Letters From China Pt. 1

Over the next few days I will be posting emails I sent during our time in China. This will give you some unique insight into our process and hopefully connect you to our hearts!

CHINA UPDATE

Hey All

 

Things are going well here! We had a very eventful trip from the get-go with our DSM to Chicago flight being cancelled. Luckily our travel agencies rerouted us immediately and we were able to make our connection in Chicago without a problem. As a result of our switch-a-roo, when we arrived in China we were one bag lighter. Cairo's bag and our toiletries were lost and we made our tour group wait about 45 minutes while we filed our paperwork. After two nights without it, our bag showed up late last night, just in time to take with us tomorrow morning to Cairo's province. We are so grateful for all your prayers, as we believe it is because of them and God's great mercy we have been able to stay calm and see the bigger perspective! We have enjoyed every second of our trip without worry!

 

Yesterday and today we toured a huge list of attractions. Every one making us fall deeper and deeper in love with this country which is rich with tradition and history and also incredibly modern and futuristic. We LOVE the people, the city and the creativity of this amazing land!

 

Yesterday we had the opportunity to tour two factories dedicated to beautiful tradition art, Cloisonne Vases and Jade carvings. The Cloisonne factory introduced us to the incredible process of making copper and enamel vases and the Jade carvings exposed us to this precious stone that master craftsmen turn into incredible works of art. 

 

Yesterday we also visited the Great Wall which was INSANELY amazing!!!

 

Today we toured Ti'Anamen Square and the Forbidden City (The Imperial Palace). The Imperial Palace is unlike anything I have ever seen and Tony and I were in awe of the workmanship and beauty.

We were also able to tour the neighboring village by rickshaw and eat at a local family home. We also saw a fun acrobatic show.

 

By far, my favorite event today was a trip to a local Tea House, where we took part in a tea ceremony. It was beautiful and fun!

Of course I am devouring all the food I can. It is better than I could have ever imagined!

We are enjoying the other families and learning about the other children. We are excited to meet all the kids! 

 

Tomorrow we travel to Cairo's province and Monday morning we will meet Cairo and take him home! 

 

It is incredible and surreal to be in this incredible land! We covet your prayers and want you to know we can receive texts, so feel free to send texts if you'd like!

 

I miss you terribly! Love you all!

 

Everyone - when you see my babies, hug them, love them, and tell them they are incredible and we love them too much to say!

 

Hopefully, we'll be able to send pictures soon, but it's possible we may not be able to get on gmail again. If you receive a yahoo mail from me, open it. I'm trying to get mail out that way too!

 

Love you guys!