Tainan to Kaohsiung to Pingtung! 12 hours to go!

I started of today with a beautiful little blessing. . .This is Josiah! I got to spend time with His Hands Taiwan, and got to hold Sarah H.'s baby in my arms! It was an amazing experience to meet these very special women who use everything in them, hands, feet, and hearts to serve our Heavenly Father.


Our second stop was the Pingtung Christian Hospital where Gracyn spent the first days of her life.


In Pingtung there are lot of dogs hanging out on street, and if not in streets, they were in big bird-like cages. There are a lot of stores dedicated solely to pets!


On the way to the Aboringal Culture Park, there was an abundance of trees, that appear to be palm trees that bear big green fruit! I took this photo from the car. There were countless trees that went on for miles.



Gracyn is living in the Pingtung area, and from the appearance of her foster family and traditional decor, I believe they may be Paiwan. I was able to select some hand crafted beaded bracelets for her. The lady in the store picked out a red one that was for good health! (Red)



To stay cool on we hopped on these big swings and the breeze served as our air conditioner!

Other photos from the park. . .





Last stop of the day. . .




Remember the Pastor I met by simply googling Pingtung? Today's journey ended on a blessed note. We got to meet not only Pastor Chris and his family, but his church family as well. They were so warm and welcoming.

Rosa, the girl in the purple dress next to me is their worship leader, and she has a beautiful voice. Not only can she sing, but she can make some delicious banana cake!! Rosa chose the songs, and the last one was "His Time" - "In His Time, In His Time, He will make everything perfect in His time." I thought it was a "God Thing" for her to make this selection. I've said all along, that this had to be in His time.

After the message, on Ephesians 1, (perfect scripture), Pastor Chris invited me to talk about my adoption journey. It was amazing, and I was so touched. There were great questions and the opportunity to share with the Christian community (which is very small in Taiwan, - I've been told about 3%) about the adoption process, and the great work of organizations like His Hands Taiwan.

We closed in prayer. For my DH, please know that even thought I'm not at home I was lifted up in prayer here in Taiwan! Right in the birthplace of our daughter. After prayer, Chris asked the new faces to introduce themselves, and right behind me was a first-time visitor. Guess what?! He is a physician that has been working at the Pingtung Christian Hospital for 22 years! He gave me his card and welcomed any inquiries. Yet, another "God thing!"

Chris and his wife hosted dinner (Pizza Hut Pizza) for dinner and fellowship. The photo of the box is for my boys at home. . .


Well, this is it. . .in less than 12 hours I'll be at SLC awaiting the arrival of my sweet Gracyn. I am still really calm. And, quite frankly, after the day we had today, I'm ready to put my head to my pillow, say my prayers one last time, and dream. For the first time I don't have to dream about what it will be like to be at this part of the journey. . .I'm living it!!! For those of you are still waiting, please reflect on my part about in "His Time." For those of you who are home with your children, I hope you can reflect on your own journeys and give your children an extra hug and kiss for the blessings that they are.

Hugs and thanks to all of you who have been following this journey to my second sweet pea. DH and DS - I love you guys with all my heart! Hope this allowed you to be a part of the trip! Ease up on the red chips and pizza!!! :)

GRACYN - MOMMY REALLY IS COMING TO GET YOU!!! SEE YOU TOMORROW SWEET PEA! It's a date for life.