We are now in Beijing

After a long flight, we are now in Beijing. After working on the luggage for about an our to make sure each bag was under the 50 pound mark, Cindy has now re-organized each of the three bags so that it contains the proper items - our clothes, the New Day donation, and Brett's clothes.

Apparently, I shifted too much of the items between the bags to even out the weight that I messed with Cindy's OCD tendencies.

When we head out for Brett's home orphanage, I guess I will have to shift things around again. This time it should be much easier because the New Day donations will have already been delivered.

For those that followed us on our trip to get Chloe, I posted some pictures of our flight over the North Pole. This time, I didn't take any pictures as it was just too bright outside the plane. With the summer solstice just passing, it is light 24 hours a day, so all that would have been seen is ice.

I will have to say that Continental's in flight entertainment system was a great way to pass the day. It had a selection of about 240 different movies - some old and quite a few new - plus a large number of prime time shows.

As far as we know, our entire flight passed through the N1H1 medical screens without any issues. That was our biggest fear that someone on the plane would be sick causing others, including us to be placed into quarantine.

Tomorrow, we are off to New Day Foster Home to meet Brett. We will post pictures in our next update.

Russ

Transitioning . . .

Well, we spent our last weekend together as a family of four and look forward to our journey this coming week to bring Brett home. Thank you all for the many gifts, donations for New Day, and prayers!

While I prepare to go through a box of tissue after my parents pick up the girls, I know they are in good hands. Granny, Grandpa, Nana, Papa, and Aunt Jen have all planned great adventures and surprises.
Granny is making the girls a nice calendar filled with activities and giving them a chance to mark the days until our return, Nana has marked out where the new Slip and Slide will go, and Aunt Jen has plans for a Luau. In between, we'll be checking in and Skyping with them from China.

We hope you will all follow our journey. Here is our general schedule:

Jun24th: Leave Orlando
June 25th: Arrive in Beijing
June 26th-27th: Visit New Day and deliver our donations
June 28th: Leave for Henan
June 29th: Family Day
June 30th: Official Adoption Day
July 3rd: Leave for Guangzhou
July 4th-10th: Brett's physical, Consulate appointment, etc.
July 10th: Leave Guangzhou
July 11th: Arrive home in Orlando at 9:05am!!!!

Happy Birthday/Father's Day!

Happy Birthday and Happy Father’s Day to my best friend! For those who know us well, it isn’t a secret that my husband has the patience of a saint. I’m definitely strong-willed and stubborn at times. My mother often reminds me, “You better hold on to him.” Russ loves me unconditionally. Above all, he is the best Daddy! He plays on the floor, gives the girls baths, and even plays dress-up. I fall in love more and more with him each day.
Russ, I thank God for you each day!

Travel Dates

We will leave on June 24th and return to Orlando on July 11th! We can hardly believe this long-awaited day has arrived! More details to come . . .

TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next week will be the one year anniversary since we first laid eyes on our son. After a long process with US immigration and new Hague requirements, we finally received news that our TA is on the way. We will hopefully have confirmed travel dates next week, but our agency hopes we will leave around the 24th of June. Praise God through whom all Blessings Flow!

Above is a recent photo I received from a special angel at New Day. Needless to say, we are extremely excited and in high gear to prepare everyone for this huge transition. We'll post when we have firm dates.

Let me first address the obvious. After receiving an email from our agency on Friday, I feel that the fears stemming from the Swine Flu will slow down travel to China. To say we are frustrated and disappointed is beyond an understatement at this point. However, I also understand the concern for children with health conditions. I pray this will not be the case, and we will have travel approval in two weeks. After a good cry today, I’ve decided to shift gears a bit during this difficult period of waiting. Russ and I plan to deliver medical supplies to New Day when we travel. Several people have asked how they can help or what we need for Brett. Our deepest desire at this point is to help support New Day. This is Brett’s home and Brett’s family. Please prayfully consider helping us collect the following items:

Liquilytes Powder Mix
Aerochambers with Pediatric mask
Povidone Iodine
Children’s Fluoride Rinse
Atrovent Nebulizers
Cefaclor Suspension
Zithromax Suspension
Aquaplast Splinting Material
Dr Smith's Diaper Ointment
3cc oral syringes
Pulmicort nebulizers
Infant liquid vitamins with iron
Tussin CF
Antibiotic ear drops for kids
Antibiotic eye drops for kids

When donating medicine, please check the expiration date, so that New Day can get one year of use out of it.

On another note, we met with an intern traveling for the third time to New Day. It was so wonderful to hear Jovanna speak of the love shown to Brett and the other children. We are so grateful for Jovanna and the many other volunteers who give so much of themselves for these children.

Finally, we hope all Moms had a wonderful Mother’s Day! I was spoiled with flowers and a Mother’s Day Tea Party at Abigail’s school.

Blessings!

Just to make you Smile . . .

After worrying all week that the Swine Flu and its effects would cause China to delay travel approvals, God found yet another way to put things in perspective. My sister sent me flowers with a card attached simply stating, "To make you smile!." I must admit I thought the flower delivery boy was at the wrong house (not to imply anything about my husband.). Thank you Aunt Jen for always making me smile and knowing when I need a pick-me-up!

Then, Abigail hosted her first real sleep over and invited her neighborhood friend. There is nothing like two giggling girls at 11pm to make you reevaluate how blessed you truly are.

Next, we received the cutest outfit for Brett from dear friends from Abigail's travel group. Thank you Bailey family. I never thought I'd enjoy receiving boy clothes as much as girl clothes!



Finally, I ran across this video sent to me by one of our pastors. Although we know Brett will have many obstacles in life, he will be blessed with friends and family who will always see him as complete.