We're on our way!

The bags are packed, the fees are paid, the papers are gathered, the Istres are scurrying around, and the last crisis (we hope) has been averted: Luke has found his new glasses. Whew. Now he can see China clearly!

We have a full day of travel: leaving Nashville at 9:30, to Chicago; from Chicago at 12:41, 13 hours to Beijing. That's a long time aloft :0 But we get to fly over the Arctic, so that's pretty cool. We'll get to Beijing at 3:30ish local time on July 31. We're like time travelers!

Thank you to all of you who have encouraged and prayed for us, especially over the last several months. You can never know what your words and actions have meant to us. I'm sorry I haven't had the opportunity to write my notes and tell you personally.

Zai jian (goodbye) for now! China, brace yourself--the Istres cometh!!