How It All Began ..

The trip to China began very early on a hot, steamy morning in July. 

Well, it actually started weeks and even months before that. I'd been packing for at least a week and a half before we left and my excitement was building with each thing I added to my overflowing suitcase. 

Before dawn on July 13th, I finally loaded my suitcase and backpack into the van and headed to the airport to begin a journey that would forever change my life. 

I was excited to be finally getting on that plane and returning to the strange and beautiful land that had captured my heart the summer before! Excited, excited doesn't even begin to describe the emotions that were racing through me as we drove to the airport. I was anxious to land on the other side of the globe and inhale that scent that can only be described as China. 

I couldn't wait to meet the children who would be attending the English camp.

I couldn't wait to see what God was going to do in their lives that week. 

I couldn't wait to see what God was going to do in my life that week. 

I couldn't wait to travel to Luoyang and visit Mariah again.

I couldn't wait to hold the precious little people that pulled at my heartstrings.

I couldn't wait to arrive in China.

Nearly 24 hours later, a very tired and only slightly hyper me finally stepped off the plane.

Luggage was collected, customs and immigration were successfully maneuvered, and we boarded the bus that would take us to our hotel in the heart of Beijing. 

I was finally back in China and loving it! 

We checked into our hotel and relished the first hot showers since the beginning of our journey. I had the privilege of rooming with two great girls - Ale' and Angel, y'all are the best! Thanks for putting up with me! With three girls staying in one room for three weeks, we always had an odd assortment of luggage, clothing, food, and shoes strung out across our room! And let's just say that my lovely roommates quickly realized that I don't quite understand the concept of a "quick" shower! :) 

Our time in China had just begun and already my life was being changed.

To be continued ...