In Jinan

We arrived in Jinan yesterday afternoon and had no problem. It is a very simple airport and not too busy in the international side. Our temporary guide, Betty, took us to the QuanChen square just outside the hotel. It was a beautiful place. (when I get the connection I'll post the pictures.)  The province is known for its lotus flowers and it's natural springs. The square had a beautiful watershow over a very large stainless lotus and people crowded around to watch and video it. I'm afraid a lot of people got the back of our heads on their video as we walked around to get a better angle.

It is 4:30 in the morning and we are getting ready to meet our guide to travel to the children's welfare institute. We are slightly anxious but mostly just excited for that fiist glimps and the first embrace. You know I'll post ASAP & we've always had photos!

I really hope we will be able to get a connection so we can share photos later today.

Love you all!

P.s.  I wanted to add that China Eastern was wonderful. I had misread their policy. They only allow 22kg of luggage per person and up to 2 bags. I had thought that each bag could weigh 22 kg. they wanted to charge us $94 to take the 2 wheelchairs. When we explained the situation they allowed us to take them for free!

P.S.S. a money converter app is a must!

Feb 28, Mar 1, morning of Mar 2 in Hong Kong

After we left San Francisco, we flew over the Aleutians Islands in Alaska covered in Snow and Ice.

Then we Flew over the northern Island in Japan.

And Arrived in Hong Kong at 8:00pm on March 1.

It is now 8:00 am on March 2 and we are getting ready to fetch our flight into Jinan, China.

We can't see much of Hong Kong from the Regal Airport Hotel but the hotel is definitely easy for an overnight layover. 

Also, we had no problem getting 2 wheelchairs through United.  Each person traveling is allowed 1 free Extra like a stroller, cars eat or wheelchair (even if you are not sitting in it!)

More tomorrow. 

On our way

We are happy to report that we are on our way!  We have packed our bags, stowed away the distractions and are in our first stop along the way in the San Francisco airport.  We can feel the breeze from across the ocean that tells us that this will be a great trip!

I can only imagine the emotions that Sean and Lia are going through right now.  Excitement, fear, nerves, joy, and sadness.  (Surprisingly similar to my own feelings.) Who are these new people they have never met who will take them to a country with a language they don't speak to people they have never known?  What will happen to the friends they will leave behind?  Will they like the food?  Is there even another family they would rather go with??  BIG changes.

We have been here before.  We have seen it all and know that one thing is for sure:  We have no idea what is about to take place.  We know it will all work out and that it will be one of the most memorable experiences of our life but we don't really know what will happen. The training has been over for so long and now it is time for us to put those practices to the test.  But listing to those quiet promptings that all parents are entitled to is what will carry us through.

My thoughts also turn to the children who do not have families coming for them.  Those who will never know the feeling of a mother or father holding them in their arms and telling them how wonderful they are.  And those who are in desperate need of medical, psychological, emotional support.  It is painful to consider these situations but I believe there is hope.  7+ years ago, our Kristin prayed quietly to an unknown God for a family and we were led to her.  She has been an inspiration to us and to all she meets.  3 days ago, I was talking to Kristin about college.  She want to major in helping people in need.  Is there such a major?  I suspect there are many.  In this there is hope for other children.

When we arrive in China, we hope to help a few more children find their homes.  We hope that our visit to the orphanage will open up doors for other children to have their dreams filled. We hope that their stories will inspire others to take actions in the way that only they can.

Imagine the difference you could make.  Make the difference in a way only your can.

What are our plans?

Lets see...  Life has been so very busy getting ready for the trip and all the church activities. 

We leave on February 28.  Just Doll & I are going.  We just simply couldn't afford to take Ashley and Salem.  So sad about that.  We arrive in Hong Kong on Friday Evening and on Saturday fly to the the province capital.  When we arrive there, we stay the night and on Sunday morning (as early as we can) drive 3 hours down to the orphanage. This will be the first time we have been allowed to visit the orphanage.  We are so excited but anxious about what we will see.  We will spend some time there visiting and taking pictures and videos.  We hope to see some of the children we have been advocating for.  Lia is using a wheelchair but it is the only wheelchair that the orphanage has.  So we are taking 2 wheelchairs with us to leave behind.  We will then pick up Sean and Lia to transport them back to the province capital.  On Monday we finalize the adoption and do the paperwork for their Chinese passports.  Then we wait around for a few days and pick up their passports on Friday March 8 and fly to GuangZhou.  On Saturday, we have medical exams in preparation for US visas.  Then the paper work goes into the US consulate on Tuesday March 12.  We wait until the 14th to pick up the visas and to be sworn in (similar to what is done with immigrants who come into the US.)  Then we take a van to Hong Kong where we will spend the night and then at about noon we fly back to the US on Friday the 15th.   We arrive in San Francisco on the morning of Friday the 15th and go through immigration.  Then we fly back to orange county and life begins again.

Sounds easy but I assure you it will be an emotional roller coaster and we will be ready to be home and start the process of normalizing life.

Unfortunately we will not be able to see Tim in Hong Kong.  Which is fine.  He is doing well and is excited to focus on his mission.  We will get to drive through the town and see the area for just a bit before we get to the airport on the 14th.

Hope you are all doing well,

Craig

Fatherhood

Long Time Coming

 We have worked and worried and waited and wanted to travel for so very long but today we see the light at the end of the tunnel.  We received our Article 5 notice this morning from the US consulate in China.  This is the last pre-adoption step for the US government step. We now wait for travel authorization from the Chinese agency which should be here within about 2 weeks.  Then once we have an appointment date with the US consulate in China, we can make travel reservations.  I anticipate that we will travel late February or early March.

Lia & Sean are waiting in China and are just as excited and anxious to make the connection  as we are.  Fresh photos do a mom & dad's heart good.

Picnic Tablecloth

 

When every picture is of robots, ninja, star wars characters, what can I learn?  When his drawings are full of "Good job" and "Good work!" what can I learn?  When he complains about having to get his book but won't put I down when its time, what can I learn?  When he gets up from the TV to give his mom an impromptu kiss, what can I learn?   

When she fills her drawing with lots of colors, what can I learn?  When she lays on top if her brother while he's playing Nintendo, what can I learn?  When she squeaks with glee about studying site words, what can I learn?  When she follows the dog around giving hugs, what can I learn?  When she sobs a heartfelt sob, what can I learn? When she smiles so big you see all her teeth, what can I learn?

 

Craig