Goodbye Shenyang, thanks for the memories...

Yesterday (June 4th) was our final day in Shenyang, and it was a day of mixed emotions upon leaving the city:  the hotel treated us wonderfully, the people (especially George, our allergy-aware friend & personal chef) and events were enjoyable, the food was great, but as the week ends, it was time to move on.  It was one of those days where we had to check out of the hotel by 2pm, and catch a plane at 6pm, so we really couldn't DO anything outside of just wait for the evening to arrive.  We killed some time in the morning and strolled the local shops (again).  Betty stocked up on her favorite music (Farenheit, of course; she's partial to the "autumn personality" boy Wu Chun -- and I'll admit he is pretty handsome) and some new reading material: Chinese cookbooks of the Liaoning cuisine, and a few Chinese to English phrase books, and a dictionary.  She is working so hard on using more English to communicate, and she does really well.  And we have been trying to use more Chinese to communicate w/ the locals-- I may even string together a full sentence by next week!

After lunch and a celebrity goodbye from the staff at our favorite McD, we hurriedly packed up our final things for the bus to the airport.  We had two adjoining rooms, and upon doing the final visual sweep and under-bed check, Lauren noticed a pile of Betty's things on the desk: old clothes, a sweatshirt & pants, her backpack, some small empty boxes.  She went to grab them, and Betty -- my quiet, reserved, sweet girl -- shouted "No Mama!" and brushed her hand away from them.  We tried to explain that we are not coming back to the hotel room anymore; we are leaving for good, so she should take her things... I tried to gather them up for her, and she pushed them back down on the desk, pointed to the full garbage can under the desk, and said "No Papa, stay!" and walked out of the room with her brothers.  Maybe she did not like those clothes; they had probably been worn hundreds of times by many children over the years.  Or, maybe she was just... moving on.  I don’t know for sure.

Eventually our buses came, and our two families and flock of children headed to the airport.  Beautiful countryside along the way, reminds me of northern California with flat farm land and mountains in the distance.  I tried to explain to Betty that Florida is pretty flat, but I am sure she will figure that out fairly easily once we arrive.  Betty was about to take her first-ever airplane flight; the rest of us were embarking on our fifth flight of just this week!  And we still have two more before getting home for good (very very late on the 11th, I think).

She had no problem at all with her first airplane adventure; I think having three didi (younger brothers) -- plus the other family's children - probably gave her confidence that this was all no big deal.  Besides, we had PLENTY of snacks. LOTS of snacks... and we devoured them all on this short flight.  My daughter, somewhat surprisingly, just LOVES to snack.  The previously-mentioned meat Pringles (which the guys love, and the wives do not) disappeared in line at the gate.  The shortcakes, cream bread, milky chews, and even those tomato ketchup stix all were devoured quickly.   I had decided (and I am apparently the only one to do so) that I was going to eat whatever unique delicacies my daughter ate.  I don't think she has noticed, but whatever she orders for lunch, I will get the same.  I observe her dinner choices, and will at least sample the same.  Whatever snacks she eats, I would give it a try.  So far, so good.  Hooray for big brave me.

The standard pre-flight snacks most of are accustomed to are __XXXXXX__?

... yes, that is correct, peanuts.  The pre-flight snack on China Southern Airlines is some kind of dry fish.  A little pack of scaly, crispy, fish body.  My sons quickly determined they were not hungry for in-flight snacks.  Betty and the other Asian children dove into their packs like they were holiday candy.  I was going to eat whatever my daughter ate, so I opened my pack, convinced myself that smell was perfectly normal, and ate a piece.  Actually, I ate two.  Not bad.  Certainly not good, but not bad.  I had held strong in my determination.  I did not, however, get a chance to sample the other snack food we picked up at the airport convenience store... she and Gabe devoured them all before I could ask for a bite, unfortunately. I am going to assume they tasted "just like chicken."  I won't explain what they were, but I imagine we'll have a challenge finding them in northern Florida. 

Enough about the food.  The in-flight movie started.  I think it was an Asian drama/comedy made about 20 years ago, but it was a movie, it was the only thing to do (since we couldn't read the magazines) so we put on our headsets and watched -- it had the subtitles in Chinese and in English, so we could read and follow along.  

