China Farewell

I honestly can't believe we only have two more days remaining here in China. This trip has gone so quickly, and although we long to go home, we are also having a wonderful time getting to know the two families we met yesterday. And we are having a great time enjoying the sights, sounds, and food here in China. :) We ate breakfast this morning and then went swimming with our new friends. It was very moving watching all the new Dads playing with their new children in the pool. So miraculous to think just a few weeks ago, these same children were without families and surviving, but not thriving, in orphanages. To see their eyes so full of hope, their smiles wide with joy, and to know that this is just the beginning of their new lives - it is beyond amazing what God has in store for each of them! After our swim, Mason took a long nap and we began to pack up our suitcases. Around 5pm, Helen delivered the "brown envelope" and we visited. She liked looking through the flashcards I made for Mason and seeing our home, his room, and our other children. She also was happy to see that Mason was feeling a lot better, smiling, and laughing. We made plans to meet her tomorrow morning to drive to the train station. We will leave on the train headed for Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure how fast the train will go, but it should be fun to watch the landscape of China go by out the window. We headed out for dinner to the same 5th floor restaurant and met up with our new friends. Enjoying great food, wonderful fellowship, and relaxing before going home to finish packing. We were also able to sing Happy Birthday to the sweetest little girl who turned 4 years old! She is full of energy and spunk and it was adorable to see her grinning while everyone sang to her. :) I couldn't help but think of all the birthdays that go uncelebrated every year in the orphanages around the world - millions of children who have never had their special day remembered. No one to sing over them, no candles to blow out, no gifts to unwrap, no kisses, no hugs, no one to make sure they are celebrated. And my heart breaks for those who are waiting for their "happily ever after" to begin. Waiting for a Mommy, for a Daddy, for a family. So thankful, that in the often forgotten orphaned-world of millions - there are 3 less tonight! So thankful that these Mommies and Daddies said, Yes! So blessed to be chosen to be our children's parents - for they are all such treasured gifts! Each one so very precious in His sight!