Promise to add new pictures soon. It's hard to believe how busy it has been. I am so thankful that even though our airline tickets were almost double the price b/c of the time of year, that we were all able to at least try to spend 10 days as a family, without school coming into play.
Of course, you can't forget about jet lag. Kicked my but, but happily, I was feeling pretty good during the day....the issue was with waking up at 3am every night for more than 2 weeks. Most days I was grateful that I was able to get lots done.
Who's great idea was it to have about 15 medical and dental appointments lined up before I left for China, let alone about 10 the week before I left? Oh, that would be me. Well, it does need to get done, right.
Chun did well with her trip to the pediatrician and the lab. She kept telling us that in China, she had blood drawers in her neck, b/c they couldn't get it from her veins in her arm. I am thankful that the lab we use, has an awesome lab tech who had no problems at all.
Still working on routines trying to get work, school and sports to feel like they are going smoothly..lol. Only been back to work for the past two weeks, and tryng to set my schedule with that, as well. I know that it is almost together.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Hello Blog!
I admit, I am the WORST blogger ever!! Each time we adopt, I have given it a shot,I have wanted to catch some of my thoughts while they were fresh, and especially wanted to share some pictures.
I always wonted to continue my blog, to become totally family oriented, and yet again, I fail :)
Oh well, I am chalking it up to the crazy busy days I call life!
So, two months ago, I met Chun in my hotel room (because of of typhoons) She entered the room with a big smile, and touched everything...she still has that big smile, most days. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of times where complaining, moaning, eye rolling, and just being obstinate are quite evident.
We are all learning how family works with another personality added to the mix. Arguments, hurt feelings, lots of laughter, who is thinking something is unfair, etc. Just part of the process of everyone finding their niche.
Chun's transition has really been easy. I know, having parented children who's transitions were really, really hard....to them, for them, and for all of us who wanted to help, who felt for them, cried for them and with them and for all the difficulties they were experiencing Yet, we were blessed each time, with our children who in their own time were finally able to figure out this thing called "family"
So, two months..many new things being learned. Chun has learned to play Van Nostrand soccer and kickball. She learned her first week home how to ride a 2 wheeler, with the help of one of her older sister. She has begun to learn that even if she makes some "not wonderful" choices, we will forgive her because we are a family. She has been learning to apologize..but that one is a work in progress.
Chun has started school, and has made two very nice friends, who have been taking her under their wings.
She is trying hard to practice the words that she is learning. She has two big fears that she talks about, often. One is that she would like to learn English faster, and the other relates to her fear of losing her language and ability to communicate with her foster parents, her two best friends, and a teacher back in China.
When I explain that we will do what we can to make sure it doesn't happen, she is smart enough to realize and point out that her siblings no longer speak Chinese. To that I just remind her that she needs to teach us, while we are teaching her.
This month, she will get to meet her oldest sister, her brother-in-law, her almost 2 year old nephew, and fingers crossed, her brother who just medically retired from the Marine Corps. October is sure to be a wonderful month for our entire family.
I always wonted to continue my blog, to become totally family oriented, and yet again, I fail :)
Oh well, I am chalking it up to the crazy busy days I call life!
So, two months ago, I met Chun in my hotel room (because of of typhoons) She entered the room with a big smile, and touched everything...she still has that big smile, most days. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of times where complaining, moaning, eye rolling, and just being obstinate are quite evident.
We are all learning how family works with another personality added to the mix. Arguments, hurt feelings, lots of laughter, who is thinking something is unfair, etc. Just part of the process of everyone finding their niche.
Chun's transition has really been easy. I know, having parented children who's transitions were really, really hard....to them, for them, and for all of us who wanted to help, who felt for them, cried for them and with them and for all the difficulties they were experiencing Yet, we were blessed each time, with our children who in their own time were finally able to figure out this thing called "family"
So, two months..many new things being learned. Chun has learned to play Van Nostrand soccer and kickball. She learned her first week home how to ride a 2 wheeler, with the help of one of her older sister. She has begun to learn that even if she makes some "not wonderful" choices, we will forgive her because we are a family. She has been learning to apologize..but that one is a work in progress.
