February 24- Saturday happenings...

Today was full of new adventures for us. It started off with eating breakfast at the infamous buffet here at the White Swan. It is a huge breakfast buffet with everything from cereal to by request omelets and yogurt to French toast. YUM!

After breakfast, we headed to a meeting with our travel group. Our CCAI guides, Kathy and Jocelyn, went over the way things will progress when we received our babies tomorrow. We will leave the White Swan at 2:00 PM, drive to the Civil Affairs Bureau by 2:30 and we should get our babies about 3:00! Elizabeth Ann will be here TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At the meeting, Kathy and Jocelyn gave us each a copy of the routine that our child has followed at their orphanage. Also included was how to make their bottles (a bit different from the way it’s done in the US) along with a box of formula and what they call “rice” cereal (it says “Chinese Yam and Barley Cereal” on the package).

When we got back to our rooms, we found Going Home Barbie waiting for us!! On the back of the box she's in it says "This souvenir is presented by Mattel to adopting parents of Chinese orphan children staying at the White Swan Hotel, Guangzhou, China." If you will notice in the picture Barbie is an American mommy and the baby is Asian. What a wonderful gift for Elizabeth!!!

Joshua decided to go to dinner with most of our travel group tonight. They went to a local Cantonese restaurant- you know, REAL Chinese food. He has some interesting tales to tell about the experience there. Be sure and ask him about it.

Todd, Leslie and I decided to stay back and order dinner from a place called Danny’s Bagels. There’s more than just bagels there. Todd ordered a Cheese Steak Sandwich and Leslie and I shared a BBQ Chicken Pizza- COMFORT FOOD, let me tell ya!!!!

Right before heading to bed, a lady that works for the hotel came to our room and asked “May I turn down your bed for you?” She quickly proceeded to neatly and accurately fold the bedspread, fluff the pillows and unwrinkled the sheets. She left the two little red packages for us on our pillows, too, with chocolates in them!

Thank you soooo much for those that are praying for us!! The prayers definitely were felt today as we are all starting to feel a little more “normal”. Keep praying, though, because starts a big adjustment time for Elizabeth!!

We miss you all!!!

Comments

I'm so glad that everything is going so well so far! The staff at the White Swan is SO wonderful! They will do any you need. They are definately hard working. Danny's has great mac & cheese also. It's more than enough to share with someone. I'm glad that you all are starting to feel more "normal". Get a good nights sleep tomorrow will be a day you will never forget. :o)Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Ward on February 24, 2007 at 07:51 A.M.

We will be praying for you and Elizabeth. How exciting, I bet you can't wait!
Posted by: Tanya on February 24, 2007 at 08:23 A.M.

I can't wait to see Elizabeth in your arms! We're waiting here with excitement for you!
Posted by: Connie J on February 24, 2007 at 08:57 A.M.

Glad that you made it safely! Danny's Bagels was a favorite of ours in Guangzhou, too. Can't wait to see the Elizabeth pictures tomorrow. :-)
Posted by: Dusty on February 24, 2007 at 07:42 P.M.

February 24- Observations from Todd

Here are a few things that I have observed since 3 am.

-Every room in our hotel has a hotpot so that you can boil the water.The water is not to be drunk until it has been boiled. From what I hear the locals do not drink it.

-Be grateful everytime you put your toothbrush under the faucet's water. (Pat Tracy you were dead-on with this one.)

-It is recommended that no fresh fruits or veggies be eaten until they are cooked. (See above)

-The workers that we have encountered so far would embarrass American workers. Their (China) work ethic is amazing. They anticipate your next move and want to help you.

-On that note. something that bothers me in America is when I tell someone "thank you" they reply "no problem."Did I say there was a problem? I thought when someone says "thank you" that you are supposed to say "you're welcome."Here in China they actually say "your welcome."

-Be thankful for every english speaking TV station. All we have is HBO, ESPN, AND CNN. (Mr. Don I am starving for FoxNEWS. At least I have the internet to read Fox's site.) Watching CNN is absolutely torture. For those of you that don't know me I am a proud conservative and cannot stand liberal politics. So CNN is draining the life out of me like Superman and cryptonite.
I will have more observations later.

Comments

If you don't have normally sensitive stomachs, you should be able to eat watermelon and oranges with no problem. For the first week of our trip, we adhered strictly to the no fresh veggies/fruits, but then we started trying things as we finished up in Nanjing. We had no problems with fruits that have to be "peeled"...melons, grapefruit, etc. My husband and I were stuck to FoxNews because we got so sick of CNN. Hehehe....have fun!Mary Morriswww.oneblessedfamily.com
Posted by: Mary on February 23, 2007 at 04:34 P.M.

