One last night! (Hopefully ;-))

Don't be fooled - Travis says Reeds the man.

Last night we had a late night - scrambling to repack so Mason and I would have what we needed for the next couple of days, and Travis would be set for the plane.  I was a bit stressed as we sorted through the stacks of endless paperwork to make sure we each had the correct ones for the correct child.

A tired and slightly stressed Mama.
So thankful for these two and their Daddy.
  And that I only gained 1 lb in buffetland.

I didn't sleep well, as I felt fears creeping in - what if one of our planes crash?  Would Mason and I be safe to take cabs by ourselves here?  What if we get delayed even further?  How much more money do I need to exchange to get us through? What if we get sick?  (One of our guides had to go into the hospital the night before with sickness.) How much more money do I need to exchange to get us through?  It wasn't a good path to start down, and I tried to combat my thoughts with Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.",  and Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.  He will never leave you or forsake you.  Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged."  I finally fell asleep around 3.

At 4:30am we got up to get Travis and the boys out the door.  Back to sleep for a bit and then down to breakfast.  Mason remarked "It's not as much fun without everyone here."  I wholeheartedly agreed.

Mason and I decided that it wasn't cost effective to stay in the bigger, more expensive room, and we could find different meals, so we downgraded our room and got our agencies special rate.  Just across the hall and one room down - easy peasy.

Next, after some reassurance from our guide that it was safe, we got a taxi to Shamian Island - a cute little island we'd been to last week.  One Mama described it as one of her favorite places on earth.

Grace wasn't too excited about the statues.

We had fun picking out a few small things for the boys, matching dresses for the girls, and then splurged on a Tirimasu Frappacino for lunch.  ;-)

We decided to pass on the Early Grey Jelly Tea flavor

Tonight we are going to have a pizza and movie night together.  Just in case you find yourself in Guangzhou on a Tuesday, Papa John's has medium pizzas for half price. ;-)  We may even try to take Grace for a quick swim in the pool, although she screamed in fear when we walked by it last week.  We'll see.

In the morning we begin our 30+ hour trek to MY favorite place on earth: HOME!  We leave at 6:15am for Shanghai, where we have an 11 hour layover.  That sounds slightly  torturous, but it will be one step closer! Mason has been an incredible help so far - I told him he'd be my first choice of someone to be in China with!  :-)

Travis and Company will still be in the air headed towards Denver when we depart, which seems strange.  We'd very much appreciate your prayers for safe travel as we navigate things without him!  I've always known I can have a tendency to rely on my husband, and in my flesh, often before Jesus. This past 24 hours it's become a realization that this is still an area of much needed growth!  (I'm sure he's smiling a sigh of relief.  ;-)  Sometimes it takes this old Mama a little while to catch on.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us."  Ephesians 3:20.  Still in awe of all God has done for us to bring home the BEST two gifts from China!  ;-)

And SOO excited to be together again!  For a complete homebody, this has been a stretch!

We are headed home....

Not quite the way we were thinking, but heading home none the less.

We found out at breakfast that our Visas were in, and we quickly dashed back to our room to begin working on tickets.  After NINE painstakingly long (and expensive) hours on the computer and phone, we were finally able to secure tickets!  We couldn't get 6 tickets together, so Travis was very kindly trying to get me and some of the kids home first.

I'm not sure exactly where the plan went array, (and neither is he) but Travis, Caleb, and Reed will leave tomorrow morning at 5am for Shanghai.  They depart Shanghai at 4:50pm and will arrive in Denver at 9:25pm.  The rest of our team is already gone or leaves with Travis.

Mason, Grace, and myself get two more glorious days in China.  ;-(  My initial tears were not terribly appreciated, nor godly.  Our sweet guide Jocelyn will be here with us and we will be fine.   We depart Wednesday night, fly to Shanghai as well, and then fly to Denver via Los Angeles.

I continue to be confident that the timing is all in God's hands, and at the same time so anxious to have my children in my arms again!  Thank you again to every one of you who has prayed for us, and given so generously of your time and resources so that Reed and Grace do not have to grow up as orphans.  We can't wait for the day when they can understand how many people invested so loving and sacrificially in their lives!

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!  ;-)

And The Verdict Is...

