We made it...

to Guangzhou, and we are thankful!  Lydia's first flight went well, and she is sound asleep now.

Tomorrow we go to the medical clinic for her check-up.  That will be interesting.  Today has been hectic and emotional.  It's always bittersweet when leaving our daughters' province of birth.  We rest in their Redeemer's divine plan and purpose for their lives!!  He has called them to a different place.  PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!

More tomorrow - lights out!!  Love you all!!

Last Breakfast in Guiyang

Ready to Go

One More Look

Bye Ms. Vickie

"And He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation (their settlements, lands, and abodes), so that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.  For in Him we live and move and have our being; as even some of your [own] poets have said, For we are also His offspring." Acts 17:26-28 (Amplified)

Our last day in Guiyang

This morning Vickie took us to the Jiaxiu Pavilion and Cuiwei Garden.  It is such a beautiful and peaceful place!

Once the home of a wealthy landlord, it is now owned by the government.  It was built in 1598 during the Ming dynasty.  The architecture and grounds are exquisite – only in China.  An elementary school is located in part of the structure, and we were able to meet some of the students who attend this school.  While we were visiting this area, they were out and about in the pavilion and the garden area.  They were very interested and intrigued by “the Americans.” They were friendly and polite and asked if they could take pictures of us. It was a great way to end our time in the city of Guiyang.

Tomorrow we fly back to Guangzhou to be reunited with the families in our group who have adopted from other provinces.  We can’t wait to meet the new members of each family.

Lydia is doing great and seems to be adjusting well.  It’s a whole new world to her – different sights, sounds, smells, and sunshine.  She has a lot of catching up to do, and we will be by her side to help her every step of the way.  We thank God for allowing us to watch her explore, with excitement and apprehension, life the way He intended her to live – to experience Him and to know Him!!  God has been and continues to be so faithful to us, and we praise Him for granting us the privilege to witness her transformation day by day.  We are humbled that He has allowed us to bring her home and to be her mom and dad.  What a blessing she is!!

Pray for all those who remain and wait!!  Pray that the Bride of Christ will answer His call!!  WE ARE THE ANSWER!!  It is the very least we can do for THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!!  HE HAS NOT LEFT US AS ORPHANS!!!

Entrance to Pavilion & Garden

Entrance to Garden

Garden Area

Jiaxiu Temple

Students

More Students

Inside Temple

Our Gifts from God

“I will not leave you as orphans (comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless); I will come (back) to you.” John 14:18 (Amplified)

"Organized Mass Chaos China Style" (read on)

First thing this morning our guide, Vickie, took us to the Guizhou Provincial Museum.  We learned about some of the history in this area of China, as well as the different ethnic groups that make up the population and their customs.

After the tour of the museum, we headed to the "Bird, Fish, Rabbit, Dog, Cat and You Name It, We Got It Market."  I immediately thought of Ms. Kim (former FBC Children's Minister) - "Organized Mass Chaos" - except it was "Unorganized Mass Chaos" to me, but not to the Chinese citizens who shop here.  After I thought about it, I realized that this was very organized to them, if they even think about organization, which I doubt very seriously.  This was the biggest flea market, fair type excursion that I have ever engaged in, and it made me a little nervous when Vickie told us to be on guard for pickpockets.  I could not believe all the stuff for sale - dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, birds, turtles, food, books, clothes, flowers, tools, - even used teeth and old dentures!!  There was even a dachshund walking around in the market.  I never thought I would see a dachshund in China!! Bethany couldn't believe it!!  Lydia liked the fish!!

Needless to say, it was a very interesting and eye and nose opening experience.  One that we will never forget!!

Thanks again for all your comments and prayers!!  It's such a blessing to hear from our friends and family members and to know that you are lifting us up before THE THRONE OF GRACE!!  Blessings overflow!!

Our guide, Vickie

Batik Making at Museum

Embroidery

Picture Perfect

Teeth for less

It's a small world after all

I'd like to sit a spell with him

The trail never ends

"This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 (Amplified)

Here a monkey, there a monkey, everywhere a monkey -

Even ones who eat ice cream and drink bottled water only in Qianling Mountain Park as far as I know - living in their natural habitat - free to be and eat whatever they can steal or entice (or scare) someone to hand over - visitors to the park "BEWARE"!  Matt and Keisha, you were right - "those monkeys are everywhere!"

See for yourself.

Check out those eyes

He bit a hole in the bottom to drink

Too funny!

What a sight!



Our little monkey



It's official!

Lydia's adoption was finalized today in the Guizhou Center of Adoption Affairs - just a formality on this earth - already taken care of long ago in eternity by her Redeemer - steps required and gladly taken by these vessels of clay!!  He had already marked our path; we just followed with fear and trembling.

"My steps have held closely to Your paths (to the tracks of the One Who has gone on before); my feet have not slipped." Psalm 17:6 (Amplified)

"Let all the earth fear the Lord (revere and worship Him)); let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him." Psalm 33:8 (Amplified)

We not only stand in awe of Him; we bow in awe of Him!!  As we said before with Bethany's adoption, "God already took care of it all; we just showed up."  We have watched Him work with Holy Precision and have beheld His Glory!!

HIS PRESENCE AND POWER IS SO VERY STRONG IN THE ADOPTION PROCESS; HE IS IN CHARGE AND IN CONTROL!!

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand)." Psalm 91:1 (Amplified)

It's worth every tear and every fear to feel His presence so strongly  and to watch Him accomplish His purpose on His earth.  I am so thankful that He allows us to participate in His work, so we can see and know what a MIGHTY GOD we serve!!

Lydia makes "4", and we give HIM praise!!!

Official Adoption Ceremony Picture



In their daddy's arms



Norman Niu, China Facilitator, & Us

View from Adoption Office

Another view from office

HIS GLORY!

Gotcha Day - May 26, 2011!!

We got her, and she's got us!!  The tears just won't stop!!  Another sacred trust and transaction took place today at 3 p.m.  Daddy, "she's in safety now."

"For God is in heaven, and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2b (Amplified)

My words are few, because there are not enough words to offer enough praise and thanksgiving to my "Abba, Father!"  This is ALL ABOUT HIM, and not about this feeble, sinful flesh!!  He has done "exceedingly above anything we could ever imagine, hope or dream."

HE KNOWS HER NAME, "Lydia Xiao Ru Underwood," and we present her to you in honor of THE KING!!

Sisters Forever!

"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom!!!!" Psalm 145:3 (NIV)

Waiting and anticipating.........

We thought we would have Lydia in our arms today, but when we arrived in Guiyang (we thank God for another safe flight) our facilitator told us "Gotcha Day" would be tomorrow at 3 p.m. She told us that Lydia is about 6 hours away from Guiyang, which is the capital of Guizhou province. We didn't realize she was that far away; she will be making quite a journey to us tomorrow.

We are disappointed, but we know that God is sovereign over this divine appointment. We trust His timing and rest in Him!! Our anticipation and excitement grow as we watch the hours roll by.

Matt and Keisha, we will get to see all those monkeys! Bethany is so excited!!

We love you all and so appreciate all your encouraging comments. Thank you most of all for your prayers; we can feel THE POWER!! We are blessed beyond measure, and we praise GOD for placing us among you!!

Guiyang is a busy city. Here are a few pictures from our walk-about today, not as exciting as pictures of Lydia, I know. Hold on until tomorrow.

40 Floors

A Beautiful Spot

Back in Time

Just around the corner

This is serious!

"And there shall be stability in your times, an abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the reverent fear and worship of the Lord is your treasure and His." Isaiah 33:6 (Amplified)