Hang in there. this too shall pass.God loves you and He is watching out for you. He said I will never leave nor forsake you, so stand on that promise because He is trustworthy. When we lose faith He remains faithful so just trust Him.Job said "shall we accept good from God and not bad?"I have a large number of people praying for you for these next days and we will continue to do so. God has great and marvelous things in store for Elizabeth and I cannot wait to see her.God Bless
Posted by: grandpa and grammy on February 23, 2007 at 07:36 P.M.

So Todd.....have you had a bacon cheese burger yet? Watch out for the egg. I wash cloth over the faucet, will curb your desire to run water over your toothbrush.Well boys and girls, there is little time left for you, tomorrow Elizabeth will be with her new family, and the newest "UP"will be the best "high" you have ever had. WE are thinking of you, know that you are in our thoughts and prayer and our hearts runneth over......you got my number.....night or day.............Peace out, Sals
Posted by: Sally on February 23, 2007 at 09:01 P.M.

This place does have it's ups and downs, but all in all, we are here to get Elizabeth. She is our wonderful goal.
Posted by: Big Brother on February 23, 2007 at 10:09 P.M.

I know exactly how you feel about CNN! Once you get Elizabeth, nothing else will matter. China has it's ups and downs, but at least it makes us appreciate what we have here in the United States.I sit here Saturday morning in GA and knowing that sometime in the next 18 hours or so you will be getting Elizabeth. Little does she know how wonderful her world is about to be, even if she doesn't realize it at first. I just can't wait until the morning to see pictures of all of you with Elizabeth!Try to get a good nights sleep. :o)Melisssa
Posted by: Melissa Ward on February 24, 2007 at 05:40 A.M.

Todd,When we were there, there was a National Geographic channel. We learned all about an extinct monster elk. That sucker was huge.As far as CNN goes, either take a walk or prayer for them. Either on should help!!!Our prayers are with you!!!!Cris
Posted by: Cris Ward on February 24, 2007 at 02:23 P.M.

Another proud conservative waiting dad here. I am enjoying your trip so far. We are LID 10/28/05 so our turn is coming soon.
Posted by: Charles on February 26, 2007 at 02:02 P.M.

February 23- We're in China!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot believe it!!!! We are in Elizabeth's country of birth!!!!!

We left our home Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM, flew out of Atlanta at 5:30 PM to Los Angeles. We had about a 4 hour layover there (horrible airport, by the way). We boarded the plane to China and had a 15 hour flight to China. We arrived here Friday morning here in Guangzhou at 7:00 AM (which would be 6:00 PM Thursday night in Georgia- y'all are 13 hours behind us).

I had NO idea how hard a 15 hour flight would be. Not only was it incredibly long, but I discovered just how claustrophobic I am!!!!

We were greeted by CCAI's wonderful hosts at the airport- Kathy and Jocelyn. They picked us up and brought us and other families in our travel group to the famous White Swan Hotel on Shamian Island in Guangzhou. This is such a beautiful hotel! We are definitely being spoiled here.
We've spent our day today getting settled into the hotel and walking around Shamian Island. This is such a lovely place and very unlike any other area in China- it was once a British and French settlement so the architecture reflects that style.

We ate lunch at the famous restaurant called Lucy's. It's supposed to have more American style food. While not as good as if we were in America, we'll probably go again before we leave.

OH!!!! Major news flash!!!!!! Most of y'all know that I am a HUGE Diet Coke fan. Well, they do NOT have Diet Coke here!!! They have something called Coke Light that they said tasted just like Diet Coke, BUT IT DOESN'T!!!!!!!! So I will not be able to have a Diet Coke until March 9 when we get to Los Angeles!!!!!!!

We are all more tired than any of us ever imagined we would be. We all look forward to a long nights sleep tonight. However, the beds are as hard as a rock!! So I guess our backs will have to get used to them before we can sleep really really well.
Tomorrow we have a big group meeting and may have a group dinner at a local Chinese restaurant (surprise!!).

PLEASE keep praying for us!! And PLEASE pray for Elizabeth!! Her world is going to be completely changed in a mere 2 days.

More later!!!!!!

Comments

We are glad to here that you made it safely there. we will be praying for a good first meeting with Elizabeth. We will also be praying for your safe and good visit and safe return.In God We Trust EverythingDavid
Posted by: David & Melissa M. on February 23, 2007 at 03:51 A.M.

Hi guys. We are glad that you made it. Try the Green Apple Fanta's from the 7-11. They are wonderful :). We are saying our prayers for you guys. Jennifer C.
Posted by: Jennifer on February 23, 2007 at 05:36 A.M.

