On Friday, April 27, we left Hong Kong at 11:10. Almost twenty-two hours later we arrived at RDU.
Alyssa did awesome on the flight. She did not cry at all and slept quite a bit. The flight home was far more enjoyable than the flight there.
Upon landing in Chicago we got through customs fairly quickly. We did get the nice lady that was far too slow. It took way too long to process Alyssa's adoption paperwork thus we missed our flight home or so we were told. Turns out the United guy was wrong, if we had rushed we could have made our flight. Tickets had already been changed, so wait we did.
Maribeth, Nicholas, Zachary, and my friend, Teresa, met us at the airport. Half rode home with Teresa and half rode with Dallas. Teresa's van went through drive thru at Smithfield's to get me a Diet Coke. It was much appreciated!
When arriving home we enjoyed a delicious cake that Maribeth bought. We talked and laughed and Alyssa got to know the boys. Nicholas was able to break the ice with the balloons Teresa had bought. Alyssa loved them! She still is not so sure about Kristopher.
Two days home and all is well. We are all trying to adjust and get back on our routine.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Welcome to Hong Kong
We are settled into our hotel in Hong Kong, Marriott Sky City. Great hotel for the money. We used Marriott reward points. We are close to the airport so the excitement is building.
I highly recommend taking a van service from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. It took about 3 hours because of traffic but it was a nice relaxing ride. We didn't even have to get out of the van going through customs exiting China and entering Hong Kong.
The city was beautiful when we arrived. I wish I could have taken photos. One day we are going to arrive in Hong Kong in the daylight. At first I thought we had arrived in London. They drive on the wrong side of the road and there are lots of double decker buses.
Tomorrow we get up early so we can eat breakfast before departing for the airport. It was included with the room and I have heard it is excellent.
Next Post...North Carolina. It has been fun living in the future but tomorrow the time machine(airplane) will take us back in time 12 hours. We can't wait!
I highly recommend taking a van service from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. It took about 3 hours because of traffic but it was a nice relaxing ride. We didn't even have to get out of the van going through customs exiting China and entering Hong Kong.
The city was beautiful when we arrived. I wish I could have taken photos. One day we are going to arrive in Hong Kong in the daylight. At first I thought we had arrived in London. They drive on the wrong side of the road and there are lots of double decker buses.
Tomorrow we get up early so we can eat breakfast before departing for the airport. It was included with the room and I have heard it is excellent.
Next Post...North Carolina. It has been fun living in the future but tomorrow the time machine(airplane) will take us back in time 12 hours. We can't wait!
Leaving China and Entering Hong Kong
We are in a van, soon to cross the border into Hong Kong. It is bittersweet that we are another step closer to home. More on this later. First I will tell you about our day.
We had to check out by 2:00 but we could not leave until 5:00. By 11:00 we were packed and ready to go. We had the porter retrieve our luggage and store it until time to go.
We caught a taxi to Ikea. It was very similar to our Ikea just more compact. We ran into an American couple there and had a nice chat. They said you can lay on the beds there and take a nap if you want. We saw many people doing just that. People were sitting in the rooms hanging out and even using a display desk to work. Very different from the Ikea in the U.S.
For lunch we ordered 2 Meatball platters. Tasted very similar to home. Afterwards we went and got ice cream cones. They were .15 cents a piece. Let me tell you Alyssa loves her ice cream. She ate the whole thing and finished before Grace.
Across the street we saw a huge shopping mall so off we went. It was 3 stories high. Prices on things weren't bargains but I did find a few things.
About 3:00 we decided it was time to head back to the hotel. We are crossing the street and someone comes up behind us and says "Hi Julia and Grace." It was Elvin, our guide. We were near the U.S, Consulate, he was going to pick up the visas for our new children.
We believe God was looking out for us. We were a little concerned about catching a taxi in front of the consulate. It is a very busy place and Dallas is a bit passive. When Elvin heard we were headed to the hotel he immediately hailed us a taxi.