No visas today.  My heart did sink a bit, as I know we are headed into the weekend and the offices in DC will most likely be closed.  We heard a rumor at breakfast that the government would work over the weekend; we are hoping it's true!

Caleb and Mason with sweet Lily.  She had two heads at birth and was not expected to live.  She's now 3 and knows 3 languages!

For the most part we've met some other very nice families in our hotel also waiting.  One poor mommy from North Carolina had her cell phone stolen from her purse, by a pick pocket outside of our hotel.  

We sat next to a rather angry couple from Texas at breakfast.  I tried to engage them in conversation, but our conversation was sprinkled with a fair amount of profanity.  I was glad my boys were busy getting food.  That particular couple was definitely more of an exception.

We were going to try and go to the zoo today, but Mason was throwing up last night and Reed this morning.  We splurged and sent laundry out to be washed instead.  We've been trying to doctor things up with Shout wipes and baby powder, so it will be nice to have some truly clean clothes! 
Both boys seem to be doing better now and Grace is getting over a fever.  As I've rocked them on the floor, I've thought how thankful I am to be here and be able to care for them, and so thankful they are finally with us after nearly two years.  Today actually marks two years to the day,  that we decided to pursue adopting from China!

Our new sweet friends Tony and Ana were able to return home to Shanghai yesterday and very kindly took our gifts to deliver to the Healing Home where Grace lived.  Not an easy task when you have to hire a driver to go anywhere.  Thank you again to all the dear ladies who put so much time into sewing the tabby blankets!

My wonderful Mother in law has been bending over backwards to help with our children at home.  She is keeping them as much as she can, and busy coordinating with other dear friends who are helping.  Thank you to EVERYONE who has offered to help, and has loved on them for us!  This is by far the hardest aspect of not being at home!  Each time we talk to them Liam wants to know if we are coming home "tomorrow?"  He keeps pointing to the paper chain countdown and telling us there is only 1 left.  Addie brought Grandma a section of the newspaper and said they were papers for Reed and Grace to come home.  We miss them terribly and are tremendously thankful that they are in good hands.

Lest you think all of our conversations have been deeply spiritual, I thought I'd share a small nugget from the other morning. ;-)

Me: "Caleb, can you please take the toy out of your mouth?"
Caleb: "But it is a TEETHING toy!"
Me: "For babies!"

We are finding humor where we can. ;-)

It's so cute when this little guy raises his hands 

to be picked up!

I found myself trying to think outside the box at nap time in regards to getting home.  A boat?  A train to another country? Bring Grandma and the kids here?!?  (Now would be a very convenient time to work for the airlines!)  Our reps have told us that the Chinese Army is doing training here and have reduced the departing flights by 75%.  We are praying for God to provide in a miraculous way.

We'll get another update in the morning, but for now we are focused on Psalm 62:1 - "My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation.  He is my fortress I will never be shaken."  Thank you for your continued prayers - as anxious as we are to get home, we are definitely experiencing a peace that surpasses all understanding.

We're Hopeful....

That tomorrow will be the big day!  This reminds me a lot of the end of pregnancy - and all the Mommies will know what I mean.  ;-)  Every day you are HOPING that it will be the day, and trying not to cry if it isn't.  ;-)

We are not wearing the same clothes every day - It is an optical illusion.

This morning we did the usual breakfast buffet routine and then headed to a Carrefour - a french version of Wal-Mart.  Gracie had gotten into the probiotics so we were in need of more diapers.  ;-)  Enough said.  She will have a very clean system by the time we get home.  

We also picked up wipes and more Oreos - the essentials.  Raspberry, Tiramisu, Green Tea Ice Cream, and Lemon.  Don't worry, all snack size.  ;-)  We also found our white elephant gift for this Christmas.  In fact, it was so good, we bought 
two.  ;-)  Look out Yackey team!

We found some China size skillets ;-)

And a tiny box of Cheerios for $3!

This scooter opened and closed which the boys 

thougth was pretty fun.

When we came out it was pouring rain and the Daddies all had to chase down cabs.  One of them somehow lost his footing and feel over backwards into the bushes - I missed it but we all still got a good laugh!

Looking forward to car seats and driving laws!  Lanes seem to be more of a suggestion here.

