Hi All,
So, its been a little while since I have posted. Obviously we are home now and things are going okay. There are good and bad days (hours). Everyone is trying to find their place and role. It's definitely a lot louder around here now. Someone had once said "How much harder could it be to do two at once?". I can now answer that question, "Very, very hard!". I feel like I am cooking for a small army now. I never thought adding two girls would create such a large grocery bill. They would eat non-stop if we would let them.
We got them enrolled in school "Woo Hoo!!!!". They start 6th grade on Tuesday - can't wait, us and them. They were so excited when they found out what we were doing down at the school. I'm still not sure that they understand the teachers will be speaking english. That should be a small shock.
It's really cool right now. We have a lady from Church that is Chinese that is speaking to the girls and telling them everything that they need to know about school such as asking "Where is the bathroom" and "waiting their turn, etc... The funniest one is "Lock the door for the bathroom" - reason: Someone doesn't even close the door yet so that will be a good one. It really is funny though hearing them all excited and talking. I know that they have been frustrated with us not being able to understand them. We are doing the Rosetta stone but even that has been a challenge. I'm not sure they understand what we are trying to teach them. The copy what the computer says but they don't really pay attention to the pictures. Example: They will say "Girl" but then when it asks they will point to any picture on the screen "Boy, man, woman", whichever one is closest.
Anyway, that's all I have time for right now. Sorry for the gap and hopefully I will be able to keep up with the in the weeks to come. Make sure t check Deb's blog or Facebook for the most current "events".
Thanks all
Bill
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Thursday morning (for us)
It's Thursday. Time to go home. Sorry I stopped blogging. I have not been feeling too good. I think I may have passed the stone the other day. I'm not really sure. All I know is that I cannot drink any more water. Things have been getting better each day. The girls are really bonding with us. The test of patience though is a 15+ hour flight. We leave here around 10:25 this morning and get to Newark around 2:00 pm with a 12 hour time change. Fun stuff.
As for fill-in on the last few days, mainly shopping and different paperwork for the girls and a lot of sleeping. They like to sleep and it was appreciated the way I was feeling. We got to meet a bunch of nice families and share stories on all of the bus rides. Very nice people with big hearts. It is so touching to me and Debbie to see people step out with such faith.
Well, that's really it. Again, sorry for not posting but I figure Debbie was probably keeping you all up to speed. She's been pretty good about that.
See you all real real soon!!!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Saturday night....
So, another day down. It is about 7:00 on Saturday night. We got in late last night into Guangzhou. A little melt down last night but we all survived. I'll spare you the details but just say that it has been a long trip already and living out of a hotel can really get to you.
This morning everyone was happy and ready to eat. We went to breakfast in the hotel - much better selection here. Bananas that actually looked like bananas...WOW! There are actually two separate areas where you can get food from here. The best part though - being able to communicate with PEOPLE. Yes, there are a lot of families here from the states that are very VERY eager to talk to other Americans. Don't get me wrong, the guides here talk very good english but it is just nice to have some familiarity. I must have talked to three or four families that I have never met before in the first five minutes. I even met a family from the Tampa area, a pastor, nope not David yet.
Anyhow, breakfast was good. We were scheduled to go to the medical exam. There are four other Great Wall families that went with us. They all seem nice. One older girls and then some younger kiddos. The older kids are so lucky. They get to be human pin cushions. Actually it wasn't that bad. The girls had to get 3 shots each plus a TB test. They were very brave, no tears. We also found out a few more medical things that we did not know. Just more to get looked into when we get home but nothing serious. That all took most of the morning.
We got back to the hotel around noon and did a quick pit stop int he room and then got a taxi to take us to the Island to order some etchings. These need to be done soon so that they get back in time to take home. Our sketches will not be ready so they will hopefully come home with some friends. We stopped first at Lucy's to get some lunch. Maggie already seemed to not be doing well. I don't think she fully recovered from the flight and then getting shots didn't help. She didn't really want to eat anything. Hope ordered some meat on a stick (I think). I got a burger and Deb got some chicken strips which the girls ended up eating some of. It almost feels like your eating American food. So we finished up there, headed to Michaels to order the etchings. The girls looked around the store but didn't really find much other than a hair clip.
Then comes the fun, the taxi ride back to the hotel with a girl with a "green" face. Yup, good thing we had some bags to catch the debris... I think Maggie felt a lot better after that happened though. We felt bad for the driver. He rolled down the window for her to get some air and even turned up the A/C and a fan that he had mounted for the back. He still had a grin on his face - nice guy!
We made it back to the hotel and the girls went right down for a nap. Hope finally got up around 6:00 pm and Maggie is still sleeping. She was really wiped out. She got up a couple times but then right back out. I really really hope they go back to bed tonight. (Have I used the word Hope enough?). Tomorrow we head to the Chen temple for the fourth time. I wonder if it has changed much...? It is a neat place and we are "hoping" the girls will like to see it. Afterwards we will go to a Pearl market, Walmart and then maybe a Mexican restaurant. It is supposed to be really good. I guess we will see, not something I am craving right now.
So that is about it. I think we will get some food and then watch some Chinese TV and go to sleep. Praying for a good night and day tomorrow. We miss you all but especially the kids. We Love you Tiff, Abby, Jadyn and Ethan.
This morning everyone was happy and ready to eat. We went to breakfast in the hotel - much better selection here. Bananas that actually looked like bananas...WOW! There are actually two separate areas where you can get food from here. The best part though - being able to communicate with PEOPLE. Yes, there are a lot of families here from the states that are very VERY eager to talk to other Americans. Don't get me wrong, the guides here talk very good english but it is just nice to have some familiarity. I must have talked to three or four families that I have never met before in the first five minutes. I even met a family from the Tampa area, a pastor, nope not David yet.
Anyhow, breakfast was good. We were scheduled to go to the medical exam. There are four other Great Wall families that went with us. They all seem nice. One older girls and then some younger kiddos. The older kids are so lucky. They get to be human pin cushions. Actually it wasn't that bad. The girls had to get 3 shots each plus a TB test. They were very brave, no tears. We also found out a few more medical things that we did not know. Just more to get looked into when we get home but nothing serious. That all took most of the morning.
We got back to the hotel around noon and did a quick pit stop int he room and then got a taxi to take us to the Island to order some etchings. These need to be done soon so that they get back in time to take home. Our sketches will not be ready so they will hopefully come home with some friends. We stopped first at Lucy's to get some lunch. Maggie already seemed to not be doing well. I don't think she fully recovered from the flight and then getting shots didn't help. She didn't really want to eat anything. Hope ordered some meat on a stick (I think). I got a burger and Deb got some chicken strips which the girls ended up eating some of. It almost feels like your eating American food. So we finished up there, headed to Michaels to order the etchings. The girls looked around the store but didn't really find much other than a hair clip.
Then comes the fun, the taxi ride back to the hotel with a girl with a "green" face. Yup, good thing we had some bags to catch the debris... I think Maggie felt a lot better after that happened though. We felt bad for the driver. He rolled down the window for her to get some air and even turned up the A/C and a fan that he had mounted for the back. He still had a grin on his face - nice guy!
