Off to China

Well, I leave in three days to fly to Xiamen, China for a 8 day visit. We're visiting a client of ours and escorting my cousin who is working for the summer as an intern in the country. I'm both excited and sad to go. I've been away from Katherine before for 10 days (she had a business trip) and that was not fun. I've never been away from Lyla. I know it will be alright, but she's my little girl. I love spending time with her. And ten days is a long time for a 5 and 1/2 month old. Who knows how different she'll be by the time I get back. So I'm sad to go.

But it will be a good trip. I'm looking forward to visiting China and seeing the culture. I'm also looking forward to visiting our client and exploring ways we can help their business. The great thing about this company is that they really focus on the transformative power of knowing Christ and seek to share that in their company and community. So I've heard great stories of how they've helped the disabled and beggars by giving them jobs (and ultimately, dignity). Through their business, they've brought economic growth to a remote village. They're teaching their employees life skills and the company strives to make a difference in the community, helping the local orphans, supporting local ministries to special needs children. So if we can help them do more and do it better, then we will have served them well. So I'm quite blessed to be going and to get the chance to love and serve the people of this company.

Anyway, Katherine and Lyla have quite the ten days planned including: dinners with friends, working in the garden, a visit from Kristin, a trip to Ohio for Rhoda and Dave's wedding (which incorporates spending time driving there with Uncle Stephen (is the best!!!). So hopefully the time will fly by until we are reunited.

Don't know if I'll have opportunity to post while I'm there, but I'll be sure to put up some stories and pictures when I get back.