Letters of Luke: Day 13- Luke's last day as a Chinese citizen in his homeland!

As we come to the end of our time in China.... and as I reflect on the past 13 days here we have experienced so many emotions- laughs, tears, joy, fear, and LOVE ..... Love from the Father like never before! We pray as we close our time here that we will be able to articulate to our son clearly God's sovereignty in his life. God took two pretty ordinary people, revealed a call on their lives to find our son, and over the course of 22 months prepared our hearts, our daughters, and Luke for the forming of our family, according to His plan.

The famous "red couch" picture, isn't he handsome!

I can't help but parallel the grieving we have seen from a once orphan to the Israelites as they were leaving Egypt (Exodus 16). They began complaining because of fear, the unknown, wanting more... they wished they were back in Egypt, enslaved because they couldn't see what was ahead, and that it was better! As ridiculous as this sounds that's exactly what we do when we settle for temporal, earthly, easy things rather than stepping out in total faith (the unknown, lack of control).... Our once orphaned, now cherished, amazing son, is about to begin a new life with us in a new country, as a new citizen.... having full-rights from his parents, who have consistently pursued him for close to two years.

God, the Father pursues us, and unconditionally lavishes love on us in our redemption, through Jesus. I received my inheritance from the Father when He pursued me and I accepted! My prayer is not only for our son's health, security, and comfort- but his soul... because this is his greatest need, your greatest need..a Savior!

Below are pictures taken today at a local park. We wanted to capture everyday living in his country.... nothing extravagant, but a sweet, peaceful glimpse of China!

He's helping his wife :)

Couldn't resist this sign...

Exercise is very important to all age groups in China.

Ping pong area in the park... we've seen lots of ping pong in China.

Father and son watching basketball.

Any of you that know Craig well know that he usually doesn't spectate too long- he joined right in... I love his spunk and enthusiasm to experience things.