China Day 15: The Second Longest Thursday in Womble History

NOTE:  the first longest Thursday in Womble history was September 24, 2009 (the Thursday Mei Mei came home from China)  :)

We awoke to a cloudy overcast day outside our hotel but this day was pretty sunny within our four walls. We were OVERJOYED to finally be going HOME!!!! 

We were up EARLY to catch the 7:20 am shuttle to the airport along with our friend Tammy and her new daughter A.  The boys wore their aviation shirts to commemorate the day.  Well, only two of my boys obliged my suggestion and one chose not to participate.  I'll give you a hint.  The one who didn't participate is manning the camera in the photo below.  Oh, who am I kidding.  The little people didn't even realize they were wearing aviation shirts but since I pick out their clothes...

We were severd by our friend Katherine C.  No, that is not a misspelling.  See below.  She severd us as she checked us in to our seats in the cattle section (as the Chief lovingly refers)...

Then we began our lengthy adventure through the never ending series of lines to make it to our final gate.  This is Little Buddy about half way there.  Are we EVER going to get where we're going, Mom? 

Standing in line for security, immigration, customs, elevators, escalators, a train and a few country mile walks with hundreds of your closest Asian  strangers friends is a great way to start the day.  But HEY!!  We were going HOME! Who cares, right???  Finally we found Gate 33.  It was a welcomed sight to behold!!!

I plan to frame this photo for our Little Buddy.  It speaks volumes to me in so many ways.  I wonder what he was thinking.  I know he can't grasp the significance of this moment in time but it seems so monumental to me...

Buckled in and ready for take off...

Good bye Hong Kong.  Good bye China.  We love you in a way others can not understand unless they have experienced you...  Thank you for a lifetime of memories...

We survived the 15 hour and 15 minute flight the best way we knew how.  One minute at a time.  :)  If you've ever flown on a plane that long you know what I mean.  Of course WM wasn't leaving the ground without reading the safety manual cover to cover. 

Shortly after his technical step by step memorization marathon he declared (to his aerophobic Mother), "Mom, I sure hope we make it home".  Ummmmmm... yeah.... me too, son.  Me too.  ;)

We spent a lot of time watching the in flight screen and counting the miles to our destination.  




We played a lot of peek-a-boo...

A little in seat entertainment...  a little napping...

a little napping... a little snacking on hard rolls while trying not to hit the motion sick big brother in the head...

Overall Delta took excellent care of us.  The flight had some major turbulence in the beginning but thankfully it settled out once we made it north of China.  Wild Man had to use several of those little white bags in the front of his seat pocket along the way but overall everyone did well.  Both boys slept about 4-5 hours total which helped pass the time for the big people (who did not sleep much at all).  We landed in Detroit ON TIME and called the girls as soon as our wheels touched down.  Hearing the excitement in their sweet voices was priceless.  We were ALMOST HOME!!!

Little Buddy became a US citizen when his little feet hit the ground in Detroit.  That moment happened while we waited in the immigration line.  Someone decided to roll around on the floor and whine.  We were so tired and I was unfortunately so nauseous I couldn't get to the camera.   

It took us FOREVER to get through immigration.  FOR.EV.ER!  Over two hours for them to stamp our passports only to then be moved to a different line to process Little Buddy's immigration paperwork.  We were exhausted (and slightly annoyed) but we were so thankful to be back on US soil.  Note to other adoptive families:  We were SO thankful we didn't schedule the flight home with the 2.5 hour layover.  We were leaving the international terminal at the time the earlier flight was scheduled to depart.  Thank you Lord!

We made it from the international terminal to our domestic terminal gate in time to grab a snack and change clothes.  We were all thankful for clean clothes and our toothbrush!!

I think our newest American citizen was pretty thankful too...

Our flight home was on time so we were preparing to land before we knew it.  I snapped this picture right after we touched down at our home airport.  You can't see the Chief's face but you can see he is smiling from ear to ear and LB is waving his new flag.  Words can not describe the feelings that overcome you when you know your family is about to be safely whole again. 

next up...
Little Buddy's Homecoming...

