We're in China!

Thanks to everyone for their prayers these past 2 days.  We have reached our destination.

We wakened Megan early on Wednesday morning to say goodbye.  She was so sweet, blowing us kisses all the way out of the house and asking us to give Jack a big hug from her.  Stephen's boss drove us to O'hare (thanks, Ed!) and we were pleased to find out we had been upgraded to Economy Plus which gave us an extra 5 inches of leg room.  It was a long (13 + hours) but pleasant flight.  The service and food were excellent.  We connected at the gate with another family from the same agency.

The airport in Beijing is well led out & easy to navigate. The terminal we disembarked at was built for the 2008 Olympics.  A train took us to Baggage claim and our guide/rep, Cindy was waiting for us once we cleared Immigration.  The ride to the hotel - The Jianguo Hotel - was about 45 minutes through crazy traffic.  The hotel is beautiful.  After we checked in (around 4pm) we decided to go for a walk with the other family to buy some bottled water (you can't drink tap water here).  Our guide had told us not to buy from (or even acknowledge) street vendors as they give fake notes as change.  Sure enough, we weren't 50 yards from the hotel until we were approached about buying various "goods"  We found a small grocery store not far from the hotel and were able to buy water for the equivalent of 40 cents.  The other family went to McDonalds as they have 2 small children and Stephen and I opted for Starbucks.  We need to try and stay awake for another couple of hours to get our body clock to "convert".

Tomorrow we plan to go to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden city and do a Hutong tour (the authentic Chinese courtyard homes).  It started to rain tonight and is supposed to rain for the next 2 days.

MEGAN.  Mommy and Daddy are missing you already.  We hope you had a good day at school today and fun with Granny and Granda tonight.  Love you lots.

A few hours sleep.

Cases are packed and sitting by the door.  Grandparents have been given the "handover".  Off to bed for a few hours.  All our plans are in His hands.

Be prepared...

...for all eventualities!

If we get constipated, we'll take the laxative.  If the laxative gives us diarrhea, we'll take the Imodium,  If the... :-)

We wrapped a little (inexpensive) gift for Megan to open each day until we get back.  You can see the countdown chain she made.  When all the links are gone, it will be time to meet us at the airport.

Jack's case is packed.  That was so much fun, even though we're not sure what size of clothes will fit.  

Just finishing up our case.  The medications alone will probably take up half  of it :-)  Oh, and a few things like instant coffee, some candy, some cereal.

Stephen's parents should be boarding soon to fly here.  We pray for a safe and comfortable flight for them.  We'll have a few hours together before we head off. 

Getting close

One week from now (Sunday night in US, Monday morning in China) we will have Jack.  We are so excited.  I have probably folded and unfolded his clothes a dozen times these past few days trying to imagine what he will look like in them.  Megan has been telling everyone she meets that she is getting a little brother.  Today she made a paper chain with 18 links.  She will remove a link every day while we are gone. 

A lot still to be done before Wednesday.  Actually, before Tuesday when the Grandparents arrive.  Busy is fine.  We'll have a LONG time to sit on Wednesday :-)

We have been so blessed this weekend to connect with some wonderful folks who have come home recently.  They have very patiently answered our questions and given great advice.  Thanks to all you fellow MBHOH-ers!

We have also connected with some from our travel group.  We look forward to getting to know you better as the week goes on.

The packing seems to go better when a certain 6 year old is in bed, so better go make use of the time.

Dreaming...

"And somewhere while you're sleeping
Someone else is dreaming too
Counting down the days until
They hold you close and say I love you
And like the rain that falls into the sea
In a moment what has been is lost in what will be"


When love takes you in  by Steven Curtis Chapman

Final week.

One week from now we will be in the air, not quite half way to Beijing.  The suitcases are out and Jack's clothes are packed :-)

An anniversary(of sorts!)

Jack was born December 22nd (estimated), 2009.  Two years ago today, at 5 months old, he was abandoned, at the entrance to a park.  He was taken to the police station and from there delivered to the orphanage.  That's the point at which his story is recorded.  So many things go through my mind and it's hard to leave them in a place marked, "unknown".  Did his mother(or caregiver) realize his condition was getting worse and feel this was his only chance of survival?  Only God can minister to the pain of losing your child.  Our prayer is that she has comfort in knowing she did what she felt was best for Zan Shi.  Having had a foster baby with the same congenital heart defect, I know she must have been scared when he turned blue.  His condition was diagnosed on the day of his admission to the orphanage so he must have been showing signs of distress. We remember his family (whoever, and wherever they are), especially today.

Shopping!

I think all the clothes shopping for Stephen, Jack and I is complete.  Gifts have been organized for the caregivers.  Medications have been ordered.  Just one last "practical" shop to be completed.  So thankful for checklists and travel tips from those who have "been there, done that".

One step closer.

We booked our flights.  Another major step on the journey to Jack and one less thing to "shop" for :-)

"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 

United - Boeing 777

The long awaited Travel Approval.

Today, Thursday May 10th, we received the e-mail we have been waiting on for a long time.  Official approval to travel to China to bring Jack home.  To say we are excited would be an understatement!  All the months of waiting and "nesting" are over.  We are not counting months, or weeks, but days.  We leave on Wednesday, May 30th for China!

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you".  John 14:18