This afternoon we headed back to the park and Caleb and Mason tried out the amusement park ride where they got to ride a "pedal car" - they pedeled around the amusement park in a car on a track.  Travis said "can you imagine a kid in America wanting to ride this?!?"  They've also gotten to watch the Lego movie with Sam and Isaac and play lots of UNO!

Our naptime on the floor ;-)

I'm really trying to enjoy this time with my 4 precious kiddos here and it has been very sweet.  Reed and Grace are really making progress.  It's fun to see them smile so much (I was truly concerned it would be months for Reed), Grace is no longer panicked in the elevator.  She gets a bit stressed but I can talk calmly to her and reassure her.  This is good, as we are on the 12th floor.  Both are very interactive and try to imitate what we do, and Grace has been giving me kisses.  She gave Reed a kiss tonight as well.  She seems to be understanding some of our english and we've been able to teach her to sign "help please" rather than throw a fit; she signs it most of the time!  She dances to music, which is precious.  Lastly, Daddy is reading to them now, and this is the closest she's gotten to him voluntarily and happily!  

Reed is doing great, just developmentally and physically like a one year old.  Travis and I both remarked tonight that we keep having to remind ourselves he's almost two.  I'm sure in time he will catch up just fine.  

We'll let you know what happens tomorrow; thank you again for all of your sweet prayers and notes!  I'm sorry I haven't had time to reply to each of you but we've been so encouraged by each of you, and are incredibly blessed to have such loving friends!

Still Waiting

I realized that on yesterday's post, I did not share any of the beautiful pictures of the park - only the boys exercising!  Here's just a few - 

Looked like Hawaii (minus the pagodas ;-))  We heard the heat index was 112 degrees.  We were drenched in sweat!

Some of the translations here are quite funny.

Still waiting with no Visas!  I tried to convince Travis to fly home today with the boys but he would not hear of it.  I reminded him that we are now the proud owners of a "Happy Dino" umbrella stroller and a gifted Ergo, and that we could make it even if the babies were crying.  He just smiled. ;-)  I am so anxious for at least one of us to get to our children!

It's funny, we really haven't been here that much longer than initially planned.  It's been 3 days since we found out about the government shutdown which makes it feel a bit longer.  It's a bit of a nightmare to my Mama's heart to have half of my children so far away and for this long.  

And yet there is much to be thankful for.  We are safe, we have accomodations, and access to pretty much whatever we need.  We are in very good hands here, and we serve a loving sovereign God.  Half of my family is here with me.  And I keep thinking about Miriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese woman married to an American, who was imprisoned and sentenced to death for her faith this spring.  She delivered her baby in prison.  We just saw on the news last night that she has been released.  Nothing could even come close to such a scenario.

It's been interesting to see how others react.  Some are crying.  Some are contacting there congressmen.  Amy is being interviewed by CBS news out of Denver tonight at nine!

 Jeremiah, Grace, and Reed

Jeremiah and Grace were in the same foster home and are buddies!  Usually the run around and flap their hands up and down, but that is a little harder to catch on film.  ;-)

Someone in the States anonymously treated us all to a pizza party this afternoon.  Otherwise we mostly stayed near the phone, just in case! 

Grace and I

We just received an update that the Consulate here will not work tomorrow.  However, they will go into the office on Sunday morning at 10:00 am to check and see if the system is up and running in DC.  If it is, they will begin issuing Visas at that point.  Hopefully that will be the case!

Waiting....

Last night received word that there was a worldwide "drop" (shut down?) in Washington DC and that no Visas were able to be issued.  Unfortunately, we cannot leave the country without Reed and Grace's Visas.  We cannot leave the city, as their passports are at the Visa office with our applications.

We were told to get rest and meet in the lobby at 8:30am, and our guides sounded hopeful.  We were told the government would be working through the night.

This morning when we entered the lobby I could tell there was no news (or not good news) based on people's faces.  Psalm 34:14-15 began to run through my head - "But I trust in you O Lord; I say you are my God.  My times are in your hands..." We ate breakfast and were told to stay in the hotel or Starbucks (they know American's vices!) in case things changed.

Back to the room we headed to pack.  Our family was peaceful and somewhat hopeful that we would still be able to make our flight to the US tomorrow night from Shanghai, as we had a full extra day of cushion in Shanghai.

