Chocolate. Birthday. Heaven.

Friday morning it was pouring rain but we had an important engagement -- open house at the new shop of the chocolate factory where Lydia works. It's a 90 minute trip, three city bus lines, from our house to the factory, but so worth it even on a soppy day.

Yes one son is using a giant plastic bag as an umbrella. Works awesome.

Lydia was very excited to invite us and a crew of administrators and teachers from the welfare institute/orphanage, her former home. Coincidentally, we arrived at the 3-day open house at the same moment as the administrators, many of whom we have met before...and one important man who we hadn't met - the Director! Inside the elevator on the way up I had an inkling it was him, I'd seen his picture before, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Long?" 

The Director is a kind man, responsible for thousands...thousands of elderly, disabled, orphaned people. Jonathon has the Director's surname as all kids abandoned to the welfare center do, like a big family. I was so impressed that these people came all the way out just for Lydia! They honored her, her supervisors and even us, expressing their pleasure with her work. Lydia's chocolate boss was just as genuine and courteous in honoring the administrators. 

Well anyway, here's the morning party which was so fun, and scrumptious, and reminded us of a Christmas tea! Wish we could have stayed longer!

Well then, Friday night was something special too, a break from the usual routine -- a birthday party with friends! The birthday man turned 31. Seriously good times. Three moms connected while kids romped in a neighborhood gym. Three dads played the blues -- guitar, slide guitar, violin and mandolin. There was fudge-y cake. Manly baijiu drinking. Genuine family love. Kickin back. Six small children who stayed up past ten watching Cinderella like zombies on the couch. Yes. 

Friendship so full and fun and loving and good, I think this might be a glimpse of heaven. 

During the birthday party Drew received a message on his phone. Grandpa Gordy passed away. While we were catching only a foggy glimpse of heavenly goodness, Grandpa moved to actual Heaven. The memorial service is tomorrow.

counting the graces 

thank you Father for

rainboots to keep little feet dry

merry parties

good men

seeing Mark, Stephen and Peter all together on skype

gift- homemade buckwheat bread

baby steps toward reconciliation here in Changsha