We have been so blessed to have had great travel partners throughout our journey. These families have all been ordained by God to bring their children home from China. (West family missing)Hello again...one more time...from a hotel room in China!
Today is the day we got to say things like..."this is our last breakfast here...this is our last lunch...tonight is our last sleep." It is wonderful. We have definitely enjoyed our time here and have learned a lot about where our daughter is from, but we are homesick and so ready to be home as a family of 6. Please pray for our safe travels tomorrow, and for our transition home...for our quick recovery from jetlag (everyone here says going back is worse than coming), for a peaceful introduction between siblings, and for patience for all of us as we find a new "normal" in our home. Thank you so much.
Yesterday and today God has really been speaking to my heart about remembering that he is in control. Watching coverage from the inauguration, God whispered this to my anxious heart. Reading the caring bridge update about our friends' son who is battling an inoperable brain tumor, God breathed this to my anxious heart. Thinking about our 3 flights over many miles and many hours, God spoke this to my anxious heart. Despite his wonderful provision and peace that He has given us in this journey, I still allow my fear and anxiety to cloud my vision of Him. Daily I stumble, and daily He lifts me up...our God is an awesome God!
The only thing on our "agenda" today was our visit to the U.S. Consulate to swear that all of our paperwork was accurate for the processing of Bethany's passport and visa. Our guide kept saying, "Now we will go to the Consulate to swear." It was funny. Anyway, since we had a lazy day, we did a little packing and then took a taxi with the Davidsons to "Beijing Road" which is where the locals shop. Our guide, Rosa, said this is where she shopped, instead of the touristy Shamian Island. So off we went, to have yet another authentic Chinese experience. The place was very busy with literally thousands of Chinese...in shops more Western than Chinese, although a few of those shops were peppered in as well. The most memorable part for me was almost running into a little boy who had dropped his pants in the middle of it all to pee. I had heard the people in China do this, but this was the first time I had actually seen it. Needless to say, we were careful not to step in any puddles. :)
Chris enjoying the cab ride to Beijing street in Guangzhou.
The "swearing ceremony" was noisy, as there were probably 50 adoptive families there. Cameras were not allowed, so Dan couldn't take any pictures. It only took a minute and that was it...we have crossed every "t" and dotted every "i" and signed all there is to sign while in China. There is some paperwork to do once we are home (and unfortunately another $1000 or so in fees), but we are official and able to go home. Praise God, Hallelujah, and AMEN! From there, 2 families left right for the airport to leave, and the rest of us save 1 family leave at 6 am tomorrow morning for Shanghai. The last family goes to Beijing for 2 more days before they head back to Boston...hang in there, Andersons! We all head back to our respective homes with our families brand new! Now it's off to bed, as our wake-up call will come at 4:30 a.m. and our luggage collected at 5 am!
We hope you have enjoyed following our journey...we have enjoyed recording it. See many of you soon!
Love,
Dan, Becky and Bethany :)
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3 comments:
Praying for you, for safe travels, God's peace and rest on the plane. Cannot wait to see you guys and meet Bethany! Love, Julie
Wooo Whoo! Come on back now ya hear? We'll be praying for you in the coming hours, days, and weeks. Continue to keep us posted.
Congratulations again and I pray that your return home is safe, quick and relaxing.
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