Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow!

There is so much truth in these words:

"thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not,

Great is Thy faithfulness...Lord unto me!"

We were early risers this morning! We were dressed and out the door by 7:30. We ate breakfast in the hotel (which is fabulous), and then we explored around our hotel! Maddie loved the goldfish pond.

***SEE UPDATE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG!***

We were down in the lobby at 8:39 (waiting to go to our consulate appointment). The driver's phone rang...our guide (waiting on us at the consulate) had bad news. The consulate's computer systems were down, and no visas would be issued today. Maddie can't come home without her visa!  :(   The driver took Maddie's paperwork to the consulate, and Aaron got them to process some of her paperwork.


So, Todd and I headed out to Shaiman Island. It reminds me of Charleston or Savannah. It is breathtaking. It is like one big park with lots of little shops. We ate lunch at the famous "Lucy's Diner"!  It is like a 1950's hamburger place. So fun!
Then, we met up with other families (in our lifeline group). We shopped and enjoyed letting our children spend time together. Maddie crashed around 3:00, and we went back to our room.

The lifeline families enjoyed a dinner cruise down the Pearl River. The sights were spectacular! 

Our guide (who is so wonderful) told us to stay close to the phone. We hope that we can go to a consulate appointment at 3:00. They are hoping to expedite them, but there is no guarantee. So, we are here until the consulate opens. Please pray that we get them tomorrow afternoon. If not, we will miss our flight. We will be in limbo because we won't know when to schedule a flight. I know that God already knew that this would happen. It is all in His plan and on His timing!  So, fingers crossed!  Love to all!

****Update: The consulate is open! They have an appointment at 11:00! Fingers Crossed and send lots of prayers to them***