The first five minutes of this movie had enough cuss words -- spelled out in all their English glory – to make Richard Pryor blush.  Of course, the rest of the passengers are all silently enjoying the movie, ignoring two rows of American children reading the subtitles then screaming "Ohhhh!" and "WHOOOAAAA!" -- we were actually cracking up, just praying there wasn't a nude scene coming up.  (Thankfully, they all fell asleep about 20 minutes into it.)

We arrived in Guangzhou LATE last night (hence the delay on updates from yesterday) and checked into a 5 star luxury hotel designed for business travelers-- so we have had to make some room "modifications" to accommodate 4 children, ha!   Not a bad place to spend the final week of our trip-- Guangzhou is where everything official is confirmed; we do the final medical check-ups, and lots more paperwork.  And, I would guess, probably plenty of time for more sightseeing and shopping too...

We are loving our time in China, loving our time with Betty, loving the other families we are grouped with, and loving your encouraging emails and Comments on the blog – please keep them coming.  Note: the Internet service is much more expensive in this hotel, so we will probably not be on Skype much this week; sorry… (I am at the Starbucks now, enjoying a sesame green tea latte and some free Wi-Fi).


"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel."  Proverbs 27:9

Shenyang Day Four -- a "free day" and more food updates

So today and Friday are called "free days" for us since we have nothing official to do regarding the adoption process -- just two extra days built into the trip in case they are needed (i.e. passport delays, paperwork mistakes, and so on).  Thus far, none of that has befallen our situation, and a free day was highly anticipated.

My in-laws and I started the day (w/ no kids) quite early on a private business tour -- via a friend -- of a large Chinese publishing company.  Got to learn how architecture/design show-books come to fruition; from idea (ex: luxury hotels of Western Europe) to gathering photos and designer stories; to layout, copy-writing, editing, marketing, printing, shipping, and finally, the end result available at the local store/trade show/expo.  No pictures to post from this tour, obviously, but we got a fascinating insight into a booming industry that has tremendous potential for developing countries.  (Any graphic designers, interior designers, or architects that would like to get their portfolio and/or ideas possibly published overseas-- this may be your big break!)

Meanwhile, Daniel somehow managed to play checkers via Skype video conferencing with a friend back in America. Says he won too.  So, maybe this Internet thing Al Gore invented may catch on after all?

We spent the afternoon in the pedestrian area, an outdoor shopping complex and business area, stocking up on necessities for our kids that we likely cannot get in the USA.  Things any teen boy/girl needs: music CD's, videos, and books in Chinese.  We stopped in for lunch at McD's -- again.  Though I am not a fan of indulging the family in fast food, it sure is nice to feed an army of 8 children (the 2 families) for around $50.  They take our order right at the tables and amazingly all the food is out faster than you can say "Hamburgler."

The McD is "unique" here in that most of the menu is very similar to what we would eat back home: nuggets, chix sandwich, burgers, fries, soda, etc.  The main difference is that the spicy menu items are REALLY spicy and the ligher items are surprisingly sweet.  Most other chains we have visited here (Subway, Pizza Hut, KFC) have more localized flavors and menu choices.

Even shopping for basic quickie snacks presents some good laughs...

Imagine diving into a can of Sour Cream & Onion Pringles, only to discover they are actually Cucumber Flavor.   Or munching on some surprisingly strong Pork-Flavored Cheetos.   Care for some Hot Fries?.. Nope, they are spicy Tomato Stix.  There seems to be no middle ground here-- very hot and spicy, or exceedingly sweet (re: Oreos).  Again, these are around 20 to 60 cents each, so of course we do have quite a stock!


After lunch, we enjoyed some time in a beautiful park down the street from our hotel, and let the kids burn some energy running and jumping and climbing rocks.  Boys will be boys all right, no matter where you grew up or who you are with.  Betty is definitely not a tomboy, she prefers to watch out for the younger kids much like a mama bear watches over her cubs as they wrestle and tangle and bite and play.  She is already such a wonderful jiejie (older sister) to her boys... especially little you-know-who (the one making the silly face in this could-have-been-nice picture).

