for women of all ages. These are a couple of my favorites lines I wish not to forget:

 “Wouldn’t you just love to be rich, girls?”…”We are rich,” said Anne staunchly. “Why, we have 16 years to our credit, and we are happy as queens, and we’ve all got imaginations, more or less.  Look at the sea, girls -all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen.  We couldn’t enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes and diamonds…”Well, I don’t want to be anyone but myself, even if I go uncomforted by diamonds all my life,” declared Anne.  “I’m quite content to be Anne of Green Gables, with my string of pearl beads.  I know Matthew gave me as much love with them as ever went with Madame the Pink Lady’s jewels.”

“Ever since I came to Green Gables, I’ve been making mistakes, and each mistake has helped to cure me of some great shortcoming.  The affair of the amethyst brooch cured me of meddling with things that didn’t belong to me.  The haunted wood mistake cured me of letting my imagination run away with me.  The liniment cake mistake cured me of carelessness in cooking.  Dyeing my hair cured me of vanity..and today’s mistake is going to cure me of being too romantic.”

Beloved Bride: The Letters of Stonewall Jackson to His wife - My book review:

Wow, what a nice surprise of a read. I picked this book just out of curiosity from the title thinking it was an inspirational book about marriage. How much more did I get! It definitely had plenty of word pictures of the dynamics of a Christian marriage and piles of wisdom about God’s intend for it as a portrait of the gospel to the world, however, I encountered far more than just that. I was introduced to the life of a hero and an American legend which I was not aware enough of.

One of the greatest insights I got from this book is God’s providence in placing a Christian leader like Jackson in the midst of the bloodiest war in American History. One of my favorite take-aways from this book, it’s Anna, Jackson’s wife’s recount of his campaigns: “Within forty days he had marched 400 miles, fought 4 pitched battles, defeated 4 separate armies, with numerous combats and skirmishes, sent to the rear 3,000, 500 prisoners, killed and wounded a still larger number of the enemy, and defeated or neutralized forces 3 times as numerous as his own upon his proper theater of war.” Further I like to take away his regard to this as he replies to Robert E. Lee’s remarks while Jackson laid of is death bed after a mortal wound: -Lee: “I should have chosen for the good of our country to have been disabled in your stead… I congratulate you upon the victory which is due to your skill and energy.”…To which Jackson replied: “General Lee is very kind, but he should give praise to God”.

There is actually an account of a revival in the midst of the civil war. I am grateful that God strategically used Jackson’s influential life along that of many others in his church during that time to bring the gospel to the hundreds of thousands of men facing death in the battlefields. These quotes from Jackson give a little glimpse on his heart for the advance of God’s kingdom in the middle of war. This he said after the ordered destruction of property to help neutralize the enemy: “-If the cost of the property may have been expended in disseminating the gospel of the prince of peace. How much greater good might have been expected.” And here’s Anna’s recount of the last service attended by Jackson: ” -In front of the tent, under the canopy of heaven, were spread out in dense masses the soldiers, sitting upon benches or standing. The preaching was earnest and edifying, the singing one grand volume of song, and the attention and good behavior of the assembly remarkable.”

I do really recommend this book and any other books on the subject of the life of Stonewall Jackson for your own personal enrichment and for the inspiration of children, specially boys in their endeavor to become men of character, valor and eternal perspective.

Here some more of my take-aways from this book to wet your appetite for wisdom. Stonewall Jackson’s large collection of maxims and quotes are highly regarded and sought after:

-“L.t. Jackson cast aside all his former reluctance and excuses and devoted his life to seeking the glory of God and obedience to biblical precepts."

-“How delightful it is to feel that we have such a friend, who changes not! The Christian recognition of God in all his works greatly enhances his enjoyment.”

-“You must not be discouraged at the slowness of recovery. Look up to him who giveth liberally for faith to be resigned to his divide will, and trust Him for that measure of health which will most glorify Him and advance to the greatest extend your own real happiness.”

-“See if you cannot spend a short time looking out your window into space, and meditating upon heaven, with all its joys unspeakable and full of glory and think of what the savior relinquished in glory when he came to earth.”

-“He showed that in Adam’s fall we had been raised from the position of servants to that of children of God. He represented man as redeemed being at the day of judgement, standing nearest to the throne, the angels being farther removed. And why? Because is sitting upon the throne he is a nearer relation to Christ than the angels. And his being the righteousness of God himself”.

-“Try to live near Jesus and secure that peace which flows like a river.”

-“Look, men, there is Jackson standing like a stone wall. Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer!”

-“I know that the first brigade was the first to meet and pass our retreating forces – to push on with no other aid than the smiles of God..”

