Update - Guangzhou

I will try and put thoughts and ideas down that Deena and I have discussed over the last two weeks. This is my attempt to not forget as well. We pray for the biological mothers of these adopted children. It breaks our hearts to look into the eyes of our now forever daughter and think that she was given up. This is a very hard working and proud culture that with just a few changes, and we pray those are coming, huge differences could be made. These children are absolutely beautiful and to think this is just a very small portion that come from state housing. China is a massive mixture of energy, ingenuity, intellect and tradition that goes on and on and on. It is hard to change the direction of a river but, we know of One who parted a sea so we continue to pray for this country. It is almost 10:00 p..m. here in Guangzhou and very early tomorrow morning we leave to come home. We are so ready to begin the long flight but on the same note it is a little bitter sweet as we know there are other "daughters" waiting. We bid two of our adoptive group farewell tonight as our flight plans take us in different directions. We have a very special bond however in that God placed us in this country at the same time to support and love on each other as we make this journey together. Again last night the comment was made to Deena and I that Gracie was a lucky girl. We stated that we were the ones who had been blessed by this. The gentleman went on to say that he understood our thoughts but she would have become one of the forgotten ones and thanked us. Our stay in China has been a wonderful mix of business, adventure and pleasure. Trying to always be mindful that we are guests in the country we could not have been treated any kinder or looked after more thoughtfully. Our Helping Hand representative Susan is an extraordinary individual with a strong faith base, quick wit and iron will to keep us unruly families in check. We will miss her but pray that she remains strong in her calling to shepherd waiting families. After spending almost two weeks with us she is still smiling so it really is a God thing for her. Well got to go to bed as we really do need to get up early and get started. It will be good to hear the words welcome home!!

Rick & Deena