Beijing in a Day

Today was about keeping busy – show us the sights of Beijing and wear us out so that hopefully we will sleep better tonight.  Task accomplished!

We took a rickshaw ride through Old Beijing this morning, ate an authentic Chinese meal (JT was a little more daring than I was), went to a real silk factory, saw Teineman Square, and walked through the Forbidden City. 

However, the highlight of the day was getting to meet the other 15 families in our group.  It was such a sweet blessing to hear about their journeys.  A few of the families in our group have been waiting since 2006!  Each story is unique and special in its own way – one family who is adopting their third child from China, another family who is adopting two little boys who are deaf, and many who are adopting for the first time.  Speaking of stories, we don’t know much about Will Hudson’s story other than he was abandoned and taken to the social city welfare institute in his area.  He’s spent a good bit of time in the hospital and has had two corrective surgeries. 

This morning we prayed with great joy as we thanked God for all the many people who are caring for orphans by the support of Will Hudson’s adoption (including those of you who are reading this blog and partnering with us in prayer).   We join with the Apostle Paul in proclaiming:
”I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Tomorrow, we go to the Great Wall.  Three days till our sweet boy is in our arms.