The word for the day was traffic. If there are 20 million people in this city, I believe they were all on the road today. It took us much longer to get around than any other day. We were also struck by the sheer size of this city. Do something for me. Imagine yourself sitting in your car in your driveway. Now travel for 45 minutes by car in one direction. For me this would put me in Maryville, near Knoxville or somewhere south of Cleveland. We rode for that length of time today in a bus and never saw anything but skyscrapers. In city I have ever been in is dwarfed by this place. It is absolutely massive.
We spent part of the morning at the local "silk market". It is a large shopping area with hundreds of vendors of all sorts. We had a great time bargaining with the vendors. It was somewhat of a game to see how low you could get them to drop a price. We got some nice jackets for the kids and two adorable dresses for Molly among others.
Later in the day the whole group went to see the emperors winter palace. It was an impressive spread. The highlight was a magnificently beautiful temple on top of a hill with a 20 foot tall Buddha statue. This thing was gilded bronze covered in pure gold. It was an impressive thing to see. We felt sorry for old Buddha because he was dirty and corroded and looked like he had about 20 years worth of dust on his shoulders and heads. We were also struck by the number of people stopping to pray. It reminded us that we are blessed to live in a special little corner of the world and that the cast majority of people are searching in the wrong places for the One true Lord. Sad.
We are especially thankful today for our beds and pillows at home. We miss the lack of traffic at home. We are so proud of the kids. They have had the best attitudes. Too often I don't give them enough credit. Thank you Lord for them.
We want to say a special "go get 'em" to the Mtn View Tigers as they play Etowah City tomorrow night. We are counting on you guys to do great.
Tomorrow is the day we have been looking forward to for over five years. They call it “Gotcha Day”. We will finally get to see, touch and hold Molly. It just seems so unreal right now. We have no idea what to expect. We just know that God brought through this process to this point for a specific purpose. We are confident in Him and pray that we will be faithful to His calling. We will leave the hotel at 5:30AM to go to the airport. We will fly to Changsha where we will meet her for the first time. We so wish that many of you could be here to experience this with us. We know of your prayers and your love and are so grateful for both. The only thing that could top it off would be for our niece Laura Danielle to come into the world on the same day. For that matter I know Jennifer is ready too.
As we are starting our day today (Sunday) yours is about to end. I am sure you guys won't get much sleep tonight. I imagine that it will be like all the Christmas eves night you have ever spend with joyous hearts and restless sleep just waiting for what presents the day will bring. As we attend church today remember your church family will be lifting you up in prayer as you try to get some rest. Please know that we love you guys and only want the best for your family.Then tonight as we try to sleep we will be thinking of you in your next set of traveling to go get your daughter.Tomorrow a.m. as we start our Monday day you will have gotcha Molly. I almost have this time thing figured out. Also, we are remembering Jennifer and her family as they are awaiting the arrival of their baby girl as well. We acknowledge that all blessings come from God above. Now go get your daughter and bring all your children home. Love the Swaynes
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you guys I have tears in my eyes! As I read, Memories come flooding back from when we went to get Eli. Everything you describe, I remember. That Cold is brutal!
ReplyDeleteI pray God's incredible peace and love over Molly as you scoop her up into your arms and you become her family. I pray fear disappates and is drowned out in the face of love. PRaying for you. Love, Melissa
Gotcha Day is here and it really seems like there were so many days we thought this day would never get here.. then when we stop and realize that in just a few hours you will be holding sweet sweet Molly. It truly makes me cry with joy in my heart. We have be so blessed to hear ever step of this process and I so wish we could be there with you all. Well we are in our hearts and we will be counting the hours that we too can see Molly as the newest member of the Trentham family. Love and lots of prayers are going up for you all today. Just remember we will Skype in the middle of the night if you all want to.. Just call my phone and I will get on the computer ASAP!! Love you all!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch excitement and anticipation. Hope someone is available to take photos as you all take turns meeting Molly, looking into her eyes, touching and holding her for the very first time. Praying the good Lord will continue to bless your family and keep you all safe. So very excited for you all.
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