11 days to go

One thing that I have learned as a parent is that no idea is a great idea until the child has it.

Yesterday morning Amariah and Patrick were having a pillow fight, Patrick way of getting our 'teenaged-morning-attitude' three year old out of bed. Of course Patrick let Amariah win. Amariah stood on the bed, holding his pillow proudly when he looked and me and said, "Mommy, I fight Daddy good."  

"Yes, you did," I replied. 

Then Amariah's response was, "Well, of course, I'm Superman!"

I laughed.

From there we went to the 'fight to put the pants on.' Impatiently Patrick asked Amariah, "Do you want to go to school in your underwear?"

"Yes, I want to go to school in my underwear." 

I stepped in and said, "If that's what you want to wear, that's fine."

Patrick looked at me questioning my input. I assured him that the pants would get on and he agreed to go along with it. We then proceded to carry out our normal morning routine. When it was time for the boys to go to school, I scooped Amariah up, put him in the stroller and asked for the usual hug and kiss. Amariah looked at me surprised and rather concerned. 

"What's worng?" I asked

"I don't have any pants."

"Well, of course, your superman."

Amariah looked shocked by my response. "I want pants. I need pants to go to school."

Patrick asked, "You want pant?"

"Yes!"

"OK, I'll get some." Patrick got some pants and put them on Amariah. Then we were able to have our goodbye hug. 

Anyway, 11 days left. I am starting to get those butterflies in my stomach. I had a dream last night that when the day came for us to leave, I was no where near ready. So, today I would like to getting more accomplished to ensure that doesn't happened. 

One of the men that Patrick has been talking with return to university in Xi'an. Well, we know that there was a seed planted. We gave him a good bye gift and trust that it will bless him. 

I have been asked alot lately of what I am looking forward to the most for moving back to NA. Well, yesterday while at the play place was such a prime example of what I won't miss. We often take Amariah to the indoor play room for children when it is raining or too hot to play outside. Honestly, I hate going there. But what do you do when you have a three year old that needs to burn energy. So, Amariah is running around playing, I, as usual, can't help but noticed, and cringe, at the number of toddlers running around with the croch cut out of their pants. Yes, naked bums going down slides, sitting on the teeter-totters. Everytime you see liquid on the play equipment, which is often, you really can't help but think that it must be pee. There are public washroom right there, but I think we are the only ones who use them. 

So, Amarish is running around, the old ladies often try to touch him because he is white, he just growls at them as they get closer. Then yesterday 2 older women tried to give him food, some bread and a biscuit. I quickly intervene and say no thank-you. And as usual the ladies insist that it is ok. I repeatedly say no thank-you, and as usual they insist that it is ok. They are handing him the food and I take it away and give it back, they hand him the food, I take it away and give it back. They say its ok. I tell them it is not ok, he has an egg allergy and I don't know what is this bread. They say "no egg, just bread." I am not stupid, I know that almost all Chinese bread has egg in it and I know that the particular brand that they were giving him has egg in it. But as usual, they don't listen. I will NOT miss this daily fight with old ladies. So, I take the food and put it in my pocket and tell Amariah to go and play else where. 

Then shortly after that, a lady comes over to admire Eternity. The lady notices that I have a pair of jeans on Eternity (they are super adorable, little jean shorts). Anyway, this lady procedes to inform me that putting jeans on babies is bad and that I shouldn't do it. She started to grab at the shorts and wanted me to take them off. I thanked her for her concern, but I was ok with her wearing the jean shorts. She was astonished that I wasn't listening to her, so took it upon herself to send the next 5 minutes telling me that jeans on babies are bad. Well, I happened to noticed the time, and it was time to go. I called Amariah over and we got our shoes and left. This lady followed me out of the play place telling me that I should take the jeans off. I turned and thanked her for her concern and then said goog bye. As we left a Grandfather was holding his grandson over a potted plant, inside the clubhouse where the play place is, and was using it as a toilet. I guess the public washroom around the corner was too far away. 

So, that is a typical outting. What am I looking forward to...I know you can imagine

13 days to go...

I am sitting here eating dragon friut with a spoon and I can't help but think that this may be one of my last times eating fresh dragon fruit for a long time. That's ok, an easy sacrifice for the abundance of NA foods I have missed. The other day we went to The Fountain's, which is a Christian community centre. They had a buffet lunch and then activities for the kids. The buffet lunch was all western foods. I didn't realize how much I missed a good veggie sandwhich on rye until that day. The food will be sweet in 14 days times. 

Actually it is now 13 days until our departure from Guangzhou. We will take a bus to HK airport and then fly out of there to Taiwan, then to L.A. to Houston, to KC. It is going to be a long trip, but we are not dwelling on the journey but rather the destination. 

