Now all our bags are packed and we are ready to go. We cannot wait to step foot back in the USA. We have had an amazing journey here and we are ready to return home and adjust to life as a family of six. I’ve learned a lot so much this trip and feel like God continues to stretch me to become all that He has called me to be. Without His loving hand to guide me and give me gentle nudges along the way, I would be nowhere.
As He has called us down this road I have learned how much value is put on the unimportant. In the book, “A Black Eye isn’t the End of the World” which talks about the “Panda Principles” it says, “Look under the fur. Perhaps if, like pandas we all looked alike, we would be less tempted to spend time analyzing the outsides of others. We would just focus on the more important parts, “under the fur” where all the good stuff hides.”
We have climbed the Great Wall, used squatty potties, walked dusty streets, observed split pants, walked through beautiful gardens, rode in rickshaws, & traveled to orphanages where our girls spent much of their lives. We’ve laughed over signage: “No standing on the toilet seat; no spitting or nose clearing in the Jacuzzi”; wept over children left in rundown orphanages and sickness and needs far greater than we could ever imagine; some who will only ever have a family in their dreams. We’ve met wonderful new friends, shared Bibles with those who may have never heard the gospel and celebrated the new life God has given us.
So early tomorrow (Friday) we will take a early flight to Hong Kong and then travel to Chicago and on to Dayton by around 6 pm with prayers for a safe and uneventful journey. Love to Brady and all our family and friends and a huge thank you for the covering of prayer for us.
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4
3 comments:
I love your posts! I pray for all those children left behind in the orphanages. Your life is certainly an adventure, the Lord often takes us where we never imagined, but thank you for your servant's heart and willingness to be stretched. We need more people in the world like you all. Love and prayers.
I will pray for a safe trip home for all of you! My favorite picture of your whole trip is the one with Zoe alone with the white dress on with the flower attached. Her smile is so big and her eyes do not show the lostness that I have seen in the eyes of an orphan. I know to become Christ like seems such a stretch for us in the walk we are on but Zoe has obviously been loved by all of you the way Christ has loved us - in less than 2 weeks that little girls eyes are happy eyes - not lost anymore. I am happy for all of you!
Cheryl, I think our daughter, HongYing (Elly) was in the same orphanage, Hohhot SWI, as your daughter. I would love to connect with you - we are trying to learn more about our girl's history. Can you email me at adoptmom72-china@yahoo.com ?
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