Today started out much better as we didn't sleep in and got to eat a wonderful breakfast in the hotel! Waffles, eggs, potatoes and even cereal (cocoa puffs!!). It was wonderful.

 

We went to an amazing church service this morning. It was held at a theatre and sponsored by the International Beijing Christian Fellowship. The service was full- standing room only. It was very international with people from all over the world. It reminded me of our time worshipping in Ethiopia. What a beautiful picture of the body of Christ. The message was wonderful and encouraged us to do whatever we do as we are doing it unto the Lord- a very encouraging and challenging message.

 

After church we went to a jade store- they had beautiful jewelry and statues carved from jade. We found a tiger carving we liked....it was only 44,000 US dollars!! Wow! We didn't buy anything but everything was very beautiful.

 

Next we ate lunch at a traditional Chinese restaurant. It was our favorite by far. Finally some egg rolls- or something like it :) Then we shopped at a store attached to the restaurant. It reminded me of a flea market and a store back home called Dogpatch.

 

Then we were off to the Great Wall of China. This is what I had been most looking forward to during our site seeing, but unfortunately the weather today was extremely overcast with a little rain, so the visibility at the Great Wall wasn't the best. But, it was still as impressive as I imagined it being. Unbelievable! The steps are literally straight up and down at many points. The view is beautiful, even with the clouds. Zack hiked up quite a bit more than me, but I still went fairly far. Coming down is just as challenging as going up, and both of our legs were shaking afterwards :)

 

Then we went to a very quaint tea shop for tea tasting. We had a traditional tea ceremony, where a beautiful Chinese lady showed us different types of teas, how to prepare them, and then poured us a sample of all of them. It was wonderful! The tea is much better than what we drink in the US- it doesn't even need any milk, sugar, or honey. However, it is also quite expensive- $20 for a small box.

 

It was time dinner after the tea tasting. We were all hoping for something other than Chinese food, but it was not meant to be.  Chinese once more! But this time they brought out a surprise- french fries!!! I was so excited- they really hit the spot.

 

Tomorrow we leave Beijing- at 4:30 am!! Wow that is early! We fly to Nanning and should meet Emmie sometime around noon or shortly thereafter. We are super excited (and I am somewhat nervous). We have been told to expect that she will cry somewhat at first, but I have packed animal crackers, fruit snacks, suckers, and a few small toys to hopefully make the transition easier :) Please be praying!! Tomorrow our lives will forever be changed by this sweet girl!!

 

Some pictures from our second day in Beijing......

 

 

 

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Our first day in Beijing has been awesome. It started out to a rough start because I failed to properly set our alarm. We were supposed to be in the hotel lobby at 8am ready to go, breakfast eaten. We woke up at 7:45! We missed out on the big breakfast and our hotel room looked like a wreck when we left, but thankfully we had some granola bars packed that we ate for breakfast and we were able to get ready super fast!  We were the last of our travel group to arrive in the lobby, but we are "family #1" when they call roll.....they should have picked a different family :) Oh well! The other 7 families didn't seem to mind us being a few minutes tardy. They are a great group of families to travel with and we have enjoyed getting to know them.

 

I am going to try and post pictures in this post....if they don't come through, I might have to post them in a separate post....

 

 

Our first stop was Tiananmen Square, then the Forbidden City along with the Imperial Gardens. Below are some pictures. These landmarks are simply just amazing. They are huge in size yet so intricate in detail. If you notice in the picture with the flags- it is the Chinese flag and the Ethiopian flag! How cool! Of course the Ethiopian flag does not always fly here, but an important Ethiopian leader is visiting Beijing today of all days, so they are flying the Ethiopian flag. It seems like an extra special confirmation of our family :to see these two flags flying together.

 

Next we had lunch at a traditional Chinese restaurant. They brought out several Chinese dishes- I tried most of them (skipped out on the duck and other unidentified meats) . Most were very good, but I can't lie- I prefer our good ole' Kentucky cooking!!

 

Next we went to a pearl store. We were given a demonstration about pearls that was very interesting. We also were shown some gorgeous pearls that were thousands of dollars (I tried on a necklace that cost $7000!!!) Thankfully they had some that were more in our price range (talking $20 :) and we were able to buy some nice gifts and a small bracelet as a gift for Emmie.