We made it back to the hotel and the girls went right down for a nap. Hope finally got up around 6:00 pm and Maggie is still sleeping. She was really wiped out. She got up a couple times but then right back out. I really really hope they go back to bed tonight. (Have I used the word Hope enough?). Tomorrow we head to the Chen temple for the fourth time. I wonder if it has changed much...? It is a neat place and we are "hoping" the girls will like to see it. Afterwards we will go to a Pearl market, Walmart and then maybe a Mexican restaurant. It is supposed to be really good. I guess we will see, not something I am craving right now.
So that is about it. I think we will get some food and then watch some Chinese TV and go to sleep. Praying for a good night and day tomorrow. We miss you all but especially the kids. We Love you Tiff, Abby, Jadyn and Ethan.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday and Friday...
Sorry all for the big gap in posts. It has been hard to find the time to get on and type anything. I really haven't had enough time to gather my thoughts. We are sitting in the hotel room right now with 2-1/2 hours left until we check out and head for the airport to go to Guangzhuo. They are wired and cannot wait to get on the airplane. I think it is 2 hours or less of a flight (I hope). I also just checked our long flight home and there are still some empty seats so maybe we will get lucky. I just saw though that the flight is 15 hours and 30 minutes. I did not realize it was that long. I think a double shot of melatonin is in order.
So, Thursday, let me think. I know that we got up, showered and had breakfast just like every other day. I get the same french toast, some "buttered" potatoes and one egg. If I am lucky I get to drink my drink before one of the girls takes it. They found Lotus root the other day - eh? That isn't something I will become a fan of. I can say this, they clean their plates every day.
We met Shelly downstairs to go to a local mall and walmart. We were supposed to go on a tour but it was raining, heavily, as she put it. She obviously has never seen a Florida storm. This walmart was actually a pretty small one but Debbie was able to find a flat iron. We broke the one she brought on the first day. We also got a "unique" outfit for Hope. She picked it out or Maggie picked it out for her, couldn't really tell. We were also able to get some books and something special for Abby and Jadyn. The mall was kind of a bust though. It was a very high end one with nothing but adult clothing, nothing for kids or even teens. We went out onto the walking street to this Balabala store where they were finally able to find some clothes. Maggie will only wear dresses and Hope, well, not so much but we were surprised, she did pick out one dress.
We headed back to the hotel around noon and our guide walked me ten miles to this "close" Pizza hut. Ok, maybe it was only a half mile but in China if you had to walk for your job I think they would consider it hazard pay. I almost lost my toes a couple times. Crossing the street is probably a challenge they could put on Survivor. I had to wait about 20 minutes for the pizza so Shelly took me into another high end mall to see what it was like. I can say this, the malls here are very nice and extremely expensive. There was really nothing that I would be interested in. I went ahead and let Shelly get back to her job and walked back to the hotel by myself. I'm waiting for my award that I made it back, Alive. The pizza went over half and half. Hope liked it but Maggie didn't. I believe we took another nap from around 1:30 until 4:40. That was nice. As much as I wanted to blog during that time I (we) really needed the rest.
After we got up I took Maggie again down to the store to get some snacks and dinner. She is still pretty good but somehow gets me to get at least one thing that I would rather not get. She picked out her dinner and Hopes. She didn't like hers though. I don't think she really reads the package. She won a scratch off ticket that they give you when checking out (when you spend enough) and she won $5 yuan. We took it with us to use at checkout but she had to remind me that "she" won it, not us, so she was going to get something with it. She picked out some skittles which she didn't remember that she bought by the time we got back to the room. They are hidden in my backpack. So we all ate, watched who knows what on TV and then off to bed by around 9:00, I think. I really cannot remember anymore. Actually there is a show called "Baby GO!". It is kind of like Wipe out but for kids. They seem to like it. Oh, did I leave out how they like me to carry them around the room ALL THE TIME! They are reminding me of my age rather quickly. It's strange because they are 12 and 13 but sometimes act like the are 6 or 7 but they definitely do not weigh the same as 6 year olds. They have gotten a lot closer to us. We get lots of hugs and they will let us hold their hand when walking around. We also get a lot of mischief from someone at the same time. Everything, EVERYTHING, is a joke. It is fun, sometimes.
Sleeping goes well. I think we made it until 7:00 this morning and then, you guessed it, breakfast - french toast, potatoes and an egg. It kind of makes me feel like someone at our church and their lunch routine (you know who you are, hahaha). After lunch we came back to the room and finished packing. Mags helped some with this. We told Hope that we were leaving for the airplane and she ran around looking for her socks and shoes. I had to stop her and let her know we weren't going until 5:00. She ran over, got Debbies watched, looked at the time and then sighed. It was only 10:00. That was funny.
For lunch I thought we could use up some time and go to the restaurant one last time. Yeah, that was the longest 20 minutes I ever spent. Someone does not do well in restaurants. (I know, it sounds like I keep picking on her. I'm really not. She just wears us out, mentally and physically.) No, I do not plan on sharing my blog with them anytime soon. So we headed back to the room to "try" and take naps thinking that would help the time pass. Nope, they are just too excited to leave. It's funny, I guess, how eager they are to get on a plane and leave. I know they were happy where they were but they are just as ready to leave and come home with us. I hope that lasts. (Hey D, I think all of the "hopes" were just preparation for us on how many times a day we were going to say her name).
So that brings us to now. It is 3:01, not that I am counting, and we are all ready to go. We plan on trying to see about getting adjoining rooms in Guangzhou if possible if only to be able to have two bathrooms. You definitely have to be prepared cause you only get about 30 seconds. Sorry, TMI.
Ok, the entertainment is being beckoned. Love you all! See you real soon (Mickey reference). !!!!
So, Thursday, let me think. I know that we got up, showered and had breakfast just like every other day. I get the same french toast, some "buttered" potatoes and one egg. If I am lucky I get to drink my drink before one of the girls takes it. They found Lotus root the other day - eh? That isn't something I will become a fan of. I can say this, they clean their plates every day.
We met Shelly downstairs to go to a local mall and walmart. We were supposed to go on a tour but it was raining, heavily, as she put it. She obviously has never seen a Florida storm. This walmart was actually a pretty small one but Debbie was able to find a flat iron. We broke the one she brought on the first day. We also got a "unique" outfit for Hope. She picked it out or Maggie picked it out for her, couldn't really tell. We were also able to get some books and something special for Abby and Jadyn. The mall was kind of a bust though. It was a very high end one with nothing but adult clothing, nothing for kids or even teens. We went out onto the walking street to this Balabala store where they were finally able to find some clothes. Maggie will only wear dresses and Hope, well, not so much but we were surprised, she did pick out one dress.
