Ramblings from an "expectant" mommy

Just a few pix in the hours of countdown to Kaeleb - and something I've been dying to share with you!

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psa 16:7-8

Her royal highness at the White Swan :)

Can you tell it was cold yesterday??? Very hard to enjoy the Summer Palace. That's our guide, Michelle, on the right.

Can we please go already???

Goodbye, Beijing, you're too cold!

Yesterday was a day of highs and lows, one that truly tested our endurance as we concluded 3 days worth of touring in 1 and 1/2 days, a horrible mix-up at the airport followed by the worst flight ever, but also one in which God revealed Himself, and I've been dying to brag on Him. My prayer is that I can describe it adequately. Our Beijing guide, Michelle, is strictly a tour guide, not an adoption facilitator. She was only somewhat familiar with families from other countries coming to China to adopt, and couldn't fully understand how we can love a child not born to us. As much as we like to believe domestic adoption is growing within China, we must understand her culture and tradition in which "blood" family is so important. It is not "acceptable" to welcome a child not of one's own blood, and if a family were to adopt, they would likely keep it a secret. Of course, there are exceptions to this. The more we learn of Chinese tradition, the more we realize so much of it is followed without even understanding why, merely that it's "just the way it's always been." All that to say, Michelle asked me why we would choose to adopt from China. I am very careful to choose my words for fear of disrespecting her beliefs, unlike Clayton who will so easily find an opportunity to speak of our beliefs. I simply told her that we are Christians, and we believe adoption is something God desires for us, to care for others, but that we are the ones who have been so blessed by His plans. She told us she was shocked to know we have six children, three who are China-born. Throughout the first day there were many opportunities to discuss our beliefs and hers. On Sunday morning she completely surprised us by telling us she had gone home that night and discussed our conversations with her sister, and they were both very moved and decided when they are married they would both like to adopt! She understood that God had spoken to us, and though she wasn't sure it was Him telling her to adopt, she felt "something" told her it was the right thing to do. Now, Michelle is not one to be "swayed by the changing winds." I believe seeds were planted, and we were blessed to see the first sprouts. Thank you, God! I'll end this post at that because this is a very emotional day for me, and I'm just soaking in every moment!