Yesterday we went over for lunch to one of Patrick's Chinese co-worker's home. She made us fish that was from her dad's fish farm in Hunan. It is always fun having a home cooked Chinese meal, even in China a home cooked meal often taste better than eating out. While we were there Amariah was entertained by their wii. Wii Mario Kart was his favourite. He enjoyed making the cars fly (which was driving them off of a cliff- not what your supposed to do). Either way, though, he had alot of fun and watching him play was entertaining for the rest of us. As we were getting ready to go, Anna, the host, brought out a gift for us. This was a complete surprise. What was more surprising was the weight. Patrick took the gift and was clearly put off by the weight. Anna laughed and admitted that it was a bit heavy, but she really wanted us to have it. It 2 quilts and 2 pillow coverings. It probably weighs at least 20 lbs. The whole way home we talked about how this significantly adds to the weigt of our luggage. 

So, Patrick and Amariah are back at school this week. Patrick's old class is no longer at the kindergarten because all of his students graduated and moved on to the primary school. Patrick went into work this morning not sure what class he would be teaching, especially since he only has one week left on his contract. Anyway, I just got a text from him asking me to pray because he got put into the new mini class, which are a group of screaming 2 year old's. LOL Last year Amariah was one of them. Now he has moved on to small class and he is very proud of how much he has grown up. 

Today, my goal is to finish some writing and try to clear more stuff out of the apartment. It is starting to look empty in here, but not empty enough. 

Luvs

A couple Good Stories

I have about a hundred stories floating around in my head that I have been wanting to write about. I know that with a blink of an eye this time will be gone and I want to have as many memories written down as I can. Time to just sit and write seems to be more non-existent lately. But hey, 4:53 am...I think I have found my moment of uninterrupted writting time. 

Patrick is currently on his one week summer vacation time. The next time classes resume all the students will have moved on to their next class. In Patrick's case most of his students will have moved on to the next school since he taught the highest level in the kindergarten. So, Friday was a sad day for him as he had to say goodbye to his students and will most likely never see them again. Since it was his last day, I decided that I would go and take pictures of him with the students. One of his students had given him a going away gift...a woman's hand bag. It was navy blue with elephants on it and a big pale blue bow. Patrick wasn't sure what to do with it. I told him that we could regift it, besides "its the thought that counts," right? I was thinking that maybe it was a mistake and the gift was for one of his women teachers, but as we left the school that day we passed the student's mother who asked if her son, Brian, had given Patrick the gift. Patrick assured her that Brian had. Maybe in China giving a woman's hand bag to a male is a completely appropriate thank-you gift. This also reminds me that giving bouquets of flowers to men is completely appropriate and commonly practised. I remember when the school principle gave one of the pther male teachers a bouquet of flowers, the poor guy looked so awkward...and then later threw the flowers out because he didn't know what to do with them. It wasn't a romantic thing, it was a "I appreciate you and want you to feel welcome in our school," thing. 

And for a couple cute Amariah stories...

The other night we were having chicken wings for dinner. We all know how eating chicken wings go...there's some bones, some cartilage, and meat. Amariah, while eating a wing, leans over the table, spits out something small and hard, then just 'as-matter-of-factly' says, "seed" and continues eating. 

Two nights ago I was reading amariah a book before bed. In the book it talked about differetn occupations, such as doctor, teacher, policeman. Then there was the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I read the question and asked Amariah. He sat there and pondered the question for a few moments and then answered, "I want to be bigger."

One more brief story, then I should try to sleep...

A Chinese co-worker of Patrick's, Danny, took our family out for lunch on Saterday. He has really appreciated Patrick at school and wanted to show it. The whole thing was so Chinese. We first were picked up by Harrison, another co-worker of Patrick's and that was an experience. It felt like we were driving with a 16 year old new driver in Chinese traffic. Part way to the restaurant I asked Harrison how long he had his licence. "Over one year," he replied, "But I haven't alot of opportunity to drive." "No kidding," I responded, and prayed we would make it safely. He finally parallel parked on the side of a street that didn't appear to have any buildings on it. All I say was bush. "Where is the restaurant?" I asked. Then Sunny, another co-worker, pointed to a dirt driveway and said that it was down there. We started down this dirt driveway, and it definately looked a bit...odd. But low and behold, a nice building made out of bamboo appears with a lovely pond in front of it. 

Danny's family was there waiting for us, his wife eager to hold Eternity. We were happy to have our hands free for a bit, by allowing Eternity to be held. Danny ordered the food. I started to talk to Harrison who was on my left and was helping Amariah, who was also on my left, drink his tea. Eternity and Danny's wife, Fanny (most Chinese people pick their own English names) was on my right so I couldn't see them in this moment. Patrick leans towards me and says, "I am going to go get Eternity." I immediately sense a problem, so I am looking at E and Fanny, who is smiling big because she was so proud to have held a white baby. Patrick politely takes Eternity back and then returns to his seat beside me. "What was the problem?" I asked. "She spoon fed Eternity coke." he replied. "What!" was my reaction. Patrick looks at me and says calmly, "It's alright, I have her now." Patrick didn't need to say anything more. I knew that we are in a different culture, these people are being kind and taking us to lunch, it's going to be fine. 