We headed back to the hotel around noon and our guide walked me ten miles to this "close" Pizza hut. Ok, maybe it was only a half mile but in China if you had to walk for your job I think they would consider it hazard pay. I almost lost my toes a couple times. Crossing the street is probably a challenge they could put on Survivor. I had to wait about 20 minutes for the pizza so Shelly took me into another high end mall to see what it was like. I can say this, the malls here are very nice and extremely expensive. There was really nothing that I would be interested in. I went ahead and let Shelly get back to her job and walked back to the hotel by myself. I'm waiting for my award that I made it back, Alive. The pizza went over half and half. Hope liked it but Maggie didn't. I believe we took another nap from around 1:30 until 4:40. That was nice. As much as I wanted to blog during that time I (we) really needed the rest.
After we got up I took Maggie again down to the store to get some snacks and dinner. She is still pretty good but somehow gets me to get at least one thing that I would rather not get. She picked out her dinner and Hopes. She didn't like hers though. I don't think she really reads the package. She won a scratch off ticket that they give you when checking out (when you spend enough) and she won $5 yuan. We took it with us to use at checkout but she had to remind me that "she" won it, not us, so she was going to get something with it. She picked out some skittles which she didn't remember that she bought by the time we got back to the room. They are hidden in my backpack. So we all ate, watched who knows what on TV and then off to bed by around 9:00, I think. I really cannot remember anymore. Actually there is a show called "Baby GO!". It is kind of like Wipe out but for kids. They seem to like it. Oh, did I leave out how they like me to carry them around the room ALL THE TIME! They are reminding me of my age rather quickly. It's strange because they are 12 and 13 but sometimes act like the are 6 or 7 but they definitely do not weigh the same as 6 year olds. They have gotten a lot closer to us. We get lots of hugs and they will let us hold their hand when walking around. We also get a lot of mischief from someone at the same time. Everything, EVERYTHING, is a joke. It is fun, sometimes.
Sleeping goes well. I think we made it until 7:00 this morning and then, you guessed it, breakfast - french toast, potatoes and an egg. It kind of makes me feel like someone at our church and their lunch routine (you know who you are, hahaha). After lunch we came back to the room and finished packing. Mags helped some with this. We told Hope that we were leaving for the airplane and she ran around looking for her socks and shoes. I had to stop her and let her know we weren't going until 5:00. She ran over, got Debbies watched, looked at the time and then sighed. It was only 10:00. That was funny.
For lunch I thought we could use up some time and go to the restaurant one last time. Yeah, that was the longest 20 minutes I ever spent. Someone does not do well in restaurants. (I know, it sounds like I keep picking on her. I'm really not. She just wears us out, mentally and physically.) No, I do not plan on sharing my blog with them anytime soon. So we headed back to the room to "try" and take naps thinking that would help the time pass. Nope, they are just too excited to leave. It's funny, I guess, how eager they are to get on a plane and leave. I know they were happy where they were but they are just as ready to leave and come home with us. I hope that lasts. (Hey D, I think all of the "hopes" were just preparation for us on how many times a day we were going to say her name).
So that brings us to now. It is 3:01, not that I am counting, and we are all ready to go. We plan on trying to see about getting adjoining rooms in Guangzhou if possible if only to be able to have two bathrooms. You definitely have to be prepared cause you only get about 30 seconds. Sorry, TMI.
Ok, the entertainment is being beckoned. Love you all! See you real soon (Mickey reference). !!!!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Wednesday night...
It's official, I have the most hyper children in China right now! We had a good moment. Somehow they ended up wanting me to lift them in the air and then carry them around the room. We gave them a vitamin c drop which in hindsight was not a good idea but we did have some fun though. The sugar rushes seem to last for at least an hour. They are in the shower right now so I have about two minutes to type.
Today we visited a zoo which was ok. We did not stay that long since it looked like rain was coming. They had a HUGE breakfast and then an hour later at the park they are telling our guide how hungry they are, amazing. They have what looked like a hot dog and then some big ice cream bowls. (I wish everyone was here right now.) We miss the kids so much.
We had a lot of trouble with someone at the zoo today though which really got to me. She would run off a lot and not listen at all. It was very difficult.
We got back around noon and I took Maggie to the restaurant, store and KFC for lunch. She is pretty good when going out. She likes to help with shopping and stuff. She will make the beds in the morning and fold clothes. She also likes to yell "mommy ya" or that is what it sounds like whenever she needs Debbie to help in the bathroom.
Ok, showers are done. I will try and type more later. I have to hide the iPad. They don't quite understand it and I am having things deleted and numerous other things.
Love you all!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Today we visited a zoo which was ok. We did not stay that long since it looked like rain was coming. They had a HUGE breakfast and then an hour later at the park they are telling our guide how hungry they are, amazing. They have what looked like a hot dog and then some big ice cream bowls. (I wish everyone was here right now.) We miss the kids so much.
We had a lot of trouble with someone at the zoo today though which really got to me. She would run off a lot and not listen at all. It was very difficult.
We got back around noon and I took Maggie to the restaurant, store and KFC for lunch. She is pretty good when going out. She likes to help with shopping and stuff. She will make the beds in the morning and fold clothes. She also likes to yell "mommy ya" or that is what it sounds like whenever she needs Debbie to help in the bathroom.
Ok, showers are done. I will try and type more later. I have to hide the iPad. They don't quite understand it and I am having things deleted and numerous other things.
Love you all!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Wednesday afternoon
Hi everyone. Sorry for not posting in a while. I have to be honest, it has been hard and I wasn't sure what I wanted to say. Most of you probably how it is said that God will not give you more than you can handle but I do not think that is an accurate statement. I think he can and will give you more than you can handle so that you will draw closer to him to ask for more help. That is the place that I am in right now.
There have been plenty of good moments but plenty of hard along the way too. It. Is definitely very hard adopting to children at the same time, especially when they are so different.
We all just took a 3 hour nap so hopefully that will help us get through the rest of this day. (Dawn, I know that you can understand as I know now how you were feeling.) we are going to brave going to the pool and see how that goes. I have no idea if they know how to swim.
I think this is all that I will say for right now. As I said, it has been very hard on me the last day and I need some time to gather my thoughts. Remember to keep us all in your prayers.
Thank you!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
There have been plenty of good moments but plenty of hard along the way too. It. Is definitely very hard adopting to children at the same time, especially when they are so different.
We all just took a 3 hour nap so hopefully that will help us get through the rest of this day. (Dawn, I know that you can understand as I know now how you were feeling.) we are going to brave going to the pool and see how that goes. I have no idea if they know how to swim.
I think this is all that I will say for right now. As I said, it has been very hard on me the last day and I need some time to gather my thoughts. Remember to keep us all in your prayers.
Thank you!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Shouchun Rd,Hefei,China
Monday, August 6, 2012
Tuesday Morning...
So a quick post before we leave for the day. Last night was interesting. Mags decided she was going to sleep with me and Debbie last night. I think I only got hit in the face three or four times, that I felt anyway. She has really warmed up to us. She also knows a lot more than she is letting on. We were skyping with Denise and she started counting to 10 (in English), little stinker. We don't know how much she knows but there is at least a little bit.
Hope on the other hand probably doesn't know any english but she repeats everything that we say, like a parrot. They both do really. It was interesting at breakfast too. One decided it was okay to spit on the floor in the restaurant and the other let her know that was not good. we obviously have some work to do.
