Orphanage Visit

This is an awesome story that just about brings me to tears. Our church family at Frankenmuth Bible Church donated two huge bags of clothes, blankets, coats, socks, and other things to the orphanage. All of it was brand new, and some even hand knit. Individuals at our church also gave us way morethan enough money to check the bags on our flight to China from the US and then from Beijing to Grace's province of Henan. Honestly, I've worried more about these bags than anything about the trip, which is really silly. I was really concerned about getting them to and from the airports and about checking them in China as they are very strict that each person only check 1 bag 44lbs or less. We had four HUGE bags between us and three carry-ons, all overweight. The first leg of the trip we ended up flying Delta and they didn't charge us anything. We think its because they allow 2 checked bags per person for international flights, which we didn't know. The next leg of the trip was from Beijing to Zhengzhou. Our guide talked to the people at the check in counter and since the bags were an orphanage donation they decided not to charge us anything!!! When we got to Grace's province our guide was able to ask the director of the orphanage what they needed most. She said they were short on formula and diapers. Paul went to the store and was able to buy cases and cases of diapers and formula. At the store he was a huge spectacle and had like 20 employees helping him. When they found out that it was an orphanage donation they were so generous and threw in a huge case of rice cereal and gave him 50 % off the diapers so that he could buy twice as many. The exchange rate here is 6.5. I feel like God took the efforts of our church and multiplied them over and over. Once again, HE has proved faithful, even when my faith wavered.

The orphanage was SO grateful! He was able to tell them it was a gift from our church. The orphanage itself is old, but it is clean. It is very evident that the children there are loved and cared for as much as possible in that setting. Grace's nanny cried when she found out that Grace is having a hard time. It turns out she is shy and afraid of strangers. The directors took Paul out to a traditional Luoyang feast where he was the guest of honor. We are so humbled. The Chinese people are truly gracious and kind. I really like the people we have met here.

Grace has definitely bonded somewhat to me, and shows her personality to me. When we are alone she laughs and talks and even throws fit. That is good! But she can't even stand to be in the room with Paul and just grunts and moans all day long. It is very normal for a child to only bond with one parent. I think she loved having mommy all to herself and doesn't want anyone else around. So, prayers would be appreciated. We understand, but it's still really hard on Paul because he is crazy about her. He is making headway right now.