Pearl Market, Summer Palace

This morning we headed to the Summer Palace. We first stopped at a pearl market. We bought a few special things for Mia and Chloe as they get older. The Summer Palace was interesting and our guide is so good at sharing all of the history. We went on a boat ride from the Summer Palace across Kunming Lake. The architecture was quite beautiful and the history fascinating. If only there were bright blue skies. Today I asked our guide if they ever see the blue sky, white puffy clouds or sunshine. He said a few days of the year - especially fall or winter if the wind is blowing strong enough to blow away the pollution. Wow. I will never again take for granted the beauty of blue skies.

Mia and the other kids did very well again through the heat and long day. We didn't leave from there until 2:30 and still had not had lunch. We always have snacks with us and Mia had a banana, orange and some cereal. When we finally sat down for "lunch" it was after 3pm. All of the kids started forcing the food in their mouths. It was so difficut to see. I knew Mia was not hungry, but I think throwing off the routine was very difficult on her and the others. She had also not had a nap other than about 10 minutes on our van. She had some tears and difficulty at the restaurant and I was all done too. We have decided to skip dinner tonight (everyone did) and we'll just get something on our own. This schedule is not very kid friendly. If it weren't that tomorrow is the zoo, we would be skipping the sightseeing altogether. The pace is getting to me too- just need some down time.

I did some laundry in the sink last night and hung the clothes with clothespins on the shower line. It may sound funny, but when I took the clothes down this morning the familiar smell from our detergent was such a joy to me.
It's the little things. =)

Hope this post did not sound too negative. It was just a tough day. We are all getting spent - almost halfway home. I don't want to wish it away, so I feel very conflicted in even saying that out loud. I need some time to get in The Word and listen to worship - too much time with my eyes off the King. That is where I am headed now. Continued prayers for perseverence would be much appreciated, as well as, Mia's ability to freely give and receive love and affection. She has also at times been quite jealous of my affection toward Steve. Most often she is so guarded - as to be expected. There are times that I feel such anger over how she has been sinned against. It is a tragedy that there a buildings filled with children all over this country and around the world who just need to be loved.

May every one of our hearts break for the orphans of this world.

It is real.

Right now I am loving this real life little girl and there are millions more. The word orphan has a face to me now. And gorgeous brown eyes. And sweet little hands that want to be held. Mia will never be alone again, but what about the ones she left behind - the one's whose eyes cried out as we walked passed them with Mia in our arms.
I will never forget those longing eyes.

This has been a tough day.

















Miss you all like crazy!

So grateful for the words of Jesus, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18