Heading HOME!!!

Tomorrow we are flying home!  After 17 days away, we are ready for some routine and our own beds.  We could not have made this trip without those who supported us through prayers and financial gifts.  We are forever grateful to you.  “Thank you” just doesn’t seem to be enough to express our gratitude.  We are so humbled!

For those that would like to track flights and/or greet at the airport, here are our flight details.  We begin our journey on Delta flight 582 from Shanghai (PVG) to Detroit (DTW).  Our final flight is from Detroit (DTW) to Peoria (PIA) on Delta 5219.  It is scheduled to arrive Saturday at 9:07pm.  We welcome you to meet Maelee at the airport.

We are headed home from China, but the journey continues.  Not only will our family be in transition to life as a family of 7, but we will also be navigating Maelee’s medical care once home.  We have shared that she has lower limb paralysis.  We do not know the cause or implications.  We do not fully know all of her needs and required care.  We do know that we plan to get her the best medical care she needs.

As we transition back into “normal” life, we could use some help along the way.  We would be grateful for any help.  If interested, here are some ways you can minister to and serve our family at home.  Thank you for considering.

-Pray!

• Pray for our bodies to adjust back to our time zone quickly.
• Pray for Maelee as she transitions once again to a new environment.
• Pray that God would give Matt and Deanna wisdom with their parenting.
• Pray for Maelee’s medical care.  Pray that we will receive timely evaluations.  Pray for wisdom for the doctors treating her.
• Pray for the kids as life will be different.  Pray they have smooth transitions back to school.

-Laundry help---Our washing machine broke the day before we left for China.  We will be back logged with laundry for a while from our trip.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Lawn care---Fall clean-up is here.  We could use help getting our leaves raked and the yard cleaned up for winter.

-Grocery/supply gift cards to Wal-Mart or Kroger

-Food gift cards to Firehouse Pizza, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Olive Garden, Old Chicago, Little Caesar's, McDonald's, Wendy's, Panera, Culver's

-Childcare for Hannah during the day while Deanna takes Maelee to medical appointments

-Help with taking Hannah to and from school