Zhengzhou

Our flight to Zhengzhou was uneventful. It was only about an hour flight. The drive from the airport to the hotel made it clear that we had left the glitz of Beijing far behind. Henan province is the most populous and the poorest province in China. We saw people living in tents, tending their crops and hauling everything from ducks to junk metal. Of course, I couldn't help thinking about the ones who gave life to my three children from this province. What were their lives like? What were the circumstances of these children's births? So many thoughts and emotions as were drove closer and closer to the hotel. 

Later in the afternoon, we met Clay Williams who runs Swallow's Nest with his wife, Pam. Moriah was in their care before we came for her, and they have cared for Isaac for most of his life. She is the one who sent us Joshua's file to review as well. We were thrilled to see him again. He took us for a long walk through "real China." We went to one of his favorite hangouts called "Cafe Aleyna." It is run by an American who tries to bring some of the comforts of home to Americans living here. Arizona Iced Tea and french fries! Our friends, Tim and Jen, also know the Williams and they came with us. Clay is full of helpful information about the culture, the orphanages, and life in China in general. It was such a rich time of fellowship. Every few minutes, he would say, "Well, tomorrow is gotcha day!" or "In a few hours, you'll have your children!" It was hard to believe that after so many months of waiting, we would meet the boys in a few short hours. We took the taxi home and settled in for a short night. It was hard to sleep. Our minds were full of thoughts and prayers for the boys who would soon be in our arms.