China Day 15: Hello Hong Kong -- So Long Hong Kong!!!

We made it to Hong Kong last night around 8:30 pm.  We checked in, called the girls and CRASHED!  We are exhausted (as all China adoptive parents are by this point) and can't wait to get HOME!!!  We miss our girls so much it hurts. 

It is currently 5:50 am on Thursday morning (4:50 pm Wednesday night at home).  We are catching the 7 am shuttle to the airport and depart at 10:25 am on Delta #186 (I think that's the number).  We are not really looking forward to the journey to get there but we can't wait to step off the last plane.

Much love to all of you from Hong Kong, China...  I can't wait to bring all of us back some day... for a vacation.  ;)

M

China Day 14: Zài Jiàn Guangzhou, China!

At this moment we are packing up and getting ready to leave Guangzhou.  Our van will arrive around 4:30 pm and we will depart immediately for our 3.5 hour drive to Hong Kong.

I love it here.  I do not think this is a horrible detestable place as some adoptive parents perceive.  I think China is a wonderful country with a rich history and precious hard working people.  I think they have to make decisions I can not fathom based upon a government who chooses to enforce rules I can not understand.  This country has given me so much and I am forever grateful for the lives they have entrusted to our family. 

I am tearful as we leave behind all Little Buddy has ever known but I know in my heart it is a new beginning for our son.  Two weeks ago he was an orphan.  I wish that wasn't true.  I wish the word "adoption" didn't have to exist at all.  Whether I like it or not it does.  I am so humbled and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this beautiful calling upon my life.  Watching a child bloom before your eyes is a beautiful gift in the making.   

This afternoon we will drive along the same road where my Mei Mei and Little Buddy spent their beginning days of life.  I can't help but think of both of their birth families.  There are two Chinese women I am forever linked yet I will never know who they are.  I will never hug their necks and tell them how much I love the children they had to leave behind.  I do not know their reasons and I will not judge them for what I do not know.  That is not my place.  I only wish I could express my gratitude for the gifts they have in turn given to us.

My sweet husband accuses me often of wanting to save the world.  I know that isn't possible but in my own way I know he is right.  Maybe I choose to wear my rose colored glasses in a simple attempt to change the world in which we live.  Maybe I can't change the world for 147 million orphans but I CAN change the world for this new little one sitting beside me.  He is not an orphan.  He WAS an orphan and now he is the beloved son of our heart.

To my little caboose... I have officially been your Mommy for 10 days.  I can't describe you any way other than pure joy.  Your smile is contagious.  Your giggle melts me into a puddle.  You are not at all what I expected.  You are more than I could ask or imagine.  I know some day you will read this post.  I want you to know we are so sorry you are leaving behind your homeland.  I know you would not have chosen this road if you had been given the choice.  Please know that despite these unchangeable facts we love you with all our hearts.  We will do the very best we can to give you whatever you need.  I promise you we will spend the rest of our lives loving you, praying for you and delighting in God's plan for your life.  I know He has something amazing in store.  I prayed for you, my son, and the Lord gave me what I asked of Him.  You are a gift... a treasure... a blessing... and I am humbled and honored to be the one you call Mommy.

Zai Jian Guangzhou, China!  Thank you for the honor and privilege of parenting two of your children.  We promise to love them forever.

China Day 14: So Long... Farewell...

Today was our "goodbye" day.  Ugh... goodbyes are no fun!  However, we are SO SO ready to go home and figure out what is going on with Little Buddy it isn't nearly as hard this time.

Goodbye to the beautiful Garden Hotel...

Goodbye sweet China friends...

Unfortunately, we didn't have an official travel group this trip but we met many sweet families along the way.  We were blessed to finally meet my friend Kristi and her sweet family.  We adopted our girls, Mei Mei and P, at the same time but missed each other in China by about two weeks.  This time we were able to meet once they arrived in Guangzhou.

