We had the opportunity to attend an international church service this morning. This was an experience that we will not soon forget. We worshiped with people from around the world...all praising the one true God! We had to show our passports before entering the service...Chinese citizens are not permitted to attend these services. How blessed we are to be able to worship and praise Him freely.
After the service, we were taken to the Jade Factory where we learned about the significance of Jade in Chinese culture. Jade is passed from generation to generation in many families. Our guide Sherry wears her great grandmother's bracelet. A country so rich in history and tradition.
After lunch, we walked on the Great Wall...truly amazing...and beautiful! We finished the day by seeing a Chinese acrobatic show. Our bags are packed to leave at 6:30 am to board a flight for Guangzhou where we will meet our son tomorrow afternoon. The next time we post we will be a family of five! Please continue to pray for us. Remember, we would love for you to leave us a comment of encouragement...we miss you all!
Oh what wonderful memories you are making! As we awaken here in the morning, you will have already met your sweet son. Words can't describe how you are feeling, I'm sure. May God grant you a beautiful meeting filled with all you have envisioned and more. I know it will be a moment in time you will savor forever. We love you, we are praying for you, and we are so looking forward to meeting the newest member of the Hellums family!
ReplyDeleteHey,glad to see y'all are doing well. China looks like a really neat place to visit. FYI, gran is getting to be computer savvy...pretty much set her account up, all i had to do was verify it.
ReplyDeleteHave a safe trip,
-garrett
It was great to hear things are going well in China. What a great blessing God has in store for you...A new Son! God is so good to us. Kai can hardly wait to see brother. He misses you I'm sure-however he has not cried for you which is good. Make many precious memories..they will last a lifetime. Hug Will and tell Him He is "Our Chosen One" Love,
ReplyDeleteOur prayers are with you. Mom,Dad & Kai(Big Brother) Kai had a great time in Mrs. Nita's
S.S Class today. He was very good in church!
Abby we are missing you too.
Thank you for sharing about the service this morning. It's easy for us to become comfortable in our surroundings and take our way of life for granted. Know that you aren't far from our thoughts and prayers. Make sure you tell Will that we're huggers here in the South!
ReplyDeleteHey! It's T.C.'s sister...very excited that Rachel shared your blog site with us. Keeping you in our prayers...can't wait to read your posts!
ReplyDeleteSarah
I have been thinking and praying for you, Jay and Abby since Tuesday night when Melanie and I helped you pack! This is the first I have been able to get on and read about your journey and what a wonderful reading it has been. Praying for your meeting with Will, your safety and well being.
ReplyDeleteKris
Dear Jay, Paula, and Abby,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying that you have a wonderful first day with Will. May God surround you with His love and keep you in His care. We are so excited for everyone. You're "little man" is doing great. We love each of you. We are looking forward to seeing you're family of five all together in West Lake soon. Everyone
at Cornerstone said tell you "hello" and that
they are all praying for you today.
Love, Mom, Dad, & Kai.
So glad to see that you trip is going well! It is truly an amazing experience!! Can't wait to see your post with Will. Eva's looking forward to meeting her new friends!!
ReplyDeleteHI, DEAR ONES. SOMEHOW I LOST THE FIRST MESSAGE I WROTE ……SO I WILL TRY AGAIN. WE HAVE LOVED YOUR BLOG. THE PHOTOS ARE GRAND. WHAT A WONDROUS THING TO WALK ON THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA. SEEING YOU ON THE WALL GAVE US A THRILL. WE ARE THANKFUL THAT GOD HAS WORKED OUT THE DETAILS OF YOUR SCHEDULE AND AS I WRITE YOU MIGHT BE HOLDING YOUR NEW LITTLE SON AND BROTHER.. GOD IS SO GOOD AND HAS CERTAINLY GONE BEFORE YOU SO THAT HIS NAME WILL BE GLORIFIED. WE LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE MESSAGES. ABBY, SWEET DARLING ABBY,ABSORB EVERY MINUTE OF THIS SPECIAL TIME IN YOUR LIFE. WE PRAY FOR YOU ALL AND ALSO FOR LITTLE KAI. WE LOVE YOU, POPPY AND NONA
ReplyDeleteDid you see the locks on the Great Wall? Tradition has it that if you lock a padlock on the wall it will keep you together forever. I didn't think to tell you to take one for that purpose...However, with the weight of your luggage you wouldn't be able to fit it in anyway.
