22 Days!

I finally received my formal invitation from China and the hotel confirmation so that I could submit my visa application. The local Chinese Consulate is taking 7 days to process a visa. So I'm in good shape. Paul received his visa already. I'm so glad that he and Amy are going! It's a comforting thought for me! How exciting all this is!

I downloaded Google Earth so I could check out Beijing. One word: cool! :)

My chest gets this tight feeling to just think about what it's gonna be like when I get off that plane in Beijing!

Wow. So surreal.

Thank God that so many of my close friends will be praying for me! I'm really gonna miss my church while I'm gone. It's what gets me through life. But my faith is strong. It will sustain me through the month of August! I'll have my iPod loaded with all my good music from church. That's all I'll need! :)

I can sense my kids are getting anxious about me being gone for so long. I'm set up with Skype. So I'll be in touch. But it's not the same. I won't be home and that's gonna be sad for them. My children still run to the front door every evening to greet me when I get from work and it makes my heart swell every time! I'm really gonna miss them.

ok....gonna sign off for now! Ciao! xoxoxo