We slept in this morning and almost missed breakfast...thus the au natural face for me. ;)

Wild Man and C = instant friends

Goodbye to our absolutely PHENOMENAL guide, Elvin. 

He is funny, hard working and dedicated to these children.  He was SO wonderful to us especially concerning Little Buddy's seizures and health.  He walked with us through some of the scariest days of our parenting career with great confidence.  He knew what needed to be done and he did it.  He understood our viewpoint and went to bat for us when I know others would not have done the same.  He is the reason our little buddy is coming home without issue or delay (with the Big Guy's help of course).  We are forever grateful...

Goodbye to our driver who chauffeured us in crazy China traffic for 10 days straight.  I am certain he would do well in the Nascar circuit...

Goodbye to parenting only two handsome boys...

 

I've never been happier to see two boys in the same photograph.  God heard the prayers of a big brother who dreamed of having a little brother.  Not only did He hear them but He answered in His timing in the most amazing way.  I am bursting with anticipation to see all four of my blessings together in one photo!!

 

So long, farewell

Auf Weidersehen, goodbye

Goodbye to life in a hotel...

Goodbye to the city that gifted us two blessings...

Goodbye to the country we love so deeply...

Hello sweet girls we missed so much...

Hello to life as a family of six...

Hello to putting the pieces of Little Buddy's puzzle together...

but first the 40 hour adventure to home...

China Day 14: All Dressed Up but No {red couch} to Go...

My Mom said back in the olden days of China adoption everyone had their picture made on a red couch at some hotel called the White Swan.  She said Mei Mei had her picture made there too with all her China sisters.  So what I don't understand is why I have to sit HERE...

On this weird concrete step instead of on a red couch?  OH!  There are no more red couches there so we have to make due without one?  Oh.  Ok.  Whatever. 

Don't be sad Mom.  I'm not going to cooperate with you anyway.  Hey, did you know there is dirt back here? 

Hey, let me show you what I found so I can watch you run over real fast and try to keep me from getting dirt all over my outfit or melting down.

You really like that camera thing don't ya lady?  I don't really have much to smile about since you dressed me in this crazy outfit that you think is so adorable.  This is all I have for you...

I will attempt to oblige you for about 30 more seconds...

but ONLY because I REALLY like the big guy sitting beside me.   I think he feels the same about me...

Ok, that's the end of your photo session, Mom.  I've had enough.  Now take me to Hong Kong.  I hear they have REALLY big planes there that will take us to the place you call home.  I think I'm going to like it there...  

China Day 13: Consulate Appointment and Typhoon Vicente

Sometime overnight Typhoon Vicente rolled in to the Guangzhou.  This is our second trip to China and our second time to experience a typhoon.  Maybe we bring them with us when we come?  I don't know...

The weather was yucky outside.  Very windy with lots of rain but we had to get out anyway.  There is NO WAY we were missing our Consulate Appointment.  That is our ticket home.  No Consulate Appointment = No VISA = No plane ride home.  Can you see why a little typhoon wasn't going to keep us from that appointment?

Elvin picked us up at 7:50 am for our 8:30 am appointment.  On our way we passed blown down trees, guardrails and debris along with a ton of standing water.

 

We arrived as scheduled and waited in line for a bit before the Consulate opened.  Once we made it through security we moved into a small room for adoptive families.  It was not the same room we took our oath last time but we could see it next door.

The Consulate Officer came to the window which looked much like a bank teller window behind glass.  We discussed a few important immigration reminders and then it was time to take our oath.  We all raised our right hands and promised that all the information we had provided was true and accurate.  The words we repeat aren't anything prophetic but it stirs something in most adoptive parents, myself included.  You can see it in their faces.  We all have our own journey's to these precious little people we now call our own.  This oath signifies the end of the meticulous and sometimes frustrating road to our children.  We are so thankful to be on this side of the process.