About 20 minutes later we arrived back at the hotel. We walked to 7 Eleven to get drinks and waited for Elvin.
Elvin arrived around 4:30 with Alyssa's visa. We went over everything and had to say our goodbyes. Elvin has been the most wonderful guide we have ever had. He has gone beyond the call of duty. Our time with him was very special. Of course I teared up when we said goodbye.
At this moment we are waiting in line to cross the border. What a journey it has been! It may sound like we have been on vacation but we are physically and emotionally drained. The last 2 weeks have been hard but so worth it.
I am in awe that God choose us to be Alyssa's family. Our girl's file was one that scared many people. This girl is amazing. She talks and sings constantly. She is happy 90% of the time. She loves life and is a joy to be around. We don't know what the future has in store for Alyssa but we will be with her every step of the way. I already feel that strong love for her that only a mother can feel for a child.
My only concern is that Alyssa has yet to grieve. An adopted child typically grieves all they have lost whether good or bad. We want her to grief so she can have a happy, healthy future.
Goodbye, China! Thank you for giving me two precious gifts! I am eternally grateful!
We had to check out by 2:00 but we could not leave until 5:00. By 11:00 we were packed and ready to go. We had the porter retrieve our luggage and store it until time to go.
We caught a taxi to Ikea. It was very similar to our Ikea just more compact. We ran into an American couple there and had a nice chat. They said you can lay on the beds there and take a nap if you want. We saw many people doing just that. People were sitting in the rooms hanging out and even using a display desk to work. Very different from the Ikea in the U.S.
For lunch we ordered 2 Meatball platters. Tasted very similar to home. Afterwards we went and got ice cream cones. They were .15 cents a piece. Let me tell you Alyssa loves her ice cream. She ate the whole thing and finished before Grace.
Across the street we saw a huge shopping mall so off we went. It was 3 stories high. Prices on things weren't bargains but I did find a few things.
About 3:00 we decided it was time to head back to the hotel. We are crossing the street and someone comes up behind us and says "Hi Julia and Grace." It was Elvin, our guide. We were near the U.S, Consulate, he was going to pick up the visas for our new children.
We believe God was looking out for us. We were a little concerned about catching a taxi in front of the consulate. It is a very busy place and Dallas is a bit passive. When Elvin heard we were headed to the hotel he immediately hailed us a taxi.
About 20 minutes later we arrived back at the hotel. We walked to 7 Eleven to get drinks and waited for Elvin.
Elvin arrived around 4:30 with Alyssa's visa. We went over everything and had to say our goodbyes. Elvin has been the most wonderful guide we have ever had. He has gone beyond the call of duty. Our time with him was very special. Of course I teared up when we said goodbye.
At this moment we are waiting in line to cross the border. What a journey it has been! It may sound like we have been on vacation but we are physically and emotionally drained. The last 2 weeks have been hard but so worth it.
I am in awe that God choose us to be Alyssa's family. Our girl's file was one that scared many people. This girl is amazing. She talks and sings constantly. She is happy 90% of the time. She loves life and is a joy to be around. We don't know what the future has in store for Alyssa but we will be with her every step of the way. I already feel that strong love for her that only a mother can feel for a child.
My only concern is that Alyssa has yet to grieve. An adopted child typically grieves all they have lost whether good or bad. We want her to grief so she can have a happy, healthy future.
Goodbye, China! Thank you for giving me two precious gifts! I am eternally grateful!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday- Last Post From China
Of course the day started with breakfast. I think after 5 days we may be getting tired of this feast. Grace asked last night if we could just have pop tarts today(Thursday).
Wednesday morning we had to meet Elvin at 7:55. Early wake up for everyone so we would have time for breakfast before leaving. When Elvin arrived we took some photos with the other families. Such fond memories of our time together!
