Journey to Anhui

The weather has turned much cooler over the last few days with lows in the single digits (Celsius) and highs in the teens with lots of wind and rain.  We are preparing to leave Friday for a two day trip with our church to a small village in the Anhui province to deliver some needed supplies to the local orphanage and elderly home.  We will also be bringing some donated funds that will help students to pay for their final two years of high school education.  The state funds education up to the 10th grade and then students must pay for the final two years which are required in order to take the national college placement test.  The church has been working in this area for a couple of years and the people really appreciate the support.  Our whole family will be going on this trip and we are praying for good weather (specifically no rain) as the infrastructure is mostly dirt roads as well as opportunities to encourage those we meet.  We will visit several families homes who have been selected by the local church as having the most need for support.  The boys have purchased some small toys, crayons and balls to give to the kids we will meet.  Should make for a very interesting weekend and we would appreciate your prayers for safety, and that we will be used to make a difference in the lives of those we meet.  Look for photos coming early next week!