GIIC

"God is in Control" - that is what we had to remind ourselves today as we sat in the airplane on the tarmac in Chicago during a 2 hour delay that turned our 13 hour flight to Beijing into a 15 hour plane experience. We were concerned about making our connecting flight to Jinan City. However, the communications maintenance issue was resolved and our flight was not cancelled. Then, upon arrival in Beijing, we joined an extremely lengthy immigration line that risked us missing our connection. But, wouldn't you know it...Just as we were starting to be concerned again, the officials opened up another line and we sailed right through. God always provides. Another good thing that came out of 15 hours on the plane during one leg of our travels was that it reinforced for us that we made the right decision in not bringing our 3-year-old with us. We could not imagine expecting him to endure such a long and cramped flight. 

Now we are safely, happily and gratefully in our hotel room in Jinan City. It is by far the most magnificent hotel I have ever stayed in. Five stars. Matt has only had one hotel stay that can match it and that was in Singapore. The hotel staff already kindly set up Peter's crib next to our bed and we eagerly await meeting him Monday. Tomorrow we will explore Jinan, known for its many natural springs, get the lay of the land, and eat some authentic, local food!