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"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west." - Isaiah 43:5

5/30/2006


We’re beginning to feel like the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Dayna can fuss and fuss and fuss, but if either of us start to sing, she will just stare at us and calm down. She’s showing a preference for hymns! She also heard her Daddy play the recorder for the first time today. He not only had Dayna entranced, but several store clerks as well.

Today was a great day for shopping. We picked up several souvenirs and gifts. We really enjoyed spending time at Jordon’s, which we’ve heard about from our internet group. Jordon himself helped us, and he proved to be a man of great kindness and integrity, as well as a man who loves the Lord Jesus Christ. When we left, we told him, “God Bless You!” and his face lit up like the sun. He walked outside with us and spoke a little more, teaching us how to say “Jesus Loves You” in Chinese. Later in the day, we met Jordon on the street again. Alaina used some of her Mandarin to speak with him. It seems whenever she speaks, people are impressed with her pronunciation (she’s even been accused of having a Beijing accent!) We’re not sure if people are being nice or if she’s really getting the hang of it.

Dayna’s feeling a bit better. We met up with a doctor in the playroom this morning, who gave us some reassurance and direction with her bronchitis. She had her last treatment for thrush this evening. We’re sure she’s probably glad that’s over!

Otherwise, it’s been a quiet day. Our huge victory for the day was at naptime and bedtime when Daddy got Dayna to fall asleep. She’d been relying on Mom, and is finally starting to relax when Daddy’s around. We must be getting the hang of parenting a bit, because a new mom came to us this evening asking us advice. That was WEIRD! We invited her to join us with the Bitz family for breakfast in the morning. She’s traveling alone and would love the company. We can’t imagine doing this on our own, although we’ve definitely seen the Lord’s hand guiding every step we’ve made.

Tomorrow is our appointment with the US consulate. We’ll also have to make some time to uphold some White Swan traditions (many of you know about the red couches, the rest will have to wait to see tomorrow’s post.) We’ll also have some final purchases to make so we can start packing on Thursday.

Otherwise, our time here is winding down, and we suppose we’re going to have to come home and start cooking and cleaning for ourselves again. We are actually looking forward to our own bed and familiar surroundings. (As well as a HUGE bowl of chips and salsa!) Alaina spoke briefly with her parents last night, and that taste of home was such a comfort and encouragement to us. If only we had more calling cards and could call you all!

In the meantime, please continue praying for us. The adrenaline rush of becoming parents after waiting so long is starting to wear off and the reality of our responsibility for this little life is setting in. We’re all tired and ready for a “normal” routine when we get home. Thanks again for your words of encouragement and keeping our email filled. (Dayna would still love to hear from her cousins!)

Blessings to you all,
Dan, Alaina & Dayna

"Lingering Music" sculpture in the park
Which one should he buy?
Ev'rybody dance, now
With Jordon Shu shu (Uncle Jordon)
Having fun
Go Big Red!

5/30/2006





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