ReplyDeleteWe said a prayer this morning in our SS class here in Humble, TX for the adjustment and bonding time. It's hard to belive when I wake up you'll have him. Can't wait for the next few posts
Oh, we can't wait to meet him.
ReplyDeleteAbby, is it as awesome as it looks?
We miss ya'll.
Praying always for ya'll.
Michelle and family
Hi Guys! Just want you to know we're thinking about you and praying for you. Can't wait to see the next post with Will. Thank you for taking us along on this wonderful journey.
ReplyDeleteHey guys! By now I'm sure you have Will! Can't wait for the pics to post. We are praying for ya'll!
ReplyDeleteI hope y'all are having a great time in China. Just wanted to say hi to y'all-especially you, Abby- and can't wait to hear about Will! ;)
Miss and praying for a safe journey and return.
Love,
the Savoie's
Hi Abby! You look tired in your pic on the Great Wall - that's some steep climb, isn't it? But what an incredible view. Did you see the vendors down below taking photos of kids on fake horses? I hope you got to dress up like Gracie and Cora did and take photos in Chinese dress on the throne at the Forbidden City. That was a really fun event for them. Did any of the people ask to take your picture?
ReplyDeleteWe heard you received Will yesterday and we are praying that he is getting stronger and feeling better soon. Just keep feeding him yummy bottles and he will grow.
All our love to you and your family.
P.S. Nina, I'm praying for you folks to have a great time with Kai, and for health and strength for all of you.
love, Janise and the Crumplers
TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!
ReplyDeleteDear Friends and Family,
On behalf of Jay,Paula,Abby,Kai and Will we would like to say a special "thank You to everyone who has prayed without ceasing,worked tirelessly and given so freely to help bring will home. We love and appreciate you all!
Johnny and I were able to talk with Paula at about 12:00 midnight on monday night. They
were so excited...their words "He is ours now
and so very beautiful. God has been so good to us. She said listen and we were able to
hear Will laughing...so amazing what God is
doing for Will. Paula said, "Mama He is much
stronger today and so very precious They miss
everyone and can't wait to have all their family together. She can hardly wait to post pictures and all the news herself,but they are
having trouble getting things set up. They asked that you please continue to pray for
them ,thanks for everything and they love and
miss all of you. Abby said,"Will is wonderful" Jay and Paula said, He will steal
your heart the moment you see him.
Again Johnny and I would like to say thanks for
all you have done for our children. Kai says,
hurry and bring brother home so we can play.
Thanks for praying for all of us, we are fine.
Jere.33:3
Because He Lives! Love,John and Nina Couch
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey sis, we are enjoying looking at your pics. We're so glad y'all made a safe trip & are getting to see some really neat things! We miss y'all! Oh, & my beautiful wife, the "Photo Queen" says to take lots of pics. :) We love y'all! Say "hi" to our fabulous Abby!
ReplyDeleteTIM & KYM
P.S. We are also praying for you, Mom & Dad, as you run after & care for Kai. :)
ReplyDeleteWe're following along and really enjoying your blog. Can't wait to see your new little guy.
ReplyDeleteMr. & Mrs. McFatter
Jay and Paula, I knew I shouldn't have read this at work...but I've been waiting to hear, and couldn't wait any more, and now I'm crying at work!
ReplyDeleteWe miss ya'll and can't wait to meet Will.
Praying for a safe journey HOME with Will!
Love the McInnis Family!