This wasn't all in one day...as a matter of fact, I had to take it in small doses as I try and do what they tell me for my health here in China!!!! I'm not too good at that! At any rate, I am feeling better, will get my Blood Pressure checked again later today....the swelling for now is minimal, so I feel I am heading in the right direction! Continue to pray for the stiffness in my neck and back and the weakness in my left arm...pretty sure a pinched nerve....not surprising...what else could happen, right? But for the most part, hanging in there! The last few days had us hanging back in Beijing either shopping at the Dirt Market, sightseeing at Tienanmen Square, eating at Hard Rock Cafe, or bargaining at the silk market! Team #2 comes in tomorrow evening and we will head back down to Maria's Big House of Hope, where my brother will commence painting some fun things on the outside of the building as well as paint a fun design in the foyer, which has several walls....and then some special touches on each floor! It should be an awesome time watching it all come together! I'll post progress pictures! Love to you all, and know that it is your prayers to the father that keep me going emotionally, spiritually, and physically as this has been a tough yet glorious season of life.
To Him alone who knows the number of our days....while we wait for ALL things to be made new!
Mary Beth
How precious to be able to take some time to do some of the fun sight-seeing things that you can only do in China!
We are praying and praying Mary Beth!
May the LORD heal your health!
Please keep us posted on what you need in prayer most!
In HIM,
Renee
Posted by: Renee | July 24, 2009 at 08:03 PM
Mary Beth,
I'm praying for you & your family...I know you are on quite a journey (physically & emotionally)...I admire so much your strength & faith!
We love you all & appreciate how much your family has influenced our lives!
Your never alone...everything will be alright!
Love & Prayers...The Mahurin Family, MO
Posted by: Joanie | July 18, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Continuing to life your beautiful family (and friends) up in prayer! So glad to hear you are starting to feel better. Take it easy. Blessings & love, Amy in OR
Posted by: Amy @ Living a Blessed Life | July 16, 2009 at 12:50 AM
Responding to some of the already mentioned comments. Steven is flying home earlier than Mary Beth? Where'd I miss that one at? Wow! :) You are one brave woman; I couldn't do that in a foreign country! ;)
Posted by: Jamie | July 15, 2009 at 11:15 PM
I agree with Lisa. I am already praying for you as you'll say goodbye to Steven and Stevey Joy for a few days; unless you're going back with them early.
I can't believe how fast this trip of yours has been! I know it probably seems different actually being there, but it does seem like it's gone quick! Praying for team #2's arrival and help in MBHOH in the coming days!
Posted by: Kim | July 15, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Continued prayers for your health as well as your safety with all the coming and going. I know that this trip has been a blessing in many ways to each of you, but just look at the blessings that have been bestowed by our Father to the people you have met in China. Know that all of you are lifted up daily in prayers.
By the way shop till you drop or at least until you get tired - do some extra shopping for those who aren't with you.
Much love and because of Him,
Holli
Posted by: Holli | July 15, 2009 at 05:25 PM
Glad to hear you're doing better! Our prayers are being answered!!! Keep hanging in there and do what you can for your health. I know, I know. It's impossible to sit in China and do nothing!!! Hang in there...
Still praying...
Paige
wwwbettertonfamily.blogspot.com
Posted by: Paige Betterton | July 15, 2009 at 04:45 PM
love the pictures! Especially the one of the girls with the "rock" faces"
Posted by: Amy Jones | July 15, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Love the pictures and am so thankful to God that you seem to be on the mend....Keep doing what they tell you to do and keep taking it easy. Prayers are still being said for you...."wholeness in your body, I pray."
Posted by: Debbie from Ohio | July 15, 2009 at 01:45 PM
SO glad you are measurably better. Hope you and/or team 2 can see the total eclipse of the sun July 22!
Posted by: kathy naylor | July 15, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Thanks again for the great pictures Mary Beth. Will continue to pray for your physical, mental and emotional health!! I know you've heard this all 100 times or more, but God is in control......even this "minor" setback. Something great must be going to happen!!
Blessings,
Georgia
Posted by: Georgia Boone | July 15, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Looks like you all are having a wonderful time and very productive. We're praying for you Mary Beth for your health and praying for ALL who have their hands in the project at Maria's Big House of Hope. Charles Spurgeon once said: "No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me". So it is an honor to bring you and the rest of the team to the Throne of Grace!
Posted by: Kellie | July 15, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Still praying for you! Can't say the pictures give me much confidence that you are really resting...but....you are having fun! It is good to see so many smiling faces and also it looks like the girls are having a blast!
Stay safe, attempt to rest, and know that you are loved and prayed for daily! Praying that through this trip you would be able to see SEE how God is continuing to walk with you and work in you through the grief and that He would remind you of the plan and purposes He has for you and your family!
