VIP

May 12, 2012

What an amazing experience these past few days have been. We have been treated like royalty by Minqi's family, friends, and co-workers. Yesterday we went to the Silk Museum with Minqi's parents, and Elan, and Uncle Chen. We were treated to several sites we would have missed without them being there. Afterwards we went walking down the square to do some shopping and site seeing. Everything is so interesting and there is simply too much to take it all in. We were able to locate the music box shop where five years ago we purchased Olivia's music box, the one that played for her to go to sleep for her first two years with us until one night I wound it too tight (probably because I was wound a little too tight at the time) and the spring broke. The tune it played was Butterfly Lovers, a very beautiful song. Once I broke the music box I had to hum the song for her each night. I was thrilled to find one just like it again. Olivia picked out another small box that plays Eidleweiss and Abigail picked out yet a different one to buy with her own money. I'll post pics when I get the chance.

After walking the length of the square we walked through an open market where food of every kind you can imagine may be purchased. Then we were up three flights of stairs in a restaurant that appeared to be centuries old, very traditional in style. Minqi's Grandma was already there waiting for us and we were treated to an amazing dinner with many different kinds of Chinese vegetables, pork, chicken, tofu, you name it! There was far too much for us to eat and we were all stuffed when we finally left several hours later. The only thing that topped the wonderful meal was the superb company who shared it with us. Minqi's family really knows how to entertain and show such love for their guests. We have been truly blessed.

Today Liu Xin and Li Quan, along with Uncle Chen picked us up at our hotel at 8:30. We were to stop by their work place beside the airport before coming on to the airport. There we found out that our flight had been delayed a few hours so we were able to take the whole tour. That included up to the top of the air traffic control tower where we were able to meet the people in charge of keeping air traffic flowing smoothly and safely. We stood outside on the balcony watching planes landing and departing and enjoyed the breeze.

On our way back toward Li Quan's office we met several more people in charge of air traffic and were given a "crash course" (I know. :o) There's another word not to say in the same sentence as airplane) on how airplanes are tracked to land. It was very interesting. Li Quan then told me that the young gentleman explaining all of this to me was one of the men responsible for taking donations to Lin'An SWI. It was very touching to meet him and the others who are so generous and caring for those less fortunate and so far away, as it is several hours away.

We left then to go to the cafeteria where Li Quan and Liu Xin ordered more food than we could eat in three meals (Minqi must have told them about Dale's appetite!). We were a little nervous about the time for our flight to depart, but our worry was wasted since with Li Quan and Liu Xin working at the airport they had already planned to take us to the VIP lounge, skipping security as those of us plain folks are accustomed to. I think that's the thing I hate most about flying, so it was nice to think that we will breeze right onto the plane. Right now I am sitting across from the VIP lounge typing this message to you. I'll add pictures later tonight of our past few days.

It is sad for us to leave Hangzhou. We have been so blessed to meet Minqi's family and friends and enjoy the sites with them. Everything has been so perfect, even the weather. Elan shared that the weather is usually much hotter at this time of year in Hangzhou and that God has blessed us with mild weather. She was amazed at how perfect the weather has been. Minqi's father is a Christian and we pray that she and her mother will also come to know Christ. Li Quan said that will all of the coincidences that have occured during the past year: Minqi coming to stay with our family, Olivia being from Hangzhou (Lin'An), us coming to Hangzhou to visit Lin'An and finding out that her coworkers have organized donations to Lin-An SWI each year, her supervisor knowing the remote Lin-An area so well and being able to escort us there safely, Elan being here at this time so she can help with translation, that someone in the office could loan their van for our transportation...the list could go on and on...that these things have helped her begin to believe.

As Christians we of course believe that God orchestrates everthing, that there are no coincidences, and we have seen it more than ever during this trip. We thank Him for blessing us so much with new friends and family that we have now because of our daughters.


Comments From Friends and Family:

*Croy Family!
It is so nice to hear that you are enjoying your time in China. We pray that your trip continues to go smoothly,brings you lots of adventures, and exciting family memories. You are so fortunate to enjoy such an incredible journey. Love every minute of your time away!!
Posted by: Dawn Pirke on May 12, 2010 at 04:45 A.M.

*Good Afternoon Croy Family,
My class today was wondering if and when you all would be visiting the Great Wall of China? THey are very curious!!!

My class is working on research papers about China while you all are enjoying it first hand.

Continue enjoying your trip,
Mrs. Pirke's class
Posted by: Mrs. Pirke's 3rd grade class on May 12, 2010 at 10:24 A.M.


*No one in my home is surprised to hear that you are VIPs. We are just surprised that you were surprised! God was so good in bringing our families together and we give thanks for being able to share this second journey with you. Missing you all and sending love your way...
Posted by: Teresa on May 12, 2010 at 06:13 P.M.