The big day!

It's 8:15 a.m. on Monday morning here in Wuhan, China.  We left Xi'an late last night after some really great experiences, and we'll do some more travelog type posts soon, but right now we just wanted to share our feelings on this blessed morning.  I just got off the phone with my brother, Tyler.  He and his wife have been taking care of Elli while we're gone.  He pointed out that we'll be getting Conner on Easter.  Not Easter where we are, but Easter where we live.  I really loved thinking of that.  What better day to start anew?  What better day to come into a new family?  What better day to add a precious child of God to our wonderful group of kids?  Such beautiful timing!

Last night as we went to bed, Christi and I were both feeling very nervous.  What a responsibility to add another child.  How are we going to meet his needs during this trip and during the next many months when he doesn't speak English?  How do you entertain a young man who can't see?  Why didn't we tune our piano before we left?  Lots of silly, oh-so-important questions.  We prayed and went to bed feeling a bit uneasy.  (I'm sure this was impacted by the crazy schedule and lack of sleep we've had over the past 72 hours.)  But we awoke this morning refreshed and at peace.  We talked about how strongly Christi has felt that Conner will be a tremendous influence for good in our family.  We talked about how everyone who has met him has spoken of his sweet demeanor and spirit.  We talked about some possible ways to get him the music training he will desire.  And we talked about how much we already love this young man who we will meet in about two hours.

We are grateful, humbled and excited to be where we are.  As my father-in-law was leaving with the younger kids on Wednesday I told him that it is a privelege to be called to such a work.  It is indeed a privilege.  We are indeed blessed.  We are SO excited to go get Conner!  We feel your prayers on our behalf.  Thank you!!!

As we think of each of our amazing kids, we both feel so blessed to have been given stewardship over them for a short time in this life.  We are so grateful for the Savior's atonement, and what that means to each of them.  The miracle of the resurrection and of a perfected body is unfathomable.  The miracle of His saving grace is even more so.  We love Him and are grateful that because of Him, we can live eternally with our Father in Heaven and with our beautiful family.



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 Jeremy and Christianne