After the park-- and a good quick scrubbin' -- we had dinner with two wonderful friends of Betty's:  the former director and deputy of the Fushun children's home where she lived for the last several years.  Up until this week, they were her family.  Such kind and loving people; if only there were more people like them, this world would be much more better.  Betty held herself together very well -- much better than I did -- and we feel so blessed to have had an opportunity to dine and fellowship with two people who cared for my daughter, educated her, fed her, clothed her, hugged her, and made her feel loved -- unconditionally loved-- for so long. I can't even imagine the tangle of emotions she must be feeling now after that final goodbye embrace.

And what a dinner tonight!  I don't remember the names for most of the food we have enjoyed the last two days, but what an array of options that I probably would never discover back home.  AJ actually learned tonight -- finally-- that although some new foods may look, uhh, peculiar... they may taste completely delicious!  We had an authentic sit-down w/out shoes South Korean BBQ.  (Who woulda guessed there is a large Korean populace in this part of China?) Two fire pits, with various meats and fish grilled right in the table.  And just when we are done... out comes another round.  Soups, salads, rice, and more.  And no emergency silverware at this restaurant-- gotta admit, my sons have gotten very proficient at using chopsticks now.  Lauren, ahhh, still needs some practice.  (Also take note, where a certain someone is situated at the table: right between his mama, and his jeijei).

We ended our final full day in Shenyang the same way we did last night... strolled around Zhongshan Square, under the monument to Chairman Mao.  Every night, the locals gather to dance, do aerobics, paint calligraphy, play badminton, hacky sack, and jump rope.  It's a casual, festive atmosphere where everyone is extremely friendly, and eager to practice their English listening skills.  Interestingly, I have found that most Chinese people feel very content with their life here in the mainland.  I can, at times, see why.  But I also got the sense that that many of the new friends I spoke to (since they were practicing their English-listening skills) know that Betty's future-- her life-- in America will definitely be much more better.  Definitely.  Let God be praised for His wonderful work in our lives!

And tomorrow night we fly to Guangzhou for our final week of this overseas adventure.  It's been wonderful, better than I could have imagined.  Continue to lift us up, as there are many hurdles still ahead.

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy... The Lord has done great things for them.  The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy."  
Psalm 126:2-3

Shenyang Day Three -- Imperial Palace & Incredible Dinner

First of all, happy birthday to my little brother John, was great to visit with you just a few weeks ago.

June 2 we are still in Shenyang, and easily the nicest hotel I ever stayed in. Our hotel in Beijing was great, but this one in Shenyang is obviously a businessperson's hotel, and is, as some of our Chinese guides would say-- much more better.  That has become my new favorite phrase here; "this thing is very very good, but this one is much more better."

We spent the early morning touring the Imperial Palace (aka Mukden Palace) in Shenyang.  It is not as well-known as the Forbidden City, and thankfully not as crowded.  Heard and saw all about the history of the first royal palace of the Qing Dynasty, before relocating to the capital city of Beijing.  Our tour guides were very patient with our rather large group of inquisitive, fun-loving, energetic children.  Never a dull moment when we are all together, that's for sure.


I have to mention again how increasingly apparent it is that God's hand is with us in every moment of this trip and this whole experience.  We hear about the power of prayer all this time; we talk about the power of a praying father/mother/spouse/etc; we say we believe in the power of prayer; we long to feel the power of prayer... And yet, it is almost indescribable when you can actually see, feel, and just be consumed in the awesome power of God's presence in our lives.  Please continue to pray for us all daily, and know we are benefiting from your intercession to Him on our behalf.

We were hesitant, even unsure about bringing the boys on this long overseas trip; anyone who knows us - or has children, or has just kept up with this blog-- can probably debate that one themselves.  A once-in-a-lifetime experience; new adventure; culture; family; time apart; time together; fear; unknowns; expenses; time changes;  group size; other families; and so on... so much to consider, and I spent many mornings agonizing about what to do, as the travel booking date drew closer.  Lord, please, guide me, show me, help me to know Your will; lead me to make the right decision, not my will but Yours be done.  I decided the boys were coming with us.

