Greg and the kids arrived safely back to Guangzhou here yesterday! I am a very thankful girl to have everyone back in one place!! Ainsley and I were both thrilled to see them! She never missed a beat with them, even though they had been gone a few days.
Yesterday, we just enjoyed being together and hung out at the pool.
Today, it was back to the passport office, because there were a few snags with that. It should be fine though! Then we went to Shamian Island which is where we were with Ellie 8 years ago, and saw some of those places with her. It's still very pretty, but has changed a lot though. We were able to do a little shopping there. It's always enjoyable to see Greg barter in a different country, all the while speaking different languages.
We thoroughly enjoyed a lunch from Subway today! We do like most of the Chinese food here,(well maybe not the whole fish on a platter looking right at us, but ya know!) Subway was definitely a welcome change for us!
Ainsley is a bit under the weather yet, with a cold. So we're praying that doesn't get any worse for her.
We are so privileged to be getting to know Ainsley a little better each day!
I may sound like a broken record, but it's true...we are beyond grateful for faithful prayer warriors and for our God who hears! We definitely could not do this on our own!!
**Can we ask you a favor? If you are willing, to please leave a comment, so that Ainsley may know someday all those who have been praying on her behalf! We will eventually be making this blog into a book for her, and what a gift it would be for her to see God's love (through His people) for her- before they even met her! It can even be just your name if you like. I believe the easiest way to comment is to select commenting as "anonymous" - enter your comment and please just sign your name, so Ainsley can know who you are. If that doesn't work for you, you can also leave a message to me on facebook or to robinkerkstra@gmail.com. Thank you!!
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| Such a sweetheart! |
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| Safe in her big brother's arms! |
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| Bri has waited a long time for this, with her littlest sis! |
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| Love these five! |
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| Walking on Shamian Island |
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| Who knew Subway could taste sooo good!?! |
Dear Ainsley,
ReplyDeleteWe have prayed for you before we even saw a picture or knew your name. You are loved by so many. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Lord, you have searched Ainsley and you know her.
You are with Ainsley when she is awake and asleep. You know her thoughts. You know where Ainsley is at all times. Before a word or thought is on her tongue, you Lord, know it completely. You hem her in behind and before… you have laid your hand on her. Such knowledge is too wonderful for us to understand.
Wherever Ainsley goes you will be there. Your hand will guide her in the day and during the night.
We PRAISE you because Ainsley is fearfully and wonderfully made.
Lead her along the path of everlasting life. Surely your goodness and love will follow Ainsley all the days of her life. (Paraphrased from Psalm 139)
Love,
Andy & Judy Breuker
Praying for health and a feeling of security in the coming days of change for you Ainsley ! God bless you and your family as you continue on this journey together!
ReplyDeleteUncle Ren and Aunt Kris
You are God's precious child Ainsley, He is always with you. He is faithful, and keeps His promises.
ReplyDeleteKen and Crystal Van Dyken
Robin,
ReplyDeletePraying for Ainsley and your family while you're in China. What a precious gift from God! Nancy Dyke - BSF
Love to see the pictures with smiles while the kids play with Ainsley! She looks like she belongs with you and everyone is in love with her! God Bless your time in China. Praying for safe and uneventful travel home.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I forgot my name--- Tammie and Dave Rozeboom (for the comment made on July 7 @ 2:49pm)
ReplyDeleteWe so love that God is providing you with a great Christian family, filled with brothers and sisters who will help show you how to be a follower of Christ! Your entire new family loves and can't wait to care for you and see you grow physically, mentally, socially, academically but especially spirtitually. We all will be here to support your new family in raising you and then to help you come to faith as well! God loves you Ainsley and we are so glad you will be part of the Kerkstra family! Welcome to the neighborhood-we can't wait to meet you in person when you are ready!
ReplyDelete~Cherie, Kim, Rachel, and Brad Smith
Hi Ainsley, Uncle Jeff here. We sure are eager to meet you! You are getting a really special family! We are praying for you every day. If you want to know more about me, Ellie can fill you in! Love ya kiddo!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the kids all smiles as they play together with the little princess! Welcome Ainsley, hope to meet you soon, it will be exciting to see you grow up as part of the Kerkstra family!
ReplyDeleteThe TenHarkel Family :)
Praying for you precious Ainsley! God goes with you and before you and we know His plans for you are more than any of us can even imagine! Love, JRJJR Huisman
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited to meet you Ainsely! We can see from the photos you are making huge strides everyday. In God's perfect plan he knew you would be a wonderful addition to the Kerkstra family. You have a family that loves you more than anything in the world. Praying for all of you on this exciting journey.
ReplyDeleteSee ya soon
Love, Jason, Lisa, Ben & Josh Vergouwe
Hi Ainsley! You are so cute! I can't wait to meet you and play with you! We have been waiting a lllllooooooonnnnnnnggggggg time! Your family is so awesome and sweet. You are so loved! Your best cousin Laynie Nolte
ReplyDeleteAinsley, it brings us and God much joy, to see you smile, hug make eye contact with your new brothers, sisters and mom and dad. It is wonderful to have you be a new part of the Kerkstra family!
ReplyDeleteHi sweet Ainsley! We are both so excited to meet you & love reading all about the adventures to getting you and seeing your pictures each day. We are so happy God picked YOU to become part of the crazy Kolk family! See you soon! Love, Cam & Kait
ReplyDeleteWe love to see all of the pictures of your beautiful new daughter... praying that the transition goes well, especially when you get her home!
ReplyDeleteThe Baatenburgs
Dear Ainsley: So thankful to see you already so happy with your new family. You are so blessed, which you will realize as you get older, that God gave you to such a godly, loving, and caring family. We can't wait to meet you ourselves! May God bless all of you.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jim and Lois Rau (neighbors of Gpa & Gma Kerkstra)
Miss Ainsley-
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to meet you! Just wait- you have Spider Lake Olympics, golf lessons, and a whole host of other things in store for you. I will continue praying for you & your family as you make the journey home.
Love you already,
Kelsey
P.S. When you need a vacation from the snow- you know who to call :)
Hi Kerkstra family,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading the updates everyday and loving the pictures (finally figured out I needed to post a comment from my computer not phone :))! Ainsley is adorable and we can't wait to meet her. So happy to hear about all the positive moments you've had with her over this past week...she is going to a wonderful home and I don't think it took her very long to figure that out! :) Praying for a smooth transition over the coming days and weeks for all of you, but especially you Ainsley!
Igor, Barb, and Isabel Soljan
Ainsley, we have been praying for you and are so excited to welcome you to the family! We love you already!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Josh and Rachel Grysen
Ainsley-- My family and I have been praying for you and can't wait to meet you. From Megan Baker (Your sister Ellie's friend)
ReplyDelete