Trip to China
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Friday, November 23, 2007 Hello from one VERY tired Mommy and Daddy. Today we left the girls' province of Jiangxi and have finally made it to our hotel in Guangzhou. The day looked a little like this: We got up and had our usual breakfast at the buffet. It was as tasty as usual, and it was nice to see the girls relax a little and not clamor for food. It seems as though they realize, food will be available when they're hungry, and we'll always get them more if they need it. So we enjoyed our last breakfast buffet at the Gloria Hotel. After a final pack, we loaded up and headed to the airport. Our flight was originally scheduled for 3:10, but due to heavy air traffic (funny, I didn't see one plane in the sky) we didn't leave until 5:05. So mark that parenting challenge off the list...entertaining two toddlers in an airport where Mommy, Daddy, and traveling friends are the ONLY Americans. We were quite the spectacle. As we finally settled into our plane seats, (both of us sitting with one child on our laps in two different rows) I sat back and was able to look out the window. It's incredibly sobering to be holding one of the two most beautiful little girls in the world (parental bias, I'm allowed) and look out over the beautiful landscape knowing that you're taking them from the one place they can truly call home. As much as Tony and I wanted get to Guangzhou, it was pretty heart wrenching to leave Jiangxi too. I looked across the land wondering where their birth mom and dad were. Were they working in a factory or field? Were they taking care of siblings or ailing parents? Were they thinking of their daughters at that same moment? I prayed for two things in that instant. First I prayed that they would somehow find peace and know that these girls will be two of the most loved, treasured little girls on the face of this planet. The second thing I prayed for was that the girls' birth parents somehow have the opportunity to know God. For, if they knew God and accepted Him, our girls would one day be reunited with them!

HOLD ON! It is blurry because it was that bad. Photo with our Nanchang guide Mary Trying to get out of the dreaded airport

So, after just a few minutes of reflection, one little Miss MeiMei demanded my attention. So several snacks, songs, hand games, and chatter later, we finally landed in Guangzhou. A short van ride later, we arrived in our beautiful hotel room at the Victory Hotel (Rm. #8211). We were disappointed to learn we wouldn't be staying in the newer Victory Hotel, but the older building. However, upon entering the lobby, we knew we'd be just fine. Our room is actually made up of TWO rooms, so the girls have their own separate sleeping quarters, separated by a giant doorway and oriental cut-out window. They can see us, and we can see them, but it's kind of nice to have the two different rooms. We also have a fridge, etc. but the best part is the computer. We have a nice wireless flat-screen computer here. It is VERY NICE! The drawback is, we couldn't get our pictures to download, so we promise to double up on pictures tomorrow!!! (I know, don't hate us---all you want is pictures of the girls, and we're letting you down!) On top of that, we're simply exhausted. As soon as we got in the room, I got the girls ready for bed, and Tony ordered Papa John's...ahh the life! (For the record, we fed the girls on the plane :) Although, they like pizza!) After the pizza was ordered and the girls all ready for bed, we said our prayers with them, passed kisses all around, and tucked them in. Now we've enjoyed our pizzas and showers and sleep must come soon! We have the girls' medical exams tomorrow morning, which should prove to be interesting! Thanks for your continued support and prayers. For those keeping score, we had ZERO meltdowns today...but only because we didn't do a bath tonight, and they were TOO tired to fight! (Literally, within five minutes they were snoring!) We miss you TONS!!! Stay tuned! P.S. I hope you found some GOOD deals for me while shopping!!!!!!!!!! I plan to do a little shopping while we're here too! (AND NO KOHL'S---YAY!!!!!!)

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