"We're Here!"

Before I get to their post, I just wanted to let everyone know that this is Tanya posting for Molly. At the moment, they are unable to get Blogger to Work in China, so I am happy to help them out! They are, however, able to read all of their emails, so be sure to leave comments, as I know they will love hearing from each of you!! Now, onto what you really want to read ~ Molly's post!....

Never thought in a million years that I would ever fly over the Arctic Sea and Siberia, but we did yesterday! It was amazing to say the least. We landed in China safely and the flight was great. The first 2.5 hours went slow, but somehow it sped up after that. We traveled light. A backpack for each of us, then a bigger suitcase and two small ones. Both the small ones were carry on sized, but we did end up checking them. The heaviest suitcase weighed in at 43lbs....hmmmm makes me wonder exactly what I forgot. I tend to pack light...to a fault.

A Chinese driver and an American from New Day picked us up at the airport. There was a Jeep store next to Starbucks. I wondered if China had Jeeps, and sure enough they do. We did seem to stick out a bit, and were easily found. What an interesting ride back to the foster home. Talk about being a heartbeat away from Heaven! I don't think any driver in PA would have survived driving these roads...Chicagoans...maybe. Not only are there cars, but trucks, mopeds, people on bikes, etc. There are little dirty dogs wandering around everywhere.

New Day seems like a little haven of sorts. It was neat to walk in the back yard and see the play sets, scooters and ride ons that I have watched little ones play on over the last year. Quite surreal. Before it got too dark, we sat at the front gate and watched the traffic go by. Definitely not in America anymore. I am wishing I would have gotten Evan's foster mom those Columbia gloves I saw. I can only imagine what it's like to drive one of those bike things in the bitter winter. We both slept great, but I'm feeling a little 'slow' or absent minded, jet lag I suppose.

I noticed that people 'make do.' There is nothing 'new' here. Bikes are ridden with seats where the coils are popping through and all of the bikes look quite old. Very industrious people here.

I saw a few of the kiddos through the window in our room. It is on opposite a small courtyard. I can't help but wonder what Evan's foster family is feeling and thinking about right now. Obviously they have prepared him well. It was hard to hear that no one thought Evan was going to make it. And, that orphanages send all their most critical kids here. I knew that was the case, but to actually hear it is another. It was a very good and blatant reminder of how very much God loves the orphan. I have a feeling that this is not our last trip here.

Today we have Easter services, then a potluck after. We are going to see the Great Wall in the afternoon. This evening, I will get all donations a few of you sent ready for the kids. They'll get them tomorrow!! Can't wait! So many people have sent us things to bring to the children. It doesn't seem right that we get to be the ones to give the items to New Day.

Please pray for our health. All is well, and we'd like to stay that way. :0)

On the home front, it looks like our kiddo's are doing well. Olivia lost her first tooth! Mason helped his Uncle Donnie side a house. Both jumped on the trampoline. Please keep them in your prayers as well. We are expecting a rat to die while we are gone. Mary, thank you for being on 'rat burial duty.' Funny, how I didn't get a lot of volunteers to do that job, except you! :0)