The Great Mall Of China

No, that isn't a typo. It is what Chai affectionately and accidently penned today, all on her own. But, based on the events of the day, it fits perfectly.

After breakfast, we caught up with the entire AWAA group (43 families total), in the hotel lobby, and then proceeded on to church. It was a really cool place called Beijing International Christian Fellowship. The service we attended (one of many that day that cater to different nationalities) was a bilingual English/Chinese event. The worship team, as well as the pastor, would switch back and forth between the two languages seamlessly. It was fantastic to experience worship that way and the message was right on. The pastor spoke of how we can lay aside our pride and constant desire to "save face", because as believers, our identity is in Christ.

After the service, we headed to a jade factory. I was blown away by the beauty and precision of the carvers. The images created were very powerful and moving. We enjoyed ourselves there and after some pitches from the sales team, ended up with a few souviners for the girls to remind them of the trip.

Then, it was off for lunch at a family style chinese restaurant. Mindi dubbed it "Chinese Cracker Barrel." It was a great meal, and more food than should be allowed by law. Also, attached to the restaurant was another opportunity to purchase memorabilia from our travels. Surviving another store is precisely what prompted Chai to ask "how much longer until we go to The Great Mall Of China?" After all of the shopping, I felt like I had already been there.

But, we did finally arrive at the Great Wall of China and we were absolutely dunbfounded. The beauty, the craftmanship, the enormosity, the logistics.... I mean.... How do you build a wall of heavy brick and stone that is so long, it can be seen from space? Especially one that covers such ragged and tuff terrain. Our girls were amazing! They hiked up what was probably the equivalent of 50 flights of stairs at a pitch that felt literally straight up vertical, just to get their picture taken and say they "climbed the Great Wall."

Now we're back at the hotel and everyone is asleep but me. I better get to bed, because tomorrow is the big day...... "Gotcha Day" to be certain. We fly out of Beijing at 10:30 a.m and into Nanchang to go get our little China girl Canaan. We've been waiting a long time for this day to get here, and it has finally arrived. I hope I get some good pictures, that capture the moment well, to share with you. Until then......

Comments

[kirsten Moxey]

We are praying for you guys! I get on your blog every morning waiting "my update" on the Avery family! We are so excited to read the update tomorrow morning. I just sat here crying thinking about how long you guys have waited and prayed for sweet Canaan and you will be holding her tomorrow! Wow! God is so faithful!!! We love you guys! Lola-Reese wants to tell Chai hi!
The Moxey family

[Jean DeChant]

Wow it sounds like so much fun! This additon to your family will be such a blessing to all of you. As I also know that coming to live with you will bless her life so much. I hope that you have nothing but blessing on your journey.
Jean and Greg DeChant

[Tara Jensen]

I'm having so much fun reading all about your adventures in China. Thanks for sharing this with all of us. I especially enjoyed the airplane experience. :-) Kids always make trips more enjoyable. I'm with Chai! When can we go see the Great Mall of China? I love to shop! :-)
I can't wait to meet Canaan and see all of you again.

Love you,
Tara

[David & Julie Haygood]

Hi Avery's,

We are so happy for you guys and can't wait to see Canaan in person. We pray that the rest of your travels go well and that your experiences will be filled with joy and happiness. By the way, don't worry about the small fire in your garage...it was minor compared to the house fire.

We love you guys!

The Haygoods

[Mike and Jennifer ALlen]

We are so happy for you. You are in our prayers. While you are in China, we are in Guatemala...just for a visit. We pray things go smooth. What a wonderful moment for you all.

[Marjan VandenBrink]

Dear Brad and family,

You are in my prayers. I am very excited for you for adopting a little girl from China. I have special place for China in my heart, I was in China from March 20, 2001 to May 18 2001 doing missions ( I was in Hong Kong, two weeks in Hinan, China teaching three year olds how to read English). You are in my prayers. God bless you and your family.

Love Marjan From Edmonton, Alberta

[Alyson Epp]

That Chai! Definitely a quote for the scrapbook, and more proof that apples don't fall far from trees! ;-)
Love you! Alyson

[The Nails Family]

So glad you had fun shopping and seeing the wall. It is so fun to experience a bit of China. We are praying for you guys and Cannan this evening. It won't be long now!!

Love,
Jennifer

[Dianna and Mike DeShazo]

Thank you for posting your family blessing for all of us. I was just wondering the other day what had happened with the adoption...I only knew about it from the Christmas CD..WE don't have any children but I love them dearly and I love when you guys share the great things the little ones impart to you. Brad what a great looking family and I know the new addition will make a complete family picture. Enjoy them and love them all which I am sure you do.......You are so blessed and don't forget it.

[Chad, Andrea and Josiah]

Hi guys!! We are so excited for you and we can't wait to meet our newest little family member!! Give her a hug for us!! Mindi you better be taking LOTS of PICTURES!! And I do mean LOTS!!!! I will want to see them ALL!! We love you guys so much!!
Love, Chad, Andrea and Josiah

[Sisterinchrist]

We sooooooooooo missed you at the Denver show last night! It wasn't the same without you! But what a blessing to find out that your dreams are coming true for your family. May God bless you and your family on your journey.