Anyway, it was a good day overall and a good morning. I was expecting to wake up to grieving. Nope, they woke up like any other day, bed head and all. WOW, with that much hair and rolling all over the bed it was a sight. We love these girls so much already and even though it has been a little tough at times we cannot complain at all. We have been so blessed now 5 and 6 times. We couldn't ask for anything more. More than we deserve, hopefully not more than we can handle. (jk).
Anyway, this will be a short post as we are heading out to civil affairs, the police station and the orphanage. I am praying that it will not be rough leaving there, for all of us.
Love you all! Thanks for the prayers and support.
Hope on the other hand probably doesn't know any english but she repeats everything that we say, like a parrot. They both do really. It was interesting at breakfast too. One decided it was okay to spit on the floor in the restaurant and the other let her know that was not good. we obviously have some work to do.
Anyway, it was a good day overall and a good morning. I was expecting to wake up to grieving. Nope, they woke up like any other day, bed head and all. WOW, with that much hair and rolling all over the bed it was a sight. We love these girls so much already and even though it has been a little tough at times we cannot complain at all. We have been so blessed now 5 and 6 times. We couldn't ask for anything more. More than we deserve, hopefully not more than we can handle. (jk).
Anyway, this will be a short post as we are heading out to civil affairs, the police station and the orphanage. I am praying that it will not be rough leaving there, for all of us.
Love you all! Thanks for the prayers and support.
Monday night
Ok, I have five minutes while Deb is trying to give them a bath. I remember about a year ago someone asking me how much harder could it be for two? Ha, I now know the answer. Much! They are both being great but they are very different. We ventured out to the store again. That was Debbie's call. Maggie's dragged us up to the third floor of the market where they have clothes. She seems to be a "dress only" kind of girl. I don't think she likes any of the clothes we brought. Hope doesn't really care too much but would prefer camo stuff.
I tried to make them noodles in the room but was told they were no good. We went to the restaurant here in the hotel. They have real noodles and rice. We each ordered a dish. I had no idea how large it was. They could have told us it was family style. Debbie will post all of the photos so you can take a look at them when she gets them up, if she hasn't already.
So I didn't really get to say that much about this morning. They were a little late. We got to watch some Italian families get their children. They were all younger. It was good I think for us to see that first and get us ready. I could laugh at their nervousness so that I could not think about mine so much. They came into the room very quite and kind of walked past us. They we very shy and not sure what to do. They got upset rather quickly. I think they were okay that they were going to come with us but they were sad to leave their friends. Hope got a little mad whereas Maggie got more upset. She was okay with me rubbing her back while hope didn't want anyone touching her at all. It took a little while but by the time we were leaving they seemed okay.
We've had a lot of fun since leaving the civil affairs office. Hope was cracking up at the escalator in the mall. I don't think she has ever seen one before. Then there was Maggie in the glass elevator. She had the "death grip" on the hand rail while going down only 4 floors. It was really funny. Overall everything has been good but I'm ready for this day to be over. We are all very tired and I think we would have all taken a nap if someone would have let us turn off the Chinese soap operas. She is definitely going to keep us busy, oh wait, did I say that already?
Ok, they just got out of the baths squeaky clean. Mags is such a girl. She is very independent too. She seems to know how to do most anything. I think hope knows how to do a lot too but prefers not to.
Ok, I really should go now. I'll try to get on later if I remember anything that I missed. Thank you all for the prayers.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
I tried to make them noodles in the room but was told they were no good. We went to the restaurant here in the hotel. They have real noodles and rice. We each ordered a dish. I had no idea how large it was. They could have told us it was family style. Debbie will post all of the photos so you can take a look at them when she gets them up, if she hasn't already.
So I didn't really get to say that much about this morning. They were a little late. We got to watch some Italian families get their children. They were all younger. It was good I think for us to see that first and get us ready. I could laugh at their nervousness so that I could not think about mine so much. They came into the room very quite and kind of walked past us. They we very shy and not sure what to do. They got upset rather quickly. I think they were okay that they were going to come with us but they were sad to leave their friends. Hope got a little mad whereas Maggie got more upset. She was okay with me rubbing her back while hope didn't want anyone touching her at all. It took a little while but by the time we were leaving they seemed okay.
We've had a lot of fun since leaving the civil affairs office. Hope was cracking up at the escalator in the mall. I don't think she has ever seen one before. Then there was Maggie in the glass elevator. She had the "death grip" on the hand rail while going down only 4 floors. It was really funny. Overall everything has been good but I'm ready for this day to be over. We are all very tired and I think we would have all taken a nap if someone would have let us turn off the Chinese soap operas. She is definitely going to keep us busy, oh wait, did I say that already?
Ok, they just got out of the baths squeaky clean. Mags is such a girl. She is very independent too. She seems to know how to do most anything. I think hope knows how to do a lot too but prefers not to.
Ok, I really should go now. I'll try to get on later if I remember anything that I missed. Thank you all for the prayers.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Shouchun Rd,Hefei,China
Monday afternoon
We have them. Don't have a lot of time to talk. Someone likes to get into everything. We definitely have our hands full. We took them both to the supermarket. That probably will NOT happen again. Left with $260 yuan worth of mainly candy i think. Not really sure what we bought. Mags was very helpful, hope was very "curious".
We did have a good laugh throwing a beach ball around the room. Oh no, they just found the bathing suits. Not sure I am ready for that.
Ok, have to go. I will type more when or if the sleep.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
We did have a good laugh throwing a beach ball around the room. Oh no, they just found the bathing suits. Not sure I am ready for that.
Ok, have to go. I will type more when or if the sleep.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Monday morning (update)
I almost forgot to tell you all what happened yesterday. So our guide was taking me out to the bank to exchange money and as we were getting into the elevator she asks "do you like beer?" I said "excuse me?" I didn't know if I had heard her right and she repeated "Do you like beer?". I proceeded to say "No?". Then she says "Oh, you just look like you would like beer. The men here drink a lot of beer and have big guts." as she was pointing to me. Hahahahaha. Such a different culture. I'm not sure if I was being insult or not. Anyway, just thought I would share that.
Off to breakfast...talk to you all later.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Off to breakfast...talk to you all later.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Monday morning
It's finally here. Monday morning and we meet the girls in just under 4 hours. I think to make the time go by I slept from 2:30 yesterday afternoon until just about an hour ago (4:30 am). I did wake up for a little bit around 7:00 pm but I was just beat. I think I've slept more from the start of this trip than I have in the last month.
We found out from a friend and our guide that the girls do know that we are coming. I'm hoping that is a good thing. One of them said that they seemed to be excited. They should be heading our way shortly. I think it is a two hour drive to their city. We can't believe this day is finally here. Clothes are all laid out... Cameras are ready... Nerves are full force... What else can I say?
One thing that we haven't given "as much" thought to is how the girls are feeling about all of this and what expectations that they are going to have of us. Do they think we will speak Chinese? I have been worried all along on how I will be able to communicate with them but what about them communicating with us? I just pray that we will be able to live up to the expectations that they have had for this day. We love them so much. They are such a blessing to us and we only hope that we could be a blessing to them. I guess we will find out soon enough.