-“Was not such a heavenly vision enough to make him forgetful of his sufferings? He beautifully and forcibly described the death of the righteous, and as forcibly that of the wicked”.

-“What I need is a more grateful heart to the “Giver of every good and perfect gift.”

-“Over the next 2 months Jackson would rewrite the military history books in an audacious and brilliant campaign that is still studied in the military schools around de world.”

-“Your sickness give me great concern, but so live that it, and all your trials, may be sanctified to you, remembering that our light afflictions which are but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

-“There was something very striking in his prayers. He did not pray to men, but to God. His tones were deep, solemn, tremulous. He seemed to realize that he was speaking to Heaven’s King.”

-“Make our nation that people whose God is the Lord, is my earnest and oft-repeated prayer. While we attach so much importance to being free from temporal bondage, we must attach far more to being free from the bondage of sin.”

-“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth: a stranger, and not thine own lips.”

-“We can sympathize with her, and I wish I could comfort her, but not human comfort can fully meet her case; only the Redeemer can, and I trust that she finds Jesus precious, most precious, in this her sad hour of trial.”

-“How kind is God to us! Oh that I were more grateful!”

-“How delightful will be our heavenly home, where everything is sanctified!”

-“He also rejoiced that the Sabbath days could now be kept regularly and deeply appreciated the preaching and prayer meetings of the army.”

-“Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees.”

I'm enjoying going over this review again. Grateful for this book.

Persuasion by Jane Austen. My book review:

Well, this was the first time I read a Jane Austen’s book. I have to confess that "Romantic novels" are not my favorite genre, so I am not sure if this spoils my review. And I am not a book critic by any measure.

Ok. I will start with some the positives. For the most part, (With the exception of the extremely wordy descriptions placed mercilessly right on the tension points along the plot) I enjoyed the richness of the language. Sometimes even as you have to plough through really long sentences, the wording itself is quite interesting. I also liked very much the highlight on the importance of quality relationships over the empty exchange of aristocratic circles. What a great reminder to our present world which propelled in part by social media and crowded schedules frequently feels as spiraling downwards towards shallow relationships.

I also enjoyed the contrast in character between the female roles in the story. I think Jane Austeen, and I assume, many other 19th century female writers used their novel characters as voices to enlighten the culture of the time about the value of women, and their transcending role in society. I think this may have had a significant catalytic role in the civil rights movement, opening the door for a much-needed holistic appreciation of women. I enjoyed how Austen made Anne Elliot a truly “heroine” by embodying among many other things the tenderness required to engage and truly care for children, the respect and compassion required to appreciate the unfortunate, the wisdom and patience to highly regard the views and needs of the elderly, the curiosity and mental rigor to cultivate an educated mind, the sensibility to appreciate beauty, and the prudence and selflessness to care for the fate of others as much as her own.

With that said, I will point now to some of the things that I didn’t love as much. First, I think the plot was not as robust as I expected. I was frequently distracted by turns in the events that didn’t feel as natural. (I came to this novel, with the expectations of “Little women” which to me has a much stronger plot). Also, even as persuasion was a strong force applied to the decision making of the main characters, I was often frustrated on the over-reliance of perception and third-party opinions instead of plain open communication. I guess that it’s a malady that we all have to get over with. And I guess the older one gets the more aware of it. Thus, I call that a life lesson, and probably another plus instead.

I was also a little bothered by the frequent borderline “self-deprecating” assessments of Anne. I sure wouldn’t like my daughter to employ that self-talk pattern at all. However, I think it’s fair to say that we all struggle with that sometimes. Finally, I was not happy with the resolution of the story. Even as they end up together and living happily ever after, the turns of events that brought them together felt somewhat abrupt, rushed and unnatural. Also, I missed the fervent and sensible confessions of mutual affection which I truly enjoyed in “Great Expectations” or “Jane Eyre”. I think “Persuasion” was a good piece of literature, very timely for its era, with a significant entertainment value and a few good life lessons. However, it didn’t make it to the shelve of the books that I look up for inspiration and character building. Now will I read "Pride and Prejudice" even as I had already watched the movie? Many people say it's much better. So we'll see.

Michaela's Prayer Countdown!

Here we are friends, just a few hours away from boarding the plane that will take us to fulfill the 
dream we've cherished for so many years. After arriving to China, it will be just a few more days 
to get to know our sweet little girl Michaela Tsai-Ann. We are so, so very excited!!  
Once in China we will have very little access to the   Internet. :/  


We will do our very best to send updates if we are able,so you can share in our joy.  
However we would love to stay connected with you via prayer  while we are away, regardless! 
We are so glad that internet connection is not needed to be "online" with our Heavenly Father! =)


This is the way you can pray for us until we come back home in about 18 days. 
Especially on April  12th, (April 13th in China) which is the day we’ll be meeting Michaela for first time. 
We can’t be anymore grateful to all the many, many, many ways you all have supported us
during this long and life changing journey! 


