We are home!

Sorry it has been so long since we blogged.  We had a wonderful time in Guangzhou with the other families.  Spent our days at the park so the children could play together as much as possible.  Our flight home was long and we figured out that we were traveling for about 30 hours altogether from the time we got up in the morning.  The flight from Shanghai was over 12 hours with the help of a tail wind.  We actually arrived in Chicago before we left Shanghai after flying for half a day.  Michaela was able to stretch out on some seats and sleep most of the way.  We arrived in Chicago and Michaela just looked at us and said one word "Shanghai".  It was very hard saying good bye to the other families and children.  I tried hard not to cry in front of the little ones but we have grown to love these people and the children and they feel like family.  I noticed Michaela looking for the children throughout the airport as we headed to our gate for Grand Rapids.  I thought she might not want to get on another airplane after being on one for over 12 hours but she just smiled at us and got in her seat.  When we took off she could see the lights of Chicago and she was pointing and smiling.  We arrived in Grand Rapids, where Jeff and Pam picked us up (thank you Jeff and Pam) by this time it was about 10 p.m.  We realized when we got home and got out of the car that Michaela had never experienced snow before.  You had to see her reaction.  It is wonderful to see her experience all these firsts.  We believe she had never ridden in a car either.  We were greeted by Dave and Sheila when we got home and a big sign that said "Welcome to America Michaela We Love You!  It was also written in the Chinese characters so she could read it.  Thank you Dave and Sheila!  She giggled and then proceeded to check out the house and especially her room.  After everyone left she gave me the sign for bath.  We got her bathed and in her pajamas and tucked her into bed.  We have a routine where we tuck her in and each kiss her on her forehead.  The look she gets on her face is priceless.  I woke up about 7:30 a.m. to see a little girl staring at me with big eyes so I signaled for her to come to bed with us, she smiled and climbed in between George and I and fell fast asleep.  Got up a little while later to head to Hardings to get some breakfast.  Our little girl loves her noodles for breakfast so I had to get her some.  We listened to some music of Chinese children singing and we let her watch the video we bought her that is her favorite.  It is called "Pleasant goat and big, big, wolf".  It appears to be about good and bad, and good wins in the end.  We were told she would lose her Chinese in three months if she does not hear it every day and we do not want that to happen.  We then went to town and met Jeff and Pam for lunch at King Wok.  Good but not the same as she is use to.  We headed for Little Chick Shoe shop where we bought her some shoes and boots.  She doesn't understand the boots.  We had a wonderful evening with her at home and Sheila brought us dinner ( thank you Sheila).  Tonight we decided to put a cot in our room and she is sleeping on that now.  Ooops, she just woke up and is sitting on Baba's lap as he is looking at pictures.  As we were driving in the car today, I said Thank you GOD! and we heard this little voice in the back seat say "Thank you GOD".  That pretty much sums up how we are feeling.  We are so grateful to GOD and all that he has done and is doing.  HE has given us a precious gift and we cannot thank Him enough.

Monday In Guangzhou

We had a wonderful breakfast overlooking the Pearl River.  There is alot of boat traffic on the river and it is fun to watch all the different kind of vessels and guess what it is there are hauling.  We then headed to the park with another family from Michigan who adopted a seven year old boy from the same orphanage.  The kids had a wonderful time playing on the slide and teeter totter and we enjoyed speaking with some locals who are learning English by watching american movies.  One young man shared with us his desire to live in America.  He told us his family does not want him to go since he is their only child but he said it is his dream.  I asked him why.  He said he loves basketball and football.  He mentioned the New England Patriots.  We told him the food is much better here.  We love the food here and the way that it is served.  Michaela was watching some people exercise in the park and then joined in a game of hackey sack.  They were very nice about letting her play and she did very well.  Michaela is very flexible we are finding out.  She can sit with her legs tucked behind her head and she does the chinese splits with no effort.  We believe she will be able to put her own sun lotion on her back (no problem).  We are learning more things about her everyday and enjoying the journey.  She is picking up English very fast.  Last night we received a phone call from our interpreter letting us know we had to meet today at 2:15 and bring our passports.  Michaela picked up the other phone in the room, listened, and then repeated everything she said perfectly.  We were all so surprised!  She will lose her Chinese in 3 Months if she does not hear it daily so we have bought her some movies and music in Chinese.  We do not want her to lose it.  Well we are getting ready to go again.  We will write more later!  Please continue to pray for us as we are getting concerned how she will be when we all go our separate ways in Chicago.  Some of these children are her babies!

Sunday Morning In Guangzhou

Today we attended Christ Church Shamian and saw our new friend there, a nice young lady who embraced us and told us she was a Christian.  There were alot of adoptive families there.  As we looked around the church we were amazed at all GOD has done.  It is a priviledge to be with the families here and actually feel a connection to them that will be life long.  Michaela still tries to mother the other children, sharing her food with them and making sure they have something to drink.  We love her beyond what we could have ever thought or imagined.