Chun has started school, and has made two very nice friends, who have been taking her under their wings.
She is trying hard to practice the words that she is learning. She has two big fears that she talks about, often. One is that she would like to learn English faster, and the other relates to her fear of losing her language and ability to communicate with her foster parents, her two best friends, and a teacher back in China.
When I explain that we will do what we can to make sure it doesn't happen, she is smart enough to realize and point out that her siblings no longer speak Chinese. To that I just remind her that she needs to teach us, while we are teaching her.
This month, she will get to meet her oldest sister, her brother-in-law, her almost 2 year old nephew, and fingers crossed, her brother who just medically retired from the Marine Corps. October is sure to be a wonderful month for our entire family.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
leaving
leaving for the airport in 21/2 hours, Chun is still fast asleep. wish i could have said the same about me, was up since 3:30 am :( oh well, i guess i will get some sleep on the plane.
everything is packed, except a few last minute things, sad to say, that someone took one of the dvd sets i bought for Chun..ok,well angry! never have had an issue in all my times in China, the set was on the desk, and now it;s gone.
talk to you all on the other side!
everything is packed, except a few last minute things, sad to say, that someone took one of the dvd sets i bought for Chun..ok,well angry! never have had an issue in all my times in China, the set was on the desk, and now it;s gone.
talk to you all on the other side!
Good Day/Last Night
Today we went to visit Canton Tower, the tallest tower in Guangzhou, and until recently the tallest tower in the world. The views were spectacular, and we went up 108 floors in 1.5 minutes!
Up a few levels higher, they have the highest bungee ride, a tram that rides on the outside of the building, and an outside observation deck. As much as I would have loved to do the tram, the cost admission and the van were enough for me.
We finished our day with lunch at a delicious noodle shop, and then did a little shopping...mostly to buy a suitcase. Not b/c I bought anything, as a matter of fact, I didn't buy anything for the kids or myself :( Chun, however, came with a bunch of things, and it will just make it that much easier to carry things.
Can't wait to be home, and hug my kids and dh. Leaving tomorrow at 10 for the airport.
Here are some pictures of the day! BTW, the 2 pictures of Chun, and her and I, were on the glass walkway out over the tower. It was pretty neat to see the tower through the glass floor under you, and you walked out. Wish the pictures were a little clearer, but we were up pretty high.
Up a few levels higher, they have the highest bungee ride, a tram that rides on the outside of the building, and an outside observation deck. As much as I would have loved to do the tram, the cost admission and the van were enough for me.
We finished our day with lunch at a delicious noodle shop, and then did a little shopping...mostly to buy a suitcase. Not b/c I bought anything, as a matter of fact, I didn't buy anything for the kids or myself :( Chun, however, came with a bunch of things, and it will just make it that much easier to carry things.
Can't wait to be home, and hug my kids and dh. Leaving tomorrow at 10 for the airport.
Here are some pictures of the day!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Consulate
Last night was a very long, interesting night. Another first, but not one I will post about here. Everything is fine, but we are tired today.
We had our appointment at the US Consulate this morning. Taking the oath, always chokes me up. Chun's visa will be ready tomorrow afternoon, so that she can come to the States, and she will become a US Citizen upon arriving at JFK, Thursday night (can't wait)
This afternoon, we will go do a little shopping, hoping the rain stops. It is a lot like Fl, storms for about an hour and then stops.
We had our appointment at the US Consulate this morning. Taking the oath, always chokes me up. Chun's visa will be ready tomorrow afternoon, so that she can come to the States, and she will become a US Citizen upon arriving at JFK, Thursday night (can't wait)
This afternoon, we will go do a little shopping, hoping the rain stops. It is a lot like Fl, storms for about an hour and then stops.
medical check
today has been a pretty quiet day..we didn't need to meet our guide until 1:30. this morning i wanted to take a walk to the island (about 10 minutes from where we are staying) as i mentioned, Chun really doesn't like to walk or be hot :) we walked around, with her complaining, she doesn't realize yet, that this mom has lots of experience with pre-teen attitude.
really didn't feel like shopping, and foolishly thought that we could walk around, take a few pictures and have Cow & Bridge for lunch or dinner. Since we were only there about 1/2 hour, we walked back, I had Jennifer tell her that we needed to be back again at 1pm. Our guide asked if we could meet him at the Victory, b/c he had some business to attend to.
