The Lord does notice us...

Spencer W. Kimball said, "The Lord does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."

So many people have helped us with this journey. The Lord has truly met our needs through them. Here are just a few of the people that have helped us along the way.

Most recently, a very dear friend Dave Richens has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help us get to China. He was so kind to offer employee companion passes. This was such a financial blessing to us. He went to work early to help us...as it turned out, we really needed him and we wouldn't have made it without him. (More about our funny luggage issue at the bottom.)

My brother Mitch and sister-in-law Amanda have made great sacrifices to come from Ohio to Utah and take on the colossal task of caring for 5 boys for 3 weeks, along with one of their own! I don't think they know what they got themselves into (don't tell them yet). They are wonderful, and we trust them immensely and our boys are very excited to hang out with them. Having them with the boys has put our mind at ease.

My mother-in-law Sonia has been a constant emotional support and encouragement for Rachelle and helping us with whatever we have needed along the way.

My mom and dad, who have also supported us in every way imaginable, yesterday dropped everything at a moment’s notice to take us to the airport when we realized it was necessary to take an earlier flight. (Side note...my wife is incredibly organized. She had everying ready so when Dave called a 1:00 PM Sat and said because of the flight circumstances it didn't look good leaving Sun as planned. He asked if we could leave in 1 1/2 hrs by 2:30...we actually did it. She is amazing!)

My brother Nordell who is a medical doctor has helped us with the physicals and endless medical consults as we received health information from the adoption agency. Including just yesterday to call in a last minute prescription to battle a sinus infection.

By boss Georges Bonnet who helped us after we learned that Wei Zhong Ou, our first China daughter passed away. He facilitated the wonderful knowledge that she could be sealed to our family for eternity, and then performed the sealing in the SL Temple.

My co-worker Marc Ferguson who was kind enough to supply us with movies and audio books to keep us occupied for the over 40 hours we will be on an airplane before we are through.

My brother Dev and sister-in-law Dixie who planned a going away party that we couldn't attend because we had to leave early. As well as their wonderful example as adoptive parents themselves.

If I keep going, this post will be way too long. I could mention so many words of encouragement and little acts of kindness. Thank you all for all you have done. Sorry I can't mention you all.

Now about our luggage. This is kind of funny, I am sitting here in my skivvies writing this because I only have one set of clothes at this point...everything else went to Chicago, we are in San Francisco awaiting a noon flight to Beijing. I am sure it will all work out. We are hoping our luggage makes it to SF by 10 so we can take it with us to Beijing. But if not...oh well we have the clothes we are wearing, right?

(Last minute update...Dave just called and said our luggage made it on the flight and should be here by 10! YEAH OUR OWN TOOTH BRUSHES!!!)