Babies, BBQ, BICF & Baba

Oh how we love these precious kids!

Lori coloring with Maggie

Heidi & Baby Bo

Dinner Saturday was Chinese BBQ on the sidewalk at a small place around the corner from SFCV.  Light rain showers while eating, not a problem.  Just means that we get to enjoy a beautiful rainbow!

Father's Day church service in Beijing at the Beijing International Fellowship.  It was pretty cool.  People from all around the world worshipping together - the only caveat was that you had to show your passport on the way in to prove you weren't Chinese.  To satisfy some of the government regulations and allow this gathering, no Chinese nationals are allowed to be in attendance.

Following worship we went for a VERY warm stroll through the Forbidden City.  We only went to about 8 of the approximately 888 rooms.  Truly amazing when you realize the history that took place within those walls.'

So great to be able to spend the day with my Baba (Chinese for Dad)!

He was able to enjoy a special treat of cards from grandkids at home as well as a brief Skype session between Pop and Benjamin as well as Mom.

The team from Indianapolis arrives at midnight.  We're slated to begin VBS tomorrow at 9a.  Please pray as the final details come together.  Also for the kids with chicken pox.  I'm anticipating that our plans will be a bit flexible as about half of the kids who are supposed to participate have "the pox" and are confined to quarters.

We're Here!

After a "quick" and rather uneventful flight (other than me being stopped by the drug sniffing border patrol dog who sat down in front of me, blocking my way up the jetway when bording the flight to China - he smelled the money I was carrying around my waist), WE'RE HERE!

It was easy to find our friend Fei in the crowd of faces - in honor of Dad who is always telling her to add some more color to her life, here is what we saw:

We were also greeted by my friend, David, who came to the airport just to welcome us.  He and his daughter, Cici (who will be studying next year at DePauw), will be joining us at Shepherd's Field (SFCV) on Monday when we start VBS.



Just before we arrived, Blossom's family pulled through the gates.  What a miracle and a blessing that they have found each other - and just in time as Blossom turns 14 next week, and after that day comes, according to Chinese law, she would no longer have been able to be adopted. We were talking a bit with her Dad and he said it wasn't until this past November that adoption was even put on their heart.  God is good!

Things a quiet at SFCV today, which is a good thing as everyone is dragging a bit.  It is, however, an absolutely spectacular day!  Bright blue skies and the sun is shining.  As I type I'm sitting on the patio between the Inn and Outreach Center listening to the birds chirp (the kids (as well as some of the "big" kids that flew in are sleeping),

We had a quick tour of SFCV to acclimate the team to their new surroundings.  It didn't take Dad long to find his rhythm and glory with the kids.  No surprise that they love him!

Dad, Joy, and Francis

Dad and Francis

We'll have more time with the kids later today.  Several of the houses have been hit by chicken pox.  Please pray for the kids (and the adults who are unsure as to if they have had it or not) that they would heal quickly.

On Our Way!

Our bags our packed & checked...
We've made it through security...
And now all that remains is to board the plane!

Not the greatest picture, but what do you expect when getting ready to start a long travel day?

It is going to be a great adventure!  Please follow and pray for us!  Xie xie!

"These things I plan won't happen right away.  Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.  If it seems slow, do not despair, for those things will sure come to pass.  Just be patient!  They will not be overdue a single day!"

Habakkuk 2:3

Joy of Anticipation

I. Can't. Wait!

I can now acceptably count in days (9) the number of days until I leave for China.

I know that I should be thinking about the piles of supplies that have taken over my living room floor and their need to be masterfully packed so as best leverage available space and not go over airline mandated weight limits...

I know that I should be working on checking off the things on continually-growing-and-already-too-long list of things that MUST be done before I go...

I know that I should be doing a lot of things...

But I'm not...

WHY?

Because I have incredible amounts of excitement and am overflowing with joy to see these beautiful kids (and many more)!!!

Stay tuned in here for updates from the road!

Grady

JJ, Brent, Jared, Melanie

Noel

Elizabeth

Josiah

Cody