We meet them at 9:30 and were told we will come back to the hotel for bonding time. Stalk the blogs. We will post as soon as we can....
Love you all!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
We found out from a friend and our guide that the girls do know that we are coming. I'm hoping that is a good thing. One of them said that they seemed to be excited. They should be heading our way shortly. I think it is a two hour drive to their city. We can't believe this day is finally here. Clothes are all laid out... Cameras are ready... Nerves are full force... What else can I say?
One thing that we haven't given "as much" thought to is how the girls are feeling about all of this and what expectations that they are going to have of us. Do they think we will speak Chinese? I have been worried all along on how I will be able to communicate with them but what about them communicating with us? I just pray that we will be able to live up to the expectations that they have had for this day. We love them so much. They are such a blessing to us and we only hope that we could be a blessing to them. I guess we will find out soon enough.
We meet them at 9:30 and were told we will come back to the hotel for bonding time. Stalk the blogs. We will post as soon as we can....
Love you all!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Hefei China
Sunday morning take two.
This is take two for this post. I typed it all up in the Beijing airport and then lost my connection. Thought it posted but not. I will try my best to repeat what I think I shared.
Saturday morning started out with breakfast at the hotel. It was okay. There was bacon, ham with pineapple, sausage and rice. You can never have enough rice in China. We always try and fill up on breakfast as it is the most western food that you will see for the day.
Our first stop was Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden city. Funny thing, I've been to the Forbidden city 6 times now. Doesn't seem all that forbidden does it? It is a really cool place but much nicer in the winter when it isn't 100 degrees and thousands of people. I think the agencies like to take you here first to introduce you to the Chinese version of personal space, none. It really was incredibly hot and we filled up on waters (shui, sh-way). I didn't really take a lot of tourist type photos this time. I think we got a couple hundred the first time we were here.
Next stop was lunch at the jade factory. They gave us our own room and a table big enough for all of us. I think we had 14 or so total. The food was good, fried fish, rice (of course), fried yogurt (I couldn't have passed on that one), sweet and sour chicken and garlic shutes (I think, which were good). It was a good lunch.
We then proceeded to the jade show room where they were going to "knowledge us" on jade. They have some of the best sales women anywhere. They definitely know how to sell. Debbie was able to pick out two bangles, one for each of the girls. Sales girl was funny she says not to worry price. Just find what you like and the she will talk to manager. He did come over and actually did give us a good price plus some freebies (don't tell anyone). The bangles really are nice and I'm sure the girls will love them. They don't actually get them until their wedding day which I hope is many years from now.
Next stop, the Great Wall. So again this is my sixth time here and you know what I learned? It's still great. They you make it to the top of one of the towers you are a hero. Well, I've done that once before and didn't really feel the need to be a double hero. It was pretty hot here too. We walked for about 5 minutes up and 10 minutes down and then found some drinks and shade, and then back to the air conditioned bus. This was actually nice because we were able to spend sometime with Grace, our guide. She's was pretty nice. We had some fun joking around with her.
From the Great Wall we went back to the hotel, driving past the Olympic village. The. Birds nest is still really cool. We got to see the water cube as well. I was able to see that in 2008 at night and they light it all up from the inside with different colors. Really, really cool.
So, what was the highlight of this day? It was Debbie complaining about not being able to use the Internet in the room. She's not obsessed, she just new a good 8 to 10 hours per day (just kidding). This got me to google Apple stores and see if by chance there was one around us. Guess what? There was and it was only 2 miles away. So we hopped in a taxi and had a fun drive (differing opinions on that) to the Apple store. This was AWESOME!!! Two story store with probably a hundred people inside. All glass on the exterior walls. Really cool. We were greeted right away by several different associates and they got us what we needed in no time. I have no idea what I spent and I'm sure it isn't anything that I could live without but come one, Apple store in China and Bill not buy anything. Yeah right. We even figured out after all that how to get a taxi back to the hotel with no problems. Bring it on Amazing Race!
So that pretty much wrapped up our day. As usual for me in China dinner consisted of chocolate oreos and coke. for some reason they taste better here. There was a McDonalds close by but after out fun adventure Debbie though it best to stay in doors.
So that brings me to now (well several hours ago, now) sitting in the airport waiting for another flight. I think this has been the hardest trip for me. This is the most scared I have ever been in any of the adoptions and I can't really seem to put my finger on why. There are tons of little things but not one big thing. I general just knowing that the girls are older and that they have a say in this whole thing is scary. I now in the end that the reward will FAR out weight anything else.
You know I was sitting around last night thinking how amazing and crazy it is that one of the dateless wonders (yeah, mom thought that was a funny nickname) would be getting ready to have six kids. Me, Bill, six kids. Can you imagine? Then the fears set in... Will the girls like us... Will they want to come with us... Will we meet up to their expectations... Will they bond with us... Will they call me ye ye (grandpa)... (the campers got a kick with that one). In all seriousness these are the things that have run through my mind. I know what we are doing is really good and that we are helping two more children to grow up in a family with a mom, dad, brother, and sisters but don't get me wrong it is very selfish too. The feeling that you get from doing this is so addictive. Being able to give out this love and the get it back is just amazing and the first time they look up at you and say "I love you!" is just priceless.
We have had so many families come up to us in the last months and talk about how they have considered adoption and to be honest most have said that if their husband was on board they would do it. I have to tell you men that you can do this. You can love a child that is not of your blood. I was right there with you and the one day God opened my eyes to what is really important in this life.
We have been able to meet so many families over the last few months that are adopting older children that, in some people's eyes, nobody wants and it's been amazing to hear their stories. What is amazing is how close the adoptive community is also. I barely talk to me neighbors but I can meet a stranger on a plane or in and airport half way around the world and talk for hours. That's what has been cool about this trip is how we were able to meet a couple on the flight into China and talk to them several times. They were just here in February adopting and older child (12 year old girl) and now here they are again. They were able to give us excellent advice and encouragement and we are truly grateful. We know without a doubt that God had put them there to share with us. We hope to meet up with them again in Guangzhou. Or then the family that we met yesterday that is adopting and older boy (12) that we are also going to meet back up with in a few days. It's just all planned out and yet I worry so much. It is just so neat to see these things that we worried about and yet they were all for a reason.
So there, typing about all of this to you all was my self therapy to help me calm down and let Him be in control of this whole thing.
I guess I didn't really say much about today. (boy is this post getting long. Is there a character limit?). We are in Hefei. Holiday Inn. Shelley is our guide here. She is very nice but looks like she is twelve (sorry). I thought that was bad but maybe it will end up being good. Maybe the girls will trust here more. The hotel is nice, clean and very close to a shopping center and KFC so we should be good. It's weird. We are sitting in the room and there's this cot off to the side that will have girls sitting on it in less than a day. I guess that is a about it.
