We're Home!!!!

Finally, after a L_O_N_G flight and 24 hours of NO sleep--we walked through a VERY DECORATED welcome home (Thanks Char and Gina) front door about 9pm. We played for about an hour as a family then baths, and BED!! Ava, Nick, Jace and me slept in my bed. It was completely uncomfortable but I didn't care because it was so nice to be with all my kids!!!

I'll update more later---just wanting to nest and play with all my family right now!!!!!

Love and hugs to all who have been there praying, and supporting this adoption and this FAMILY!!!!

I love you all so much,
Shannon

Goodbye, China

Well, tomorrow we leave the hotel at 5:45am to catch an 8:00 flight to Beijing. We only a 2 hour layover in Beijing, then off to JFK (praying we make it--China is ALWAYS late), then a 5 hour drive home to Pennsylvania.


I thought this picture was appropriate to say goodbye to China. Here is this little Chinese boy with his panda backpack and his China flag, looking out the window. I won't miss China's culture (as a whole) AT ALL, but I will miss the experience of some of the miracles that happened here. Our lives are now changed forever. God has blessed us with this precious, happy little boy who's love for others is abundant.


I don't think it's a coincidence that my scripture reading from this morning was:


God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:3-5, NLT




Even in the darkness of a country without God, oppressive and chaotic, God was the Light. He was the Light for Jace and for us. When we were feeling empty, missing our families, struggling to keep up with hectic schedules, and otherwise miserable, God was there. He was there in the friends across the world sending me scriptures and encouragement. He was there in my group when I was at my lowest and so sick in Beijing, using these families to nurse me back to health. He was there when I came out of the elevator and found Jace disoriented and walking through the hallway because he left the room while Alex was sleeping! He is here now, in this hotel room, shining HIs Light in my son. My son...This little life was created by God, and this little life brings His light to me. Thank you, God for Your Light and Your glory.


Yes, we are leaving China, but the best part of China is right here in this room with me. The best part of China has a Light that can't be extinguished. And with His glory turning misery into miracles, maybe we will be back. But you'll have to wait and see...


Love and Blessings,
Shannon

Itinerary for Wednesday, 8/4

This afternoon was the swearing in ceremony at the US Consulate....The speaker, who actually approved all 30 families visa's said a few endearing words to us, congratulated us, and we took an oath swearing that all of the information we've submitted was true and accurate. It brought me to tears as we raised our right hands' as a group. What a miracle we have witnessed. There were 3 teens who were almost too old to get adopted that made the cut-off adoption age of 14. That was especially celebratory. Makes me want to come back to adopt a teen! When the children approach 'teen', they are no longer eligible for adoption. What happens to them? I am told they must work in the orphanage until they are old enough to go out on their own. In some cases, the unthinkable happens.


Tonight was the dinner cruise on the Pearl River. I really didn't want to go, but I knew most of the group was going, so I decided to join them. The food was interesting. Look real close and you'll see a chicken head! Also on the menu was boiled, salted pig's stomach... Let's just say when we got back to the hotel we ordered from Lucy's--an American food restaurant--and our bellies were full with comfort foods--sort of.


Only one more day in Guangzhou, Guys. My family will be united! Please pray for our travel. We will have traveled 24 hours by the time we get to Ron and the kids in New York's JFK. Then a 4 hour drive home, on a Friday, in NY! I can't imagine being on a plane--with Jace--who can't hear--or be reasoned with yet--for all of those hours!! We prayed so hard for Jace's heart to be prepared for our arrival here in China--and it was!!!!! Now let's pray for that arduous flight home!!! Oh, I can't WAIT for Jace to meet the rest of his family!!!!! It's SO exciting to be preparing for travel HOME!!!!!!!


Updates tomorrow!!


Love to All,
Shannon Pierro