Easter

Last night we went as a group to a restaurant we had never been to. The food was very different, it was Manchurian. Austin didn't really like it at all, so had to get him Mcdonalds and we also got ice cream. Doesn't quite feel like Easter here without going to church and celebrating with family and being so far away. But God did minister to me! We went shopping on Shamian island as a group today. One of my favorite stores was closed. So glad I got a few things from it the other day! So I was done shopping and had sent Rod and Austin across the street to the pet market where they could see some cool things. You will have to check out Austin's blog austinchinatrip.blogspot.com to see a video and hear about it. We also had many college students stop us and want to practice their English for a class project, that was fun! So I walked over to a Christian church on the island that we had visited when we were here with Caleb 4 years ago. The island was very busy today with it being a Sunday and also all weekend has been a Chinese holiday. There were many people walking by and just standing outside the church and they had speakers out side. I went closer to take a picture of the stained glass cross and then saw there were also set up for communion. I just posted a pic on FB. How cool is that?! Totally blessed my heart. Then I started hearing the speaker in English! So I got a few minutes of Easter! :)They were also passing out gospel tracts! I was surprised at that and asked out guide about it. But like I already knew, there is much more religous freedom in China today, but as long as you are registered with the government and follow their rules. There are still thousands of people without Bibles and still so many in the outskirts of big cities who have not heard the gospel. But today if they were in or near that church they heard the name of Jesus! Praise God for that!!! We then met for lunch, had American food. We miss our other kids tons!!! it is getting harder with each day and I know it is hard on them! Please pray for us, them and those caring for them!! Bethany is doing pretty good. She is still generally happy, but certainly knows how to throw a fit and always laughs when we tell her no, even after our guide talked to her about it. She will learn... It is very, very humid here, more than the other times we have been here and we are here about a week earlier. Tomorrow is now a holiday for the US consulate so our appt. is Tues morning. We then ride a bus to Hong Kong, spend the night and fly out in the morning. Begin praying for our travel and our adjustment at home! We appreciate your thoughts and prayers!