Click here if you are new to this blog and want to read previous posts about our journey:  (Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).






Michaela’s Prayer Countdown:


Day 7: Please pray that God would prepare Michaela's heart to meet us.  That He guides us through 
the bonding process with her.  That He gives us favor before her so that she learns quickly to trust us,
obey us and know we are Mommy & Daddy.

Day 6: Pray that her feeling of loss and brokenness would be minimal as she leaves the only people,  
culture & language she's known so far.  That we have a very positive experience with the 
Orphanage nannies, kids, staff, volunteers & all the people involved with our farewell
to their place of birth.  That God would use David & I to help her experience complete healing.


Day 5: Pray that God protects Michaela from any virus or diseases while we are with her in China.   
That she aces her medical examinations so that she can be granted a visa to leave the country 
without any delay.  That God would granted her miraculous healing. 
That her health & brain development catches up quickly after we start caring and loving on her.  
And for God's favor and direction in case any therapies or medical treatments are needed.


Day 4: Pray that God would give us favor as we go though all the official steps & requirements
to finalize our adoption in China and come back home together as a family:  
An expedite adoption  registration, medical appointments, passport and visa application.


Day 3: Pray that God would keep our boys and family safe & healthy in the States 
as they state home with Grandma and my sister.  
That God would prepare their hearts to meet their sister and they bond quickly & joyfully 
after we come back home.


Day 2: Pray for safe travels for Dave & I. That we are able to soak in and enjoy the culture of our 
Daughter's country of birth.  That this trip would be a joyful & memorable experience for both us and her. 
That God would protect us from sickness and would strengthen our bodies for all the walking 
ahead and the carrying luggage while traveling through 5 cities to complete official appointments. 
That God would providentially heal my upper back problems so that they don't become an issue 
during our trip.


Day 1: Pray that God uses us powerfully to communicate the love & grace of Jesus to all the people
we come in contact with during our stay in China.  especially to our daughter. That we can model 
Jesus to her, that He touches her heart, that she would come to know Him and be saved at an early
young age!












Looking forward to see you soon as a family of 5! =) 
Zàijiàn!! =)
Dave, Paola, Garrick, David-Elliot & Michaela Bush

Introducing our new daughter: Michaela Tsai-Ann Bush!

Ok dear friends, we cannot be more delighted about introducing our new daughter: Michaela Tsai-Ann Bush!! Yes, you can scream a big YAY with us!!! What a difficult last 19 months it's been! But how worth the wait was. Everything is beautiful in God's time. It certainly is. We are so in love with our new little sweet pea, that we don't think about the long wait anymore. Here are the links to our previous updates for those of you who are new to our journey: Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 

Our Bush girl! =)

Isn't she supercute?!! The best compliment we got was from a friend who said: "Eekkkk, but of course! She just looks like a Bush; who else could have she been matched with?!!"

Mommy I think  can hear your kisses all the way here! =)

As many of you know we received our child referral back in early January, and have ever since working really diligently in getting all the paperwork in order to be able to travel to China in about two months to meet her and bring her home!

This is when I was 18 months old..awhh!

Michaela Tsai-Ann is currently 27 months (11 days younger than our youngest son at home) and was found abandoned at a park in the city of Kaifeng when she was 1 month old. She has been living in the Kaifeng City Social Welfare Institute ever since.  

I love riding my little red ox! =)

She currently has some developmental delays probably due to negligent care after a premature birth. She has done great progress at the orphanage though, and the care and love she has received while in the orphanage has been a great response to prayer.   However, she will probably need continued therapy once we bring her home.

Mommy, I can't wait until you are the one holding me!..I'm grateful for my loving nannies though..

Once more God has super exceeded our expectations and has pleased our hearts in orchestrating this match. We are also very grateful for all the support we have received from friends and family as we go through this journey. We can't wait to be able to introduce her personally to you really soon.  

Yes, I'm ready to let my brothers take a ride too! =)

Following are our current prayers requests. Thanks again for your support!

*Please pray for the expedite processing of our visa applications

*Please pray for God's favor so that we get the invitation by the Orphanage (Travel Approval) really soon. 

*Please pray for God's to provide the finances to cover the last part of our adoption process.

*Please pray for God's favor as we start making travel arrangements