The Arnold Family

The sights, the sounds, the smells...I love this country! I am not sure if it is because this is the home country of my girls, but my affection for China and the people here runs deep.

Most of you know I HATE flying! It truly is one of my biggest fears. God ushered in His peace, and the flight was
fairly uneventful. Thank you to each of you who were specifically lifting this up to the Father!! He heard your prayers.

We arrived in Hong Kong, a bit late. Our flight out of Chicago was delayed, which is not surprising considering that seems to be the theme of this journey to Maggie. I joked yesterday that maybe her name should be DELAYne!!!!

All was smooth after our arrival in Hong Kong. We had about a 2 and a half hour drive to Guangzhou. Our hotel is quite breathtaking. We are staying at The Garden Hotel. Everything is extremely convenient. The 7-11, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Subway, many comforts of home are within a block of us.

Our morning has been relaxing and peaceful! As we arrived at breakfast this morning I was overcome with emotion!! Surrounding us were families who were experiencing their first days with newly adopted children, of all ages, and a variety of special needs. One of the first families we passed held their baby girl with a cleft lip and palette in their arms. Haddie immediately said, "mommy, she's the same as me!"

At breakfast the Lord set families before me that were Devine appointments. One, of which, needs to make a decision to continue their adoption process or disrupt. Pray for wisdom for this family.

What I saw in that dining area this morning, everywhere I looked was HOPE! Hope delivered to lives that had none. I saw mammas and daddies who carried the look of exhaustion, and it reminded me that adoption is not easy. Parents trying to corral children, who were acting like wild animals, and eating like them! Oh my, the craziness of the first days and months of getting to know each other. I looked over at Haddie, and whispered thanks to God, who has brought her and I SO FAR since our first days together!

We ventured out on the street with the locals. I am sure I will say this over and over again on this journey, but I am SO VERY THANKFUL to have my man child with me!!!!! His father has trained him well! He knows how to take care of his mama and sister, and I probably don't need to tell you that is not an easy job!!! Jacob can draw quite a lot of attention when out on the street among the people. We were kindly greeted once, "Hello America". Outside of that, it was pretty much gawking.

I will update again later, but wanted to let everyone know we are having a great time, settled in, and counting down the hours to Maggie Grace!!! Strange to think that I have been in the same city with her twice, when we adopted Libi and Haddie, not even realizing it!

Thank you again for your prayers and encouragement, you richly bless our lives!!!!