God bless you!
Jessica
Posted by: Jessica in Macomb, MI | July 15, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Oh..wish we were there...such nice de'ja'vu memories of being there in China some 5 years ago adopting our little one. (Still waiting for no.2!)
Glad you are feeling better!
Our continued prayers and love to all.
Posted by: NiHaoMa - Da'Shotaz | July 15, 2009 at 11:16 AM
So glad for an update! I've been continuing to pray for all of you! Such wonderful pictures. Different thoughts come to mind with each one; how amazing the girls look with the hats/headdresses, how blessed both you and Emily must feel with the relationship you have with one another, what a bonding experience this must be for the 4 girls, memories of what happened in that square 10(?) years ago, what are in those bags?!?!?!, how appropriate for the guys--Hard Rock Cafe, laughter at the 'rock faces' (sadness with one missing), and WHAT CUTE SHOES!!!
So glad you are doing better! If you are able to get hot showers-try doing 10 sec. gentle stretches of your neck in different directions as the heat is on your neck--it's helped me a lot--sorry-sure you are getting tons of advise-just that everyone cares.
Praying for safe travel and NO quarentine for team 2.
With love your sister in Christ,
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy from California | July 15, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Enjoyed the pictures! I am showing them to my kids as they would like to see pictures of China too!
I am so glad you are feeling better. Will keep you in my prayers as always.
I'll be praying that the Lord will have your aching heart of being in Maria's home land, wrapped snuggly around His.
Already wondering and praying about how things will be without Steven. I am so glad that you have such a beautiful and wonderful family and friends to take care of you.
You are blessed beyond measure!!!!!!!!!
lisa:)
Posted by: Lisa..from So. Cal | July 15, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Glad to hear that things are going well for you. We're still asking Dad to work in a big way while you all and the teams are in China. Loved the pic of SCC and Geoff with the girls...absolutely priceless! Thank you so much for posting the pics, my daughter Maddie loves them! She fervently prays for MBHOH and wants to go there someday to help. Quite a bit of ambition for a 4 year old. Have a great rest of the week.
Posted by: jill p. | July 15, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Shopping therapy always works wonders ;-) ! jody
Posted by: jody | July 15, 2009 at 07:23 AM
I wonder how Steven and Stevey Joy are going to be able to leave you next week to fly home! But, I guess Jim has known you your whole life, so you'll still have someone there to remind you to slow down. :) Praying for you all and for the second team's arrival and participation in making MBHOH an even more beautiful place! :)
Posted by: Kim | July 15, 2009 at 07:12 AM
So glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better. Continued prayers sent your way for a full recovery. Praying that it is just a pinched nerve. Praying for a safe arrival of the 2nd team & a safe return for the 1st when it is time to come home. Hope you continue to have a good time despite some of the heart aches & road blocks along the way. Take care.
Posted by: shannon blake | July 15, 2009 at 02:21 AM
praying for you in China. Thanks for sharing all the great pics :)
Posted by: JulieinCa | July 15, 2009 at 01:15 AM
Mary Beth,
Great to hear that you are on the path to wellness! Thank you for sharing the photos~ your girls are too cute!
Praying for your Mama's heart, (and Baba's too) as you remember Maria.
Be blessed!
Alycia
Posted by: Alycia | July 15, 2009 at 12:35 AM
Mary Beth,
Thanks so much for those great pictures. I don't know which is my favorite: the girls with Dad and Geoff, or the girls and their funny, "rock 'n roll" looks. Awesome, and very original!
I am so glad to know that you are hanging in there. However, since you are clearly a supermom, I am soooo glad that you have plenty of folks over there to keep you laid back and rested as needed.
I cannot wait to see the progress pictures of MBHOH; it already looks like the most amazing God-filled place.....like a church for all who enter it, not just a place of hope for the special needs orphans of China.
As God continues to carry you up to the mountain, I cannot help but to recall what SCC's "For the Sake of the Call" says: "Once we hear the Savior's call we'll follow wherever he leads. Because of the love He has shown. And because he has called us to go we will answer." What a mighty testament of that lyric you and your family have been!
Still praying for the day that you are cherishing "times up on the mountain" again,
Michele
Posted by: Michele Kelly | July 14, 2009 at 11:48 PM
So glad to see that you are feeling a bit better. I love seeing all of your photos and your energy for serving even when your not feeling well. I love the photo of the officer at the square...where did all of the people go? Starbucks I bet:) I was just getting ready to turn in for the day and a SCC came on the radio. It made me think to pray for you all..have a wonderful time you are in your element, to love on orphans ( and shop:)
Many Blessing~Misty Peterson
Posted by: Misty Peterson | July 14, 2009 at 11:13 PM