We loaded the bus and headed to the United States Consulate. After 2 security checks we arrived in the adoption room. There were the 3 families from our adoption agency and 1 other family. An official gave a little speech and the each family was called up individually to present the remaining paperwork. It was a bit emotional, our last step before bringing Alyssa home. The U.S. now recognizes her as our daughter.
After we completed our appointment Elvin took us to Pedestrian Street. It was the same area we had went shopping with Ann but different stores.
Elvin took us to some great stores. One of them was a cd and DVD store. You could get Disney movies for $4. We got Alyssa some Pleasant Goat cartoons and a chinese lullaby CD. Julia got a Justin Bieber CD and Grace got a Barbie movie.
It was time for a snack. Elvin said the BBQ squid was delicious. Everyone tried some except Dallas. It really did have a good flavor. In our family Julia and Alyssa liked it the most.
Instead of taking the bus back to the hotel we decided to explore China on our own. We were walking distance from the island so we wanted to go there one last time. There are so many stores it was fun looking around on our own.
When we were walking to the island there was a street vendor making bikes out of wire. It was incredible watching him. We wanted to buy 3 of the bikes but the police came and chased him away. We were only able to buy one.
On the island, we were able to finish buying gifts and get a stroller for our trip home. There were tons of photographers on the island today. The models had trunks of clothes and would change often.
Dallas and Zachary left us sitting on a bench while they went to pick up some of our purchases. Julia, Grace, Alyssa, and I once again became celebrities. One young man asked if he cold have his photo taken with us. I said yes and the next thing you knew we were surrounded. We must have had 30 photos taken. I think the young man apologized to us. His talking to us was all charades because he didn't speak English.
After finally arriving back at the hotel around 4 we were exhausted. We all took showers and put on our pjs. Dinner was the usual peanut sandwich or noodles.
Have I mentioned how hot it is in Guangzhou? Not as bad as it was when we travelled in August but pretty close. At one point during the day Elvin handed me a tissue because the sweat was pouring down my face.
Wednesday morning we had to meet Elvin at 7:55. Early wake up for everyone so we would have time for breakfast before leaving. When Elvin arrived we took some photos with the other families. Such fond memories of our time together!
We loaded the bus and headed to the United States Consulate. After 2 security checks we arrived in the adoption room. There were the 3 families from our adoption agency and 1 other family. An official gave a little speech and the each family was called up individually to present the remaining paperwork. It was a bit emotional, our last step before bringing Alyssa home. The U.S. now recognizes her as our daughter.
After we completed our appointment Elvin took us to Pedestrian Street. It was the same area we had went shopping with Ann but different stores.
Elvin took us to some great stores. One of them was a cd and DVD store. You could get Disney movies for $4. We got Alyssa some Pleasant Goat cartoons and a chinese lullaby CD. Julia got a Justin Bieber CD and Grace got a Barbie movie.
It was time for a snack. Elvin said the BBQ squid was delicious. Everyone tried some except Dallas. It really did have a good flavor. In our family Julia and Alyssa liked it the most.
Instead of taking the bus back to the hotel we decided to explore China on our own. We were walking distance from the island so we wanted to go there one last time. There are so many stores it was fun looking around on our own.
When we were walking to the island there was a street vendor making bikes out of wire. It was incredible watching him. We wanted to buy 3 of the bikes but the police came and chased him away. We were only able to buy one.
On the island, we were able to finish buying gifts and get a stroller for our trip home. There were tons of photographers on the island today. The models had trunks of clothes and would change often.
Dallas and Zachary left us sitting on a bench while they went to pick up some of our purchases. Julia, Grace, Alyssa, and I once again became celebrities. One young man asked if he cold have his photo taken with us. I said yes and the next thing you knew we were surrounded. We must have had 30 photos taken. I think the young man apologized to us. His talking to us was all charades because he didn't speak English.
After finally arriving back at the hotel around 4 we were exhausted. We all took showers and put on our pjs. Dinner was the usual peanut sandwich or noodles.
