The Night Before

Well, it's after midnight on the night before we leave for China.  Beth was finally able to get to bed but I'm still wide awake.  Too excited to sleep, I guess.  Well, that and we've been busy with packing, checking and rechecking documents, making sure we have all the required copies of everything, etc.  Also had to put another car seat in the van.  Crazy to think I'm a father of three today, tomorrow we leave and fly halfway around the world, and then come back in 15 days as a father of 4!!

 

Today has been a crazy day...busy getting everything done before we leave.  Making sure that not only our bags are packed, but also that everything's taken care of for Gabe and Hallie while we're away.  It was a welcome relief to have some good friends bring dinner to our house tonight and visit.  (Thanks again for the brownies Kellye!!)

 

Beth and I have both been humbled and in awe of God's providence throughout this whole process.  It's amazing to see His perfect timing, how every financial need was met, how every problem was solved.  I've been reminded over and over during these last 9 months that God is sovereign, that He is good, and that He is wise. 

 

While we're obviously thrilled to finally be able to travel to get Sophie, we're also a little nervous about being so far away from Gabe and Hallie.  For those who may not know, Gabe was diagnosed last December with a type of non-hodgkins lymphoma (cancer) and has been undergoing treatment for that for the last few months.  While he's responded well so far, we ask that you pray for him while we're away...that his treatments go well and that his blood cell counts come back normal at his appointment Monday.

 

Other prayer requests:

--for Beth...pray that she stays calm tomorrow (she's not the best flyer).

--for Blake...that he will adjust well to China and not have any asthma/breathing problems.

--for Gabe and Hallie...safety while we're away and also for strength and patience for those taking care of them.

--for safe travel to/from/in China...and also for a peaceful flight home with our little girl.

--for Sophie...that she's able to receive us well and attaches supernaturally.

 

Thanks again for lifting us up in prayer.  The next time I write should be from China...I hope!!