Guangzhou

By the time we got to Guangzhou it was late.  We got into our room, opened the curtain and couldn't believe the beautiful view!  Our room overlooks the Pearl river and there were boats cruising on it that were lit up like Christmas trees.   Their lights were very colorful and cast a lovely reflection on the water.
This morning after breakfast, we went to the doctor's office.  It was packed.  All of the babies and children being adopted in China by U.S. citizens come through here.  This was in addition to all the local people who use this office.  The kids were being silly as they waited to be seen by one doctor, or nurse, after another.  Last night's flight was the first time these kids had ever flown, so it made quite an impression on them.  So while they were all together in the waiting, room they took turns wanding and patting each other down, just like airport security.  They laughed and giggled and had a great time.  After they made sure they were all properly searched, they turned their new found skills towards their dads.  I had to draw the line at turning over the contents of my pockets to the "authorities".  While all of this was going on, we had to try to keep everything straight as most of the medical staff spoke only Chinese. 
This afternoon was more laid back and we did a little shopping.  As it turns out, our daughter is a girly girl.  We got her a couple of bracelets, a mirror and comb set, and a pink barrette for her hair.  Oh, and also a pink toy cell phone and cool shades.  She was delighted!  She is easy to shop with too.  She does not want daddy to buy everything in the store for her, and seems to be cautious not to want too much. 
One thing she pointed out to us was a DVD called "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf"'  Apparently this is a very popular cartoon with the kids over here.  We watched it in the room with another couple and their boy.  I'm thinking this might help her to not loose her Chinese back home.
Tomorrow we are planning on attending church. I understand they have an English second service.
Good night from Guangzhou :D

Last Post From Shanghai

Today we went to The Old City.  Old Shanghai.  The temperature dropped overnight so today it was mid 30's and windy ... burrrrrr.  There are many small shops there and we bought Michaela a beautiful traditional Chinese outfit and matching shoes for the photo that will be taken in Guangzhou.  (Near the end of our time here in China, all the kids and babies will be put on "the red sofa" at our hotel in Guangzhou for a group photo.)  Tomorrow we will go to the zoo here in Shanghai.  I hear they have baby pandas there!  The kids will love that.  Then we fly to Guangzhou to start the process of making our daughter a U.S. citizen.  Speaking of my daughter, she is sitting here with me patiently waiting for me to get done typing so my attention can once again be all hers.
Good night from Shanghai :D

More from Shanghai

As I sit here looking out of our window up on the twentieth floor, I am still amazed by all the busyness below.  Traffic is an amazingly well organized chaos.  There is a two story McDonald's, a Best Buy, and two KFC's within view.  We ate at Papa John's tonight and Michaela really liked it.  We have been eating mostly Chinese and this little girl is a pro with chopsticks.
 
Yesterday our group went to the Shanghai Civil Affairs office to register and notarize the adoption.  :D  While we were there we were able to talk to Michaela's caretakers.  They told us that she was very popular with the children and would help out with the younger ones.  We saw her keeping track of the younger kids with us.  She would get cups of water for them as they were playing.  Later at lunch she made sure the boy next to her had plenty of food to eat.  Best of all, she really loves it when her baba carries her!

Before coming we tried to learn some Mandarin.  She looks at us and smiles when we try to say a few words.  Turns out she speaks what's called Shanghai dialect.  I guess it's just not the same.  We are doing okay at communicating though.  She has started saying a few words in English already.  The first one she said to me was "fun".  The doll "Ling" is a big hit with her.  When she squeezes the dolls hand, the doll says something in English and then repeats it in Chinese.
We ended the day looking at photos of our family and friends, and she really liked doing that.

Today we went up in the Oriental Pearl Tower and then went on a Huangpu River Cruise.   All the kids had a great time!
Tomorrow we will visit Old City and Xin Tian Di.
Friday we will visit the Shanghai Zoo and fly to Guangzhou.

We are so blessed!

P.S.  Thanks for praying.  We are starting to think Candy's sinuses are being bothered by the smog.

Shanghai!

Yesterday we toured The Forbidden City, Tienimen Square, explored old Beijing on rickshaws, flew to Shanghai, and fell in bed at midnight.  That was great!  A once in a lifetime experience!  But today, I have no words to describe the joy of being given our daughter Michaela!  She is so beautiful and an absolute treasure!  Suddenly we were a family when our little girl came in the room and said "Hello Mama".  Now we are in our PJ's and ready for bed.  Good night from Shanghai :D

January 16th

Our day started with another couple sharing their story of how GOD led them to China.to adopt.  We felt so blessed to hear their story as we enjoyed another breakfast in Beijing.  Then we got on the bus and traveled to the Cloisonne Ware Factory.  The beautiful wireinlaid enamel was very popular as far back as the Ming dynasty.  We were struck by the dilligence at which these  women were painstakingly working.  The manufacture of cloisonne ware requires a rather elaborate and complicated process.

