My travel story...part I

Lisa67 · 02-24-2004, 01:16 PM

Well, FINALLY!! I have a few minutes to jot down some thoughts about our trip to get Emily. So, for those of you that have asked, here you go....

We left our house at 5AM on January 29th--we had an 815AM flight from Boston to Chicago. That was a nasty flight--I kind of blacked out which never happens to me--I think I was having some sort of anxiety attack. I hate flying and always feel dizzy but this was different and I was quite happy when the flight ended!

We left Chicago for Beijing at 12Noon CST and it was a great flight. Long, but smooth. We were on a huge jet that had a TV screen on each seat so we could watch movies the whole time. They ran on many different channels and they even ran kids movies and had a Disney channel. That was great for Jessica.

We flew northwest so we went over some of the states, Canada, and back over Alaska. It was beautiful scenery and always daylight so that was cool.

We tried to set our bodies to China time (13 hours ahead of EST) so we slept alot on the plane but made sure to get up and move around so we didn't cramp up. Everything went fine and we finally landed in Beijing around 330PM local time and it was now Friday, January 30th!

Our first night there consisted of a traditional Chinese meal and when it was served we figured we would each lose 20 lbs on the trip--it was horrible! I think I had a couple pieces of white rice and that was it--I just didn't like it.

After a good night's sleep we got up bright and early on Saturday and headed out for a trip to the Great Wall. Before that we went to a Jade Factory and learned how they shape Jade and about the different cuts, etc... Very interesting and VERY expensive so we left there with nothing----except for our first experience with Squat Toilets!! That's a whole other experience but glad to have gotten my apprehension out of the way in a clean squattie! LOL

We arrived at the GW and were simply amazed. There's no wonder to why it's one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It's simply fabulous! We were surrounded by it and just took a zillion photos, none of which do it justice! We had a group photo taken and with 33 families adopting, siblings, and travel partners we were quite a sight! lol I don't have the photo online and it's too large to scan so you'll have to visit me if you want to see it.

We decided to start our trek up the Wall and we only had 2 hours to go up and back. Tom looked at me and said "Can I go now?!" and I said sure. Jess & I would see him at the top===hahahah! That was a joke. It was steep, the steps were uneven, and when Jessica & I went up about 30 steps we turned around to see how far (???) we had gone and both decided to turn back. It was too steep for us and as it was she had to go down on her bum! So, unfortunately I didn't get to the top but Tom did and he was so proud of himself. It was quite a work out!

So...here is one piccie of the GW...again...doesn't do justice!

After our Great Wall trip we went to Tiananmen Square and some other stops. The next day, Sunday, was THE DAY!!! We started off by going to The Forbidden City which was amazing. China is full of such rich history and culture dating back thousands of years, far further than anything we know! It's a wonderful place full of caring, kind, and inquisitive people!

On to the all important day...see PART II

Lisa67 · 02-24-2004, 01:18 PM

We did lots of sightseeing in Beijing but now the important flight arrived and we flew to the capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang. We landed around 430PM and were told that the babies would be at our hotel at 630PM that night! YAHOO!

We finally got to the hotel at about 6PM and got spuced up (???) a bit. We didn't have our luggage so what we had in our carry on would have to do! We got to the conference room of the hotel and a few other parents were there. They had lined up some chairs at the front which is where the Nannies would go when they arrived.

Sure enough, a few minutes before 630 we heard it.....WAILING and CRYING coming from the elevator! "They're here!" I yelled! We started crying too--I couldn't believe the moment had arrived! It was another orphanage that was there (our group had babies from 4 orphanages) but it was still so wonderful! Five cute little girls came in and found their parents!!

Next I heard our guide say "Fuzhou babies!" THAT'S OUR GROUP!! We were next! Emily was the 2nd baby from our group and I took her from the director of the orphanage! IT was wonderful! She came right to me and took the toy keys I had in my hand. I had Daddy give her a kiss then I bent down for Jessica to see her. She had tears in her eyes too--and she showed her sister the Pink Care Bear she brought her. It was very sweet.

