New Day, New Perspective

Yesterday was a really hard day. I woke up tired and as all of us moms know, if we start the day behind, sometimes we just never get caught up. The kiddos had their first tough day with being here & missing home and I was pretty much in the same place. We ended on a good note, but I was glad when it was over.

This mornings quiet time was short and to the point, "Lord, I need something to get me outside of myself and move me & us in the mission you have for us here. Please give me eyes to see." Wow, did He answer.

A couple of days ago our Ayi invited us over to her house for lunch today and to meet her husband. I didn't know much more than we were walking there and leaving at 10:30. On the dot we got on our coats, hats & gloves (it's freezing here now, about 45 degrees in the sun) and headed out of our neighborhood. Out the gate guarded by 3 men and down the street to the right, we then turned onto a narrow alley/road, and into the real China. 10 minutes took us into a whole other world.

Out on the main market street.

Ellie on Ayi & her husband's bed.

It's a little bit smaller than a double and has no padding.

This is their whole house. One room w/ a bed, table, coal stove, TV, 2 bureaus, cooking area (to Erin's left) & a bench. Outside the door is a covered room/stoarge area and there are 3 other "homes" adjacent.

Ayi's husband is in the background and one of her really sweet relatives.

I don't know what is going to happen as we spend time there, but I hope and pray that we can get to know these neighbors more and shed some light. I tried to post some videos below, but they don't always come through from PRC. If they do, the first one is a note to all of you who we know & love and a look at our lifestyle. The second is what we can be lifitng up. Today was a good day!