Good morning. I am so glad you made the trip ok.I hope you have a good visit. I know you can't wait to have Elizabeth in your arms. I also continue to pray for all of you.Helen P.
Posted by: Helen on February 23, 2007 at 05:51 A.M.

Glad to hear that you have made it safely!!!!Just so you know, I don't have a lot of sympathy for you regarding the diet coke, the beds, and how tired you would be when you got there. I WARNED YOU!!!!!!!In all seriousness, congratulations!!!!! Have a wonderful trip and bring Elizabeth home safely!!!!!CrisFather of Emilie-Ann JieYu and Leah FuXiao
Posted by: Cris Ward on February 23, 2007 at 06:07 A.M.

Yay! You're there! I'm so glad you had a safe trip, and I can't wait to hear all about your first days with Elizabeth. We love you guys!Lisa
Posted by: lisa hoffman on February 23, 2007 at 06:18 A.M.

I'm SO excited for you. Reading your post I almost cried. I know you will have a trip of a lifetime. It's Friady night there, so when you wake...only one more day to Elizabeth! It's in times like these that you experience God in such a big way. We'll be praying!Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Ward on February 23, 2007 at 06:22 A.M.

So glad you made it there safely. I agree with you about the claustrophobia thing on the plane. But the tight plane and hard beds are worth it. I can't wait to see Elizabeth in your arms!!!
Posted by: Kim on February 23, 2007 at 06:41 A.M.

SORRY!!!!.....I forgot about Coke LITE!!!!.....diet does not translate into madarin AND ppl will not buy something with diet on the lable. The Chinese are not pre-occupied with dieting like we Americans are. Try the deli on the same side street as the White Swan, when you come out the street side doors go to your left, the have great bakery items and yummy yougurts to drink!!!!!!........take care, Sals
Posted by: Sally on February 23, 2007 at 07:19 A.M.

I look forward to keeping up with you journal each day. In 2004, we found the best meal in all of China at a restaurant on Second Avenue on Shamian Island, a steak that tasted like steak, ice cream that tasted like home....Have a blessed journey. Robbie
Posted by: Robbie Mattox on February 23, 2007 at 07:37 A.M.

I'm so excited for you! I hope everything goes well and we will be praying for Miss Elizabeth. We once went to the coke museum in Atlanta and tried drinks form China, and you're right, it tastes horrible. Drink bottled water, there isn't much they can do to mess that up.
Posted by: Becky, Marcus, and Madelyn McGhee on February 23, 2007 at 08:11 A.M.

Wow!! So glad you made it okay. Rest today and get ready for the time of your lives! I can't wait to see pics of you with Elizabeth. Go to the Thai restaurant on Shamian Island-it was my favorite!! Tell Kathy hi from Anne, Gunther and Alexandra-travel group 1078!I am loving reading your blog!
Posted by: Anne, Gunther and Lexie on February 23, 2007 at 08:11 A.M.

February 19- What about the pets?

Most people that have pets consider them important. The same is also true of us. Being away for a couple of weeks can make one worry about the state of their pets. But I have to say...that is not an issue with us. We have it taken care of.

How? you ask. His name is Walter. He is my friend and my right-hand man. He cares for our pets when we are gone as if they were his own.

As we leave, we can rest assured that Sam, Martin and Katie are in good hands with Mr. Walter.

Comments

YOU ARE IN CHINA NOW!!!!!!!!It'S 10 am in Guangzhou, and a nice day. I hope you have had some rest and are seeing the sites of the Pearl River Delta, they are beautiful! Be sure to take one last stroll alone on the river at twillight. Reflect on how far you have come in the journey and how truly marvelous it is. I am thinking of you, praying for you and shedding many tears of joy for you both. My heart if full reliving this time through you and Elizabeth.Loveya, Sals
Posted by: Sally on February 22, 2007 at 07:40 P.M.

February 17- A video of Elizabeth

Recently Shari got in touch with a lady who adopted from the same orphanage that we are adopting from. She was at the orphanage in late December. God, in His great providential way, saw to it to have that family film several things including some of the little ones. You guessed it…she was able to film our Elizabeth for a few moments.

This site that you are presently on does not have the video. If you will copy and paste this address into your browser you will be taken to the video.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3818239807730622676

She is the last child you will see before the ladies start talking together. She is lying on her stomach with a Snoopy (oh yeah Casey!) top and red pants. Of course being her Dad I think she is the cutest little one on the video.

