Happy Easter from Guangzhou, China! What a joy it was to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection in China at church this morning! The service was really neat–a kids’ choir, a youth choir, a string instrument ensemble, a sermon complete with an opening joke. We sang some familiar songs like “Jesus Christ, I Think About Your Sacrifice” and, of course, “Up From The Grave He Arose” along with some Chinese songs. It was moving to hear the songs in Chinese and consider that brothers and sisters all over the world are praising their Lord and Savior today. Though the languages are all different, He is glorified in every one.
Though we are missing our children getting their Easter baskets and our family’s annual Easter Egg hunt (complete with singing the Mickey Mouse theme song first with our right hands over our left hearts), we are celebrating Easter here. It’s even made complete with pictures in an Easter bonnet with a bunny. And, of course, we’ll spend the day making up new words to “Up From the Grave” (i.e. up from the crib she arose, with some big boogers in her nose…I know, totally sacrilegious). And, I got another bet from Mark to stand up at the packed breakfast buffet and announce, “He is risen!” He said he’d stand up and yell, “He is risen indeed!” But, I don’t trust him.
Aren’t these pictures amazing?
Dear Evan, Ashlyn, and Drew–we heard all about your lemonade stand you did with Grammy. I can’t believe you made so much money! Did you put it in the jar to save for Disney World? Happy Easter to you! I hope you guys love the baskets we put together for you before we left for China. We are already talking about planning a trip to come back to China with you all next time. You’d have a lot of fun here, I’m sure. We love you!
The Milfords says
He has risen indeed!!
She is just beautiful and I got tears thinking about singing praises to our Lord at a church in China. What a wonderful picture of heaven, all those voices, all the languages. Wow.
Justin and Lara says
Happy Easter! So glad you got to attend a service there – amazing! Oh, and loved the hearing test story from your last post. Having had several hearing tests for the boys here, the simplicity of Lydia’s hearing test just made me laugh :)
Melissa says
Happy Easter Kelly, Mark, and Lydia!!! Oh, the pictures ARE amazing – Lydia is so beautiful and its so fun to hear the excitement in your writing! That is so cool you got to celebrate Easter in China and worship too! Enjoy your time left in Guanzhou, we too felt like it was the Disney World portion of our trip, especially at the White Swan. Enjoy walks by the river, playing on the playground and in the playroom – and just savor every moment of this time you have with Lydia! You must be so proud of your other kids – sounds like they are keeping super busy, and what awesome grandparents they have!!!
Lisa - Fine Sweet Life says
Happy Easter wishes from home….Your daughter seems to be adjusting quite wonderfully. P.S. – Don’t trust the husband!
TanyaLea says
oh Goodness Kelly~ I can’t imagine a more blessed way to spend this Easter… what an amazing experience! To think of the different languages all praising our Lord in their own tongue…just beautiful!! And your little Lydia…gracious!…she is such a little dolly!! (Breanna’s words!…and I have to agree!!) I love her little hat…but it’s that smile that just melts right through ya!
Blessings and Hugs,
~ Tanya
p.s.>> your hubby is a HOOT… I love his little dares!! ;)
Michelle says
Yes! He is risen indeed! Happy Easter sweet friend. Love the pictures of Lydia today. :)
Kim says
Hey Kelly & Mark! The kids are having fun at our house – I’m so glad Karina is getting to spend time with them, since she will go to Kindergarten next year! Looking forward to meeting your nlo (new little one!)
Lisa A says
Kelly and Mark–I left you a comment earlier–it must have not taken!
Oh my those pictures are an Easter Blessing! Wow! She’s so opened up and is blossming like no other! Your hearts must be so full on this glorious day!
Tricia says
Kelly,
Happy Easter! It is so great to follow your journey in China! Lydia seems so happy and content! She is adorable! Love the picture of her in the hat. I had to smile when you said in yesterday’s post that Lydia looks so funny walking since she is so small. I could picture it in my head. So cute! I am glad you are enjoying Guangzhou! Still no word that we have our article 5 yet so I guess our paperwork is still at the U.S consulate in Guangzhou. We are hoping that next week our paperwork makes it to the CCAA.
Tricia
Angie says
By the way…I think I want to come to the Easter egg hunt at your house…singing the Mickey Mouse song…I want to hear that story! ;)
nateandkatesmom says
Happy Resurrection Day to you all! So glad you were able to spend part of your day worshiping with others in China who believe as you do. Such a neat experience. I love your pictures of Lydia. She is absolutely adorable!!
Mama Amy says
Lydia is really beautiful … and I’m not just saying that – she is. Tell Mark to load the shotgun now for those dating years!! haha
By the way, where in China are you allowed to go to church (and talk about it)? I thought the church was “underground” in China. Just curious.
Have a safe trip back here in the next few days! Chloe can’t wait to meet her new friend (who apparently weighs less than she does!!)
Patty Picc says
What an amazing Easter!! Lydia is beautiful and looks so happy. I am thrilled for you and your family. I can’t wait to meet her.
Greg and Laura says
Happy Easter. So glad all is going well…Lydia is just beautiful!! I am so happy for you! Enjoy your last days in China.
Sarah says
Glad to hear you are doing well! Can’t wait to see the red couch photos! Please post one with all the LH kiddos :)
The Denis Family says
Happy Easter! That photo of her is ADORABLE! I love the little dimple, the light in her eyes and those eylashes!
Nicole says
Kelly, she’s gorgeous! Just L-O-V-E that 2nd image – what a precious girl. I can tell by that little smirk that she’s going to be getting into everything at home in no time! God Bless you and your family, may He continue to keep you safe & healthy for the rest of your trip!
Carrie says
Happy Easter! Lydia is just so beautiful! Are those two little dimples I see at the corners of her mouth? Georgeous!