He has answered, and has been proving to me daily that ALL OF THIS was indeed His plan all along.  I find so many daily affirmations of His intent and our response:

you were worried the boys would be bored, or the only young kids there -- I will put you in a large group of adoptive families who also brought along their many young children.


you were worried about separating from that large group to your specific province -- I will see to it a wonderful large family with relatable children will be with you on this part of your adventure.  your kids will adore each other, and laugh and play and swim, and do all the things that boys and girls do.  they will become good friends.


you were worried about foods -- I will make sure there are some familiar franchises in your specific area.


you were worried about too many familiar franchises in your area -- I will provide hosts who will treat you to the most delicious new foods and meals that you cannot pronounce but your children will actually eat and mostly enjoy.


your were worried about so many insignificant things, what to eat, to drink, to wear, but what good is worry, which cannot add a single hour to your life?  Isn't life more important than these?  

It's been a good week.

It's been a good trip so far, right from the start.  And keeps getting better.

Betty and Adam are inseparable.  She just fits in with us so well and is so very sweet, so exactly like the daughter we wanted.  And she has been so patient in answering the constant barrage of "what is your favorite food?  your favorite band? do you like rock music?  who is Fahrenheit?   do you play sports?  do you like the Yankees?  can I get on your back (again)?  what does that sign say?"   She is such a good sport, and I hope she knows that someday she'll be just a sister, and not a contestant on "20 Questions from 3 Little Boys."

We took the afternoon off for some more pool time, and some nap time, some laundry, and catching up on emails, et al.  Dinner tonight was a real Chinese restaurant family-style dinner; not the westernized version, this was the real thing -- and much more better.  Lots of interesting foods with more interesting names.


The restaurant was so tickled to have a foreign family dining there that the manager asked to come and visit with us, and even had a photo-op with Big Bob.  I am guessing that as we naively walked right through the middle of a wedding reception party while the bride & groom were on the stage, that must have tipped them off to our presence.   They, of course, thought it was hilarious.

This is what we ate

And this is how we ate it.

Yep, chopsticks and everything... three of our kids had quite the good time.  So now, here is your mission, if you choose to accept it.  I have 5RMB (roughly 75 cents) prize for anyone who can tell me -- correctly, and specifically, based on these pictures -- anything we ate for dinner tonight.

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

Just sitting around (i.e. waiting) - June 1

That pretty much sums up our day...at least for me, Lauren, and Betty.  (The boys spent "International Children's Day" at McD's, the pedestrian shopping area, and a nice local park).  

We spent the morning at the Civil Affairs office where the adoption approval certificate was notarized (insert applause here) and thumb-stamped; then the rest of the day we spent at the China passport office in Fushun. A long, interesting drive to and fro, and then LOTS more waiting around... often asking questions.

Questions like: "What are they saying?  Does he look agitated or happy?  Why are they all shouting and pointing?  Are they looking at us again?  What are they laughing about?  Does he look stressed now?  Is her body language concern or relief?"  Hopefully that paints the picture.  Betty got her picture taken, and goes back early tomorrow morning for final approval (we hope).

Though we did spend many long hours just sitting and waiting on other people, my impression of the entire operation is that the Chinese government offices are a model of efficiency, patience, and good behavior.  It was pretty impressive to observe.  And, they did accept Betty's passport application.  One more step closer to coming home soon.

Getting back on the tangent about driving in China:  It seemed like driving in Beijing was -- for the most part-- much like driving in any other major metropolitan area I've visited.  Hectic, crowded, but workable.

Well, so far Shenyang and Fushun are a different story.  Here, the roads have no dedicated "lanes," just open asphalt where you squeeze in as many cars, buses, motorcycles, bikes, pedestrians, trucks, and miscellaneous animals across the roadway as possible.  Where travel lane markings do exist, they seem to be more of a suggestion, rather than a rule of law.  Buses run red lights without a touch of the brakes... bicyclists arrogantly zip in front of cars and trucks as if THEY would be the one to survive that meeting??!  Too much traffic in the roadways?  Then just drive up on the sidewalk and dodge pedestrians, trees, and parked cars.  The sidewalks are just as chopped up, bumpy, worn out and crowded as the main streets anyway.  Yet through it all, our driver is totally relaxed-- obviously he's been doing this all his life, and it just is what it is.  In the midst all this madness, we still managed to feel safe and secure; strangely relaxed, and even shrug-your-shoulders confident that we would make it.   (By the way, on the long bus rides, I found out Betty really likes tennis, running, hacky-sack, and snow-skiing!!  Yes, it sounds great, but in FL I don't think we'll do much of that last one... hope she likes the beach!)

