Litany of Thanks

Well, this is our last post before we're stateside, and mainly, I feel immense gratitude to the Lord for this incredible journey and most of all, for our precious daughter.  She continues to be a joy in the midst of appointments, travel, and crazy schedules.  The constant change, different food, riding in buses all during nap time, and being surrounded by crowds of new people, and sweet Charlotte pops her thumb in her mouth, snuggles up, and takes it all in stride.  We can't wait to bring her home to meet all of you!  Just as it was for us, I'm sure you will be captivated by her sweet, gentle disposition.

God has gone before us in so many ways on this trip.  He has kept us safe (and if you have seen traffic or crossing a street in China, that is huge!).  Paperwork has gone smoothly and been processed on time.  We have met incredible families and children that have been our travel companions and such an encouragement to our family.  Our guides have been friends and blessings to us in an unfamiliar land.  We have stayed healthy throughout this trip.  We have bonded to Charlotte and Charlotte to us.  Today on the way home from a shopping trip, Charlotte started saying, "DaDa," over and over.  It melted Wade's heart.  Our children at home have been cared for and had a wonderful vacation while we've been away.  There are many more things that I could list, but suffice it to say, God's providence has sustained us and brought us hope, and we are more than grateful.  Thank you for verses and texts and notes of encouragement - it has meant so much to us and always come at the most opportune time.

As we leave, there's a verse that seems to sum up our journey to China.  It's from Isaiah 63:7-9: "I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all the Lord has granted us, and to the goodness to the house of Israel, that He has granted them according to His compassion, according to the abundance of His steadfast love."  We have seen the abundance of the Lord on this trip.  When we reached the end of our rope, He gave us strength to go on.  He has gone before us in so many ways, and the most abundant gift is the blessing of our sweet Charlotte.  We truly feel privileged to be her parents and look forward to see God continue the work He has begun in her life.  He has been faithful and compassionate, and we will look back on this trip and be able to praise His steadfast love to us.

We can't wait to see many of you on our return!