Back home again

We started our travel day at around 5 AM Friday morning, China time… had to take a bus from our hotel to the Hong Kong airport… that was an interesting experience.   All our travel up to now had been pre-arranged through our agency, or with our local tour guides.  But this morning we were on our own… get on the bus, hope we get through customs-- both out of China and again into Hong Kong— with all our luggage (and all 4 kids).  All the while they are hurrying us along from one bus, to another, to another through the various checkpoints; and since we don’t read or speak the language quickly (nor fluently), it was a mite stressful.  Finally made it on our last bus, with all four kids and all our luggage, we are on our way.  In Hong Kong – which even from the highway is absolutely beautiful—all the signs are in English (and they drive on the left side of the road), so we could read the signs for the airport, see various planes in the air; must be going the right way...so far so good.

Suddenly, the bus turns into the entrance for Disneyland Hong Kong.  Yes, that is correct, there is a Disneyland in Hong Kong that at least form the outside looks just like Orlando.  No worries, it was just one stop on the bus route, and moments later we were at the airport, though check-in and on our way to Jax via Chicago. 

Not a bad flight – some good movies, a disturbing amount of turbulence, and ample food.  The flight from HK to the USA goes back over China, Russia, Siberia, and then down through the polar ice and Northwest Territories of Canada, into the Northern Midwest USA.  What stunning scenery over Siberia and Russia!  Even though we are flying at over 30K feet, the views of the snow-capped mountains was crystal clear and breathtaking to see.. I think everyone on the plane got up to look out the back windows. After a brief, unscheduled but urgent stop to re-fuel (seriously) we did finally make it to Chicago (home of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Champions Black Hawks) around 3 PM.  Maybe it was the Blackhawks victory, maybe it was because C-town is a major hub, but there were massive delays in Chicago, and our 8 PM departure for Jax did not leave until after 10 PM.  We all slept the entire flight, and touched down, finally, in J-ville around 2 AM Saturday morning, and after luggage and drive, got home around 3:30 AM today. 

Big big big THANK YOU to all the families who helped make our house readied for us to re-invade:  big Welcome Home signs in English and in Chinese characters (though the squatty potty pics were my favorite); new framed family photos; new flowers; A/C cranked up; and a fully stocked fridge, Amen!!

Today is a day for rest and recovering from 36+ hours of traveling, and getting back to the reality of being off vacation, and back to normal life.

(I think I hear the neighbor kids all heading this way... come on in!)

Visiting the "pet store" and saying goodbye

Well, today's the day... our last day in China (for now, at least...).  We have packed up what we can, and have everything ready to go for our EARLY morning bus to Hong Kong Airport and our cross-Pacific flight back to the states... with our daughter Betty.  We finally are resolving this journey, and bringing Cui Yue (Betty) home to Florida.


This has been a fabulous trip, and we absolutely recommend a visit to China as a vacation destination (or a mission trip) anytime, especially Guangzhou.  So much to do, and the people here are wonderful.  I think Shenyang was our favorite city overall (definitely our favorite hotel) but everywhere we have been has been a treat.


As part of our last relaxing day here, the boys and I decided to check out a recommended Cantonese restaurant just a short walk from the hotel; it was almost lunchtime anyway, so maybe if the food looked good...


Well, the food looked good all right.


The food looked, well, ALIVE.


At first I thought we were at a pet store, what with a big rusty truck unloading all sorts of live animals right there in cages on the street.


Nope, they were just there waiting for their turn in the cooker, for the customer to call them home for dinner.

We couldn't decide if we wanted poisonous or non-poisonous snake:

Or eel, a deal at only 48 yuan:

So many varieties of fish:

Or roast duck, but which one to choose:

Maybe some squid:

Or some thick, meaty turtle:

I was leaning toward some gator tail, of course:

But really, it was too difficult to narrow it down and agree on 

only one choice, 

and the boys were clearly getting famished 

(or nauseated):

So we settled on our fail-safe delight:  Ramen Noodles, PB&J, and some chips.  It's not as glamorous, but it's not looking at me and begging for a stay of execution either.

After our stop by the "pet store" we got in some more time at the hotel pool-- thank God for the outdoor pool-- and said our joyful goodbyes to several families and hotel staff whom we have befriended over the week.   

