Better Than

Over the past six months, I have learned a lot. One of the things that I am learning is that sometimes, when God says "no"  - it is because He has something much better in mind than what you asked for. Case in point....

When I heard the White Swan was closed for renovations, I was very disappointed (to say the least). There was a fair amount of whining and gnashing of teeth with my agency about where I would be staying in Guangzhou. You see, this trip is hard for me - emotional as I integrate a new child into our family and as I am separated from my husband. So where I stay helps to sooth those anxieties. I know the White Swan. I am comfortable there. It is a nice hotel. I was not happy that I would have to adjust to somewhere new.

Until I walked into the lobby of our hotel and saw this

Nice tree - in an even nicer lobby.

Got off the elevator on my floor and there was this...

A nice touch of serenity.

The rooms are huge - and they are actually two room suites, with a large marble tub and sitting area and all sorts of nice amenities! Both inside and outside in the lovely "Back Garden"

Way nicer that the White Swan! A lot of fussing on my part - for nothing.

The flight over was fine - I was able to sleep for about 8 hours and hopefully at the right times to mitigate the jet lag. The best part, however, was when I came though customs

and Elvin was waiting for me! Elvin is legendary among CWA families. He was literally a God sent answer to prayer on our trip for Katie, and has a true gift in working with our kids who are in such a hard place when they come to us. I had asked for him, but was told he would not be available as his wife is expecting a baby later this month. I had resigned myself to having a different guide, yet God provided who I needed to help me through these ext tough few days. 

I am awed and humbled by the way God continues to provide for this trip.