With the help of a computer whiz in our travel group, I am now able to get online to give an update from China!  I thought first I would share a few thoughts I had while we were on the way here...


May 30th, 9a.m.
Well, we are high in the skies right now on the way to Chicago.  It was raining pretty steadily when we left RDU, but up above the clouds it is nothing but bright CAROLINA blue skies and lots of sunshine!
Matthew and I are seated together right behind the wall that separates the first class folks from the commoners, so we had lots of room to move and stretch!  Hannah and Chad didn't fare so well, but our flight was smooth and we had no problems.  We sat with a very kind lady who let Matthew have her window seat...pretty exciting for a seven year old boy who was flying for the first time!  I've enjoyed seeing his excitement as we started going really fast down the runway, then soared into the air. 
I am still so astounded that this day is here.  I knew it would come because I know my God is faithful to complete what He begins in the lives of His children.  I am thankful for the grace He gave us to remain on this path.  There is nothing in me that would have persevered, but His Spirit in me gives me grace.  Thank you, Lord, for calling us to this.  Thank you for the strength you have given to run the race.  Thank you for the glimpse you've given me into how much you loved me and desired to make me your own.  I praise your great and glorious Name!

We had about a 3 hour layover in Chicago.  We grabbed some lunch and did some people watching - which is always entertaining.  It's now about 3p.m., and the four of us are currently crammed like sardines in the middle row of a huge plane, but I'm glad we're all together.  We are enjoying our "complimentary" pretzel sticks and drink!  There is probably another 13 or more hours to hang suspended in the big blue sky.  As I've looked out the window today, I've been reminded of Isaiah 40:12... "with the breadth of His hand He marked off the heavens..."  When I look out, as far as my eyes can see, I see this beautiful sky, I think about how big my God is.  If His hand is big enough to mark off the heavens, surely He is big enough to handle any challenges that may arise in these next couple of weeks.  I'm also assured that His hand is holding my little boy, keeping him safe and protected until we can get there to meet him and hold him close.  He is so good!