The bags are packed (mostly).  My boys are asleep, finally.  My daughter (I just love saying that) is winding down, as is the wife, and they'll be asleep soon too.  I am in the process of making one last post, then shutting it all down, and going to sleep early too...

Thanks for coming on this journey with us.  Now the next journey begins...

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me."  Psalm 13:5-6

So, does Betty need a little sister?

Boats, Breakfast, and Is it really that simple?

** I lost my battle w/ the Great Firewall of China yesterday, which is why this is up later than usual **

We had a really good day today as we completed the "final step" -- as our guides call it-- in the entire adoption process:  we we went before the American Consulate here in Guangzhou and took the oath. Then, a big congratulations for all, and that's it, we're done!  Tomorrow afternoon we can pick up Betty's travel visa, then we leave for Hong Kong airport early Friday morning and will arrive later that night with one new American citizen!!  Finally.

Let me be contrite and clarify one thing about that oath.

Yesterday I described what our understanding of the day was going to be:  we have an interview with the Consulate representative, then we take an oath of love and protection and all kinds of mushy get-me-a-box-of-tissues stuff, sign some official documents, maybe take some photos, and breath a sigh of relief when it is done.

Ahhh, no, not exactly like that at all.

(Cameras not allowed here, so no pictures).  We went to the office with approximately 30+ other adopting families (just at this one appointed hour) and waited in the sitting area until our name was called for our "interview."  Imagine it was just like sitting at the DMV, only louder, with lots more crying and screaming (since most of the other adoptees are much younger children).  Certainly not what we expected.

Then, our interview was basically our family name being called, then a guy at the DMV window glancing at our passport photos, glancing at us, nodding his approval, and handing us a sheet of paper that I could have picked up from any table in the waiting area.  After some 40 minutes, we all stand up (about 80 of us), raise our right hand, and repeat something along the lines of "I do solemnly swear that all the information I have provided on behalf of my child is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and ability."  Yep.  That was it.  (And that last part still kinda leaves an "out" in case something is wrong, doesn't it???).  Even Betty remarked to our guide "It's that simple?"  Not quite, but at least it's done now.  Praise the Lord, it's done and we are coming home soon!

Our Consulate appointment was in the middle of the afternoon, so we couldn't do any big fun tourist things today.  Instead, we did some more shopping (i.e. bargaining lower) with the local merchants and found some great deals on authentic Chinese knock-offs:  Nikee' shoes, and Oakleyy sunglasses, Samsonnite luggage, etc.  However, did not find any great Polo or Tommy Hilfiger shirts for me... yes, I'm a big guy, but I didn't think I was a HUGE guy.  It's a bit demoralizing to visit store after store asking "Men's shirts? My size?" and constantly hearing "Oh no, no, nothing THAT LARGE."  Turns out even a 3XXXL in China is a Medium by American standards.  Yep, that feels good.

We then made a quick lunch, took a long walk down to Liuhua Lake Park, and rented a paddleboat for a while.  We had a nice, strenuous paddle around the lake and enjoyed some quiet family time together.  Forgot that piling six people in the boat would basically diminish the effectiveness of that one paddlewheel, but Betty seemed to enjoy it a lot.

And, we got to observe this unusual event going on at the lakefront hotel:

As if that paddleboat was not enough of a workout, we decided to to follow the "when in Rome..." mantra, and got in some aerobics at the park... every park we visit, the people are stretching, massaging, lifting, bending, punching, and doing all sorts of painful-looking exercises.  

I just had to show off my sweet Gazelle moves -- not sure if the Chinese people were more horrified by my awkward girth or my most brilliant tie-dyed shirt??

After our consulate visit, we had a quick McDinner and took a cab down to the Pearl River Pier for a late night riverboat cruise.  (I must note that the taxis here are really great; always around, and very inexpensive.  They don't speak any English but still can get you where you need to go without incident... and we always feel very safe... as long as you sit in the back seat, where you cannot see and feel the NASCAR-like phenomenon going on all around as we weave mere centimeters between buses, bikes, cars, and hypothetical lane markings and stoplights).  The Pearl River night cruise allowed us to leisurely relax and enjoy the illuminated downtown skyline of glittering neon lights -- they really like their neon down here, and it looks absolutely stunning.  

