Happy Mother's Day From China!

May 9, 2010

We are finally here and very excited to spend some time with Minqi's parents. They met us at the airport just across from the customs check in point. Others had to wait outside to meet their arrivals, but Minqi's parents work for the airline company so they have "back stage passes." They spotted us before we saw them. Wonder why? :o)

They drove us to our hotel, which was the best site we've seen in a week. Well, at least in 20 hours. It was simply heaven to take a hot shower and stretch out on a slab of concrete the Chinese call a bed. Dale commented this morning that the good thing about a hard bed is that you don't notice when someone rolls over. I'm making light of the hardness of the bed, but in reality I didn't even notice. It was so wonderful to fall asleep last night without strangers snoring around me.

This morning we went to church with Minqi's dad and friend Ellen. Ellen lives sometimes in Seattle and sometimes in Hangzhou, so she's helping with our language barrier. However, Minqi's mom has a wonderful grasp of the English language also. (Minqi, just have to tell you that your dad is Olivia's new best friend, or victim, whichever way you look at it). When we arrived at the church Minqi's dad took us to meet the pastor and his staff before the service. They were very welcoming and thanked us for coming. The music in the service was beautiful and the sanctuary was huge. As soon as I can I will post a picture of Abigail's journal regarding the service. Since there were no words she could understand during the nearly 2 hour service she wrote in her journal and illustrated.

Following the service we walked from the church to Minqi's home. Her dad had his motorcycle, but he walked it along side us. He tried to convince Abigail and Olivia to ride it with him to the apartment, but they refused. Finally she agreed (I took a deep breath) and she rode the motorcycle with him the rest of the way (about 5 blocks). She LOVED it. We could hear her squealing, laughing, and yahooing all the way down the street¡£

More later...



COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY:

*happy mother's day! -3-
I bet my daddy id the new victim,lol.
Posted by: Minqi on May 9, 2010 at 06:29 A.M.

*Happy Mother's Day! I cant wait to hear Ollie's version of the motorcycle ride. Minqi's dad will have lots of fun with the girls until his baby girl can get back to him.
Posted by: Aunt Cindi on May 9, 2010 at 05:24 P.M.

*Yeah!!!!!
I am JUST hearing this exciting news tonight!! How absolutely perfectly orchestrated by our Heavenly Father!
Love to all of you!
Posted by: Janice Durrance on May 9, 2010 at 05:57 P.M.

*We've been looking forward your arrival and so happy to see you guys. We are a family in the world of Lord. During the Morning service on Sunday morning, the pastor asked y'all to stand up and told everyone in the church you are from America, all the church members were clapping and greeting you. We can't understand well in languages but I believe that we understand in hearts. The pastor who prayed for you in the meeting room is the person who manages all the churchs in Hangzhou. All the sisters and brothers at church love you guys. Some volunteers even wanted to hold Abigail and Olivia since they are so cute.
There are too many cars in Hangzhou so I like riding motocyle to get rid of the traffic jam. A lot of parents send their children to school that way so they won't be tardy. I know these two little girls haven't riden it before so they might be afriaid. But how brave was Olivia to ride with me, she's screaming all the way home!
I love these two little angles, but you know, It's
Posted by: Minqi's Translating for her daddy on May 10, 2010 at 09:23 A.M.

*I love these two little angles, but you know, It's hard to hold two at the same time. I couldn't understand Olivia the entire time or respond to her but it doesn't matter. We are good buddies.I just use 'I love you' over and over again. She is always laughing while I am holding her and wouldn't get off. Her legs are stuck to my legs,lol. Sometimes I want to Abligail too, however, you know how Olivia is(chukling).To try to be fair, I try to pick two at once,but only 1 minute.

Xin Liu(Minqi's daddy)
Posted by: Minqi's Translating for her daddy on May 10, 2010 at 09:24 A.M.


*I am afraid that there is a limit to the comment and it didn't show all of his. But You can ask him what he is saying.=)
Have a great day!
Posted by: Minqi on May 10, 2010 at 09:26 A.M.

*It is so awesome to think of you celebrating the Lord's Day with Minqi's family. You are all so very blessed to have found one another. Missing you and praying for you 24/7! Teresa
Posted by: Teresa on May 10, 2010 at 10:19 A.M.

*Carmen- when you go to submit your post, be sure to check "send to subscribers" so we get notified that you have posted. Love you-
T
Posted by: Teresa on May 10, 2010 at 10:21 A.M.

*Carmen, how awesome this blog is!!! Keep updating please! Sounds like you guys are having a fabulous time! Minqi's family sounds lovely and I am sure having a great time with the girls. Can't wait to hear more. I know you're growing more excited as the days roll by to meeting your new son! Can't wait to see pics. Love you guys. Niki
Posted by: Niki on May 10, 2010 at 11:47 A.M.

*Posted by: Minqi's daddy of hangzhou on May 10, 2010 at 12:45 P.M.
Your love is touching that all my workmates and people who work at hotel know it. You made them cry. They hope that you could go and visit the airport some time, too. We talked to the hotel and hoped they can take extra care of you. They give you the fruit to show their respect.
Thanks Lord.
Posted by: translating for my daddy on May 10, 2010 at 01:08 P.M.