Leaving for China

Day one:

After a very short night’s sleep, the alarm sounded. Both Brian and I were up until 2:00am, still packing and checking documents, and then re-checking documents. I’ve never seen Brian so nervous before a trip. But this time was a little different. I don’t even remember him being this nervous before our other babies were born. While we were waiting for my parents to come pick us up, I had time to spend alone in the dark praying and reflecting on the journey we were on. Wow! The last four years have seemed to fly by, now. During this journey I thought this moment would never happen. Now in the quite darkness of our living room, I pray for a hedge of protection for us and our family as we go where God has been leading us.

                Brian and I both went upstairs to give the babies good-bye kisses.  I said a little prayer over each one of my children as they slept. I am so thankful for each one of our children. They utter fact that God loves me enough to entrust us with these beautiful children, is beyond my understanding! We loaded our suitcases and off to the airport we go……..

                We stopped and ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel, before arriving at the airport. Once there, we checked in and waited with my parents until it was time to say our good-byes.  We hugged and said good-bye at the security gate. As I got to the security point I turned around and waved good-bye, and blew them a kiss. I couldn’t help but think about how hard it must have been sending me off to another country so many, many miles away…. My parents have always supported my dreams, and they’re support and encouragement means the world to me. The strength of my parents is amazing….

Our flight to Chicago was short and uneventful. After we landed we rushed to the next gate, and we knew immediately we were at the right gate. We were the only American couple among two hundred Chinese men and women. The flight over was tiring and long, we weren’t able to sleep and we both were exhausted by the time we landed.  When we landed and made our way through customs we found Jade who was our guide to the hotel. Jade was wonderful, and very helpful! Our driver accidentally locked the keys in the van with it running, so we waited with Jade in the airport. Jade bought us Starbucks and we talked for an hour or so about our family and Hadley.

                We made it to our hotel in about an hour, the traffic was horrible. (I think it always is in Beijing) When we arrived at the hotel Jade helped us in and we met Summer who will be our guide while we stay in Beijing. We went to our rooms and crashed……

We both woke up around 1 a.m. and we worked on our homework until it was time for breakfast.