2 Weeks Until Departure

In the midst of the tornado relief efforts over the past 10 days, we have been able to book our airline tickets for China, book and confirm all of our in country travel (from Beijing to Fu Lian's province to Guangzhou and to all meetings, appointments and tours), and set-up and confirm the group tours we will take to the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and a silk company tour.

What a blessing the past 10 days have been for our family as we have been able to live within the bubble of the wreckage and see first hand the devastation at the hand of our Mighty Creator, but also see the spirit of this community pick itself up and join together to pour out love and encouragement and blessings to each other, especially those who have lost so much.  The constant reminder outside of our home is difficult for our children to see on a daily basis, however, they have a new perspective on material possessions and extended love and mercy to others in their time of need.  Here are a couple photos of our kiddos serving in the community (and serving with friends is even better!):

Ethan cleaning up debris from a farmer's field (and finding treasures too!)

Austin, Jonny, Sean & Ethan serving warm coffee to volunteers & families in our neighborhood (temperature was single digits with windchill)

Rebecca and Brianna serving dessert and drinks at Congressman Aaron Schock's pre-thanksgiving lunch for families and volunteers