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.

24 Hours Later

After 24 hours of car travel to the airport, two flights, and a long drive thru Beijing's rush hour (felt like we were living again in Atlanta!), we finally arrived at our hotel last night.  We were two very tired travelers.  We ate some dinner and headed straight to bed  However, it is now 6 hours later and we are both wide awake and our day does not begin for another 6 hours.

Several of you have asked about Kelsey and Ella Grace.  They are staying with friends and family.  They are having their own great adventure.

We are looking forward to being tourists today with the other 15 families who are adopting.  Group travel - Jason's patience will be tested and refined.  It will be fun to learn about the culture and history of Will Hudson's homeland.  We will take pictures and share with him the place where his journey on earth began.

We’ve been thinking about Will Hudson’s natural parents.  Who were they? We will never know since Will Hudson was abandoned.  Did they not have the capacity to take care of his medical needs?  Were they young and felt like they had no other option?  Were they wounded souls who made a poor choice?  Join us in praying for them.  May they experience a divine peace that a family is going to do their best to give their biological son a home.  We are looking forward to holding him in our arms in 4 more days.

God is present.  He is the Father of all those involved.  We all cry “Abba!”

The Journey Continues

Our journey began in June of 2010 as we made the decision to adopt a child from China.  In December we were matched with our son, Will Hudson.  We have been waiting patiently for this part of the journey...the part where we get to bring him home!  We ask that you keep us in your prayers as we travel to get Will Hudson.  We are new to blogging and will do our best to keep you updated. Stay tuned for more of our journey.  Join us in praying for Will Hudson and praising our great God who adopts each of us into his family.  "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"