Today was our last day in Beijing. We left around 7:45 from the hotel to get to the airport. Once we were at the airport, 2 families went with Bob, and the other 5 families went with Bill to our correct terminal. We got on our plane to Guangzhou, and flew for about 3 hours. Our airline was China Southern. On our United flight we got two meals and a few snacks. Airline meals are usually pretty sparse. Not the case for China Southern. For our 3 hour flight we got a huge lunch. Both Jason and I got the main course of chicken, vegetables, and rice. We also had a little packet of pickles, which goes on the rice. Thankfully Jason and I sat next to Bill, who is from China, who informed us of that. Otherwise, I don't think we would have known what to do with that. We also got a cold corn salad, a dish of melon, a dried apricot and a roll. All very good.
We arrived in Guangzhou on Shamian Island, where we are staying at the old Victory Hotel. When we walked into our beautiful room the first thing I noticed was the crib all set up in our room. This is really happening! We had about 3 hours to get unpacked, and to rest up before Bill was going to take us on a tour of the Island, have dinner, etc. During those 3 hours, we unpacked, Jason napped, and I read a book. Last night I am not sure how much sleep Jason got, but I only got about 4 hours. I don't feel tired, but I probably should. I didn't want to nap, in case I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. We met our group in the lobby, including another family that had skipped Beijing and toured Hong Kong instead. This is her second adoption, so they wanted to do something different.
So far, what I have seen of Shamian Island, I love. This is more of a tropical area, so everything is lush and green. We are surrounded by a canal. We were told that we could visit Guangzhou during the day, but to remain on the Island during the evenings. Between Beijing and here, I have felt very safe. Crime is not really prevalent in China. Most likely because of the fact that only high ranking officials are allowed to have fire arms. There is just not a need. With the population being 1.4 Billion, I find that amazing. The Chinese people are very competitive, hard working people. Very disciplined. Anyway, Shamian Island is about 4-6 blocks long, maybe 2 blocks deep. It has a very intimate village feel about it. I am looking forward to strolling the gardens, streets and the shops with Arisson, taking in all that there is to see.
Bill showed us some important places that we needed to know during our stay here, like the bank, places to take our laundry, restaurants, and then we went and ate at Lucy's, which is an Americanized restaurant. Cheeseburgers and fries for Jason and I. Bill asked us if we wanted a foot massage tonight, since it’s the last night that we are "free" from the responsibility of our babies. Jason and I, Bill and 2 other couples were game. I don't think I have ever laughed so much. We were all in one big room, with our feet in these big tubs of hot water. First we got an upper body massage, and then the did our feet and legs. One of the guys in our group had to put on a pair of disposable shorts, and when he returned to the room, he tripped over one of the buckets, and blew a huge hole in his disposable shorts. We were all laughing, even that people massaging us were laughing. I couldn't help but laugh occasionally at the sound of us all getting slapped and karate chopped on our backs and arms. It sounded like applause. The massage was the most intense, thorough massage I have ever, ever had. Charlotte and Jacki, the next Mom's weekend getaway may actually have to be a week getaway, and it is in China, so start saving now. I am telling you, it is well worth the trip. We all pretty much think that we will return later in the week for a repeat. The massage was about 90 minutes long, and cost us less than $10USD before tip. No, I didn't leave off any zeros.
Tomorrow is the day we get to meet Miss Arisson. We have been told that we will not be getting them until the afternoon now because they need to be brought here, and Yangjiang City is about a 4 hour drive. I know she probably has no idea what is happening tomorrow, how her life is going to change so dramatically, but Jason and I just pray that she arrives here safely, healthy, and that we are the parents that God wants us to be for this little girl. Today I think the reality of going from 4 children to 5 has kind of set in for Jason and I. We are nervous, anxious, and just so excited for this precious child that God has allowed us to add to our family. I am still so humbled that God has brought us half way around the world to bring us this child.
Austin, Aislinn, Aidan, Aaron, please untie your Grandma now. Mommy and Daddy want you to know that we love you all very much, we miss you alot, even though we are having the time of our lives! We hope that someday you will want to visit the homeland of your sister, and to learn as much as you can about this country. Okay, Mom needs to get some sleep. I am hoping for at least a six hour stretch tonight! I can't wait to post tomorrow's journal entry!
The moment we all have been waiting and waiting for. |
