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!