Freezing...

Today especially, I'm thankful for my nice warm house.



Our friends, who live in Ch*na, sent their monthly newsletter today. I always enjoy getting it. Their emails are hilarious yet informative. With permission, I just had to share. You might want to get a blanket and some warm hot chocolate as you read it. I felt a few degrees colder after reading.



"What is the answer to this equation?

China -- a developing country that conserves energy by mandating that areas south of the Yangtze River do not receive central heating


+ Kunming -- a city south of the Yangtze River that is over 1 mile high in elevation


+ A 10 story apartment building constructed entirely of concrete -- no insulation or indoor heat


+ Temperatures hovering right above freezing


+ A family from the Arizona desert


= equals a very COLD family

You know it’s cold when . . .


You can see your breath while sitting inside your apartment


You go outside to warm up because the temperature inside your apartment is colder than the outside temperature


You fight over who gets to wash the dinner dishes – just to get warm


You get practice at diagnosing chilblains… because you have them on your own toes (no joke!)


The highlight of the day is a hot shower


Your friend visits from Minnesota and says, “Man, it’s cold here!”


You are wearing sweat pants to work…under your regular trousers.


Food sits out on your counter all day and doesn't go bad. Who needs a frig?


You get excited when the space heater brings your bedroom temperature up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.


You avoid using the bathroom because of the shock of that freezing cold toilet seat.


It’s been a cold winter in Kunming . So according to tradition, our family is flying south to warm sunny Thailand for the Chinese New Year vacation next week. My toes should return to their normal color as we aim to mentally and physically thaw out. In addition to getting some R & R and medical & dental check-ups, I will be attending a medical conference in northern Thailand to update my medical certification. This medical conference has really encouraged me in past years with doctors from all over Asia in attendance. I am especially looking forward to this year’s conference as our keynote speaker will be Os Guinness; one of my favorite writers.

Warm sunshine, Thai noodles, Os Guiness. I can hardly wait.

Wishing you a very Happy Year of the Rabbit!!"



Wow, I really can't imagine.



About this time three years ago, a handsome little one year old was living in a very cold orphanage with temperatures of 30 degrees and no heat. My heart broke thinking about him in those conditions as we waited to finish up our homestudy and dossier. We prayed Jesus' arms were wrapped around him, keeping him warm. We know they dress the babies with many layers...so many layers that they can't move. I'm sure it helps...but it's not enough.



This morning, Benjamin is sleeping with his comfy, warm covers and never again, will his cheeks be rosie red from lack of heat.



Thank you, Jesus for all the blessings you have given to us. Help us to never, never forget those left behind, freezing in an orphanage, without the love of a mom and dad.



It breaks my heart.