I just got off the phone with Gwenn. It is Wednesday morning there (Tuesday night here) and they will be packing and getting ready to take the train from Guangzhou, China to Hong Kong, China later this afternoon. The family is definitely ready to be home and this is the beginning of the almost two day journey.
Gwenn’s first statement to me when I answered the phone was that “not much to report from here in the way of touring news because half of the family has had the stomach flu”. As was stated in earlier posts Spencer has been dealing with something the past few days but in the last 24 hours Spencer, Katelynn and Nathan have been plagued with the stomach flu. They are fairing as well as possible. Nathan has been able to still give blessings to the children and he himself has gotten much sleep. Gwenn confided in me that she has the beginnings of an unsettled stomach but hasn’t shared the news with the family as she doesn’t want to worry them. Along with dealing with the stomach issues, there are a few last hurdles that must be dealt with before they begin their travels.
One of them is that Brandon’s suitcase zipper has broken and they need to find a new suitcase for their travels home. Gwenn said that shouldn’t be too hard to find. The most difficult part of it all (which really isn’t difficult but “old” at this point) will be the bartering process that happens. She looks forward to getting home and knowing there is a price for items and she doesn’t have to haggle for everything she buys.
A second hurdle is to get Jessa’s visa. They still do not have it as of yet. They have asked their guides if they should delay their train ride just in case there are problems but the guides have assured them that all will be well. To put this in perspective they must check out of their hotel room at 2pm. They will go to the train station and wait for the couriers to bring the visa somewhere around 3pm. They need to check into the train station for their trip at 3:30pm and the train leaves at 4:15 pm. There isn’t much room for error on this one. As I have talked with Gwenn she knows that all will be well. Her faith is strong. Even if they don’t get the visa in time (which means they miss the train and will sit there until they get the visa and then take a train at a later time….) all will be well.
Once they get to Hong Kong Gwenn had hoped that somehow they would be able to take a taxi to the Hong Kong Temple to have pictures taken there. With the stomach issues and bits of chaos she is unsure if this will be able to happen.
I have put their family’s names on the temple prayer roll that as they travel and journey, these last few days, that all will be well and that whatever happens they will be able to roll with the punches. At various times as I have talked with Gwenn over the past few weeks she as stated over and over again that she can truly feel the prayers of home. She senses that many are praying for her and her family and that the blessings they have, and are receiving, are because of all the amazing friends and family at home.
On a lighter note: Gwenn said that Jessa is a ball of energy. Last evening (their Tuesday night) Jessa and Brandon got a bit crazy and wild. As Gwenn said “Jessa Super Novad last night”. She said Jessa just went and went and went until she “hit the wall” and exhaustion took over and she crashed. Gwenn said none of her other children have had this much energy……the plane ride home is gonna be fun!! :)
Gwenn shared a very sacred and special experience that she and Nathan have had in the past few days. She asked that I share the story as it has strengthened her faith as she has watched the faithfulness of others.
The cute couple they met a few days ago, that live in Ogden, Utah, has really touched their hearts. This family has four biological children, like Nathan and Gwenn, and they have now pursued the adoption of a child from China in spite of not knowing how it would all come together. In having a conversation with the wife Gwenn found out that this couple is literally out of money and have been living off of ramen noodles for themselves and getting rice for their baby. This also means that when they arrive in Hong Kong things will be even harder as items cost that much more there. The couple said that before heading to China they knew they would run out of money before returning home but felt a great assurance that somehow their needs would be met and that they would be blessed by their Heavenly Father, and that they must proceed with getting their child home. Gwenn said that in sharing this information the wife was never bitter or negative (no “pity me”) but instead had a good attitude, and her spirit was positive as she shared this information. She knew that all would be well. Gwenn shared that she felt humbled by this act of faith and questioned if she herself could act without knowing how all the pieces would go together, especially financially. Gwenn and Nathan later had a conversation and realized that because of the NUMEROUS gifts and the INCREDIBLE generosity of so very many friends, family and co-workers that their own immediate needs have been met and that they had some monetary “surplus” that ultimately they didn’t “need” while in China. They found a card, wrote a special note and offered this monetary gift to this couple. The couple returned with a heartfelt thank you! Some of their burdens have been alleviated for the time being and Gwenn knows that ultimately this couple’s prayer was answered because so many answered the prayer and needs of Gwenn and Nathan. It is a strange irony that as you allow people to serve you, you become available to and are able to serve others. Gwenn wanted this sacred story shared to let those who helped them know that ultimately 2 babies have been brought home to loving families because of the humble and GENEROUS gifts given.
Gwenn said that most likely I will not get any phone calls or emails for the remainder of their travels as each new city and area makes it a bit crazy in figuring out how to make contact. She looks forward to getting home and sharing all of the amazing experiences they have had first-hand with everyone.
She loves you all!!
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