Chun insisted that she knew the way back to the hotel. She was going totally the wrong way, but I just followed and laughed, b/c she took an extra 20 minutes before she would acknowledge she went the wrong way..can you say stubborn? like i said, she will fit right in.
When it was time to meet Michael, she complained (to deaf ears) and it was started to thunder and lightening..told her she better hurry up across the bridge. We went to the medical, and were out in 5 minutes..All's Clear, no TB!
We came back to rest, and will probably have dinner later, after some t.v. watching, her favorite activity.
No pictures today, unless we get some later.
really didn't feel like shopping, and foolishly thought that we could walk around, take a few pictures and have Cow & Bridge for lunch or dinner. Since we were only there about 1/2 hour, we walked back, I had Jennifer tell her that we needed to be back again at 1pm. Our guide asked if we could meet him at the Victory, b/c he had some business to attend to.
Chun insisted that she knew the way back to the hotel. She was going totally the wrong way, but I just followed and laughed, b/c she took an extra 20 minutes before she would acknowledge she went the wrong way..can you say stubborn? like i said, she will fit right in.
When it was time to meet Michael, she complained (to deaf ears) and it was started to thunder and lightening..told her she better hurry up across the bridge. We went to the medical, and were out in 5 minutes..All's Clear, no TB!
We came back to rest, and will probably have dinner later, after some t.v. watching, her favorite activity.
No pictures today, unless we get some later.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Safari Park
Today we spent the day at Safari Park..this is only my second time there, but I have to say I enjoy it as much as the kids. Each day I learn a little more about Chun...she is very sweet, and likes to share. She is an 11 yo girl, and has some of the pre-teen attitude to go with it :) She does not like to walk, hold things, get rained on, or be hot! The guide keeps telling me about her complaints, and I just laugh it off.
She loved the safari, and only had a little annoyance, as her camera battery died. She wanted to use my camera, which I nixed..I waited a very long time for that camera. I assured her I would take lots of pictures, and would give her copies, and we would send some to her foster mom. New batteries are on the shopping list for later or tomorrow.
She fed the tigers raw chicken..well she tried, but wasn't able to throw it that far, so the guide did the rest. She did feed the cubs, later on, because you just had to drop the meet in. Her and I rode an elephant..which was short but fun.
We finished up with the circus...she fed the white tiger, and then watched the animals perform. I have to say it was a great, tiring day. Every time she saw a tram, she wanted a ride, then again, she wanted a stroller cart. I told the guide, I think she would prefer to be pushed, than to walk. That will be changing soon enough. Here are today's pictures.
Tomorrow, we will get the ppd checked in the afternoon, then see about meeting up with some folks who are here.
She loved the safari, and only had a little annoyance, as her camera battery died. She wanted to use my camera, which I nixed..I waited a very long time for that camera. I assured her I would take lots of pictures, and would give her copies, and we would send some to her foster mom. New batteries are on the shopping list for later or tomorrow.
She fed the tigers raw chicken..well she tried, but wasn't able to throw it that far, so the guide did the rest. She did feed the cubs, later on, because you just had to drop the meet in. Her and I rode an elephant..which was short but fun.
We finished up with the circus...she fed the white tiger, and then watched the animals perform. I have to say it was a great, tiring day. Every time she saw a tram, she wanted a ride, then again, she wanted a stroller cart. I told the guide, I think she would prefer to be pushed, than to walk. That will be changing soon enough. Here are today's pictures.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
medical exam
This morning, after breakfast, we walked to Shaiman Island, to meet our guide. First thing up, was the medical exam for Chun. Our guide in Nanning, as well as our guide in Guangzhou explained to her about getting some shots. She told our first guide, she wasn't afraid, as she has had shots before, she also told us that she had blood taken, but they couldn't get it out of her arm, so they took it from her neck..eww! hahaha, she did say it was scary, but didn't hurt that much.
