A Day of Firsts

Today was a day of firsts for Maren: her first ice cream and her first boat ride (she LOVED the ice cream and most of the boat ride).  Our guide took us the South Park/Lake this morning. It was a very large park with beautiful flowers, walkways, bridges, and a lake.  You could rent a little boat (it went very slow, was quiet, and peaceful) and drive around the lake, so Danial drove us around.  Maren loved the first 3/4 of the ride, and then became quite distraught over a snack package. She has been inconsolable multiple times today; however, we know she is trying to cope with this big change. She also woke up in the night with, we assume, a night terror. She was inconsolable and was not really awake as she was crying and screaming.  It is heartbreaking to see her so distraught and unable to accept our affection at times.  She is being incredibly resilient when we think of how this week looks so different than anything she has known. This afternoon and evening we have been keeping it low key here in the hotel room (quiet music, lights down low, we ate in our room - peanut butter/crackers for dad and mom and Maren loved the mac and cheese - stuff we packed in our suitcase for nights when she was not up to going out, bubbles - which she loves).

Tomorrow afternoon we fly to Guangzhou; a 4 hour flight.  Please pray for this trip: her being able to sense peace and calmness from us and her willingness for consoling. We should arrive into Guangzhou around 9PM, so a late night getting to our hotel. The following morning (Sat here), Maren will have a medical exam. 

God is working through this journey in great and mighty ways. Honestly, we have had so many times of being in awe of His wonder, majesty, and sovereignty. We have all stayed healthy. We have been treated so well by the people of China. We have a great guide. Maren is doing amazingly well with us. Mora, Bryce, and Bennett are doing well (we have been Skyping with them 1-2 times a day; praise that Skype is working here), and we have wonderful family who are lovingly watching them. We have had safety everywhere we have been. The whole journey is beyond our comprehension, and we feel so privileged to be here on this journey.