Hey folks. Long, long day. So tired. Can't stay up to watch the pork dumpling ball drop in Tienanmen Square at midnight. That's what they do here, right? Even though Chinese New Year won't arrive until late January, Folks here are more than happy to celebrate a new Roman calendar. Tomorrow begins a three day holiday around here.
Too tired to give the usual rundown of the day. Amy will send an update to this post tomorrow, so check back later for stories and tidbits. Until then, here are the pics and points of interest.
- Medical review and Passport pics. No problems. Lots and lots of families there.
- Walking around Shamian Island, former home of the US consulate. The medical center and friendly shops are still there.
- Shopping the Island - we walked from 10am to 5pm. Everything seems to be made in China around here.
- Very cooperative daughter took both naps in the sling today, very tired daddy looked for a sling in his size.
- New Years Dinner of Papa John's Pizza in the hotel courtyard. It was exactly the fancy dinner we needed.
- Bed. Sleep soon. The girls are already snoozing.
Looking forward to a day off tomorrow, some Skype in the morning and a walk in the park after Salem's morning nap. I think often of Jonathan and how I'd love to see these events through his eyes, and I'm thankful for Mom and Dad taking care of him while we are here. I look forward to telling Jonathan and Salem the stories of this week many years from now. As much as we cherish this uninterrupted time to bond with and learn our daughter, we are eager to be home. We also miss our Concord family. I am so happy that Terry Don Thomason, Ryan Thomason and David Ritterbush will be leading worship while I'm still here during the first week of January. I am jealous of those who will be there - I'd love to be led by these guys. I love each of these men and their passion for Christ. I hope Concord has a great New Year's morning. 
One more highlight: Met an awesome family originally from China, now from Gaithersburg, MD and my favorite church north of the sweet tea line, Covenant Life Church. When we met and Amy asked how many kids he had, he said, "Wait a minute... we have six. Wow. We have six children!" They have adopted two more girls as of two weeks ago and are facing the growing struggle of raising a blind daughter who may be developmentally and mentally challenged as well. They feel the weakness of their capacity to care for her long term (as we all would) and we prayed for them to know God's strength and love for her, and for their encouragement and faith. Please pray for Sam, Betty, their whole family, and their newest daughters, Ruth and Bethany.
Happy New Year. When we wake up in the morning, we'll be well into 2012. It's going to be a good year. Check back later for a more flowery description of the day. xiè xie and zài jiàn.*
*Thank you and good bye. That's two of my seven Chinese words. I can also say hello, daddy, mommy, sister and brother. It doesn't make for a very helpful conversation. Needless to say, our "Chinese only" taxi driver was very frustrated today.
*Thank you and good bye. That's two of my seven Chinese words. I can also say hello, daddy, mommy, sister and brother. It doesn't make for a very helpful conversation. Needless to say, our "Chinese only" taxi driver was very frustrated today.
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