The new medical office is really nice, very clean, very efficient, and those who know the old building, there was no crowds of sick people! Chun sailed through, but she will probably need glasses..welcome to the club! Will add that to the to-do list.
She ended up needed 3 shots, plus the ppd...she was like "no thanks, how about just one" maybe another lawyer in the family! Even when it was her turn, she told the nurse, "just one, thanks" She handled them great, and off we went, back to the hotel.
Hung out watching tv for awhile, and then went out for lunch at a very good noodle shop. Later that night, we went and walked the pedestrian street, bought some books for Chun, and she had KFC...she has a good appetite, but likes to order "big" I wouldn't care, except many times, she isn't near finishing, so I made her order less stuff.
We went back to the hotel, and I brought her to Happy Hour.It was almost over, but included in the executive rooms...they had fresh furit, pastries, appetizers and few hot dishes and lots of liquor!! Too bad I don't drink. Will try eating there again tonight, but won't go 15 minutes before it's over.
Tomorrow is our only totally free day, we are headed to Safari Park. Here are some of today's pictures.
Tomorrow is our only totally free day, we are headed to Safari Park. Here are some of today's pictures.
The new medical office is really nice, very clean, very efficient, and those who know the old building, there was no crowds of sick people! Chun sailed through, but she will probably need glasses..welcome to the club! Will add that to the to-do list.
She ended up needed 3 shots, plus the ppd...she was like "no thanks, how about just one" maybe another lawyer in the family! Even when it was her turn, she told the nurse, "just one, thanks" She handled them great, and off we went, back to the hotel.
Hung out watching tv for awhile, and then went out for lunch at a very good noodle shop. Later that night, we went and walked the pedestrian street, bought some books for Chun, and she had KFC...she has a good appetite, but likes to order "big" I wouldn't care, except many times, she isn't near finishing, so I made her order less stuff.
We went back to the hotel, and I brought her to Happy Hour.It was almost over, but included in the executive rooms...they had fresh furit, pastries, appetizers and few hot dishes and lots of liquor!! Too bad I don't drink. Will try eating there again tonight, but won't go 15 minutes before it's over.
Tomorrow is our only totally free day, we are headed to Safari Park. Here are some of today's pictures.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Off to Guangzhou!
We are all packed, and will check out at 3 pm..we will leave for the airport about 4:30. All paperwork is double-checked, just waiting for the passport to be picked up. We will be at the Holiday Inn Shifu, and will post our room number when we get in, later tonight. 1/2 way through our trip! Miss all the kids alot, but know they are not missing me too much..lol!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Emotional Day
Today we left at 7 am for a 5 hour ride to Guilin. I know I've mentioned it a number of times before, but our guide, David, rocks. It is easy to see his true love for the children, and has helped tremendously making Chun's adjustment go as well as it has.
We started out by visiting the SWI, and talking to the supervisor who remembered Chun. I found out that she was only there until she was about 4 or 5, and then spent another period of time there later on. I was allowed to walk around outside and take some pictures, not inside, but not sure if that is b/c it was so long since she was there, or if it was just their policy.
Next we drove to Chun's school..even though school is not in session for the summer,we were allowed to go in and her classroom door was open, so I got to take some pictures of her inside.
Our next stop was to a local noodle shop for lunch. Guilin is known for their rice noodles. I have to admit that I prayed hard for favor of not getting sick..using local bowls and chopsticks and food. God is good, no issues, and noodles were delicious and very spicy!
Then, were back in the car, for the main reason of the trip..a visit with Chun's foster family. Hearing Chun's screams of delight, will be in my brain forever. She kept asking if she could make this trip, so that we could all meet each other, and for her to see her 2 best friends one last time. We were greeted not only by her foster mom, but by her foster sisters, her aunt, her teacher (who loved her lots) and her best friend, her foster brother and foster mother. We spent the next several hours, gaining insight into the last year of Chun's life (sadly, she was only with this foster mom for a little less than a year) and sharing many tears of happiness and gratefulness with each other. The immense gift this was to us all, is beyond words. I took lots of photos, and her best friend's mom asked me to help find families for her 2 children (of course, Chun asks everyday for us to adopt her one friend :) We promised to keep in touch and send pictures, and continue to let Chun call home. Her fm asked if she could call me sister..it is my privilege!
