We are here in Guangzhou. The families that we started with in Beijing are all coming together again here and let me tell you we are one haggard looking group! A couple of the families have been in the Northern part of China in the mountains. They are exhausted and so glad to see other people. They said they have been stuck in their hotel room for a week without anything to do. In Tianjin we at least got out a bit even if it meant having the life sucked out of us by the very air we breathed!
We are at the White Swan hotel and it is beautiful. There are so many families here adopting children. It's a mix of adoptive families and other families on vacation I think. While we were eating breakfast at the gigantic buffet I was thinking about this hotel. It really is a holy place. I know, "give me a break Katie" but really it is. Almost every family stays here while waiting for their appointment with the consulate. Can you imagine all of that goodness in one place over and over again. All over you see families bonding with and enjoying their new little one. There is also a kinship between all of the adoptive families. We may not know each other but we sure know what each has been through.
Today we ventured outside of the hotel. It was raining a bit but not much and the weather is really nice, just right. When we stepped off the plane it was like we were going on vacation. There are palm trees and greenery everywhere versus the gray, smoggy rubble of Tianjin. We can actually breathe. We walked around a little park area with bronze sculptures, stopped in shops to look at the "stuff" they were selling and even went to a 7-eleven to stock up on water. Tonight we meet up with our original group of about 7 families and get to go to a Thai restaurant. Looking forward to that!
Thank you all so much for your prayers, they truly are carrying us through this journey. We are really worried about the plane rides x 4 to get home. We leave this Thursday, so that would be Wednesday back home. Little Micah the little guy I asked for prayers for who was grieving hard for his foster family is doing great. He has a wonderful family now and they are trying so hard to help him through this time. Each day is a little better for them I think.
Love you all and talk to you later!
Katie (no time to spell check, sorry!)
4 comments:
Dear Katie,
I am here looking at the pic with your girls. We think they are cute. Noelle lost her tooth. That is two since you left. I am teary this morning. Beautiful writing by you and beautiful song in church. Fly like bird...I want to fly like an eagle. Though I may journey far from home...I know I'll never be alone. We love and miss you Mommy.
Grace, Noelle, Helena and Mom
Katie,
Today we hear the reading of the woman at the well. We all are so thirsting for our God, and we try to do all we can to be refreshed by Him. You my darling friend are refreshing! To witness all you are doing, and the joy and peace that is coming through you is amazing. Your plane ride home will be just what it is suppose to be, and in your lovely grace filled way you will endure and you will see all the goodness that needs to be seen. Heaven is kissing you big time sister! Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Maria
Hi Guys,
You are all we think and talk about. We can't wait to see Nathaniel and the look on Bob and the girls face when you are all together.
Love ya' Kris and Mary
Katie,
The time is almost here for you to come home and I can't wait to hear about the first meet. Elijah says "yay they finally have Nathaniel and he wants to go play at your house". Love you lots and you all will stay in our prayers.
Your sis,
Sara
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