Saturday April 14- Day 2

We had a great day today touring The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Silk Factory. 

Surprisingly, we weren't all that tired! The excitement is kicking in. We did a little shopping, and Dan is really enjoying being able to exercise his bartering talent. 

We loved this Chinese version of an Ergo! So cute.

We even had some traditional Beijing Duck for dinner.

 I asked the girls what they found most interesting today. They found it quite funny how people stared at us and wanted to take our pictures. They observed how few children you see in the crowds. And the drivers...well it's beyond crazy. The traffic lights are kind of like suggestions. Tomorrow we travel about 2 hours by plane to Ivy's province, Anhui. We can't wait.

Friday April 13 - Day 1

We arrived late Friday night Beijing time. We're off to bed for a short sleep. Tomorrow morning is orientation, we meet our travel group families, and we have a 1/2 day tour.

We're off!

 For we walk by faith, not by sight--we are of good courage.

2 Corinthians 5:7-8

We're ready

We've been dreaming and preparing for a long time. We picked out her first doll and put her room in order. 

It's hard to believe that one week from today she will be with us.

Proverbs 16:9 A man makes a plan in his heart, but God directs his path.

A Touching Message

This sweet girl was adopted just prior to "aging out" at the tender age of 14....meaning she would have been unable to be adopted had she turned 14 before this family came forward for her.  She watched her mother putting together adoption info to share at their church, and she said she wanted to share a message as well. A friend came over with a camera and asked her ONE question....."what do you want to tell others?" They had no idea what she was going to say! (You'll have to mute my blog music at the bottom right)

A trip to the Oriental Supermarket

Recently we took a trip to our local "Lee Lee's" to stock up on some familiar foods for Ivy.

The girls had lots of fun taking pictures and enjoying the laughs and stares we got from other shoppers.

A nice Chinese couple helped us choose some flavors from Ivy's province.

Ni e ma?

Travel Dates Confirmed

April 13- Arrive in Beijing
April 14 - Orientation/ Tours (if mama has energy)
April 15- Travel to Anhui (Ivy's province)
April 16 - We meet Ivy "Gotcha Day!"
April 20 - Travel to Guangzhou
April 24 - US Consulate Visa Appointment
April 25- Visa Issued
April 26 - Arrive Home!

Got It!

We received that long awaited call today that The People's Republic of China has approved us to travel and pick up our girl. We submitted our requests for the Consulate Appointment date, and hopefully we will hear back tomorrow. Based on that appointment, we will book out flights. We should be able to travel in early April. Wow! Praise God!