 

We visited a beautiful area called Summer Palace. There is a gorgeous lake and it is a very tranquil and captivating setting. There were Chinese ladies dancing, and Chinese men playing music. There were people in paddle boats on the lake. Just a pleasant place.

 

We also visited a silk store and then drove to the site of the 2008 Olympics and ate at a nearby restaurant. Again, traditional Chinese with a fish dish that was served head and all and looked like a blooming onion!

 

We ended the day by seeing a Chinese Acrobatic show. It was AWESOME!!! Their skills are unbelievable and I sat with my mouth open most of the time! We got back to our hotel around 9 this evening and we are exhausted!!! Only 5 hours or so of sleep in the last almost 48 hours makes for some crazy feeling people.

 

The city is HUGE!!!! There are people and skyscrapers everywhere you look! And lots of cars, bicycles and scooters. The weather was very hot today- over 90 degrees. The air is also very "cloudy". Many people masks, and even more carry umbrellas.

 

Tomorrow we will go to a church service and visit The Great Wall of China. Then we will prepare to leave Monday morning for Nanning, where we will meet Emmie!! My stomach is already doing flip flops thinking about how exciting it will be. There is one other family that will be going to the province with us. They are also adopting a daughter.

 

Well, that is all for today. Thanks for all the prayers, and keep them coming.

 

We made it! We have been up for over 24 hours, and have traveled for 20 hours, but we finally are here!! Our flights were uneventful and all on time, so we are thankful for that. Our luggage is all here- very thankful for that. Neither of us slept for more than a couple hours on the plane, so we are ready to go to bed! Especially since we have to be up and ready to leave the hotel at 8am tomorrow for a full day of sightseeing! Will update with pictures and more info tomorrow, but for tonight, good night!

 

Today is the Day- Off for China!!!

The big day is here! In just a little while we will depart for Lexington, Ky. and then at 11am we will depart on a journey that will forever change our lives!

Your prayers and kinds words have been felt and have meant so much to our family during these last several weeks. We ask that you keep them coming as we embark on this great adventure!

Our pray today is this: That God would give us the strength to be everything we are called to be. That He would show us the way to lead our family, these precious children He has so graciously blessed us with. That He would lead  us.

Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayers for Emmie- Day 18

Tonight I feel excitement with a twinge of anxiousness. My stomach has been getting "that feeling" every time I think about leaving our boys at the airport Thursday. I fear there will be some tears, at least on my end ;) They could be in no better hands than my parents and in-laws, but that isn't seeming to help this momma's heart. I am going to deeply miss my boys.

Tonight we ask you to pray for a continued and renewed spiritual awakening in China.
Though we know that Christianity continues to grow in China, we also know that this growth must take place in a secretive way, and for some in dangerous environments. We have discussed this with the boys in an attempt to help them appreciate the religious freedoms that we have in our country. I confess, I need that reminder quite often as well. How often do I take for granted the privilege to worship whenever and however I want? Or the luxury of having the Word of God available to me whenever I want to read it? Lord, help us to treasure You!

The picture below is of Emmie and the Director of the House of Love-  Emmie is saying goodbye to her.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans 1:16

Prayers for Emmie- Days 16 & 17

Today we found out that Emmie was moved to her original orphanage. She was taken by train to the orphanage this past Friday. The email we received said that she was very calm and seemed to understand what was going on. She also insisted on being called Emmie, because she knows this is what her mom and dad will call her :) The orphanage staff called to check on her while she was on the train, and they were told she was doing fine- snacking and laughing. This brings much comfort to our hearts!

Another wonderful thing is that she was given a "countdown calendar" so that while we are counting the days until we meet Emmie, she is also counting the days until she meets us. We are so blessed that she was given such amazing care at the House of Love.

For these two days we ask that you pray for Emmie. I am sure it was exciting for her to get to ride on a train to her original orphanage, but I can't help but wonder what she thought once she realized that she would not be returning to the House of Love, nor would she be seeing her friends or care takers any longer. Please pray that the anticipation of meeting her mom and dad will drown out the sorrow she must feel at not being with her friends any longer.

The picture below was taken the day that she said goodbye to the House of Love.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1