The Night Before Maren

We arrived in Taiwan on Friday night June 18. We moved through customs with ease and hopped a shuttle to our hotel. What a night! What a feeling!

I had been nervous about flying to Taiwan but it was an amazing trip. After arriving in the country and being so close to our baby girl I was over the moon with excitement and very relieved that the wait really was almost over.

Alex and I watched the U.S. vs. Slovenia game in our hotel room. We were grateful for the time to unwind, enjoy some soccer, and settle in.

A Tribute to Maren's Aunties

It is clear to us that Maren received great care at the House of Hope and she was LOVED! It was very clean and small (meaning a great ratio) and most of all the babies are happy. They make good eye contact and have no trouble snuggling in to all the best places. All of these wonderful things didn't just happen. They are because of the hard work, selflessness, and love of some very special ladies.

Maren was a "high maintenance" newborn. I think she had cholic. She cried often. And, this girl has got lungs! Wow! Her aunties said they could hear her cry outside if she really got going. And, after only a week with her, I'm a believer. She is easy going most of the time but she does have a temper and she lets you know when she needs something.

Three cheers to Mary Joy, Glenda, Xiao Mei, and Jenna for giving Meg a wonderful beginning. She is adjusting well. And, we know you had a HUGE part in this. Thank you so much for sleepless nights, unconditional love, and persevering in your job. I know it must be very painful to give yourself to these babies and then let them go to the other side of the world. We will make sure Maren knows who you are as she grows! We love you and pray that God will bless you 1000x! We are praying for you. Thank you for loving and letting go. May the Lord be your strength always.

On Our Way!

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—

where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

The Lord answered prayer! Thank you so much for praying for us and sharing this journey. We are back home now. God granted us safe travel to Taiwan and we are so thankful.

We left Holdrege, Nebraska on Wednesday night. We traveled to Omaha and stayed in a hotel near the airport so that we could leave early on Thursday morning. It was a beautiful day to travel. The flights to Denver and L.A. were smooth and seemed short knowing that a 14 hourish flight was coming.

The Lord gave us a special gift in a layover in L.A. A close friend, Rebecca, met us at the airport and took us to a local Starbucks. We enjoyed walking and talking. And, she sent us off with a blessing and a few gifts. It really was the Lord smiling on our trip and reassuring me that He was with me on the trip. He provided peace all along the way.

EVA Air carried us to Taiwan. Our 777 was comfortable and the crew was wonderful. They even gave us slippers for the journey. About hour 10 of the flight we wished we were there but really the flight went as well as it could have gone.