Plus, we made some new friends too -- since they had been taking pictures with our kids all week, I thought it was time we got a picture with some Chinese ladies.  They loved that, and so did we.

Tomorrow morning, we enjoy our final big fabulous buffet breakfast at the hotel… and sadly, AJ is taking it real hard.  The big breakfast has become his singular purpose in waking up each day (well that, and hanging with his bestest buddy Doug the youth pastor).  

AJ has discovered that he can overstock his belly on his favorite breakfast items and be pretty good for the rest of the day… and he takes tremendous pride in cleaning his plate.    Look at how much food this kid eats in the morning!  But, he will sit there until it is all gone (or, until Doug leaves). 

Not sure if I will get to post anything tomorrow since we have a fun last day in China planned, and a nice dinner, and then packing ALL THIS STUFF up again for the long ride home.  Please pray for us on Friday, for safe travel, for on-time flights, for uneventful non-incidents at customs and security, and for continued good health for all of us. 

“Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing.  Then the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:8-9

Every picture tells a story don't it?

Today was another one of those "do-nothing" days, with much waiting on

external entities (like the Embassy) and more pool time, and just general chilling out-- as Adam is going to demonstrate here:

So we really don't have anything especially interesting to relate now, other than some great news today:  the American embassy did OK all our paperwork, so we are one step closer to coming home!  Tomorrow we go before the Consulate and swear an oath to want and love for our daughter, and care for her unconditionally... I can't wait.  

After that, we should get Betty's travel visa by Thursday, and Friday morning we are bound for Hong Kong and a mid-day flight back to the US of A!

In lieu of interesting or amusing stories from today (since, alas, really don't have any) I thought I would just post some of my favorite random pictures from our China "vacation" thus far.  They say every picture tells a story, but of course I will try to briefly explain anyway.

I previously described our adventures walking around Beijing with three little American boys, and how the Chinese people -- women especially-- could not get enough of them... that has tapered off more in the southern area of China.  But--- one of us is still getting some envious glances and looks of wide-eyed wonder:  imagine being the mother to THREE SONS in this culture!  We have been told on several occasion that the beautiful wife would be treated like an Empress: that sounds pretty good to me.

I wrote a few days ago about the large family that traveled to Shenyang with us, and how great our kids interacted, and what good friends they have become-- they really are a beautiful family.  They have adopted two older children on this trip (boy 14 and girl 7) and the girl has been vying with Adam for Betty's attention all week too.  

And mine too... not that I am complaining...

It often seemed that the youngest siblings would attach themselves to whatever situation the older siblings were involved in: the pool, the park.... even climbing precariously high rock walls ----}

And Daniel has been insisting for days that I post this picture below of him 

with his new best little buddy:

Now, Daniel and Betty had been "pen-pals" somewhat over the years, just via email, so they had some familiarity when they first met last week... AJ and Adam also cannot get enough of their "new" big sister  -- they were so excited to finally meet her that they immediately got their toenails painted (isn't that what sisters do??)  

Can't believe I forgot to mention that one.

Betty and Daniel have their "older kids" thing going, and will use the Translator to discuss current events (actually Dan usually peppers her with questions, to which she usually just giggles);  Adam and Betty have their well-documented adoration attachment; and tonight Betty and AJ found another common bond of interest:  origami and folding paper.  AJ absolutely loves that... he can sit all day with a paper book and fold shapes and make cool stuff.  Betty showed him tonight over dinner (and nothing says authentic China like two nights of superb Japanese hibachi food!) how to make paper hearts, boats, stars, and a flower for his Momma.  

I am still trying to figure out the story on this rabbit above, but when we were at Yuntai Gardens the other day, Betty insisted on having several pictures of herself with this bunny character, and we immediately e-mailed them to her friends here.  And I am obviously new to the whole "teen-daughter" scene since I had never seen someone squeal and giggle so much as when Betty read her friend's reply e-mail.  It was quite exciting.

This has been a very long week, and a wonderful, life-changing vacation too.  Nothing really fascinating going on today, however, tomorrow and Thursday we expect to have big fun days- and no more waiting or paperwork.