[Joan Young/Godgrl Gomer]

I had NO idea this was here!!! Now I can pray more directly! Praise the Lord!
God's blessing upon you and your family. We are praying fervently.
Much love from Down Under!

[Wendy]

"The worship team, as well as the pastor, would switch back and forth between the two languages seamlessly. It was fantastic to experience worship that way"

I know this feeling...I went to Sri Lanka last year and was blown away to worship in two languages!

I'm praying tomorrow will be even more wonderful than you imagine it now. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this blessing!!!

~Wendy (SirMax)~

[Cebrina]

So happy for you and your family Brad. Praying all goes smoothly tomorrow!

[marg]

Having had a huge heart for the throw away chinese baby girls, I was so thrilled when I heard about your adoption decision - I wanted to ask you, Brad about it when I met you guys in Sydney in January, but chickened out!!
Only last week I was wondering about the progress of your adoption, then I get the link here!
I am so excited for you all and am reaching for the tissues!! May she be a mighty blessing for all of you!!

PS. If you thought the trip over with 3 girls was interesting - I'm sure the return trip with the new bub will prove moreso!!:)

[marg]

Ohh, and I must add, she's adorable by the way!

[Tai Anderson]

Averys,

It's so great to be able to keep up with your trip. The band spent some time praying for you guys before our show the other night in Denver. I imagine that today should be the day you finally get Canaan. This has been such a long journey. All the Andersons are praying for you guys and can't wait to meet her.

The show went really well. Shaun started 'Come on Back to Me' in the wrong key. So, we had one of those akward moments where we had to decide whether to stop or plow forward. We just played on. During the break Mac said, "Who wants to hear some guitar?" ...."and in the right key!" We were all cracking up.

I'm jealous that you don't have to do the CBA media "stuff" tomorrow. See you soon.
Tai

[Valerie Avery]

Hi Brad, Mindi and girls,

We are praying this is the day our little Canaan is finally safe in Mommy and Daddy's arms with Chloe, Charis and Chai there to sing songs and love their new little sister. We've waited so long - it's seemed an eternity for us and I'm sure we can't really imagine how long the anticipation has been for you. We are proud of how you have waited with Godly patience.

Grandpa and I feel pretty overwhelmed right now with God's blessings. We couldn't have imagined when you children were all little that God had an international Avery family planned for us. The Dane Avery family legacy will have literally touched many parts of the world, leaving a handprint and heartprint of God's love and His grace for others to see...... Turkey, Colombia, Switzerland, France, Amsterdam, the United States and all the places you have all visited inbetween. Now we add China and our precious little one coming home soon, never to have to cry herself to sleep alone anymore. We are honored to think God has chosen us to be the grandparents of this little one. What a glorious mystery to think God's plan would have our twelfth grandchild born in China before she would come to be a part of our family. Her story will mingle with His story and our Avery family story. What a story is being written through all of us for His glory.

Hurry home family and bring our little Canaan back to all of us. She will soon begin to understand the blessing God chose for her before time to be a part of the Avery bunch. In the meantime, know that you are being prayed through the process. Love you all, Mom and Dad Avery Grandma Avery

[Cacie]

Brad you are AWESOME!!! you and your whole family are AWESOME!!! ya'll rock

[the rays]

Oh you guys look so excited!! You look just like you are wrapped up in Gods arms gettin a big ole HUG!!!Thanks for letting all of us back home be there with you. Lots of love to all of you. p.s. HAPPY "GOTCHA DAY"!! the rays

[The Rutherfords]

Hey Averys,

Congrats....It's "Gotcha Day"! What a glorious day! I can't wait to see the first picture.

I've cried while reading every blog. John and I are so excited for you. We're so blessed to have such awesome technology where we can experience this journey with you. Thanks so much for sharing your journey to Canaan.

We're keeping you all in our prayers and anxiously awaiting the day when we get to meet precious Cannan. May God keep all of you in His care.

Love you,
Vicki & John

[The Dahlems]

Hey Averys!
It looks like you guys are having an awesome experience! We are so excited for you and we hope your "Gotcha Day" was incredible! We enjoy reading your blog and can't wait to see more pictures! We are praying for safety for your family while you are there and a safe trip home.
We love you guys!
Scott, Monica, Colton and Carson

[The Reeves]

Hey Avery Family!!

It's GOTCHA day!!! We are praying for you guys and reliving our journey to Caroline by reading this blog! What wonderful memories you are making. Before you know it, it will feel like little Caanan has been home all along! Mindi, isnt this the most long labor EVER!! Loved hearing the comparisons! Hope you can post pictures soon...Praying for the technology to cooperate!!! Can't wait to meet her in person...
Love,
The Reeves (Julie, Robby, Collin, Carter, Caleb, and Caroline)

[Todd Daniel]

I read today's entry to mom and showed her the pic. She is very excited about seeing your next entry about the baby.

[Sam]

Glad you're enjoying China. I actually went to the BICF church last year while on a missions trip. it's incredible. I'll be going back this year also. I'm happy to hear that you and your family are enjoying Beijing. Your family is in our prayers. Congratulations on your beautiful little China doll. Can't wait to hear more about her.