Our usual lunch of peanut butter bananas (bananas courtesyof the breakfast buffet) and ramen noodles (courtesy of 7-11 next door ;-)

By 4pm there were still no Visas and our guides told us we would not be able to make our flight to the states tomorrow night.  We would need to leave our hotel by 10am to make all the right transfers and connections and that is unlikely. As I felt myself get a bit choked I thought "My times are in your hands."  I can be peaceful.  God is in control.  Praying that our responses will bring God glory to those around us.

24 hour fitness!  Caleb, Mason, and I went to a beautful nearby park while babies napped and Daddy did school.

We stopped and got McDonalds ice cream cones on the way home.  Mason's was green tea and Caleb's vanilla with coffee!  It was so yummy we went back
so I could get one.  ;-)

At this point things are very up in the air.  It is difficult to be so far from home with no phone service and not speak the language.  Trying to figure out a good plan for my kids over email and texting is a bit stressful.  Thankfully my kids are in wonderful hands and we've been blessed with unbelievable guides.  Despite my readiness to be home and with my other children, the Lord has given us all a peace today.  God's grace I am sure.

I am on the phone with American Airlines right now trying to sort some of these decesions out.  They can get us out this weekend for $24,000.  Not encouraging.  They can get us out next week for an additional $8,500.  Please pray for wisdom and that we would be able to get home safely and soon.  Despite my peaceful day, I can feel my fears being a bit stirred as we have on CNN - talking about the plane crash in Taiwan today and the other plane that went missing our Algeria.  I'm choosing not to watch.  "My times are in your hands".

We'll keep you posted as we can.  Much love to you all from China!

Last Full Day in Guangzhou!

This morning was our Consulate appointment at the US Embassey.  This was the appointment that our whole trip was scheduled around to apply for our children's Visas to the US.  All adoptive families in China must come here to obtain the Visas.

Tomorrow they will be delivered to our hotel at 4:20pm and then we depart for the airport 1 hour later.  We will fly into Shanghai, spend the night, and then some combination of our family will visit Grace's foster home - Shanghai Healing Home.  After her difficult first day with us, we've decided that it could be too hard on her little heart to go back and visit.  We do not want her to experience the grief she did the first day of having to say goodbye again.  So either Travis or I will stay back with her, while the rest of the family visits and delivers gifts.  That evening (Friday) we will fly out of Shanghai to Dallas, and then Dallas to Denver!

Our group, minus Ron and Celese who had their Consulate appointment yesterady.

As our trip is coming to a close, we've had some wonderfully deep conversations as a family.  Caleb and Mason understand that we did not bring them here to see China, or experience the culture, although that was a wonderful bonus.  We brought them to experience the gospel in this unique way, and live it out.  I believe they've done that.  Travis told me when Caleb was two and Mason was one, that he wanted to adopt when they were old enough to understand why we were doing it.  In His loving kindness, God has brought that to fruition.

We've also discussed the parallels between Reed and Grace's adoption, with OUR adoption into God's family.  Just as their story began with great loss, so did ours - a seperation from Christ that cost Jesus his life.  And just as their has been a beautiful redemption for each of us, so there is redemption for Reed and Grace.  As we have a new identity, so do they.  Not because of anything Travis or I have done, but all because of Christ.  

Just today we had opportunity to talk through how Reed and Grace have habits that need to be re-taught.  Yes, they have come from broken backgrounds and have had difficult things.  And yet the loving thing to do is to begin re-teaching them correctly, just as we have had to re-learn life as new Christians.  I am amazed at the grace God has poured out - it is so much easier to be patient with them than my biological children.  Partially because I have no expectations for them to behave correcty.  And partially (to my shame) I do not struggle with their behavior being a reflection of my parenting.  I have not been a part of their lives since birth.  I need to grow more in my parenting at home and not be so prideful - that is where the shame comes in.  I need to continue to grow in my identity and not worry about what other's are thinking.

Lastly, we've discussed sacrificial love, what it means to lay down our lives for another, and how Jesus has done that for each of us.  We've discussed the Great Commission, and what God might have next for our family now that we have a connection with this culture.  While we believe that we are done adding to our family, we are very open to whatever God might have for us to share the love of Jesus.  We are excited, and looking forward with anticipation to where God might lead us down the road and how he wants to use all of us, as a family.

