Catching Up

December 3, 2015

Hello everyone!  We have had a very eventful 3 weeks and thank all of you for your prayers and support during this time.

The last few days have been spent sightseeing and shopping.  On Tuesday, December 1,  we went to Shamian Island where there are many souvenir shops.  We got most of the things we were wanting there and were able to eat lunch at Lucy's, which is a western style restaurant that my brother Eric and his wife Melody ate at both times they were in China to adopt their girls.  Tuesday night, we went on a dinner boat cruise down the Pearl River.  The lights of the city were beautiful and each bridge you went under was decorated with lights as well.  We had a very good time and Sydney enjoyed the food (she's a good eater!) and the lights.

On Wednesday, December 2,  we went to the consulate to apply for Sydney's visa.  Then, today, we met our guide in the hotel lobby to get her Visa and all her documents to get into the United States.  The family that went with us to the consulate found out that they have to stay an extra day because their daughter's Visa did not get processed.  At this point that would have been devastating for us, both mentally and financially, so we are thanking God that everything is in order!

Tomorrow, December 4 (Dec. 3 in the U.S.), we will make our long journey home.  We have a 3 hour van ride to Hong Kong to catch our 14-hour flight to Dallas, Texas.  Then our 4-hour flight from Dallas to Portland, Oregon.  We are very fortunate that some of our family gets to meet us at the airport to welcome us home, including our sweet Gracie!  We are so excited to see everyone!  Then, on Saturday,  we will drive home to Klamath Falls.  Whew....I'm tired just thinking about it!

I will post in a few days to let you know how Sydney is adjusting to being in her new environment.  Please pray for us during this next phase of transition for our family.

See you all soon!