Day 3 in China

 

Day 3

Lines, arrows, and street lights only exists in China to be compliant with some traffic code.  Apparently, they serve no other purpose.

Today, we went to the government office of civil affairs to sign two sheets of paper.  While we waited, we passed the time by "fake fishing" for Coy, throwing our gum as high as we could into the air and seeing who could catch it in their mouth, and playing the rock game (the game like jacks but played with only rocks).

From there, we went to Louyang to have the application for adoption notarized.  It was about a two hour drive from Zhengzhou.  We passed many people relieving themselves on the side of the road.  Choosing to be more civilized, we decided to use a public bathroom.  Wow! 

We decided to eat and walked into a restaurant that didn't look like a restaurant.  The man behind the counter only greeted us with one hand as the other was busy dislodging something way, way, WAY, up in his nose.  This too is apparently permissible behavior...

The food was good!  Reusable bamboo chopsticks from a communal bowl made the experience that much more authentic.  We met Joe, the assistant coordinator at the restaurant.  I love him so much!  He became a Christian while in America. He is so excited for the boys!!  He kept saying, "They go to Měiguó"!

 

He said that he loved Měiguó (America).  He pointed out the window to the grey smog filled sky and said that in America, the sky is always blue.  I take so much for granted.

 

We then went to Luoning Children's Institute to have a going away ceremony for the boys.  All of the other children were there and they were so beautiful!  As we walked the dark halls, and passed room after room of bunkbeds with bamboo covers, it hit me how good we have it.  The kids were very open to hugging, and one little guy didn't want me to put him down.  They have very good caretakers, but these little children are starved for affection and love. 

 

 

"Break my heart Lord for what breaks yours"

The boys said their tear filled goodbye's, and we left back for Zhengzhou.  I am certain in the good future of their lives, but they just have no idea.  They are now leaving a home, again, and starting over, again.
Uncertainty and instability have been the one constant in these boys lives.  They only have faith in that what this "father"is promising to give them is true.  We too have a Father who promises us a future...

 

We have a hope because of our faith in HIM. It is our prayer that our boys and all of our children can see the lived out example of such LOVE a Father has for His Children.