July 16, 2008
4a.m. EST
4p.m. in Shanghai
**I have posted our China travel itinerary in the sidebar on the right.**
It is hour 23 of our almost 28 hour voyage to Beijing. We are in the Shanghai PudongInternational Airport, and we wait a couple more hours before we board our China Air flight to Beijing. That flight will last almost 3 hours, and then we will have arrived at our final destination. Everyone is trying to nap, but me. The four of them are stretched out across 3 or 4 seats each; the seats happen to be cushioned and quite comfortable. This airport seems very nice, and so far it has been easy enough to communicate. We are already encountering many stares and glares, and when seated together in one place, seem to be the entertainment for those around us. One elderly lady slowed as she walked by us earlier, then turned all the way around to stop and stare some more.
I sit here looking out at the runway, the overcast, humid, smoggy day. My body and my brain, a bit numb right now, and I suppose they will be, until sleep comes. Many more hours from now. I napped for only an hour or two on the 15-hour flight from Atlanta to Shanghai. The time passed quickly, though, the boys entertained by complimentary flight movies and games, by reading and writing.
Once we arrived here, getting through customs was no big deal. We were prepared to have all our bags emptied, so were pleasantly surprised when all we had to do was put our luggage through the radar machines, then pick them right back up. No emptying, no opening, no questions.
A guide will meet us in Beijing and escort us to our hotel, then I will try to post this on the blog before calling it a day. So, by the time you read this, we will be somewhat settled in our hotel in Beijing, hopefully sleeping soundly.
That’s it for now. The numb brain refuses to produce any more words here.
I must say that it is quite wonderful to be in China, to be almost 10,000 miles closer to Ahna than we were this time yesterday. In 5 days, we’ll have her. Wow.
P.S. - (From Bill) We made it to our hotel at 10:30pm Beijing time. That is 29 and 1/2 hours after we left our house in Mason, Oh. What a day! It appears we lost a small camera on the way, so we are down to two cameras. We are awake on Thursday morning now and are off to an orphanage in Beijing today to volunteer. Will post pictures later.
7 comments:
So glad you guys made it to China. It must be so incredible to experience it all as a family.
You're volunteering at an orphanage! That's really incredible.
Praying for you all (including Ahna) as you wait to meet her.
I'm so glad that you made it safely! I'll be praying that your bodies adjust to the time change quickly & with ease. I look forward to reading more updates during your time! So soon you'll be with your sweet daughter.
Since home is where the heart is...welcome home. Ahna has no clue that the greatest family in the world is about to sweep her away! The 10,000 mile journey put a big smile on God's face. Enjoy your time serving in the orphange. And, good luck with the chopsticks. Hope the practice paid off. By the way...we are taking bids on who lost the camera...
Lee, Willie, Bill and I were all wondering aloud during dinner today how you all were doing and whether you had reached your destination yet. We're glad that you have and that you are all doing well. Thanks for keeping us posted! We love you and pray that your time there is incredible =).
Hi Cindi, Bill and boys,
Just checkin' in on y'all! We're leaving for the airport in about an hour. First to D.C., then to Beijing! Can't wait to see you! Glad your travels went well!
~Rhonda :)
Glad to hear you arrived safe and sound. Enjoy your day today!
Woo-hoo! We're so glad you made it. Get some rest! We will be following you via cyberspace the whole way...can't wait to meet Ahna in August!
Much love,
Molly
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