Really nothing (else) exciting to tell today -- from 830am to 5pm it was just sitting around watching other people work, and work for us they did.  Thank you thank you thank you to our guides who did all the heavy negotiating and obvious pre-planning for today.

Got in some pool time in the evening, a traditional Chinese gourmet meal (well OK, OK, we really just ate at Subway, I know, that's so non-adventurous!!), more swimming pool and right to bed, out cold.

Thank you all for your emails, Skypes, prayers, notes of encouragement, and finally, your blog comments.  We read and definitely appreciate all your kind words and ceaseless support... There is still a lot of official business to do and much official paperwork to be processed, expedited, and completed-- then our visit to Guangzhou to make everything official and bring her home.

" Therefore, my dear brother, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that you labor in the Lord is not in vain."  1 Corinthians 15:58

Blog settings

Yes, the boys all fell asleep very early last night... and that means they woke up too early also.  Since I was awake, I think I finally managed to change the "Post comments" settings to allow comments now.  Maybe.


Again, I am a novice to this blogspot thing, so it apparently takes some practice to figure it all out...

Another big day today.  As always, thank you for your thoughts and well-wishes. 

I mean, xiexie!


UPDATE:

 Daniel Decker said...

Comments are indeed working.

For other people who might read this... you can type your comment, then enter the word verification, then click the "Name/URL" button below then click PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT.

May 31, 2010 8:15 PM

"Gotcha Day" -- May 31, 2010

Sometimes, I must admit, I did not think this day would ever arrive.  Many years have passed since we decided to adopt another child into our family... a girl into a family of spunky boys... an older girl from a foreign country.  Even after we realized that God chose Cui Yue ("Betty") to be the one, our roller-coaster of emotion was at times almost too much to bear.   Other times, the excitement and joy of the whole thing was almost surreal.  Then one day an unknown number comes in on Lauren's cell while we are driving to Atlanta -- and we almost didn't answer it.


"Mrs G***** we have some news... are you sitting down?"


Just a few short weeks later, we are all on a flight to China... HALFWAY around the world (which is even unbelievable since I have never been anywhere outside the USA, and I know Canada doesn't really count) to adopt a beautiful thirteen year old girl from the Shenyang province in mainland People's Republic of China.


Amidst two days of enjoying the capital city, the ancient sites, and the ever-present tourist merchants, my head was swimming with questions-- even on a groggy, 630am flight from Beijing to Shenyang today, the din of self-doubt persisted:


"Will she like us?  What if she doesn't?  The boys are so excited to meet her, but how will she react to three little monkeys vying for her attention all the time?  Is she too sad about leaving her friends, her country and culture, her orphanage family, her entire thirteen year identity? Might she change her mind?  Why is that old couple still staring at my son"  (Good thing I  brought my hypertension medicine).


Shame on me.


Please forgive me Lord-- for You alone are my strength; Your ways are higher than my ways, Your wisdom is limitless, Your plans are perfect; What shall I fear?

We finally arrived at the Adoption Affairs office this morning and Betty was already there waiting for us.  After gathering our bags, I walked in last... she was already hugging Lauren and the boys; when I walked inside she sighed "PaPa" and gave me hug and I really don't recall much after that moment.


What I have been told is that we did much more paperwork, and pictures, and paperwork, and signatures, and government forms (let me just say-- student loan documents and mortgages were surprised at how much paperwork there is), and more pictures, and talking and laughing at our own "Chinglish" (as our guide Sherry calls it) conversations.


It was like she had been part of our family all along, and we just picked up where we always were.


Yes, she is a wonderful big sister, and loves her brothers, and of course she just adores Adam's hair.

There is another wonderful large family in Shenyang with us adopting their youngest daughter.  They had only 4 children two weeks ago...they now have 6 after adopting Gabe last week and Gabby today.  Of course, this herd of boys gets along so well, and have really helped make for an enjoyable trip so far.  And of course, they are quick to remind us they outnumber the girls 3-1.