Just for fun - this guy was someone we met at the medical clinic that reminded us of Blaise.  ;-)

In closing, I wanted to share just a few pictures of some of the other families in our group that we've had the joy and privilege of sharing this journey with!

This was the sweetest family!  Anna and her husband have 5 biological children, Armond is her youngest who traveled to help with the baby.  He was a wonderful example to my older boys.  Anna is from Bolivia, her husband from Texas, and they are now living in Shanghai.

Danny and Amy who we spent a lot of time with.  Their little guy, Jeremiah, was from the same orphanage and foster home as Grace and they are buddies!  At the beginning of our trip, everytime Jeremiah would cry, Grace would start crying too.

Mike and Annie and their children.  Samuel and Isaac were adopted from Guatemala and were the same age as Caleb and Mace. They all had fun together!

Becky, Tanna, and Jay.  Becky and her husband were just 20 days away from bringing home a little Russian girl with down syndrome when Russia closed down all adoptions.  Lucy is in an orphanage where they sedate the children to keep them laying down - pray Russia would re-open so they can get her home quickly!

And here is the infamous baby picture.  Ours is the one screaming on the right because Mommy is more than 3 feet away.

I think she is scaring the other children.  And the hotel workers.  It may be awhile before I go anywhere alone.  ;-)

Guangzhou Day #3

I had to get a picture of the portion sizes here.   No wonder everyone is tiny!  These are the waffles and pancakes
in a 4oz tea cup at our last hotel.

This, however, is the breakfast buffet at our current, more "Western" hotel.  This is one of two rooms at our breakfast buffet - there is a second adjoining 

room filled with more food!  

This morning, Ron and Celese (the American doctors living in Shanghai) rejoined our group for the next steps of paperwork and appointments.  As we were talking with them, they shared about their best friends in Shanghai.  Apparently, Celease had told their friends about our large family and how she'd love for us to meet.  She told the friend our last name was Polk.  The gal said, is it Travis Polk?!?  Turns out the "friends" are Uriah and Marissa Mundell - a couple who were in our church and student group about 15 years ago, and are now living in Shanghai working for Campus Crusade!!!  Talk about a small world!

Everywhere we go people want to take pictures of the Americans.  Travis says teenager girls are the same all around the world.  The boys are a little embaressed by it.  Don't mind Danny in the background.  :-)

Today was a day off, so we did a little shopping.  I am not a big shopper, and especially not with crying babies in 100 degree weather. Travis, even less so.  ;-)  However, I was able to replace my lost watch for about $6 and it took all of 2 minutes with the help of our guide.  I'm not entirely crazy about it, but it tells time and was the first one I grabbed.  We also picked up just a few little things for the kids - a Christmas ornament for each, play bracelets for the girls, and watches for the boys.  

Pearls at the pearl market.

In the evening we went out for a group dinner, family style.  After a lunch of water and a Moon Pie (Really. The children ate better.) it was a welcomed meal!  These people have all been such a special gift to us during this trip.  Almost all of them are believers and were able to pray for us and encourage us when things were challenging.  If one of our children had a meltdown, they got it.  Chances are their child was biting at the same time.  ;-)  It's also been a joy to be a part of their story, and hear how God brought them together with each of their little ones.  There is nothing more encouraging than to hear how God is working in other's lives!  

Reed in his element.  Using a spoon for the first time.

Tonight was a bit more challenging.  Both babies were crying and only wanting Mommy.  As I laid down with them God was faithful to meet me right there on the floor.  As I thought "this is hard", the Lord reminded me that this is NOT hard.  Hard is my friend who lost a baby.  Hard is another friend who lost a husband.  Hard is the single mother, struggling to support her children. Hard is the children left behind in the orphanage.  Laying on the floor of a 5 star hotel with two crying babies (MY 2 babies) is not hard.  Stretching?  Maybe.  Sanctifying?  Absolutely.  Crying babies has always been challenging for me, and the more that are crying, the greater the stretch.  The verse that came to mind was "The Lord is compassionate and gracious.  Slow to anger and abounding in love."  Lord, help me continue to grow in abounding love.