Have I mentioned how hot it is in Guangzhou? Not as bad as it was when we travelled in August but pretty close. At one point during the day Elvin handed me a tissue because the sweat was pouring down my face.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tuesday in China
Need I post our day started off with a delicious breakfast?
Today I made arrangements to go shopping with Ann of Red Threads. Red threads is a service where you can send packages or birthday cakes to your waiting child. I believe she also does translations.
Zachary, Grace, and I went shopping with Ann last time and she was able to find us so many deals. This time Zachary and I were just going but delighted when the Coriells' family said they wanted to go too.
Ann found us deals on silk outfits, chopsticks, pearls, jade, and many other things. It was definitely worth her fee. Shopping with Ann is an experience in itself. She is fast and you have to keep up with her. She took us on the subway this time. It was a fun experience!
It got to be lunch so Ann took us to authenticate Chines restaurant. Another interesting experience. When you walk in you see the chickens hanging and a huge snake in a jar. She said snake congee is delicious. We had beef rice noodles, BBQ beef rolls, and many kinds of dumplings. And of course the only utensils were chopsticks. Zachary and I have decided that if our only options were chopsticks we would lose a lot of weight. Neither one of us can seem to get the hang of it. My favorite dish was the mushroom dumplings. They were different than any other dumpling I have ever had.
While we were gone Dallas took the girls to the pool and explored the area around the hotel. They would not let Alyssa swim, they said she was too small. There is a kiddie pool but it has been closed all but one day.
For dinner we walked across the stret to Pizza Hut. The fanciest Pizza Hut I have ever seen. The menu was at least 15 pages with every food imaginable. We got 1 stuffed crust supreme pizza, a medium cheese pizza for the girls, and a plate of fried rice with corn and bacon for Alyssa. We couldn't believe Grace ate 4 pieces. Guess we haven't been feeding her enough. Most likely this was Alyssa's first piece of pizza. Once she snapped out of the mood she had been in she loved it.
We had woken Alyssa up from her nap to go eat. For the first 30 minutes she was not very happy. Then all of a sudden she snapped out of it and was back to her happy self.
Counting the days until we are home!
Today I made arrangements to go shopping with Ann of Red Threads. Red threads is a service where you can send packages or birthday cakes to your waiting child. I believe she also does translations.
Zachary, Grace, and I went shopping with Ann last time and she was able to find us so many deals. This time Zachary and I were just going but delighted when the Coriells' family said they wanted to go too.
Ann found us deals on silk outfits, chopsticks, pearls, jade, and many other things. It was definitely worth her fee. Shopping with Ann is an experience in itself. She is fast and you have to keep up with her. She took us on the subway this time. It was a fun experience!
It got to be lunch so Ann took us to authenticate Chines restaurant. Another interesting experience. When you walk in you see the chickens hanging and a huge snake in a jar. She said snake congee is delicious. We had beef rice noodles, BBQ beef rolls, and many kinds of dumplings. And of course the only utensils were chopsticks. Zachary and I have decided that if our only options were chopsticks we would lose a lot of weight. Neither one of us can seem to get the hang of it. My favorite dish was the mushroom dumplings. They were different than any other dumpling I have ever had.
While we were gone Dallas took the girls to the pool and explored the area around the hotel. They would not let Alyssa swim, they said she was too small. There is a kiddie pool but it has been closed all but one day.
For dinner we walked across the stret to Pizza Hut. The fanciest Pizza Hut I have ever seen. The menu was at least 15 pages with every food imaginable. We got 1 stuffed crust supreme pizza, a medium cheese pizza for the girls, and a plate of fried rice with corn and bacon for Alyssa. We couldn't believe Grace ate 4 pieces. Guess we haven't been feeding her enough. Most likely this was Alyssa's first piece of pizza. Once she snapped out of the mood she had been in she loved it.
We had woken Alyssa up from her nap to go eat. For the first 30 minutes she was not very happy. Then all of a sudden she snapped out of it and was back to her happy self.
Counting the days until we are home!
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