On the way back, our guide took us to see a little of Guilin, he wasn't aware of my request to stay overnight..think it was his boss who nixed the idea!! It is beautiful there, and will do my best to make it back to visit. Was taken to the "elephant trunk" but due to all the heavy rains the past few weeks, it is underwater :( Grateful just to have a glimpse.
Our ride back was very emotional, to say the least. Several episodes of hard crying, so understandable, and my heart broke and cried with her. She is worried about her friend, about being able to call home (which we have told her several times, would be ok, if she asked) and about learning a new language, foods, etc. All so normal, and I just keep assuring her as best I can. Told her none of her siblings have starved, and they all learned the language,it will just take a little time. We arrived "home" at almost 11, exhausted in every way. Too much more to post. But here are some pictures of the day.
We arrived "home" at almost 11, exhausted in every way. Too much more to post. But here are some pictures of the day.
We started out by visiting the SWI, and talking to the supervisor who remembered Chun. I found out that she was only there until she was about 4 or 5, and then spent another period of time there later on. I was allowed to walk around outside and take some pictures, not inside, but not sure if that is b/c it was so long since she was there, or if it was just their policy.
Next we drove to Chun's school..even though school is not in session for the summer,we were allowed to go in and her classroom door was open, so I got to take some pictures of her inside.
Our next stop was to a local noodle shop for lunch. Guilin is known for their rice noodles. I have to admit that I prayed hard for favor of not getting sick..using local bowls and chopsticks and food. God is good, no issues, and noodles were delicious and very spicy!
Then, were back in the car, for the main reason of the trip..a visit with Chun's foster family. Hearing Chun's screams of delight, will be in my brain forever. She kept asking if she could make this trip, so that we could all meet each other, and for her to see her 2 best friends one last time. We were greeted not only by her foster mom, but by her foster sisters, her aunt, her teacher (who loved her lots) and her best friend, her foster brother and foster mother. We spent the next several hours, gaining insight into the last year of Chun's life (sadly, she was only with this foster mom for a little less than a year) and sharing many tears of happiness and gratefulness with each other. The immense gift this was to us all, is beyond words. I took lots of photos, and her best friend's mom asked me to help find families for her 2 children (of course, Chun asks everyday for us to adopt her one friend :) We promised to keep in touch and send pictures, and continue to let Chun call home. Her fm asked if she could call me sister..it is my privilege!
On the way back, our guide took us to see a little of Guilin, he wasn't aware of my request to stay overnight..think it was his boss who nixed the idea!! It is beautiful there, and will do my best to make it back to visit. Was taken to the "elephant trunk" but due to all the heavy rains the past few weeks, it is underwater :( Grateful just to have a glimpse.
Our ride back was very emotional, to say the least. Several episodes of hard crying, so understandable, and my heart broke and cried with her. She is worried about her friend, about being able to call home (which we have told her several times, would be ok, if she asked) and about learning a new language, foods, etc. All so normal, and I just keep assuring her as best I can. Told her none of her siblings have starved, and they all learned the language,it will just take a little time. We arrived "home" at almost 11, exhausted in every way. Too much more to post. But here are some pictures of the day.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
So many firsts!
Last night and today were some celebrated firsts. Tuesday night, after completing all the paperwork, we decided to head towards the pool I had asked if she had ever been swimming and she answered, no but she would try. Imagine our disappointment when we get dressed, go "find" the pool, only to see a sign that they were away and would be back later. Well, we did try again after a few hours, and into the shallow end we go. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I really dislike pools (my love is the ocean) but we do what we need to do for our children, and this was no different. We stayed there for awhile, and then went into the deeper end. It took about 20 minutes, but this picture sums it up. She spent almost 2 hours in the water :) Too bad it didn't tire her out..lol.
