a long distance relationship

Austin holding Abby

My newest niece was born the evening of August 29. She's a nice healthy baby, and her big brother is very proud and excited. Abby is her name, and she's just the cutest. . .ok, well, obviously I haven't seen her in person. Janie's doing well, apparently, and is glad to not be pregnant anymore!!
I'm sad--I got to see Austin three days after he was born, and we bonded--and then I saw him every few months or so until this July, and he's two. But I don't get to see Abby at all until she's almost two. And I don't get to see Austin again till he's 4. This is really sad. Their grandparents have promised to deluge me with pictures though, so that I can feel like I'm watching them grow up.
So along with my Anjuli, Austin and Abby (woah, there's a theme here. ..) I have to be Aunty Jazzy from China for at least the next couple years. Now, what should I send my babies for Christmas?
This is the worst part of living overseas. The relationships that have to be long distance. Of course, the best part is that you get to have lots more! I don't regret being here. . .I just sometimes wish I could be close to all the people I loved all at once.

So nostalgia reigns once again. I do have 16 children right next door to me right now "resting" whom I love and have a responsibility towards. So it's really not so bad. I really have it pretty good. I love my job, I love my coworkers, and I love China. I love people that are in Yemen, people at Covenant, people in Atlanta, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, Canada, and well. . .you get the point. What can I say? I got enough sleep last night. . .I'll love just about anybody right now!

It's Friday, my day is nearly done, and life continues with gusto! My children are happy, and I'm happy, and tomorrow, I get to sleep past 6:30. What more can I ask for? God is good, and He takes care of me, and the people that I love. So it's all good.