In closing, I thought I'd share just a few fun pictures of life in China.  ;-)

We love the remodeling technique!  This was our hotel in Zhengzhou, which they were updating.  They would break out the windows and then push the old out the windows to the pile below.

This was the sidewalk scene in Zhengzhou as well.  No right of way for pedestrians!  One time there was even a car on the "sidewalk". My favorite combo were the Grandmas on the scooters with face masks, but I was never able to capture one on my camera.

And lastly, the Starbucks frappiccino flavors.  Strawberry Cheesecake Cream, Tiramisu, 

and the newest addition - Earl Gray Jelly!  Yum?

Guangzhou Day #2

So fun to see these guys smile!

This morning we had our medical exams for the kids.  Grace did great, but Reed was not much of a fan.  According to the scales, Reed weighs a whooping 21 pounds (2 more than 1 week ago when we got him!  I'm sure there is slight discrepency between two different scales, but encouraging none the less) and Grace 26!  Just 2 pounds lighter than Addie and 18 months younger.

Both of the kids passed, and Grace passed the hearing test with flying colors.  Our paperwork says she is currently registering a 40% hearing loss, but when the doctor held a large squeeky doggy toy off to the side, she turned her head at the noise.  "She hears very well" he said.  I had to surpress my giggles.  ;-)  I actually do think she hears quite well - but we'll find out next week for sure once we are home.

The rest of the day was spent napping, eating, snuggling babies, and working on some basic life long skills like the word "no".  ;-) The boys got in some good time with the babies, as well as building their skills at Subway Surf. ;-)

Grace is getting more comfortable around Daddy and will even say Dada - "Nana".  Due to her cleft (which is not fully repaired) she is limited in the sounds she can pronounce.  However, she will repeat my voice influctions when I run through our familly members, and when I say "no touch" - another skill we've been practicing.  ;-) She is energetic and fully of life.  She is also accustomed to getting her own way and not terribly happy when she does not!  She's learning her first Bible Verse - "A happy heart makes the face cheerful", and even though she can't say it, she smiles and nods her head yes for me when I tell it to her.  She's learned quite a few signs already and when she really wants something she'll start frantically doing them all at the same time - "More please, help please, drink, and thank you".

Little Reed is a snuggler and too busy eating to push any boundaries - yet.  ;-)  He and Grace are becoming buddies and love to run and laugh together in our room in the evenings.

On the cruise - Reed loves the hand sanitizer

The Canton Tower - 2nd tallest building in the world.

Tonight we got to go on a dinner cruise on the Pearl River, which runs through Zhengzhou.  Our guide had explained that the food was a bit authetic (think fish heads and chicken feet), so she ordered Papa John's to be delivered to the boat!  We told her that you could never do that in America - you would have to buy their food!

Tanna, Becky, and sweet little Jay - they live and
farm just 3 hours from us.

Anyway, it was a beautiful way to see the city and all of the buildings and bridges are lit up - many with colorful lights.  Tanna, her mom Becky, and their sweet Jay (the little guy with Spina Bifida who never stops smiling) joined us, and our guide Kathy, and we had a great time.

The above picture is the view we have from where we typicallly eat dinner.  You can't see well, but most of the porches are covered with laundry that is worn and tattered.  It's troubling to have access to unlimited food, wine, etc. for our meals and know that most of the world lives like this.  What a visible reminder of the brokeness we live in.

Only 4 more days until we are homeward bound!  This was the first thing Jackson said to us when we facetimed the other morning.  (Only then it was 6).  We can hardly wait to be back home and have all of our family together.  We miss our children at home terribly!  I have been showing their picture to just about anyone who will look.  ;-)

This is what my friend Amy (who we'll be flying home with) put on her blog in regards to the plane ride home "You can start praying now for our flight around the world.  Please start with the other people on our plane.  They will need some grace.  And maybe ear plugs.  We will need vodka.  Thanks in advance."  I laughed so hard.  Little Grace and Reed are actually pretty good travelers and fall asleep on us quite easily.  I think I am more worried about when we get home at 9:45pm.  It will be 7:45 am in China and I'm sure Travis and I will be sleep deprieved and exhausted.  I have a feeling they will be gearing up for their day - we'll see.  We'd love your continued prayers for a smooth transition!