Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Journey Day 10 - Trip to Guigang

This posting is a catch up day due to leaving our camera on the bus and getting back as we where leaving Nanning.

We took a two hour trip out of Nanning to Guigang, the town where all of our daughters were found. The highways are very good and the time went by fast. This is a small working town and has some areas that are in very poor condition. All of the girls that were matched in our group were found in this town and we spent time stopping at each site so that families could see the place their daughters were found and take some pictures. We all received the official police record of the event and what happened. The orphanage they were placed in is also in this town. We stayed in Nanning because it is the capital city of the province and we had to do all of our paper work there.







On the bus







This is a truck stop on the highway










The truck stop store



















Lunch









Matt trying squid









This is the place where Sophia was found, out side of the bus stop








She was placed here by her parents










and God handed her to us








Outside the orphanage







Across the street from the orphanage









Sophia's last look at her former home town







We stopped to take a close look at a rice field on the way back





















12 comments:

Unknown said...

hey guys. i hope you got my emails earlier today. I kind of got a little teary eyed with yall's picture in the same spot where sophi was placed. That is pretty amazing. I cant wait for you guys to get back and see Sophi and all of the pictures

Anonymous said...

Hey Newlins,

Been watching and reading your blog - thanks Mike for letting us know about it. Sophia is precious! What a blessing for all of you. Just love all the pics. Maggie is too cute! Will continue to pray. Tulsa soon? Hey Matthew...

The Wards

Anonymous said...

You could have saved a lot of money on toys if you only would have known that Sophi's favorite toy was going to be the cheerios can (I have noticed it in her pics.) She is just so precious. Every day she shows more of a smile. She is so HAPPY! She is a BLESSED little girl.
Thanks be to God for putting on your heart the desire to adopt Sophi into your family and into His. Also, thank you for bringing her into our lives.

Megan

Cecilia Turner, Designer said...

The tears are streaming down my face as I read today's entry and see the photos of where Sophia was found. I cannot imagine how emotional it was for you to be in that spot with her. Truly life changing, I am sure.

We never know what God has planned for us, do we? What a blessing He has given us all.

Can't wait to hold your angel. Be safe.
Love you all...C

Anonymous said...

Sophia is just too cute!! We love looking at your pictures and finding out what your days have been like. This one must have been extra special to see where those sweet girls where found.
Baylea is missing Maggie and wants so say hello to her. She loves seeing Maggie in the pictures!
We all look forward to your return home! We love you.
The Bills

Kristi said...

What a sweet sweet story...God did place her in your arms, just think, she wasn't even born when this journey started! That's why you had to wait! His timing!
To His Glory,
kcs

Lovin' all the picts! BTW...NEWLIN!!....squid????

Anonymous said...

Day Ten has left me speechless.
God is good.

Love you, miss you all.

Continue to be amazed and thankful that we can share in your journey.

Hurry home.
Okay, so not entirely speechless.

ttz

Anonymous said...

I sat here looking over all the pic's with tears wondering how her parents could leave her? Then thought of Moses and how God worked in his life. Wonder what God has in store for Sophia? One thing for sure God did place her in the right family. God is Good.
Love each of you so much and waiting and wanting to give everyone big hugs and kisses.
Grandma Jane

Anonymous said...

aww...where she was found...wow...thats...wow..its so heavy..like..man...she so blessed to have a family likw you guys

-Kelechi-

Anonymous said...

It is so good that the China government gave you all the information on Sophia and what happened to her. What pain her parents must have gone thru to leave her there; but what a blessing for your family and for us. A little prayer for the people she left behind. Ali, it is so good to see you in these pictures and how pretty you are - and Matt - always entertaining. Maggie - can hardly wait to hug you again. So ready to have you back home - all of you. Can hardly wait for the weekend. Oh yeah - Howard was excited about the rice fields since he used to raise rice down here. Love you
Granny LaDanta & Howard

Anonymous said...

Helloooo!

Okay I'm sitting here weeping uncontrollably. I'm a mess! Wow, that had to be a very emotional moment for you. God is so AMAZING! I love when we can see His plan come into focus for us and it's been so amazing watching His plan come into focus for Sophi and for all of you. I am thanking Him every day for bringing her to you and to all of us. I can hardly wait to see ALL of you!!!! I'm thankful for the blog, but I am dying to hug you all and talk to you. Can't wait to SEE you!! (Note to self: no mascara on day I see you.) Our prayers continue to go up for all of you. I cannot express how much JOY I feel for you all!

Love you guys sooooo much!!

Hugs, GiGi

Cecilia Turner, Designer said...

Why is it when a new "baby"(Sophia)comes into a family, the former "baby" (Maggie)instantly looks two years older and a foot taller?

Why? That's all I'm askin!
C