Fourteen Years

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Today is my beautiful sister's 14th birthday.

14 years.

I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that she is not a little girl anymore but turning into a beautiful young woman.

She is caring and has a heart of gold.

We can't imagine our lives without her!

 She has a heart for those who may not fit in or have many friends.

And she puts up with all of her big sister's picture taking.

Most of the time she is a good sport about it.

She has a smile that makes other smile right along with her.

One of my favorite memories of this past year was seeing her in her birth country.

At Forbidden City

and on the Great Wall of China.

I especially loved watching her love on my sweet babies.

God knew what He was doing when He brought us together from half a world away.

Those 16 years of waiting and praying for a sister were worth it.

Happy 14th Birthday, Kiah Hope RuiQing.

I love you more than you'll ever know and am so thankful to call you sister.

"I thank my God every time I think of you."

Philippians 1:3

Two Months

Well friends, today is the day. Two months ago today, I stepped off that plane, back in the United States after over two years of living and serving in China. 

Why is this day significant? 

While I was overseas, I came home three times, the longest being for 2 months last spring in order to rest and raise support for a second year.

When people have asked me "what is it like being back?" I would say, "ask me at the 2 month mark."

Well here we are. 

And???

I don't feel much differently than yesterday. 

Or the day before. 

Or the day before that. 

Since arriving home, part of me has felt that this was only another temporary visit but another part of me knew that this was for good.
At least for now. 

I think the most frustrating is not being any closer to knowing what it is the Lord has for me next than I was two months ago.

But through this new season He has been faithful. 

And I am thankful for where He has be right now. 

I know He will reveal the plans He has for me but not until the time is right.

So for now, I'm right where He wants me.

"The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still."

Exodus 14:14

Have a wonderful weekend! I am off to a women's retreat for the weekend. Looking forward to worship, listening to a great speaker, relaxing at a place which is very near and dear to my heart (other than the foster home) and spending time with amazing women who love the Lord!

{Wordless Wednesday} China Countryside

On Our Way

Wrote this post in Qatar during our layover, but the internet was extremely slow and wouldn't let me post it. 

Our trip has been long but uneventful. Here are a few pictures from Doha, Qatar. Never been to the Middle East before, that was kind of a neat experience!

We landed in NYC and are now waiting to board our LAST flight to Buffalo. Never have I been so happy to see "BUFFALO" on the screen. So close to being home now!

Our flights have been good. Long but uneventful. Once in the US, made it through customs (America let me back in!) and all of our luggage made it which is always a blessing!

Almost home!!!

River Boat Cruise and Last Day

The other night we did something a little unique and special and went on a river boat cruise! 

Katrina, the foster home's medical coordinator, came with us!

Just gorgeous!

Group shot!

And because I know you love seeing adorable baby pictures...

In other news, yesterday was my last full day here in Zhongshan. We have a driver picking us up at 8:30 p.m. this evening to take us to the airport for our very late flight. I am staying strong and said some tough goodbye's yesterday, but I know today will be another story when I say goodbye to the kiddos.

Please keep me in your prayers, especially tomorrow. Also pray for safe travels for my Mom, Kiah, and myself. We will be arriving in Buffalo Saturday evening.

Thank you so much for coming on this adventure with me!

Shamian Island

On Sunday we took a walk down memory lane. Well, memory lane for my Mom at least. I wasn't in China with my parents 12 years ago and Kiah doesn't remember. We woke up early and took the bus into Guangzhou for the day. We visited the International Church and then took the subway to Shamian Island which is where my parents stayed when they were in Guangzhou 12 years ago, completing Kiah's adoption. The US Consulate is no longer located on Shamian Island and the White Swan, which is the hotel families used to all stay in, is currently closed for renovation. It was still fun to see where all of this took place and do some shopping.

Kiah and Mom by the Pearl River.

Shamian Island!

Lovely polluted Pearl River in the background.

The White Swan Hotel is in the background. Wish you were here with us, Dad!

This is where Kiah had her "medical exam" so that she could enter the US. I put it in quotes, because from what I've heard, it wasn't very thorough.

It was a long (we were gone 14 hours!) but fun day. We are now getting ready to pack and finish up our time here in China, leaving in 4 days. I would appreciate your prayers as this is going to be a very emotional week for me.