A Visit From Family

The McClure/Woody 8 came to visit us in China last month. Obviously are family is deeply connected with the country of China. This is not the first time all 12 of us were in China together. In 2005 we all travelled to Changsha and Guangzhou to adopt Graycee. The 2 youngest were both in utero on that trip.
We had a wonderful time together. Transportation was not easy but it was worth every ounce of hassle. The fam brought with them 8 suitcases full of encouragement. Most of it was baby stuff brought as gifts from people at Ridgeview. You can get very little baby stuff in China, and as for the stuff you can buy see post entitled "China Stuff Just Doesn't Work As Well."
We went to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, etc., did plenty of shopping, and introduced are guests to our favorite Chinese cuisine: roast duck, jaozi, kung pao chicken, and Annie's pizza.
Hosting visitors in China always makes us feel hardcore. We have been here for almost 2 years now and life in China has become, dare I say, easy. When our family came and experienced with us a typical day of traveling in Beijing and all the difficulties associated with language, traffic, food, buses, etc. it reminds us that what we are doing in anything but easy. We are encouraged when we realize how easy it has become for us. Our Father has given the provision and the grace we need to make it work. And we are making it work. Much of the reason we are making it work is because of the encouragement from family. It is not only encouraging for them to visit us but they encourage us regularly with their prayers, their financial blessings, and their support. Two weeks is not enough time for friends and family to visit (some of them may say that 2 weeks is plenty thank you very much). It is not enough time to truly experience China. Heck, its barely enough time to get over the jet lag. It is enough time, however, to be greatly encouraged and blessed. Thanks for coming McClures and Woodys. We love you!


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