Today we conquered Jinan. Without a guide we found a Walmart to purchase a suitcase for DJ and all his backpacks. I have really enjoyed my time in Jinan. It is a "smaller" city with "only" 7 million people. What I loved about the city was it had a smaller, traditional feel to it. Beijing and Chengdu are very modern. If you woke up in those cities, you would feel like you were in any other US city. Jinan had street vendors, shops up alleys, and other things that reminded me of what I think about when I imagine China (or what I've seen in movies).
After lunch, we loaded up all our bags (we are now up to 5 suitcases and 3 backpacks) in the car and drove to the airport. We then boarded a plane for Chengdu. While waiting for our plane, DJ needed something and said, "Mama, potty." I love hearing DJ call me Mama. It just melts my heart! He also loves holding my hand, which I do very willingly because I know he may not always want to do that. Tonight he requested that we call Baba (Wayne) on WeChat before he went to bed. He already loves Wayne. When we chatted this morning with everyone, he had a smile from ear to ear.
We got in to Chengdu late in the evening. Tomorrow morning we will be meeting Shan Chen at his orphanage. That is a change to the original plan, but very exciting for me. It was a prayer request that I had been asking God. Our guide said that he can show us around where he has lived. God also provided above and beyond my prayer request. 1) we get to meet Shan Chen's foster parents while we are at the orphanage and 2) we found out his orphanage donation was waived. What a huge blessing from God!! Only He could orchestrate so many blessings on this trip. God is too good to us!!
Pictures from the street vendors right around the corner from our hotel! The bread we bought (pictured below) was so good!!
Live animals to purchase for dinner. They will kill them for you!!
DJ was so excited to get on the plane and go to Chengdu. He keeps asking about Shan Chen and is so excited to see him again. Our guide in Chengdu is the chaperone that was with both boys this summer. Again, what a sweet blessing for all of us!
This is the view of DJ for the two plus hour flight, except when he ate his dinner.
Please pray for tomorrow to go smoothly. Our guide told me that Shan Chen cannot wait to see us. She said he was so broken hearted the whole flight home. She said it was hard to see. She said he was so excited when he found out we were adopting him. We will only be in Chengdu until Friday afternoon and then we fly to Guangzhou. It has been a whirlwind trip, but it has been so amazing!! God is beyond faithful, gracious, and so merciful to us!! Never be afraid to say yes to God, even if it is terrifying. He is so good and will provide in phenomenal ways.
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