The rest of the evening is a relative blur. I don't remember hearing any other baby's names called after that but surely they were! We were all united as families! Only one problem happened and that is that 5 babies from a far away orphanage were delayed and sadly not united until the next night--that was heartbreaking! But, they are all happy families now!

So, the next 2 weeks consisted of interviews, formalities, BONDING!, and lots of shopping. I wouldn't rush back to China for pleasure, but we are talking of going back again---for a visit for Emily to see her homeland, which we feel is extremely important for her. Besides that visit we may go again--FOR ANOTHER DAUGHTER!

We are tossing that idea around, but it wouldn't be for another year or two before we start the process again. We want to enjoy the 2 girls we have for now!

So....that's it in a nutshell. Much more happened but I don't have space or energy to keep going. So, if you want to know more just let me know and I'll fill in the many missing pieces.

Just know that all the pain, wait, anguish, upset feelings, etc...have all diminished. The minute my daughter was in my arms I just melted...and so did all that heartache.

I love her as if I bore her myself. And I did--just in my heart, not my belly!

Here's one more shot....us as a happy (yet exhausted!) family of four!!

dna · 02-24-2004, 02:43 PM

Whhhooohoooo Lisa ! I almost feel like I was there

I am so happy for you and Tom and Jess and Emily

Thanks for taking the time to share your story !

And who knows when we are able to apply and go you may be there at the same time for your third girlie

xoxoxo
Amy

Lisa67 · 02-24-2004, 07:15 PM

Thanks Amy!

If we do decide to adopt from China again you'll be one of the first to know. We will HAVE to meet up!

Then again, I've been saying I won't do that trip again for a lllooonnnggg time so who knows! LOL

dna · 02-24-2004, 07:23 PM

We said the same thing right after we got home from Ukraine.

Believe me I am ready to go again ! Almost 9 months later

I am sure you will feel the same

creme brulee · 02-24-2004, 07:29 PM

What a wonderful story thanks for sharing. You must have your hands full now with a toddler in the house, but I wish you all the happiness and glad it all worked out so well.

Lisa2008 · 02-24-2004, 08:10 PM

im soo happy for you lisa, it is a beautiful story, its got me all teared up. adoption is such an amazing gift. you all make a very beautiful family.

indigofan · 02-24-2004, 09:03 PM

what a beautiful story. congrats

sue

skiboo · 02-24-2004, 09:14 PM

Wow... what an awesome journey! Thanks for sharing your story so fully and completely -- I really enjoyed it! I love the family photo -- your daughters look so sweet in their matching outfits!

Hope Emily's first birthday is filled with fun! Be sure to post a first birthday pic!!!!

spookycyster · 02-24-2004, 09:46 PM

Thanks for sharing....it's soooo great to see your family picture!! How wonderful!

dms · 02-24-2004, 11:21 PM

What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it. We are filing our paperwork for another baby (domestic), however, we thought that we would like our third child from another country. I had my husband read your story and I think we both agree that it will be from China.

Congratulations to your and your family.

Dawn

echo12 · 02-25-2004, 12:46 AM

Now you've done it! I'm crying.

Ornah · 02-25-2004, 01:12 AM

i'm crying too

Congratulations! you all look wonderful together!

Jennibug · 02-25-2004, 02:27 AM

sniff, sniff..just beautiful.

we are seriously considering Chinese adoption (dh is Chinese)..your story is inspirational!

Skywaitress94 · 02-25-2004, 02:38 AM

Lisa,

Congrats! I am so happy for you and your family. I have to tell you Emily birthday is the same as our Olivia. She just came to us on January 16th and we have been so happy to have her here. We are doing foster parent adoption for her and a 11 week old named Ethan! Well have to keep in touch to see how are girls are doing.

Lisa