And a Very Happy Birthday It Was

My birthday may have​ been in July but the gift arrived in September...or I should say that I arrived in September...in Chicago! A huge, huge thank you to everyone who donated so generously to make this trip happen. While I had asked that no current sponsors or supporters contribute to the fund, many of you broke that rule. I am truly thankful for your continued generosity towaed our family and our work in China. I am also very thankful for the people who made first time donations to gift me with this trip. Your thoughtfulness is so appreciated. 
So on September 2, Kristen and I boarded our flight for Chicago (with a connection in SFO). It was a very comfortable and uneventful flight  -- those are the best kind.  We were met in Chicago late on the evening of the second by my son, Ryan. What a joy to see him after such a long time. What a surprise for him to see his baby sister looking so grown up after a 3 year absence! He nearly didn't recognize her.
Marissa (oldest daughter), Laura (daughter in law) and Maggie (granddaughter!) were all asleep so we had to wait until morning to see them, which was okay because we were very ready for bed. 
I won't go into day by day details, but I will say that our three weeks were absolutely wonderful. It was a pretty relaxing visit as I tried not to cram too much into it. Even so, there was a lot to do, and we kept pretty busy. Well, I kept pretty busy. I think Kristen primarily played with Maggie or played video games with Ryan. I did a lot of needed shopping for things that are hard to find in China -- toiletries, OTC meds and some clothes and school supplies. Kristen got her ears pierced, a 13th birthday tradition which I prefer to have done in the US. (Kristen turns 13 today!) I spent many hours at the fabric store without any kids because they KNOW it will never be a quick trip. In addition to bringing back some sewing supplies, I made Maggie her first quilt. I find quilting very therapeutic so this was a gift for her and for me.
We were able to spend a good amount of time with Lindsay, meet her host family and spend a day at her school meeting teachers. Kristen shadowed Lindsay for a day and went to chapel, classes and lunch with her. I don't know whether I am happy or sad to say she loved it and now has her sights set on Wheaton Academy as well.  It was great to see firsthand where Lindsay is and how well she is adjusting to school. The WA staff are truly interested in making her time there as successful as possible, and they are all enjoying Lindsay very much.
And what about the FOOD? Well, it was delicious! Laura is an excellent cook and went out of her way to make the most tasty and varied meals. A nice change from our routine menu in China. We did both authentic Mexican and Taco Bell Mexican. Both were yummy in their own way.  I also satisfied my ice cream cravings, at least for awhile. We made a few trips to Dairy Queen and a very special outing to Margie's Candies for the most scrumptious *throw back* sundaes. I had hot fudge and caramel, and it was the best sundae I have had in years and years. Oh my! Thank you, Ryan and Laura! I also kept the freezer stocked with my favorite flavors of H-D, an unaffordable and inaccessible luxury on this side of the world.  
Regardless of where we are, my thoughts are never far from the issues of orphans and orphan care, and this trip was no different. We were so blessed to be able to visit with one of our boys from Eagles Wings who now lives with his mom in the Chicago area. He is doing so well and has changed so much, although he is still as lively and inquisitive as ever. I am so thankful that he has a wonderful mom to get him the medical care he needs and the education to feed his hungry mind. I was also able to give a presentation about New Day to a group of students and their parents. The students will be visiting New Day for a few days of service as part of their Winterim trip to China. I am excited to see them all again in a few months. 

 Kristen LOVES being an aunt as do Marissa and Lindsay. Maggie loved having them there, too. (She was not so sure about me, however.)