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"God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day."

Psalm 46:5

(A verse the Lord laid on my heart a few months ago)

I know I have been pretty silent these last few weeks. On October 22nd, I asked for prayers for some big, upcoming decisions I might have to make, and I did indeed, have to make them.

I arrived back in the United States on July 19th. It has been about 3 1/2 months since I have been back on US soil. When people ask me if there was a specific reason why I left China, the only answer I can give is that "it was time." It was. I loved what I did, I still miss the children and the staff, and yes, I even miss China (mainly the food!) from time to time. But, never once in the last 3 1/2 months, have I yearned to be back. And that means, that it really was time for me to leave.

Since arriving back in the states, I have been praying and seeking direction as to what the Lord has for me next. And I loved my two years in China and I know that those are memories and experiences that will stay with me forever. But I also knew that those two years were not going to be the highlight of my life. Yes, they are up there alright, but I know that just because I have left China doesn't mean that the Lord is going to stop using me. And so these last few months have been spent praying for the new ministry, the new journey the Lord has me. This summer and fall, doors have opened. I interviewed for several positions all over the country, and time and time again, those doors closed. All along I have been praying for the Lord to make it very clear to me, when the right door opens.

I will share the entire story lately (I'm working on it!) but to make a long story short, this one particular door opened in early October. And stayed open. Many of you already know this news if you are friends with me on FB or follow me on Instagram, but for those of you who don't know, I wanted to share. On October 23rd, I was offered a job and on October 27th, I accepted it. I have been hired in the adoption department at Dillon International adoption agency in Tulsa, Oklahoma! After spending 2 years in China, loving on precious orphans, I now get to play a role in bringing them home to their forever families! Is God good or what? I couldn't be more excited (or scared!) for the next journey the Lord has me on. I will be moving to Tulsa the first week of December. Right now I am researching apartments and trying to find one from 16 1/2 hours away (which is a little difficult although not too horrible with google earth and other internet resources).

Although it is exciting, it's hard too. I'm  moving away from my family and friends, again. And even though it's not as far as China, it's still far. But it just feels so right and so I am walking in faith and know that the Lord will see me through. Won't you join me in prayer as I move again in a month and adjust to my new home in Tulsa?

"We live by faith, not by sight."

2 Corinthians 5:7

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!

Farewell Party

On Thursday of last week, we had my going away lunch. It was still another week until I was leaving, but our director was leaving a few days before me and so we wanted to have my lunch before he left. It was a wonderful lunch with my "China family," minus the kids. We went to a Cantonese restaurant and had "dim sum," which is one of my favorite traditions in Southern China. There were so many of us that we needed two tables. 

The second table.

Group shot!

Foster home staff, minus our director, Doug. Love these ladies, I'm really going to miss them.

It has been an incredible two years here and God has done so much in my life and heart. As sad as it is to see this chapter come to a close, I'm excited to see what the next one has in store. 

Guangzhou Zoo

For those of you who know Kiah, know that she is a big panda lover. She always has been. She collects pandas (she was only allowed to bring two with her to China and she has already bought another one here) and so it was necessary for her to see a real, life panda while in China. So today, even though it was hot and humid, we went to the Guangzhou Zoo! 

Kiah and her "pandas."

Unfortunately it was so hot that the pandas were not outside but trying to stay cool. Kiah didn't appear to be too disappointed, she was just so excited to see them!

There he (or she) is! She is taking it all in...

They are so adorable.

Apparently we had to come all the way to China to see raccoon's. Back home, we find them going through our garbage! We thought it was hilarious how excited the Chinese were to see raccoon's and deer but I guess around here it's not too common.

Trying to cool off with ice cream and Popsicles! They didn't help too much but they sure were yummy.

Fish...

And more fish.

Asian elephant!

Lesser or red panda! It looks kind of like a cross between a fox and a raccoon.

Love this girly and her love of pandas.

We are hot and tired, but we made it!

Once we arrived back in Zhongshan we took naps and spent the evening holding babies. Sorry, I haven't gone through those pictures yet!

So Much

My brain is in a fog. What a crazy, emotional week it has been. And yet, there isn't much time to stop and think about it because there is still so much to do. And I have a feeling these next few weeks are going to be just as crazy, if not more. 

So I just keep plugging away. Yesterday was "cleaning" day around here. Laundry, my bathroom, kitchen. Then last evening was packing. *Sigh* So very much to do and I am just not thinking clearly.

Today is Sunday here. On Thursday my Mom and sister will be in China. IN CHINA. After so many months of planning this, they are almost here and I couldn't be more excited. Although that means, so much to do.

It also reminds me how soon I'll be leaving. I know I keep saying it, but it's true. And even though I know it's happening, it's still hard for me to believe that it's really happening.

As crazy busy as these next few days and weeks are going to be, I'm going to try to stop and soak it all in.

Please be praying for me and my family at this time. There has been a lot going on and many changes.

What a Weekend

Happy Monday! I had a crazy busy, but fun weekend! Saturday morning we had a group in at the foster home who I had to help host. After that, I had a free afternoon and decided that it was time to use my last pancake mix that my Mom sent me in my birthday package.

Since I am down to less than four weeks in China and less than two weeks until my mom and sister are here (!), I am trying to use up a lot of food and ingredients I have. That included the rest of my pancake syrup.

Oh my.... were they delicious!

Don't worry, I didn't eat them all. Not all at one sitting at least.

I finished off my little brunch with some delicious liche fruit. I am really going to miss this fruit when I leave China. Actually I am going to miss all the tropical fruit here!

Saturday evening was spent out with friends and Sunday I went tubing or "drifting" or rafting.... not quite sure what to call it, with my friend, Katrina. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures from our Sunday adventure.

Today (Monday) I had lunch with other friends, a wonderful massage, and a delicious dessert. Another fun afternoon. Trying to spend time with friends since my time in China is running out.

Praying you all have a wonderful week!