Our Journey to Bring Our Son Home . . .


July 4, 2009

Hello from Guangzhou



Sorry for skipping a day in our posts but we were traveling last night. We left Henan province at about 6:10 PM and arrived in Guangzhou at somewhere around 9PM. Brett did wonderful on the flight. The flight was a little bumpy at several points, and Brett did break down a little, but was easily comforted. Upon landing, he asked Grace, our guide, if he was now in the US. His nannies at New Day had been telling him how he would get on an airplane to go to the US and he thought this was that flight. Even the bus ride to the hotel was an uneventful ride. Brett was excited by the many cars and buses. However, once we got to the hotel and up to our room, Brett had a complete emotional meltdown. This was the first episode like this that Cindy had seen (I have been the unfortunate witness of two others where he wanted is Mama). With a little distraction from Abigail's and Chloe's "Ni Hao" video, he did calm down and settle into our room. 11:30PM and we were all asleep.

This morning was his medical exam, and Brett seems to have a pretty bad case of "White Coat Syndrome". This is likely due to a few visits to the hospital he has had. Again, Brett was a real trouper - he listened to the doctors and nurses and we made it out with only a few tears. Next was the immunizations - the Hague agreement required that all internationally adopted children be COMPLETELY up to date on their shots before they can leave their home country instead of catching up at home. With a big thanks to the staff at New Day, Brett was missing only one shot for chicken pox. The other test that is required by the US CDC is a TB test. Some wonderful politicians at some level in the US government didn't think that thess children had gone through enough in their young lives and require that they be TB tested before they can come into the US. Brett's bubble test will be read on Tuesday. Since some kids produce false positives, we pray his arm is clear.

Tonight, Cindy, Brett, and I will be meeting one of the people that were sponsoring Brett at New Day. They live in Hong Kong and will be taking the train into Guangzhou and having dinner with us tonight. We are excited to have the company and hear about their connection to our son.
Russ

6 comments:

The Lucky Ones said...

He gets more handsome each day! I love the "monkey in the tree" photo - I just want to blow raspberries on that cute bellybutton. We will see you in a week - how awesome. You are almost done!

Doug and Cheryl said...

Welcome to the NDFH family. Please keep up on your blog. Maybe one day all the NDFH families can get together.

The Lewises said...

I love the monkey shot, too! He's absolutely adorable. And I get it...bring Bugles and the child will adjust, right? :)

I'm sorry he had a meltdown. And these kids do deserve a better break than being tested and given shots ad nauseum...ugh! But Brett's now wrapped in the security of his forever family's arms, and his journey to the best love of all is just beginning. :)

Karen BeTheChange said...

Wow...so much for this little guy to adjust to. Brings back so many memories... I had no idea they were requiring the TB and up-to-date vax before entry into the US. Gosh... so, does that mean you can trust that he got everything and won't re-start from scratch once home? I imagine things are different with a place as fabulous as Brett's orhpanage. Thank you so much for the posts and pictures and for allowing all of us to follow y'all along on this journey.

Grammifrani said...

You certainly are the most amazing family and I know now why Kevin & Caroline love you so. Brett is a treasure and I just love his smile.
I've followed your trip since the begining and I cry every time. What a beautiful family you are.

Anonymous said...

I too love the monkey shot. He is just so darling, is smile makes me smile!

Sorry, Guangzhou has been a little rough-vacc & TB tests don't seem fair.

You'll be home before you know it!

xoxox