Thursday, June 3, 2010

Jiangxi Porcelain

So, today we went to do a village tour and saw how the majority of people in China actually live. The people live on very little money and survive by living together and growing much of their food. It was humbling to think of how much we have in America compared to these people. After the village tour we went to a porcelain shop to check out what was there. Jiangxi is known to have the best porcelain in the entire nation. In fact, it's shipped all over the world. So naturally we wanted to get a few things from Anna's home region to remember our journey. I also learned a few things about porcelain. First, it takes a long time to get all the raw materials to make pieces with. The have to be combined in a special way and are often hand painted and fired at very high temperatures. While porcelain is obviously breakable it is very strong because of the process by which it is made. In fact, the owner of the shop took two of the bowls that we eventually bought and knocked them together pretty hard - no cracks. It was pretty impressive.

As I thought about that it made me think of our little Anna. Just like the porcelain pieces we got today, she was made with precious materials. She was put together in such a way and crafted by the hand of God. She has been through more trials by fire than most adults I know, and in such a short amount of time. Just by looking closely at her body we can tell that she has not been treated like the precious gift of God that she is. The trials will make her strong and determined, but she's still very delicate and breakable. Our job as parents and siblings is to strengthen her and help her to be everything that God desires her to be. Thanks for all of your prayers and the way you have already invested in her life.

- Kendal

6 comments:

  1. Great words! You know that there are so many here who are ready to love such a special gift from God! Can't wait for you guys to get back!

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  2. We're home with Lydia and she said:

    iitgjtiyiuiuyg90ytr9yggi I Love you! We are getting her ready for bed. She actually said Anna pretty well tonight. She calls for all of you but she is doing very well. We had a great time in the car singing, clapping and trying to dance in the car seat. She had us in stitches! We are looking forward to seeing all of you back home. We love each of you and we are so proud that you are our family. XOXOXOXOXO from Lydia too.

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  3. Wow!! I wish I were a part of the family.

    Bob

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  4. We are so thankful that Anna is a Danford now! We all need to think of our children that way, God has made them all special & they are a gift! We look forward to hearing more & your safe return to America!! Love, Roger, Mandy, Sam & Dennis

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  5. Granddaddy, Grandma, and LydiaJune 5, 2010 at 10:06 AM

    Lydia has had a great day today. We started out day at Ogden Park with Katilyn and then it got so hot we came back to the house, had lunch, and played with toys and play dough until nap time. She loved the play dough. She took a great nap. We later had supper and Dad, Lydia, and I all did our first 5K walk. Lydia loved it. She enjoyed yelling she we passed the cheering squad and at the finished line. She wanted me to sing to her (the baby) after her much hated bath and now she is sound asleep. She slept good last night too. I pray all of you are well and enjoying being at your last stop in China. Allison said she enjoyed that part of the trip best. Let us hear how today went and more pics please whenever possible. Love you all, Mom

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  6. Grandma, Granddaddy, and LydiaJune 6, 2010 at 2:23 AM

    It's about 2:30 here so I know you are sleeping. We are just wondering how your trip was and how all of you are. Lydia is having another great day. Napping right now. She can so blueberry and is working hard on Grandma and Granddaddy. Closer to Granddaddy than Grandma. We went to the church for me to fax something and Dad played on the playground with her. She calls your names everytime she sees your pics on the frig, etc. I know she will be overjoyed to see you all. How's my precious Jordan and Anna? I pray daily without ceasing for all of you. Hope to hear from you soon.

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