Time to go get some rest...

"Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13

Strolling around Shamian Island with red threads

OK, some updates to earlier posts and other assorted tidbits---

** Yes, she did get in trouble for that, I am certainly not hot (see prior photo evidence) but the wife sure is... check her out here:

** I seriously don't know what most of that food from 6/2 and 6/3 was, just that it was indeed tasty.  I think the big round things are called green tea cakes;  there were lots of mushrooms -- big, fleshy, meaty mushrooms, and some thin crispy fried mushrooms; a beef stew soup; fried oysters; there was some cabbage and some bean curd (not yummy); some tofu and some sprouts; some sort of root w/ a jelly sauce; some pumpkin thing in there; there was some rice of course, and yes, we were drinking mango juice.

** They are pronounced "Shay-yahn" and "Guahn-joh" and "Guy-ess-kee"

** Some in our tour group have wondered how this blog has gotten along almost two weeks without one mention of the ever-present "squatty potties."  Well, this is a family blog, and some things are better left to the imagination.  I will say they are real, and they are very common, in almost every public place.  But no need to explain in detail what an a Squatty Potty is now, is there?  

** Yes, Skype is free to download safely, easy to use anywhere, and all you need is a computer w/ camera, mic & speakers, or purchase an accessory camera with microphone built-in to do video calls.  (I think we bought ours at CompUSA).  International phone calls, with video, for free.  

Monday, June 7:  Today, we visited Shamian Island in Guangzhou, and our first stop: we verified the excellent results of yesterday's medical clinic tests!   This tourist area on the Pearl River is normally very busy, but it is all under extreme reconstruction now in preparation for the 2010 Asian Games later this year-- so we had most of the downtown area to ourselves for a nice, carefree stroll (with a "friend" you see).  I think the lack of customers also made for some good bargains/negotiating with the local merchants.  Of course, we all visited the famous White Swan Hotel, and somehow managed to get all the adopted children in our group to pose for a special picture on "the red couch."   

The hotel is immaculate, and certainly lives up to it's well-known reputation... it is right next to the American consulate office, and I can imagine a time when these rooms were filled with families from all over the world, finalizing their China adoptions and creating wonderful families for so many orphans in this country.  Sadly, the number of orphans in China has not decreased, but the number of international adoptions has dipped dramatically.  Much research, debate, speculation, and investigation has been done in the last few years as to why this program is shrinking so noticeably-- all I want to comment is that there are so many children, in every single country, that just want someone to love them.   When I saw all these kids together today on the couch, just themselves with none of the parents or siblings... it's hard not to be moved.  Such beautiful baby girls and boys.  And the older children who certainly over the years watched as their friends left the orphanages for good, and they may have wondered how many times "when is it my turn?  Is someone ever coming for me?"   Our sweet Betty is so kind, affectionate, smart, and generous... I am sure her classmates miss her terribly.  

I wish I had more eloquent words to describe what it is like to be here, with these families, and these children, and hearing their stories...  And knowing that while we cannot understand, or even have to like, all that happens in this world, and why certain things happen, and situations arise... it is just overwhelming to know that God-- in His indescribable wisdom-- has mapped out specific plans for each of these children, and those plans are converging right before my eyes on a daily basis here in China.   There is an ancient Chinese proverb (popular among adoptive families) that proclaims there is an invisible red thread of destiny that connects one person to another, regardless of time, place, or circumstances; this cord may tangle or stretch, but will never break.  I will admit that years ago I was not completely convinced about the meaning of this legend.

However...

As our journey has unfolded in this long process to bring Cui Yue home, I have come to believe in this invisible red thread.  It is like we have known each other from the beginning, and it has just taken a long time to meld our physical presence with that feeling out there for each other all along.  

And I can see it with our friends from Iowa; with the family from Texas; in the families from Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, and all over the world that are here in China now, just like us, connecting the thread.  To Him be the glory.

"Be glad for all God is planning for you.  Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.  When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out."  Romans 12:12-13

My Man

I wanted to post at least one time while we are on our wonderful journey.  For those of you that know me well, you know why Greg is doing all the posting.  I just have one thing to say... Greg is probably going to get mad at me but...










