 Darin has been in China for 9 days so far. We are trying to be patient in waiting for his return to us. We both agree that 13 day apart and half way around the world with a 14 hour time difference is a big challenge, that we hope not to repeat.
We are able to call him on a Chinese cellphone via a 1-800 number. We have great reception from him but half the time he is unable to hear us.
Our schedule is we call him at 9:30pm CST, when the boys are going to bed which is when he is on lunch break at 11:30AM China time. We say our goodnights quickly as he has only a few moments to talk. When we awake in the AM, we call him as it is 9 PM China time. We usually cuddle up on our King sized bed, put the phone on speaker and have a nice family talk for about 10 minutes. When Darin awakes at 6AM local time, Darin uses AOL IM to connect with Sarah. This is usually only 5-10 minutes but it is a time to ask and answer household questions that married couples have. Time always in short supply!
Last night, we received the news that Shanghai is due to get another snow storm on Friday, which is the day he is due to fly home. He leaves at 5:30PM local time which is 3:30AM CST. He is due to arrive in Chicago O'Hara at 5:15PM CST if all goes well. Read below about China's weather and challenges.
Thank you for praying. We believe the LORD is in control of all weather and has the best plan, even if it is not the same as our plans.
Please pray for China.
They are experiencing savage snow storms- the worst in over 50 years. Darin says they don't have snow shovels- they are clearing the streets with
homemade straw brooms. The airports are delaying or cancelling dozens of flights this week and another heavy snow storm is due to hit his area on Friday.
There have been 24 deaths due to this severe weather all over China. People's homes have collasped and killed them. Many people live in what you and I would call a shanty without doors. Severe conditions over there. I KNOW that the LORD is total charge over the weather. Scripture is full of proof that HE is in charge so I am trusting that there is a reason. HIS reason!
People are dying and I am selfish in asking for Darin to come home. Pray that I will remain at peace, he will be able
to locate a hotel room for the extra days that we both believe he will have to stay. Please pray for SAFE travel for him even if it means a delay of days.
This coming Monday is the Chinese New Year- the upcoming weekend is the busiest travel weekend of the entire year. Think Christmas week and the whole country is getting hit with blizzards. 50,000 people have been stranded in airports already this week.
Please pray with me for the people who are stranded, homeless, and grieving over lost loved ones at this their special time of year.
Thank you for your prayers-
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