Oh, no, I forgot to mention about the 60 year old boy on the plane next to me. It was so funny. He tried to talk to me in Chinese and when I said I didn't speak he then tried to write the words on his hand and then type them on his phone. What was fun though was that I don't think he has ever flown before. Once we took off he was all excited and looking out the window talking to himself and then I think arguing with then 10 year old I front of him where his house was. Just kidding but it did sound like that. One thing that isn't that fun though is landing and them opening the doors. They are very serious about getting off of the plane as soon as possible. It's best to just stand aside.
Anyway, that is truly about it now. I am getting really tired and that pack of chocolate oreos is staring at me. Thanks again everyone for everything.
We love you Tiffi, Abby, Jadyn and Ethan and is you very much!!!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Saturday morning started out with breakfast at the hotel. It was okay. There was bacon, ham with pineapple, sausage and rice. You can never have enough rice in China. We always try and fill up on breakfast as it is the most western food that you will see for the day.
Our first stop was Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden city. Funny thing, I've been to the Forbidden city 6 times now. Doesn't seem all that forbidden does it? It is a really cool place but much nicer in the winter when it isn't 100 degrees and thousands of people. I think the agencies like to take you here first to introduce you to the Chinese version of personal space, none. It really was incredibly hot and we filled up on waters (shui, sh-way). I didn't really take a lot of tourist type photos this time. I think we got a couple hundred the first time we were here.
Next stop was lunch at the jade factory. They gave us our own room and a table big enough for all of us. I think we had 14 or so total. The food was good, fried fish, rice (of course), fried yogurt (I couldn't have passed on that one), sweet and sour chicken and garlic shutes (I think, which were good). It was a good lunch.
We then proceeded to the jade show room where they were going to "knowledge us" on jade. They have some of the best sales women anywhere. They definitely know how to sell. Debbie was able to pick out two bangles, one for each of the girls. Sales girl was funny she says not to worry price. Just find what you like and the she will talk to manager. He did come over and actually did give us a good price plus some freebies (don't tell anyone). The bangles really are nice and I'm sure the girls will love them. They don't actually get them until their wedding day which I hope is many years from now.
Next stop, the Great Wall. So again this is my sixth time here and you know what I learned? It's still great. They you make it to the top of one of the towers you are a hero. Well, I've done that once before and didn't really feel the need to be a double hero. It was pretty hot here too. We walked for about 5 minutes up and 10 minutes down and then found some drinks and shade, and then back to the air conditioned bus. This was actually nice because we were able to spend sometime with Grace, our guide. She's was pretty nice. We had some fun joking around with her.
From the Great Wall we went back to the hotel, driving past the Olympic village. The. Birds nest is still really cool. We got to see the water cube as well. I was able to see that in 2008 at night and they light it all up from the inside with different colors. Really, really cool.
So, what was the highlight of this day? It was Debbie complaining about not being able to use the Internet in the room. She's not obsessed, she just new a good 8 to 10 hours per day (just kidding). This got me to google Apple stores and see if by chance there was one around us. Guess what? There was and it was only 2 miles away. So we hopped in a taxi and had a fun drive (differing opinions on that) to the Apple store. This was AWESOME!!! Two story store with probably a hundred people inside. All glass on the exterior walls. Really cool. We were greeted right away by several different associates and they got us what we needed in no time. I have no idea what I spent and I'm sure it isn't anything that I could live without but come one, Apple store in China and Bill not buy anything. Yeah right. We even figured out after all that how to get a taxi back to the hotel with no problems. Bring it on Amazing Race!
So that pretty much wrapped up our day. As usual for me in China dinner consisted of chocolate oreos and coke. for some reason they taste better here. There was a McDonalds close by but after out fun adventure Debbie though it best to stay in doors.
So that brings me to now (well several hours ago, now) sitting in the airport waiting for another flight. I think this has been the hardest trip for me. This is the most scared I have ever been in any of the adoptions and I can't really seem to put my finger on why. There are tons of little things but not one big thing. I general just knowing that the girls are older and that they have a say in this whole thing is scary. I now in the end that the reward will FAR out weight anything else.
You know I was sitting around last night thinking how amazing and crazy it is that one of the dateless wonders (yeah, mom thought that was a funny nickname) would be getting ready to have six kids. Me, Bill, six kids. Can you imagine? Then the fears set in... Will the girls like us... Will they want to come with us... Will we meet up to their expectations... Will they bond with us... Will they call me ye ye (grandpa)... (the campers got a kick with that one). In all seriousness these are the things that have run through my mind. I know what we are doing is really good and that we are helping two more children to grow up in a family with a mom, dad, brother, and sisters but don't get me wrong it is very selfish too. The feeling that you get from doing this is so addictive. Being able to give out this love and the get it back is just amazing and the first time they look up at you and say "I love you!" is just priceless.
We have had so many families come up to us in the last months and talk about how they have considered adoption and to be honest most have said that if their husband was on board they would do it. I have to tell you men that you can do this. You can love a child that is not of your blood. I was right there with you and the one day God opened my eyes to what is really important in this life.
We have been able to meet so many families over the last few months that are adopting older children that, in some people's eyes, nobody wants and it's been amazing to hear their stories. What is amazing is how close the adoptive community is also. I barely talk to me neighbors but I can meet a stranger on a plane or in and airport half way around the world and talk for hours. That's what has been cool about this trip is how we were able to meet a couple on the flight into China and talk to them several times. They were just here in February adopting and older child (12 year old girl) and now here they are again. They were able to give us excellent advice and encouragement and we are truly grateful. We know without a doubt that God had put them there to share with us. We hope to meet up with them again in Guangzhou. Or then the family that we met yesterday that is adopting and older boy (12) that we are also going to meet back up with in a few days. It's just all planned out and yet I worry so much. It is just so neat to see these things that we worried about and yet they were all for a reason.
So there, typing about all of this to you all was my self therapy to help me calm down and let Him be in control of this whole thing.
I guess I didn't really say much about today. (boy is this post getting long. Is there a character limit?). We are in Hefei. Holiday Inn. Shelley is our guide here. She is very nice but looks like she is twelve (sorry). I thought that was bad but maybe it will end up being good. Maybe the girls will trust here more. The hotel is nice, clean and very close to a shopping center and KFC so we should be good. It's weird. We are sitting in the room and there's this cot off to the side that will have girls sitting on it in less than a day. I guess that is a about it.
Oh, no, I forgot to mention about the 60 year old boy on the plane next to me. It was so funny. He tried to talk to me in Chinese and when I said I didn't speak he then tried to write the words on his hand and then type them on his phone. What was fun though was that I don't think he has ever flown before. Once we took off he was all excited and looking out the window talking to himself and then I think arguing with then 10 year old I front of him where his house was. Just kidding but it did sound like that. One thing that isn't that fun though is landing and them opening the doors. They are very serious about getting off of the plane as soon as possible. It's best to just stand aside.
Anyway, that is truly about it now. I am getting really tired and that pack of chocolate oreos is staring at me. Thanks again everyone for everything.
