We're Here!!

We got into Beijing last night and were so thankful to be able to stretch our legs!  Travel went well and Steven and I both looked at each other and said, "we're here!!"  Still unbelievable!  The airport in Beijing is absolutely magnificent!! Check out this picture.

Our day today started with breakfast at the hotel. I was nearly in tears when i walked down the hall and saw a Starbucks!!  Thank you Jesus...that was heavenly. Tasted a little different but still wonderful!

After breakfast, we went site seeing to the Summer Palace where the Emperor used to live. It's a very popular scenic spot in Beijing built in the 12th century! It was probably in the 20s today and freezing as we walked around the 5 mile lake that surrounded the palace. We also went to the Olympic Park where the 2008 Olympics were held. Here's a shot we took there....

The most memorable thing we did today was visit the China Care home. This is the non profit organization that took care of Grace while she was in Beijing having the surgery and recovering. We asked if we could visit and America World set up an appointment for us. It was really cool because we're doing everything with three other couples who only went because we asked to go. I felt bad that everyone had to accommodate us but they were all understanding and glad for us to get the opportunity. Everyone else stayed in the van while we went in with our guide.

We met about 6 or 8 nannies who took care of Grace and one who took her back and forth to all appointments. We were also met by a young man who wore a doctors coat and invited us in to hear the detail on her surgery and care while she was in their home. We learned that Grace had actually been there for six months. Since last June. He showed us X-rays of her hip and sent them home with us!!!!  He also gave us his email address so that we could communicate once the drs at home see her and he wants us to update him and keep in touch.  Everyone in the home was so kind and really displayed genuine concern for the children. The ratio of care is 3 to 1; much better than the orphanage.

We were also able to meet about a dozen children; all special needs. Beautiful children, many of which have recently had some type of surgery and these precious people are caring for their needs. I wish you could have seen them!  The nannies there work 5 days a week 24 hour days only being off on the weekend. They receive very low wages.  If you're looking for an organization doing a wonderful ministry check out half the sky and the China care home.

We were able to ask some questions while we were there. We asked if Grace made any comments about us when she got her letter we sent. The Nannie said oh yes. She said she was very excited to hear she was going to America and she was showing all the other children our picture saying, "this is my parents!"  Imagine that!!!  We learned she was a good patient and they called her a "star" in the home and said that everyone loved her and wanted to keep up with how she was doing. The Nanny also told us she loves to draw and color. The doctors assistant  gave us a copy of her report to bring home and a CD of every picture they had taken of her during her stay there. We have been in tears just absolutely elated at how God moved today and opened the door for us to get to meet the folks in that ministry.

Thank you all who are praying and lifting us up this week. God is moving and our hearts are blessed as He continues to prepare us for Sunday...gotcha day (the day we meet Grace...face to face!)

"I trust in Your unfailing love, I will rejoice because You have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me." Psalm 13:5-6