Monday, August 6, 2012
We are family!
Well, it's official, we are now a family of 18 :) Of course, there is no way to be a family without including my wonderful son-in-law and bright and funny grandson!
We spent the morning at civil affairs and the notary office, completing all the paperwork. Chun had to be interviewed separately and sign the documents stating she was willing to be adopted. The guide did double-check with her before we started out..lol, and I will admit, that part of the process had me nervous. I will add that she is very giving..she gave me a present, and brought presents for all her siblings and baba. She also will offer me a taste of anything she has. Today, at civil affairs, she was given two gifts, and a pocketbook and a minority doll. She gave a doll to a "mei-mei" that we met there who was also just adopted at 27 months. The mom asked if it was ok, and I said yes..such a sweet gesture.
Last night was funny. It was hard for Chun to settle down and go to sleep, which I understand. She went in to take a bath, came out to check if she had the shampoo right, and then went back in. She then came out and asked for help with the shower..I will say that it stumped me that morning trying to figure out how it went on..lol. She came out with a nightgown, and then a few minutes later, I hear the water running again! I get up to go look, and found her washing out the large bath towel in the tub. I tried to tell her that she didn't need to do that, but she kept on rinsing and squeezing out the tons of water..well, the floor got a cleaning, as well.
She finally went to sleep about 11:30, and was not too happy about being woken up at 7:15, as we needed to meet the guide at 8:30..she was very polite in her Bo XieXie...and finally did get up so we could grab a quick breakfast. When the guide came with us back to the room for awhile, I asked him to explain to her that she didn't need to clean the towels, etc. He laughed, and said that explained her comment of the morning, she had asked for the hotel to do a better job getting clean things. She also told him that she didn't like to wake up with the foster family, either :) Like a said yesterday, grateful that she is so sharing with the guide and him with me..makes a look into Chun's thoughts and personality a little easier, as we work on getting to know each other. Here are some pictures from today. Right now, Chun fell asleep..hope to maybe try the pool this afternoon.
We spent the morning at civil affairs and the notary office, completing all the paperwork. Chun had to be interviewed separately and sign the documents stating she was willing to be adopted. The guide did double-check with her before we started out..lol, and I will admit, that part of the process had me nervous. I will add that she is very giving..she gave me a present, and brought presents for all her siblings and baba. She also will offer me a taste of anything she has. Today, at civil affairs, she was given two gifts, and a pocketbook and a minority doll. She gave a doll to a "mei-mei" that we met there who was also just adopted at 27 months. The mom asked if it was ok, and I said yes..such a sweet gesture.
Last night was funny. It was hard for Chun to settle down and go to sleep, which I understand. She went in to take a bath, came out to check if she had the shampoo right, and then went back in. She then came out and asked for help with the shower..I will say that it stumped me that morning trying to figure out how it went on..lol. She came out with a nightgown, and then a few minutes later, I hear the water running again! I get up to go look, and found her washing out the large bath towel in the tub. I tried to tell her that she didn't need to do that, but she kept on rinsing and squeezing out the tons of water..well, the floor got a cleaning, as well.
One Less
Today, it is with immense gratitude, that I had the privilege to become a mom one more time. We were supposed to leave to go to civil affairs at 3pm, but because a typhoon came in last night, I found out this morning, that we would meet at the hotel.
Chun came in, accompanied by the orghanage director, and gave me a big "ni hao, mama" she has a great smile and dimples, and has been a little in "hyper-mode" talking up a storm, and looking around. I have to admit, it was very hard for me to control my feelings. We did our nails, played cards, had some treats, and basically had a very good day. The guide told me later, that she asked if she could go to McDonalds for dinner, b/c she had never been there before. Wish I had my camera with me, but I got to watch Chun have her first hamburger :)
She has called her foster parents a few times, as well as one of her good friends. Her foster mom called on the guides phone and asked to talk to me...she was very happy for Chun and answered lots of questions.
She even sent her with 2 books so she could continue to practice reading and with the hope of her keeping her language.
