Answers!!!

I received word a few minutes ago that a new copy with the correct spelling of Aryn Rachel's Chinese name has been issued.  What a quick answer to prayer.

 

I don't know where the pictures will appear and sadly I can only send two at a time.  These are from yesterdays visit to the Safari Park here in Guangzhou.  The kids and mom & I all had a fantastic time.  Today Isaac wanted to go back and was sad when I told him that we couldn't.

 

We're doing OK and can not wait to set foot into Orlando's lovely humid weather upon our return.  I can't wait to hug my husband, pet my dog, and sleep in my nice comfortable bed.  I miss home.  I don't remember being so homesick before.  I am so glad that Mom came on this trip.  I don't know how I would have made it through the stress of today without her.  All I can say is that I am so happy that this day is over and that we have received answers to our prayers and that a new I800 has been issued.  Thank you LORD!!

Some Prayer Requests

Sorry, no pictures.  My computer battery is low and my nerves are frazzled.  We received word today that there is a problem with some of our documents.  We are doing everything we can but have to wait for the US Embassy to open in the United States tomorrow morning for you all (or tonight for me).  Today we are praying that everything can be handled quickly so that we are still able to receive Aryn's visa and leave to return home on Thursday evening. 

 

We didn't catch it.  We should have caught it and now when I look at the paper it just leaps out at me.  Aryn's Chinese last name is mispelled as Lui and it should be Liu.  It's such an easy typo and is causing a big problem.  They say it's happened before, but it hasn't happned to ME before and I am stressed.  I know that God is able and I am trusting in Him to help work things out. 

Last night I had a dream that there was a problem, perhaps God's way of preparing me.  At least I wasn't totally thrown when I got the call to come down to meet with our agency with my papers, God had prepared me in a little way.  Still I am in need of prayer.  I just want to go home.  I miss Craig and I miss my daily routine.

 

Isaac is doing great as far as becoming a big brother.  His ear is hurting him and I am coflicted about calling in a doctor.  The last time he told me that he ear was hurting we took him to the doctor and it was nothing.  $25 for a diagnosis of nothing is not a big deal, I mean it is, but realatively not really.  It would be much more expensive to get a diagnosis of nothing here in Guanzhou, China.  So pray that I will have wisdom.

 

Thanks for everything!,

Gretchen

--
Matthew 13:45-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

I am a PearlofGr8Value in God's eyes.

The Midway Point (Fri 1/21)

Today we'll wait for the police to deliver Aryn Rachel's passport to the hotel.  I find it simply amazing that the police would hand deliver it and that we do not have to go to some government office to pick it up.  We were able to get a late check out and can stay in our room until about 1:30 which is nice since our flight is not until 6:45 tonight when we fly into Guangzhou.

 

If our passport comes early we will be able to visit Aryn's finding place which is a bus stop on the way to the airport.  I was sad to discover that she did not have a finding note with her.  I wonder how the doctors and officials decided that she was 5 months old when she is so tiny!!  I figured that there must have been a note.

 

My battery does not want to charge on the computer.  Please pray it will charge.  It is our link to home and without it we will not be able to Skype with Daddy at home. 

Somewhere within this you should see Isaac putting his new doctor kit to use on Aryn Rachel.  She was not a very cooperative patient for Isaac.  I hope she does better with the real doctors, but then again I think they may be more gentle with her. 

--
Matthew 13:45-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

I am a PearlofGr8Value in God's eyes.

Xichan Temple (Thursday, January 20th)

			Click to Play	Today we visited Xichan Temple in the suburbs of Fuzhou, a 20 minute ride from the hotel. It was amazing to find such a quiet, peaceful place in the middle of the city. Isaac didn't like the idols and I thought we might have a major incident on our hands. He is very sensitive. The archetecture was amazing and it was very interesting. Since it troubled Isaac, in some ways I am sorry we went. In others I can see the draw so many people feel, and it gives me an understanding of how to pray. There are so many Buddhas, one must accept the one true, living God. It must be a difficult transition
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Panda World (Wed. 1/19)

			Click to Play	We had a good time at Panda World yesterday. It was very small. Nothing at all like the Safari Park in Guangzhou. They only have 5 giant pandas. They have several lesser pandas (the red panda) and two or three sun bears, a brown bear, and a black bear. There was only one other family that we saw besides us. I wonder how they are able to keep the place open?? I am glad that we went to support the panda research. Our guide Tracy said that they moved the big zoo to the suburbs where there is more room. We don't have time to go there.
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Day 2 and 3 (Jan 17 and 18)

			Click to Play	We are adjusting quite well. Isaac and Aryn Rachel seem to be getting along just great!! He loves his sister and really enjoys having a play mate. On Tuesday we went to a local amusement park to ride some rides and to get out for a while. It is about a 10 minute walk from the hotel and a 30 minute walk back. Why is the walk back always longer??? :o) We're doing great. Keep up the prayers. Isaac is starting to get a little on the jealous side, but he is doing a lot better than I thought he would. Prayer really is working! Thank you for sharing our joy in this beautiful journey!
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