We spent the afternoon walking the streets of Shenyang; dodged some scooters, buses, and cars on sidewalks (!) then did some shopping for clothes and other miscellaneous items; we browsed the outdoor pedestrian/mall area, and finally retreated for some much-needed pool time and pizza dinner.  I can't recall a time when all 3 Gajewski boys crashed more quickly, completely or harder than they did today -- probably 730pm, all lights out.  I think Betty found it all quite enjoyable and relaxing.


Tomorrow, June 1st, is recognized as the International Children's Day.  While the Hawley's graciously (and somewhat crazily??) agreed to monitor all the boys in the morning, we will be going to visit the orphanage directors, the China Affairs office, the notary, and the passport office.   Then it is all official, be still my heart.


Then, appropriately, we plan to spend the rest of the day relaxing with our children.  All four of our wonderful, God-given children.  Continue to lift us up in your prayers, and Skype us when  you see our status is online.


"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west."  Isaiah 43:5

Beijing Day Two: Church & that Wall you may have heard about

Let me first say this:  Beijing is one really beautiful city.  Generally all big cities look the same, sure, but this city is so warm and inviting, and just aesthetically pleasing even on the highways-- a unique office complex... then tiny village and farms... then historical buildings... then more tiny (I mean TINY) villages... then the Olympic Park and monuments...then more office buildings, etc.  But Lauren's favorite thing is the bright flowers/landscaping lining all the major roads.. it just really adds something that makes you smile.

We started the day at the Beijing Christian Church service, and were reminded that the best place to "be the church" is not necessarily IN Sunday church but rather, in the marketplace, just as Jesus related in the parable of the talents.  He delineated "the business-world" as the place to lead by Godly example.  We should attend to whatever place/employer/school/situation in which HE has placed us and invest in that place, and minister in that place, and be like Christ in that place wherever He has put us... Of course, here in Beijing, in a Christian church, just 30 hours before meeting our daughter, it definitely felt like we are in the right place at the right time, and that His will was being fulfilled in our lives.

After church we toured the famous jade factory, learned about the ancient traditions and jade types, and of course picked up some souvenirs.   And yes, all the girls working at the shop paid mucho attention to the boys, especially Adam and that bright blonde hair.. they even gave him a new "Chinese hairstyle."

Then, we had lunch at a traditional Chinese buffet.. which I only mention to show off this family picture I really like.

Then it was on to that great big Wall you may have heard about.

It is the rainy season in this part of China, and as we drove up to the entrance, the thunderclouds and lightning flashes were ominously trying to intimidate... but we did not fly some 9000km around the world to look at a wall from inside the bus!  We determined we were going up -- all the way to the top! We had 90 minutes.  OK, sounds reasonable.  So I thought.

Group photo, then family photo at the start, and off we went, up as far and as high as one can go at this part of the wall.   Adam and AJ actually made it about 5 minutes and they were done.  They were the wise ones.  Lauren, Greg and Daniel (and several others in our group) continued on, up, up, STRAIGHT up what felt at times like 90 degrees up.  Lauren and Daniel had no problem with any of this.  I, however, was feeling the effects of a big lunch, and a big body, and gravity too.  The steps are fantastically uneven, some low, some high, some wide, some narrow... made for quite the challenge. The rain threatened, attacked, then retreated to leave us in sunshine, and encouraged us to continue up.  I pressed on... slowly, painfully... toward the top, while Lauren and Daniel somehow ran the Ironman competition up the stairs.  All the while, as I watched the rest of our group grow smaller, higher, and farther from me, I am passing signs with Mao ZeDong proclaiming me a girly-man if I don't make it to the top.  Or, at least, that's how I read it.

Finally, amidst much huffing, puffing, and gnashing of teeth, made it to the top, and then basically sprinted down the stairs-- which may have been even harder-- knowing full well that most everyone else in our tour group is now waiting for the chubby guy to make it back down.   Another family picture (notice one large family member looks considerably more worn out than the rest?)

Yes.  We made it to the top (much higher than what you see in these pictures) and the view was exhilarating.  Such beautiful country, and a great experience.

Tomorrow morning (EARLY!) we fly to our province and finally meet Betty.  We are bursting with emotion, and I wonder what she is thinking about, and what she will think of her new family.

Continue to keep us, especially Betty, in your prayers.  Tomorrow's the BIG DAY.

 "In God whose word I praise, in God I trust, I will not be afraid.  What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56:4