In Changsha

Our day in Beijing. . .

Freezing in Tienneman Square!

Gate to the Forbidden City - time did not allow us to visit inside.

On our way to the Great Wall

Although it was my second time at the Wall, it was still breathtakingly beautiful and amazing to see .

Freezing on the Great Wall!  We don't know the exact temperature, but our hands felt like ice after wearing gloves and being out of the car for 30 minutes. (still need help with how to rotate pics.  rotated before uploading to blog but then it reverts back. tips?)

I can't put into words what my heart felt when I saw this - written on the Great Wall in communist China. 

Aunt Lulu enjoyed her visit although it was freezing and crowded.  According to our guide,if you climb to the top, you are considered a hero.  Let's just say, Aunt Lulu and I did not become "heros".

Vegetable soup - Chinese style.  Aunt Lulu ordered vegetable soup...not quite what she was hoping for.

It is now 7:15 AM.  Our flight from Beijing to Changsha was a bit bumpy due to turbulents, but we weren't delayed and arrived right on time in Changsha. We met Amyand her family, using BAAS and adopting a 2 year old from Chenzhou - where Lilly is from).  I am so thankful that Amy is here.  She and I have already found that we have quite a bit in common - homeschooling and  a passion for adoption of the orphan that is completely of the Lord... a passion that is not understood by some of our family and friends... a desire to obey God even though we really thought we were "done!"  I am looking forward to seeing Lu Lu (interesting that my Aunt Lulu is here as they are naming their new daughter Lu Lu) united with such a beautiful family today!

Sleep last night was much better for both of us. It is 7:30 AM here and today is the day that we have been working towards since June.  We will leave our hotel at 9:30 and meet Leiney Grace at the Civil Affairs office at 10 AM.  This is the same place where we first met Lilly and we are in the same hotel where we stayed on our 1st trip in 2007 - flooded with memories!

I am excited of course, but I readily admit to also being rather frightened.  I feel as though I am not prepared and that I really don't know what to do - what do I say to her, what do I do to comfort her without scaring her?  You don't just pick up an 8 year old as I did with my under 2 year old babies on Gotcha Day, do you?  I know I should be a pro at this, but I am not.  I have found comfort in scriptures . . ." 'You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off;' fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah  41: 9, 10

I don't feel equipped for this yet I know who is. . ."He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. " Isaiah 40:10

I feel weak yet I know who is not. . ."Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than we ask or think, according to His power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen

Thank you for praying!
Next post should have some pictures of our new daughter
Leiney Grace Qingquan -
an orphan no more!