We love you Tiffi, Abby, Jadyn and Ethan and is you very much!!!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Beijing China
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Saturday night 9:50
We made it through another day. As Debbie said on the other site - it was HOT!!! I was neat just spending the day here and getting ready for the girls. I saw so many little ones today that kept reminding me of all of my kiddos. The highlight of the day had to be the Taxi trip to the Apple store. I think that just freaked and stressed Debbie out but of course I loved it. I think almost all of the employees spoke at least a little bit of english. They were very nice and helped me get what I needed very quickly even though the store was PACKED. You've never seen an Apple store this packed before - even on a launch day.
We did get to meet the other families, two who are leaving and a third that we will meet up with again on Saturday. It seems so far away but I know it will come quickly with all of the things that we have to do. I am completely exhausted so I think that is all that you will get out of me tonight. The heat just wiped us out.
I will try and write in the morning before we leave, if not Sunday lunchtime (China)...
We missed you all!
- Bill
We did get to meet the other families, two who are leaving and a third that we will meet up with again on Saturday. It seems so far away but I know it will come quickly with all of the things that we have to do. I am completely exhausted so I think that is all that you will get out of me tonight. The heat just wiped us out.
I will try and write in the morning before we leave, if not Sunday lunchtime (China)...
We missed you all!
 |
| Look at the young newly weds. Awe... (matching outfit was NOT planned). |
 |
| Ice cold water - YES! |
 |
| Happy Momma with her new Bangles. |
 |
| I don't think this guy is to scale? |
 |
| Keys and locks on the Great Wall - not sure what they mean |
 |
| Just a good looking guy |
- Bill
Friday, August 3, 2012
Saturday morning around 5:30 am...
It's 5:30 am now and we've been up for a while. The alarm clock in the room runs on batteries and they are dead. I could call for a wake up time but I've tried that before and it's harder than you may think. We usually bring a travel clock with us so I tried to do reminders on the iPad (yeah, I have an alarm clock app but it's in the phone and I'm afraid to turn it on at $20 per meg of data if I didn't turn off the roaming.) In the end we knew we wouldn't sleep that long. We went to sleep at 1:30 and I jumped at 3:30 thinking it was time. This is going to be fun for the next couple of days adjusting.
Hotel is nice enough although I could hear a guy snoring in the room next door through the wall. I would hate to know what it sounds like inside that room. The bed "feels like" a piece of plywood with sheets. Very good if you like a firm mattress. Definitely not a pillow top.
We were able to meet Grace, our guide here in Beijing, last night in the hotel lobby. Apparently she is staying here with us. She seems nice enough. We will only have today and Sunday morning with her and then someone else will take over in Hefei. She is going to take us on the tours today. Yep, 6 times in the Forbidden City. Doesn't really seem that forbidden any more. Maybe we will be lucky and go to a different part of the Great Wall. We are going to have lunch at a jade factory. It should be fun if it doesn't get too hot.
Oh, did I mention anything about business first? Worth every penny and then some. Debbie was already asking how we could get up there for the ride home. I think I slept 10 hours of the 13 hour flight. Stinks too because they had some good new movies. They 11 hours in Chicago kind of wore us out. I'm not sure how much Debbie slept but I'm betting it was at least half the flight. Anyone how can do that upgrade should do it. I feel better physically after that flight than I have any of the others.
We got to Skype the kids last night. Only wifi in the lobby of this hotel. They have cable jacks in the room but of course I didn't think about the MacBook having the new connector. Either have to convince them to take me to an Apple store here in China (dream) or wait until next city before I can use it. Wouldn't it be terrible if they had to take me to Apple??? Hahaha
Everyone seemed to be doing good at home. We already miss them so much. No crying though so that was good. They are having a blast with Miss Diedra and Mr Brian. They have all kinds of cool stuff - dippin dot maker, popcorn machine, snow cone maker.... I guess I will have a wish list of stuff from them when we get home. We are really glad that they are having so much fun and so grateful to these friends for opening their home. Thank you!!!
Well, I have to get in the shower now and then check out the food they have for us here. Crossing my fingers for western style breakfast. We will get a Chinese lunch this afternoon.
Thanks again everyone!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Hotel is nice enough although I could hear a guy snoring in the room next door through the wall. I would hate to know what it sounds like inside that room. The bed "feels like" a piece of plywood with sheets. Very good if you like a firm mattress. Definitely not a pillow top.
We were able to meet Grace, our guide here in Beijing, last night in the hotel lobby. Apparently she is staying here with us. She seems nice enough. We will only have today and Sunday morning with her and then someone else will take over in Hefei. She is going to take us on the tours today. Yep, 6 times in the Forbidden City. Doesn't really seem that forbidden any more. Maybe we will be lucky and go to a different part of the Great Wall. We are going to have lunch at a jade factory. It should be fun if it doesn't get too hot.
Oh, did I mention anything about business first? Worth every penny and then some. Debbie was already asking how we could get up there for the ride home. I think I slept 10 hours of the 13 hour flight. Stinks too because they had some good new movies. They 11 hours in Chicago kind of wore us out. I'm not sure how much Debbie slept but I'm betting it was at least half the flight. Anyone how can do that upgrade should do it. I feel better physically after that flight than I have any of the others.
We got to Skype the kids last night. Only wifi in the lobby of this hotel. They have cable jacks in the room but of course I didn't think about the MacBook having the new connector. Either have to convince them to take me to an Apple store here in China (dream) or wait until next city before I can use it. Wouldn't it be terrible if they had to take me to Apple??? Hahaha
Everyone seemed to be doing good at home. We already miss them so much. No crying though so that was good. They are having a blast with Miss Diedra and Mr Brian. They have all kinds of cool stuff - dippin dot maker, popcorn machine, snow cone maker.... I guess I will have a wish list of stuff from them when we get home. We are really glad that they are having so much fun and so grateful to these friends for opening their home. Thank you!!!
Well, I have to get in the shower now and then check out the food they have for us here. Crossing my fingers for western style breakfast. We will get a Chinese lunch this afternoon.
Thanks again everyone!
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Beijing China
Made it to Beijing. 11 hour delay but we are here....
So, we made it. I think it was around 30 hours of travel but we are here and ready to meet the other families but more to meet our girls. There are three other families here that we will see at 8:00 am.
I have to admit that I had a little panic attack on the plane realize that I am about to be a dad two more times. Me, Bill, the trouble maker, a dad to six kids. Who would have thought. I don't know how I could be worthy of such a blessing. Pray for me and Debbie for the next couple days. We seem to take turns freaking out, probably more me though. Deb reminds me that it's all my fault. I had to go to camp again. I think I would do it ten more times if I could.
Ok, almost sounds like I'm gonna start preaching so I'll stop. We are really excited to finally be here. Can't wait to see what God has planned.
Thank you everyone
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out (from China)
I have to admit that I had a little panic attack on the plane realize that I am about to be a dad two more times. Me, Bill, the trouble maker, a dad to six kids. Who would have thought. I don't know how I could be worthy of such a blessing. Pray for me and Debbie for the next couple days. We seem to take turns freaking out, probably more me though. Deb reminds me that it's all my fault. I had to go to camp again. I think I would do it ten more times if I could.
Ok, almost sounds like I'm gonna start preaching so I'll stop. We are really excited to finally be here. Can't wait to see what God has planned.
