Greetings from Chicago! I don't technically know what the "Or Bust" part of the familiar saying means, but I suspect our arrival in Chicago last night might qualify and it is no fun. While we experienced the worst of a few people; we also experienced the best of several people from United Airlines, Customs & Immigration, a medical post, and a random Frenchman on the flight inside China. Truly, we experienced a few angels assistance last night and a few we know today like Brook's sister and brother in-law and our neighbors who are watching Peyton. Brook still is not feeling the greatest and did not want to chance flying so her sister and brother in-law are driving up to get us. The kindness we have been shown is emotionally overwhelming and the scripture passage about giving even a cup of cold water to the thirsty keeps coming to my mind as I have never felt so helpless/overwhelmed with a situation; thirsty. The smallest acts have been so uplifting and reassured us of God's provision and protection. No doubt as a result of the prayers of many.Bella has not experienced a car seat and does like to get her way so the trip might be interesting. I told Kellie that we may have to continually honk the horn and weave in and out of traffic as that has been her ( our) experience with riding in a car in China:)Nevertheless, we have not busted yet and look forward to introducing all of you to Bella. Thank you for your continued prayers!Thoughts & Prayers,Mike, Brook, Peyton & Bella(disclaimer: I am not authorized to update the "email" and will deny doing so if asked.)
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Greetings from Chicago
Cincinnati, Ohio or Bust!
I never thought we would get to this point in our journey. That first week was soooo long, but this last week has flown by so quickly. Can't wait to bring Bella home to meet everyone!
This was a journey I knew God wanted me to take over 6 1/2 years ago but I kept putting Him off. I wasn't ready to give up my "comfortable, easy" life. What I realize now are His plans are so much better than mine. I've experienced more joy in the last 10 days with Bella than I could have ever imagined. We have witnessed His hand at work in so many ways. He is faithful!!
Tonight our hotel had a Christmas party to celebrate the Christmas season. How neat to get off the elevator and hear "Joy to the World". We didn't stick around for Santa Claus; probably not the best time to get aquainted. We ended the night with Papa Johns's pizza...they even deliver.
We cannot begin to thank everyone for your prayers and acts of kindness. We are so blessed to have you all in our lives!
Many blessings,
Brook, Mike, Peyton and Bella
Brook, Mike, Peyton and Bella
One day closer
We had our appointment at the US consulate to submit Bella's visa this morning and we'll receive it tomorrow afternoon. This is our final step in the adoption process. Once we set foot in Chicago she will be an official US citizen!
Here's a quick video and picture for Peyton. We tried to film the Chinese comedian but he just wasn't quite as funny the second day. I think the comedian was camera shy so it affected the audience.
A few things we'll miss about this place are the warm weather, incredible breakfast buffet (the best I've ever had) and the pianist playing in the lobby each evening. Something that's interesting to me is how friends girl/girl or not as often guy/guy will link arms and walk together. It's sweet. So if I happen to grab your arm while we're walking together you'll know why. We've had a blessed time, but we're still ready to get home.
3 Nights and 2 days
We're getting closer to coming home! Even though our hotel and the island are very nice we are so eager to start back. Mike feels like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day; every day feels like a repeat of the previous. Wake up, eat breakfast, walk around, eat bad Chinese food. We've decided we can't do another night of "Chinese" chinese food. Mike suggested giving them the recipes for "American" chinese food because we think they might like it.
The trip home doesn't sound the easiest. By the time we leave our hotel at 6:30 in the morning we'll have 30+ hours of traveling; three flights and nine hours of layovers. We'll need your prayers!
Today we visited an old time market where they sell snakes, scorpions, frogs, etc. for medicinal purposes. We didn't buy anything. We went back to the island to buy a Chinese Barbie... those are hard to come by in the US. Mike has been keeping Bella laughing with his jokes in Chinese. He does a pretty good impression and she thinks he's hilarious.
Today we visited an old time market where they sell snakes, scorpions, frogs, etc. for medicinal purposes. We didn't buy anything. We went back to the island to buy a Chinese Barbie... those are hard to come by in the US. Mike has been keeping Bella laughing with his jokes in Chinese. He does a pretty good impression and she thinks he's hilarious.
We're sure missing our other gal and home. Love to you all!
Brook, Mike and Bella
Shamian Island
This morning we went to Shamian Island to the White Swan Hotel and took the traditional "red couch" pictures. It was so cute to see our kiddos dressed in traditional Chinese clothes. We had to snap quickly to try to get all six of them to cooperate. Mike and I opted out of the Buddhist temple tour and decided to spend the day on the island.
We bought a stroller and tucked the sling in the backpack...the best $35 dollars we've ever spent. Mike has insisted on no more "sling" pictures. November is a perfect time to be here. It's about 80 degrees and the island has lots of shade and beautiful landscapes / gardens. We probably stayed a little too long. Bella didn't make it back to the hotel in time for a nap so daddy's shoulder was good enough. How that plays out tonight is yet to be determined. Last night's dinner at a traditional Cantoneserestaurant found mostly bone and gristle with a hint of actual meat. Tonight's dinner; back to McDonald's. Not good, but at least a 'for sure thing'. I think we have had more McDonald's in China this week than all the previous 10 months of the year combined back in the USA.
We have been blessed by the many families we have met here who are adopting; many are back for a second round. We've been humbled to hear their stories and wish we would have more time to share with each other. Faith has been a common thread woven through most of the adoption stories. It was amazing how much we were both encouraged and strengthened by their stories today. God is good!
December 2nd doesn't seem so far away now that we are in our final week. We are counting the days until we can see Peyton!
Blessings to you all,
Mike, Brook and Bella Bug
Another day in China
What a difference a good night's sleep makes! The night before Bella must have been adjusting to the new hotel and decided to get up from 2:30-5:30. Last night a jackhammer...or two started up at 9:00, but fortunately went to a different location by 10:00. It felt great to wake up at 7:30 without any interruptions during the night.
Today we visited a park with the other families in our group. Our agency has done a great job of offering opportunities to visit various places to pass the time. The nine year old in our group entertained the rest of the kids on the bus when she grabbed the microphone and started singing songs in Chinese. The other kids loved it. The adults of course didn't have a clue what she was singing...hope it was okay. We go back to the hotel in the afternoon so the babies (and parents) can nap. The weather is perfect here this time of the year. The trees and flowers are constantly in bloom.
Even though 2+ weeks is a long time to be away from home, it has been nice spending quality time with Bella . She is so funny but does get mad when she's out of food. I can relate. Out of the blue she'll pucker up for a big, slobbery kiss which we love. She still prefers her daddy if given a choice which you'll see when she's holding out her hands in one of the pictures. We see that pose quite a bit.
It seems strange not to hear Christmas music in the stores while we're out or see Christmas decorations. We do see lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of people shopping though. We only have five more nights left.
Hope you're all enjoying the start of the Christmas season.
Blessings,
Brook, Mike and Bella Bug
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