Isn't my man HOT in China?!!!!

-- Lauren

Touring Guangzhou and posing with Po

Let me first catch up on yesterday, our first full day in Guangzhou... we did mostly nothing.  Seriously.

We all hit the hotel's mega-breakfast buffet (tried some congee), then Betty and Lauren headed out for the mandatory medical evals... she was such a trooper, and everything went smoothly. Meanwhile, Dan and Adam walked in the nearby park w/ Big Bob while I hung out at the Starbucks capitalizing on free WiFi, and AJ chilled on his iPod.  But then I realized I spent just as much on coffee and lattes as I would for 24 hrs of hotel LAN, so may as well just buy in now.  (Besides, it's much more better to use the computer in my own room with a cold 20oz Tsingtao!)

Wanted to try something "different" for dinner last night, so we taxi'd to the pedestrian zone (i.e. super-crowded outdoor shopping plaza) and paid a visit to, of all places, a Pizza Hut.  I forgot the camera, so I don't have visual proof (yet) but it turns out that the PH in China is very fine dining... I guess that is where to take your date when you want to impress, 'cuz most of the tables were "two-tops" and we had to wait to be seated for about 30 minutes.  Sure they had familiar pizza, but they also served pseudo-Italian cuisine (think Carrabbas w/ an Asian seafood flare) with romantic lighting, fancy porcelain plates, linen napkins, and even a visit from the restaurant manager to make sure our meal experience was good... it sure was, especially since Adam was still able to order his special "just sauce & no-cheese" pizza!

June 2010 AWAA China group 

Today was another tourism day -- we walked around scenic Yuntai Gardens at the base of Baiyun Mountian, then toured the Chen Family Museum in Guangdong, then had the rest of the afternoon free.  So while the boys got out some energy at the hotel pool, Betty and I figured out how to forward some pictures to her friends via e-mail here in China...and we shared some laughing at the various fragment-sentences we struggled to put together using our electronic E900 Global Translator! (plus, I think she has figured out that I melt when she calls me "dad").

*** As we were looking through today's pictures, we reviewed several nice mother-daughter photos, but I think one shot in particular sums up what it is like to have little brothers:  notice the sign says "No Picking."

Yuntai Park is a large beautiful walking park that combines both eastern and western style characteristics with many different flowers and trees.  It is apparently a hot-spot for bride/groom photo shoots, and even has a little sprayground area... it was VERY hot and humid today, and our big group of Americans was definitely feeling it (of course those of us living in FLA felt right at home).  One highlight for the kids was the section with many of their favorite Disney and Mario game characters... even Betty got excited when she recognized Duo La A Meng (aka Doraemon the cat!)

Betty and Doraemon

Adam and Koopa

A.J. and Luigi

                                                                                                                                                                           

Daniel and Mario

Po and the karate kids

Next, it was on to the Chen Family Ancestry/ Folk Art Museum in Guangdong. Built in the late 1890's as a wealthy family's memorial temple, today it houses many ancient carvings with exquisite details; antique furniture, fine stitching fabrics, ivory and jade carvings, and things like olive pits and small tree nuts carved into intricate designs.  Can't say the kids completely enjoyed it, but it was an interesting glimpse into Chinese history, and truly gave us an appreciation for the simplicity and sturdiness of their intricate workmanship, most of which still carries on today.

It's funny how there is still so much work to do prior to our interview and oath before the consulate this week; we've already been in China nine days and still have much paperwork to straighten out -- honestly, Lauren is the detail-oriented and organized one here (all the moms are) and has handled that mental burden flawlessly... I have often felt like I am on a sweet family vacation with one unique twist!  But this week we start winding it all down and get into the home stretch... China is wonderful, I highly recommend an extended visit, but we can't wait to see our family, friends, co-workers, and prayer warriors in the USA again later this month.  The more we talk with other adoptive families and the consider the series of events over the past several years, leading to this week, the more we realize that our family was chosen for this blessing, and that God has prepared us for these things in His way.

Thank you again for all your prayers, kind thoughts, Skypes, home-checks, and well-wishes.  We'll be back soon.

"And who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this."  Esther 4:14b