Comments

Shari,This is priceless. We have several pictures people took of Rachel when they were at Yangchun but no video. This will be a special treasure for you.God bless!Tamara (another Yangchun mom)
Posted by: Tamara Arant on February 17, 2007 at 09:14 P.M.

How awesome! I can't wait to see the pics of you with her!
Posted by: anne (another YangChun Mom) on February 18, 2007 at 08:42 A.M.

Hi, guys! This is just awesome! I am so excited for all of you. What a wonderful little teaser this video clip is. In just a few days you'll be off to get her, and I just can't wait to hear all about it and meet sweet Elizabeth! You are all in our prayers. Lisa Hoffman
Posted by: Anonymous on February 18, 2007 at 09:30 A.M.

I loved seeing you Elizabeth. Just a few more days and you'll be in our arms!
Posted by: Big Brother on February 18, 2007 at 12:58 P.M.

How amazing! congratulations and best of luck in your travels. We are awaiting the arrival of our baby girl from Korea and only have two pictures. How blessed you are to receive such a special video!
Posted by: Tracey Smith on February 18, 2007 at 03:33 P.M.

I can't view the video (dial-up), but I wanted to take a quick moment to pray God's blessing upon you as you travel in just a few days.I don't suspect you'll actually get to post too much while you're away - you're going to be very preoccupied you know - but I'll greatly anticipate hearing of your entire trip once you've recovered sufficiently from jetlag after your return. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace. And may the Holy Spirit go before you and prepare darling Elizabeth for your meeting. God Bless you all. Enjoy this very, very special time.Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Yuck on February 19, 2007 at 07:48 P.M.

February 16- Fun things at home...

Yes, you are looking at a picture of baby food jars. YIPPPPEEEEE!!!! I HAVE BABY FOOD JARS IN MY HOME!! Some of y'all just may be laughing at that comment, but I've been waiting for 37 years to have a baby!! Baby food jars, smelly diapers, spit up, crying in the middle of the night- I am looking forward to ALL of it, the good and the not-so-good. :)

This little dolly is from Elizabeth's soon-to-be-new-friend, Leah. Leah is almost 3 and she's from China, too! She sent Elizabeth this sweet doll named Calin Yang and a fun puzzle, too!! Thank you, Leah!!!

Comments

I am so excited to meet my little cousin (only by 2 months), Elizabeth!!! We are going to have a GREAT time playing together over at Grammy and Grandpa's house!!! I love you already!!Love,Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Farley on February 16, 2007 at 09:42 A.M.

I know how you feel about the good and the bad. It's all great. (Well, most of the time :o) ) I wouldn't trade any of it for anything! Have a great trip!
Posted by: Melissa Ward on February 17, 2007 at 08:11 A.M.

February 14- Our Itinerary

2/21 Leave the U.S. for Guangzhou.

2/22 Families still en route…

2/23 Families arrive in Guangzhou.

2/24 Group: A group meeting will be held to prepare paperwork, fees and gifts.Your CCAI rep will be giving you detailed instructions regarding your daily schedule and paperwork.

2/25 Please be sure you are dressed in Business Casual attire for today’s events. Thank you! Go to the Provincial Civil Affairs Office this afternoon to receive your child. Congratulations! The children will be delivered by the Orphanage Director and orphanage staff.

2/26 Adoption Registration and Notarization.An optional shopping trip to the local department store for supplies. Pay as you go.

2/27 Receive your child’s adoption registration certificate today.Apply for your child’s passport.

2/28 Free time. Optional city tours are available. Waiting for adoption paperwork.

3/1 Your child’s visa physical exam and visa photo will be today. You will be walking to the clinic. Bring baby/child supplies (bottle, diaper, water, snack, etc.). Be ready to go!3/2-4 Free time. Rest, shop, tour Waiting for adoption paperwork.

3/5 Group meeting today (only 1 parent per family please) to prepare paperwork for the Consulate appointment.

3/6 Receive your child’s passport today.3/7 Today is your Consulate appointment.

3/8 Go to the U.S. Consulate to take the oath in the afternoon. Note: The U.S. Consulate prohibits your adult travel companions from entering the building. Your adult travel companions must remain at the hotel.

Receive your child’s visa packet at the U.S. Consulate.DO NOT OPEN YOUR CHILD’S VISA PACKET!

3/9 Families leave Guangzhou for the U.S.3/10 Welcome Home to Georgia!

Comments

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Less than a week before you leave. I know you are getting excited. Are you staying at the White Swan?
Posted by: Melissa Ward on February 15, 2007 at 06:56 A.M.

hurray! We will be praying every step of the way!
Posted by: Frank & Darlene on February 15, 2007 at 06:11 P.M.