Tomorrow, we will do most of the paperwork. Our guide has been wonderful, so far, her is very interactive with Chun, and she is very open with him...which is letting me into a small portion of her world. Can't wait to see what comes next. Maybe better pictures! Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes. Can't wait to skype with the kids tomorrow, so they can meet Chun (aka "the girl" from Mazhu :)
She has called her foster parents a few times, as well as one of her good friends. Her foster mom called on the guides phone and asked to talk to me...she was very happy for Chun and answered lots of questions.
She even sent her with 2 books so she could continue to practice reading and with the hope of her keeping her language.
Tomorrow, we will do most of the paperwork. Our guide has been wonderful, so far, her is very interactive with Chun, and she is very open with him...which is letting me into a small portion of her world. Can't wait to see what comes next. Maybe better pictures! Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes. Can't wait to skype with the kids tomorrow, so they can meet Chun (aka "the girl" from Mazhu :)
Sunday, August 5, 2012
In Nanning!
After almost 24 hours of flying and layovers, I have made it to the hotel in Nanning. Tomorrow at 3, I will meet Chun, and bring her with me back to the hotel. Praying that her heart will be open to all the changes that are about to enter her life. All that she has known will be changed in just a few hours.
Tonight there is a big thunder storm making itself heard...glad it wasn't during the day to intefere with my flights.
Still will need to figure out if I am going to go to Guilin for a day, this Wednesday. Hoping to gain some answers, when I meet with staff on Tuesday.
Off to bed, hoping for sleep,it has been a long day, and tomorrow is sure to be emotional..no matter what way it goes.
Tonight there is a big thunder storm making itself heard...glad it wasn't during the day to intefere with my flights.
Still will need to figure out if I am going to go to Guilin for a day, this Wednesday. Hoping to gain some answers, when I meet with staff on Tuesday.
Off to bed, hoping for sleep,it has been a long day, and tomorrow is sure to be emotional..no matter what way it goes.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
CA confirmed, oh my! I am really going to China.
Yesterday was a crazy day. What else is new in the world of International Adoption. Started with a call that we had a confirmed Consulate Appt. on 8/14 at 10 am. That meant that I was now free to get plane tickets for my trip. August is probably one of the single most expensive time to travel to China. Not only are the ticket prices high, they are very hard to get. I spent most of the day feeling like I was going to throw up (sorry) most of today was spent like that, as well. This is the 4th time I am traveling in August. One travel agent told me I had "bad timing"
Well, today I have confirmed seats there and back. I will be flying Korean Air with a stop over in Seoul, but this was the best I could do. No wait, I could have flown Cathay Pacific or Air China, stayed an extra week, for the mere sum of $6000 just for me, and that's coach!!
Now, I am hopeful to get shopping, packing, cleaning and 2 rooms painted and beds put together in the next few days. Guess I will be sleeping well on the plane.
Well, today I have confirmed seats there and back. I will be flying Korean Air with a stop over in Seoul, but this was the best I could do. No wait, I could have flown Cathay Pacific or Air China, stayed an extra week, for the mere sum of $6000 just for me, and that's coach!!
Now, I am hopeful to get shopping, packing, cleaning and 2 rooms painted and beds put together in the next few days. Guess I will be sleeping well on the plane.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Garage Sale Fundraiser
After a crazy, busy week with the kids at culture camp, and the excitement of receiving TA on Friday, there was no time to rest. Our garage sale, which had our house looking like an episode from Hoarders, was scheduled for Saturday.
Nothing was priced, quite honestly b/c I was very overwhelmed by the amount of things we had thanks to our awesome friends, who have been our biggest supporters! Plus, I had been nesting and purging for the past month. When my best friend offered to come and help price some of the big items, I was "happy" to hear that she was overwhelmed, as well..lol.
My support team started arriving early in the morning and stayed and helped the rest of the day.
Nothing was priced, quite honestly b/c I was very overwhelmed by the amount of things we had thanks to our awesome friends, who have been our biggest supporters! Plus, I had been nesting and purging for the past month. When my best friend offered to come and help price some of the big items, I was "happy" to hear that she was overwhelmed, as well..lol.
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