We came back to the hotel and spent most of our day staring out the window.
 

Thankfully Jian Jian found a way to pass the time while I packed up our hotel.

We ventured out in the weather with our friends Steve and Heather for one last meal at Cow and Bridge.
 

I know at some point we are going to dream about our three Cow and Bridge meals from our time in Guangzhou.  I think I should talk to the City Council about approving a new international franchise.  Both Jian Jian and I think that's a GREAT idea!  Mmmmmmmm...

We have really enjoyed getting to know Heather and Steve here in Hong Kong and Guangzhou along with so many other wonderful families over the past two weeks.  I couldn't even begin to name them all but it's safe to say we have a new group of lifelong friends.  How awesome it is to be surrounded by families who look like ours and truly understand our hearts.   My friend Kristi and I went through our last adoptions together but missed each other in China by about two weeks.  I'm so glad it worked out this time for us to meet.  Wild Man and her son C have really enjoyed hanging out. 

After all the babies went to bed, the Mom's at our hotel met up for a late night chatty fest since many of us are leaving tomorrow.  We all love China but are so anxious to get home...especially those of us with little one's waiting at home.

We check out of our amazing hotel, The Garden, tomorrow at 3 pm.  Our guide will arrive at 4:30 pm with Little Buddy's passport and VISA.  We will then say our goodbyes and load the van for our 3.5 hour drive to Hong Kong.  We are spending Wednesday night at the Sky City Marriott to prepare for our Thursday morning flight HOME!!!!  WE CAN NOT WAIT!!

There have been several who have asked if they can come to the airport to greet Little Buddy home.  Of course you can!  You can blow him kisses, admire him, talk to him and even hug him (though he may or may not be happy about it).  Our only request is to refrain from taking him from our arms (even if he reaches for you).  Attachment and bonding is a long process and we know it's going to take a while for him to know there is only one Mama and one Baba in his world.  Thank you for respecting our wishes.

We land Thursday at 6:10 pm via Delta Airlines from Detroit.  We CAN NOT WAIT to see our girls, familiar faces who have prayed us around the world and our little brown dog, Kobe.

China Day 12: Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh My!

Our guide picked up Little Buddy's Chinese passport today so we are almost ready to blow this pop stand.  We didn't have to be present for the transfer so we had another free day on our own.

We decided to head to the Guangzhou Safari Park for a change of scenery.

Sitting in the room being homesick is not a good plan so we knew we had to get out.  We are SO glad we did.  It was AMAZING!!  It turned out to be a lovely breezy overcast day due to the typhoon blowing in soon.  Wild Man said it was one of the most "epic" places he's ever been. 

Our guide told us to take the Safari on Wheels first.  You could choose to drive your own car or ride a train with a few of your closest Chinese friends.

Little Buddy loved it!  He was so excited to see the animals.  We kept asking him if he could translate the woman on the overhead speaker but he never obliged.  It was actually pretty strange to listen to a Chinese woman talk for 40 minutes but have no clue what she was saying.  Everyone around us laughed, chanted and cheered along with her.  We just sat there smiling and staring at each other.  Thankfully most of the animals we could identify on our own.   

 We ended up being quite the side show.  Three fair skinned American's and a Chinese boy in a Safari park.  I would love to know what they all were thinking as they stared us down.  After two adoptions it doesn't bother us any more but it always catches me by surprise. You see the little guy's head in the photo below?  I'm pretty sure he stared more at us than the animals.  :)

Then we were on to the Safari on foot...

About half way through our day Little Buddy decided walking wasn't so bad after all.  At least for a little bit. He hates both the Ergo and the stroller so our arms are getting quite the work out.

Wild Man was able to feed the giraffe's which he thought was "epic".  :)  I wasn't fast enough with my camera before Mr. Giraffe nabbed his branch so I only caught the aftermath...

 

We made it back to rest for the afternoon, had dinner with friends at Pizza Hut and then we went to BED!  Two more sleeps and we leave for Hong Kong.