 

We then traveled to The Great Wall and were surprised to see the number of people there despite the cold.  We had really bundled up so we were quite comfortable.  We took the tram to the top and the views were breathtaking.  Needless to say we took lots of pictures.  Sally had told me how steep the wall is in places but it was more than what we had anticipated but we climbed anyway, stopping frequently to catch our breath.  No pictures or words could describe the view and the question remained in our mind  "how did they build this?"  After exploring the wall for awhile we got back on the bus and traveled by the Olympic Village.  I especially liked the watercube.  We got back to our hotel and decided to venture outside our hotel.  It was unbelievable as we tried to make our way down the sidewalk.  16.33 million people live here in Beijing and it amazes us that although the roads are filled with people, bikes, buses, cars, just about every mode of transportation you can imagine and some we have never seen before.  We have only seen one accident and that was minor.  Today we do some more sightseeing and then catch our plane to Shanghai.  In the morning, we meet Michaela!

 

 

 

Friday in Beijing

After our delicious breakfast buffet and then our 10:00 AM Bethany meeting, we hopped in a taxi to go see "The Temple of Heaven".  Many years ago the Chinese worshiped "Shang Di" who was believed to be the one true God.  The English name "Temple of Heaven" is actually a misnomer.  The Chinese name Tian Tan should properly  be translated "Altar of Heaven" as tian means "heaven" and tan means "altar".  It was built for and was dedicated to the worship of Shang Di, who does not dwell in any structure built by man.  The fact that the Chinese have never tried to contain Shang Di or Tian in any kind of building or other structure suggests that they knew GOD to be infinite and ever-present.  It is the largest place of Chinese religious activity and is the site of the world's largest altar dedicated to the worship of the Creator GOD.  As we were walking around this huge complex, the couple we were with whom we had just met took out a picture to show us of their son whom they are going to adopt and our daughter was in the same picture. It was a wonderful picture and it felt like we were given a precious gift.  It was one of those GOD moments that we will never forget.  Today we will be traveling to the Great Wall.  Our hearts are overflowing at all that GOD has done and is doing!  We cannot wait till Monday when we will meet the child that GOD has chosen for us. 

   

Friday in Beijing

After our delicious breakfast buffet and then our 10:00 AM Bethany meeting, we hopped in a taxi to go see "The Temple of Heaven".  Many years ago the Chinese worshiped "Shang Di" who was believed to be the one true God.  The English name "Temple of Heaven" is actually a misnomer.  The Chinese name Tian Tan should properly  be translated "Altar of Heaven" as tian means "heaven" and tan means "altar".  It was built for and was dedicated to the worship of Shang Di, who does not dwell in any structure built by man.  The fact that the Chinese have never tried to contain Shang Di or Tian in any kind of building or other structure suggests that they knew GOD to be infinite and ever-present.  It is the largest place of Chinese religious activity and is the site of the world's largest altar dedicated to the worship of the Creator GOD.  As we were walking around this huge complex, the couple we were with whom we had just met took out a picture to show us of their son whom they are going to adopt and our daughter was in the same picture. It was a wonderful picture and it felt like we were given a precious gift.  It was one of those GOD moments that we will never forget.  Today we will be traveling to the Great Wall.  Our hearts are overflowing at all that GOD has done and is doing!  We cannot wait till Monday when we will meet the child that GOD has chosen for us. 

   

We Are Here!

We are in Beijing.  Everything has gone smoothly. Our flight took us close to the North Pole and then over Siberia where the outside air temperature was 90 below at our altitude!
Today we are hoping to visit The Temple of Heaven before the acrobatic show this afternoon. 
We are emailing our posts in as we do not have direct access to the blog site.

We are on our way!

We are wide awake, siiting at the GR airport waiting to board our 6 a.m. flight to Chicago!

Our China Itinerary

January 14     Arrive in Beijing. Stay at Chang'an Grand Hotel.

January 15      Acrobatic show in the afternoon.

January 16     Visit Great Wall and Cloisonne Factory.

January 17     Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City,
                            and Hutong Tour. Evening flight to Shanghai.
                            Stay at New World Mayfair Hotel.

January 18      Go to Shanghai and pick up Michaela!

January 19      Register adoption and notarization.

January 20       Visit Pudong Riverview Blvd., Oriental Pear 

                              Tower, and Huangpu River Cruise.

January 21       Visit Old Shanghai.

January 22       Visit Shanghai Zoo. Receive Michaela's  

                              passport in the afternoon. Fly to Guangzhou.

                              Check into the White Swan Hotel.

January 23        Medical exam for Michaela in the morning.

January 24        Meeting to prepare the consulate documents
                               at 10:00 AM

January 25        Visa appointment

January 26        2:15 p.m. Go to take the oath.

January 27        2:15 p.m. Go to the consulate to pick up visa.

January 28        Flight @7:55a.m. to Shanghai. Connecting to USA