Thank you everyone
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out (from China)
Location:Beijing china
Made it to Beijing. 11 hour delay but we are here....
So, we made it. I think it was around 30 hours of travel but we are here and ready to meet the other families but more to meet our girls. There are three other families here that we will see at 8:00 am.
I have to admit that I had a little panic attack on the plane realize that I am about to be a dad two more times. Me, Bill, the trouble maker, a dad to six kids. Who would have thought. I don't know how I could be worthy of such a blessing. Pray for me and Debbie for the next couple days. We seem to take turns freaking out, probably more me though. Deb reminds me that it's all my fault. I had to go to camp again. I think I would do it ten more times if I could.
Ok, almost sounds like I'm gonna start preaching so I'll stop. We are really excited to finally be here. Can't wait to see what God has planned.
Thank you everyone
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out (from China)
I have to admit that I had a little panic attack on the plane realize that I am about to be a dad two more times. Me, Bill, the trouble maker, a dad to six kids. Who would have thought. I don't know how I could be worthy of such a blessing. Pray for me and Debbie for the next couple days. We seem to take turns freaking out, probably more me though. Deb reminds me that it's all my fault. I had to go to camp again. I think I would do it ten more times if I could.
Ok, almost sounds like I'm gonna start preaching so I'll stop. We are really excited to finally be here. Can't wait to see what God has planned.
Thank you everyone
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out (from China)
Location:Beijing china
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Ok, so delays aren't always bad....
So, I didn't get another email but I was able to log into the website and look at the seat maps to see if anyone is going to be next to us on this flight and then noticed a "pair" of seats one row closer and by the window that were now open. Yup, they went ahead and moved us over to those seats, hopefully that doesn't end up begin a bad choice. The two other seats that face backwards in front of the two they gave us are empty right now too. We will see if they stay that way.
The bad - almost 6 hours so far sitting in the same place snacking on stale pretzels... I think we are going to leave here and try and find a good place to spend our vouchers. I think there is a Chili's Too. If not we can walk really far to a Tuscan style place.
I know what you all are thinking and, yes, I have nothing better to do than think of things to say on a blog that I never use unless I am traveling. I can't make any promises but I do not plan on doing any preaching this time.
谢谢
Bill
The bad - almost 6 hours so far sitting in the same place snacking on stale pretzels... I think we are going to leave here and try and find a good place to spend our vouchers. I think there is a Chili's Too. If not we can walk really far to a Tuscan style place.
I know what you all are thinking and, yes, I have nothing better to do than think of things to say on a blog that I never use unless I am traveling. I can't make any promises but I do not plan on doing any preaching this time.
谢谢
Bill
Oh crud! Another delay
So, emails from your airline before you get on the plane aw never good. Just got another one. New departure time from ORD is 7:15 pm (yes pm, CST). The $20 meal voucher is not quite feeling like it will cut it now.
There is always a reason, right? 7 hour patience lesson?
Alright, I guess maybe I'll pull out the laptop and do some work. (That's not an invitation for more work).
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
There is always a reason, right? 7 hour patience lesson?
Alright, I guess maybe I'll pull out the laptop and do some work. (That's not an invitation for more work).
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Just a test post from a new iPad app.
Anyone know this good looking guy?
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
- Posted from my iPad :: Bill out.
Location:Unnamed Rd,Chicago,United States
Update from Chicago
I know, WOW, two posts in the same day.
So, as I was saying, the girls probably will not know that they are coming to us until they get in the car on the way to Hefei. They are in Huainan right now. We are getting so excited to see them but very scared at the same time. We have no idea what to expect and we are trying not to expect anything. I guess we will just have to wait and see...
Well, flight is delayed until 5 pm and we are supposed to get to China at 7pm Friday night (7 am tomorrow back home). We are very very glad we had those miles built up from the last year. We get to fly business first which has seats that recline fully back. We wouldn't have ever bought these seats but to trade the rest of the miles we had, it was a no brainer. Flight this morning was good in first with a full breakfast, eggs, roll, sausage, honey nut Cheerios, banana, etc.... Oh, Orange juice in an actual glass. I could get use to that.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. Just sitting in a room with free food that I shouldn't let go to waste.
Bill out (from Chicago)::
So, as I was saying, the girls probably will not know that they are coming to us until they get in the car on the way to Hefei. They are in Huainan right now. We are getting so excited to see them but very scared at the same time. We have no idea what to expect and we are trying not to expect anything. I guess we will just have to wait and see...
Well, flight is delayed until 5 pm and we are supposed to get to China at 7pm Friday night (7 am tomorrow back home). We are very very glad we had those miles built up from the last year. We get to fly business first which has seats that recline fully back. We wouldn't have ever bought these seats but to trade the rest of the miles we had, it was a no brainer. Flight this morning was good in first with a full breakfast, eggs, roll, sausage, honey nut Cheerios, banana, etc.... Oh, Orange juice in an actual glass. I could get use to that.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. Just sitting in a room with free food that I shouldn't let go to waste.
Bill out (from Chicago)::
On our way to China...(yeah, I know, I haven't been to this blog in a year)
Hi everyone. Sorry for not posting here for so long. I just saw when my last post was, a year ago. Things have changed if you haven't seen us. We are adopting again. Two beautiful girls from Huainan. They are 12 and 13. If you haven't seen them there are pictures on their blog at www.hopeandmaggie.com.
It's been a long process. Not as long as most though, so not complaining.
It's been 10-1/2 months since we first saw their pictures. that's probably the part that makes this feel so long. We fell in love with them from day one. The girls have grown up together most of their lives. They are both considered special needs. Hope has a repaired cleft lip and Maggie has a repaired muscle in her neck. Sorry, I don't remember the actual medical term. We have been so fortunate along this journey to meet so many other families that have been in the process or already adopted children from the same orphanage. They have been able to deliver packages, share photos and give tons of advice. Thank you to all of you!!! :) So, the girls have known that we are coming for at least a few months. Unfortunately they don't know exactly when. We have heard that they will find out once they get in the car to the civil affairs office. That's where we will meet them on Monday morning, Sunday night your time on the east coast. Closing plane door.
More later Bill out!
(update. - it has only been 5 months since I posted here. My phone didn't show me posts from after last August. You can tell how often I come to this blog. )
It's been 10-1/2 months since we first saw their pictures. that's probably the part that makes this feel so long. We fell in love with them from day one. The girls have grown up together most of their lives. They are both considered special needs. Hope has a repaired cleft lip and Maggie has a repaired muscle in her neck. Sorry, I don't remember the actual medical term. We have been so fortunate along this journey to meet so many other families that have been in the process or already adopted children from the same orphanage. They have been able to deliver packages, share photos and give tons of advice. Thank you to all of you!!! :) So, the girls have known that we are coming for at least a few months. Unfortunately they don't know exactly when. We have heard that they will find out once they get in the car to the civil affairs office. That's where we will meet them on Monday morning, Sunday night your time on the east coast. Closing plane door.
More later Bill out!
(update. - it has only been 5 months since I posted here. My phone didn't show me posts from after last August. You can tell how often I come to this blog. )
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