The food arrived and it was delicious. We had 4 fish dishes. I commented that we had ordered alot of fish and that it was all good. Sunny responded, "Yeah, and we only bought one fish." I didn't understand, so I said, "One fish?" "Yes, and it was 6kg" she replied. I still was a little confused, so I questioned further. "Danny bought a fish?" Sunny, then made the whole thing clear, "Yes, Did you see the pond out side?" "Yes" "We bought one of those fish in it and they were able to get 4 dishes out of it for us. Isn't that good?" "You mean, that pond isn't for decoration?" "No, that's the fish they use to make the meals." 

As we left the restaurant I took pictures of the pond and we all looked at the fish and commented on how they were going to be some customer's meal. 

Anyway, putting the stories aside...

We have E's passport, visa, and tickets. We have already started to pack... 2 weeks, 5 days..... God is Good

25 days and counting down

The registration went smoothly....PTL!!! So, finally ALL of the paper work is set for our departure. What a testimony this has become. You know, sometimes He leds us to the Red Sea so that all we have to lean on is him and only him, then, supernaturally, He can make a way. We also bought out tickets. This is a testimony too. Patrick and I have been following tickets for months, and then yesterday we found the cheapest flights so far for the day our visas expire. Totally Him. Just not too long ago those same flights were higher. That was from HK to LA. The flights from LA to KC were a bit more, but over all it was still cheaper. We were at the school, on the schools computers when we found these flights on a HK website. Patrick went and asked a Chinese co-worker if we could borrow his credit card to buy the tickets and then we would pay him the cash. This co-worker said, "OK, no problem," and handed over the card. I am in awe about of the favour the Lord has on us in this school. We have tickets to fly out of HK on September 5 and we will arrive in KC the morning of the 6th. Please continue to pray for us as we feel we have alot to do in our final 3 weeks here. 

Victory

PTL!!! He is GOOD!!! So, I went into the city to see about this issue surrounding Eternity's passport. I was confident in approaching this and had no worry in me whatsoever.  We have spent the past week in prayer, prophesying over this, claiming the promises, speaking the scriptures over this, and what we asked for has been done. PTL!!! Last night while praying together, Patrick and I were reminded that it isn't about how much faith you have, because the Word says that even faith the size of a mustard seed will move the mountains, but its about who you have your faith in. Our faith is in the Almighty. So, we have gained vistory over another battle, the issue of Eternity's visa- we now have that visa. The next step is getting registered, which Patrick went to go do right now. Then after that, buying tickets. The battles aren't over yet, but we have the victory. While in the city, I also had the opportunity to minister to someone, divine... He has it all planned out. I will write again when we have the victory over the registration. 

Going into the City

Quick update, 

Yesterday, after not receiving the call by 1 pm, I called the person that is helping us with our situation. The news was that Patrick, Amariah and myself all have our passports back with extended visas, PTL. The good news is that we do not have to go to HK. Amariah and I were only extended until Sept. 5. This means we are planning on arriving in Kansas City either before or on that day. However, Eternity's passport was not released, so I am going into the city today to see about this. So, keeping our heads up and praisin Him. 

Goose!!!

Today is a beautiful sunny day with a bright blue sky. PTL!!

Today is also the day we are awaiting a phone call that we are trusting will have good news for us. This is the week, that we are trusting we will have everything lined up to buy tickets. Our desire is to leave in 4 weeks, but He will guide our steps. 

Thank-you for your prayers. Please continue to stand on this victory with us. 

Updates on the kids:

Eternity is growing like a weed. She is rolling all over. Grabbing at anything she can to put in her mouth. She sits up pretty good hanging on to something for balance. Yet, she so desparately wants to sit all by herself and is trying hard. And I don't know exactly what it is, but Amariah makes her laugh and laugh like no other. 

Amariah is still loving being a big brother. He recently moved to the 3-5 Sunday school class and he is so proud to be with the big kids. Yesterday during sunday school he played duck duck goose for the first time. One of the older kids said, "GOOSE!" when they pat Amariah's head. I stood on the side ready to cheer him on. I wasn't sure that he understood how to play. But he jumped up and started to run around the circle of kids and in the right direction too. "Go Amariah, Go!!" I yelled. Amariah was running his hardest, then about half way around the circle he paused and had a pondering look on his face. "Come on Amariah, Run!" I shouted. Just then Amariah jumped between 2 students and darted as fast as he could through the circle and plopped himself back into the place he started. The student he was racing was just approaching the seat, seeing Amariah already seated, he looked confused. With a big grin on his face, Amariah turned toward me and shouted, "Mommy, I did it!" his teacher looked at me and said, "Wow, he is really clever." I smiled and replied, "Yes he is."

So... we are not in Hong Kong.

Please keeping praying, we really need it right now.