Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Guangzhou Day 5

Today we met the rest of the travel group. I felt so bad for them. They got on a plane at 11:50pm Sunday night in California and arrived in China 6:30am Tuesday morning. That's China time. They lost 12 hours coming over. No one had time to rest before having to meet in the lobby of the hotel at 10:30am. To say they were all a little fried was an understatement. This is my facilitator, Norman, giving us info on the tour bus.
We went to the Sky One Restaurant for brunch. It was an amazingly beautiful place. We had a private room all to ourselves and ate with the owner of the restaurant.
This was our view from the 29th floor.
Some of the food was...uh, interesting. Some was really good.
And some was looking at us.
This light fixture was absolutely breathtaking. My mom would've loved it. The glass balls on the ends were purple.
After we ate, the owner took us up to the top floor and showed off his retractable roof. It was pretty impressive.
A dinner reservation at this table is over $15,000USD ...and there's a very long waiting list. I can't even imagine.
The view from the top. Guangzhou is a beautiful city. Not like anything I've ever seen before. So modern.
The architecture is stunning. This is the building the restaurant was in.
This is the view looking through that hole from above it.
Three of my travel mates have daughters adopted from China. They're 6, 7 and 8 yrs old and became instant BFF's. They're adorable. 
After brunch, getting a run down of what to expect over the next week and exchanging our money, we drove around on a city tour for a bit. Like I said.... Guangzhou is gorgeous and unlike anything else.




We had to have our bags outside the room by 6pm. We also were given the option of leaving some things here at the Marriott China Hotel since we'll be returning on the 31st. Carla was determined she could get all of our essentials into only one checked bag. Since it couldn't be more than 44 lbs I thought she was crazy and just knew there was no way she could do it. She accepted the challenge and went to work. 
While I relaxed with a vanilla Coke and lemon tea flavored chips. They were actually pretty good.
Turns out... I was wrong. Now that we've been in China for almost a week we had a better idea of what we need and don't need. So she cut it down to the bare minimum and got it all in one checked bag plus our rolling carry on, backpack and messenger bag. I didn't think she could get it under 44 lbs but she did it! 
We have to be in the lobby at 5:45am to catch our flight to Nanchang. Yikes! Like tomorrow won't be hard enough. Now we'll apparently be running on little sleep. Not like I really thought I'd be sleeping anyway though, right? We're supposed to be getting the babies at our hotel sometime after lunch. Norman said possibly 2pm-ish. They're traveling by bus 4 hours from the orphanage. So it depends on how their travel goes as to what time they get there. 

The butterflies have kicked in. I'm feeling ...well, a lot of different things. Nervous, excited, happy, scared, anxious. It's almost 8pm here. I can't believe in only 12 hours I'll be on a plane to meet my daughter. I can't wait to see her, to meet her, to hold her. I want to know how big she really is. Is she a chunky monkey like her pictures appear? Or are those shots deceiving and she's really a tiny little thing? Has she changed since the last update 6 weeks ago? Is her hair longer? I just want her. I'm so ready for that part. 

If you're the praying type, I wouldn't mind some sent our way. Pray my sister and I stay healthy. Pray Mia does, too. Pray that she transitions as well as possible and that I can comfort her as she's grieving the loss of her old life. 

I can't believe it's here. I'm in China .... and tomorrow after over 5 years of waiting for this day...finally Mia.    

33 comments:

Miche said...

AHHH!! I am so excited!!!!! Many prayers coming your way :) I can't wait to see a pic of you holding Mia; that will be so beautiful!! YAYAYAY!

Shawna said...

I have really enjoyed reading your blog and it has given me more insight as to what to expect when we travel to China June 8th.

I want to pray for you, right here and now.

Father God, I want to lift up this precious mother to you. I pray that your hand will continue to be upon her as she travels. I pray that she will have peace as she is anxiously looking forward to meeting Mia. I pray that the love she has for Mia will pour out on that little girl and that Mia will feel comforted by that love.

And God, I pray especially for Mia. We can't even begin to understand how she will feel as she is removed from everything that she has ever known. I pray that you will comfort her and heal her broken heart as only you can do. ~ Amen

Shawna
www.thehamptonchronicles.blogspot.com

GGHadden said...

Alomst time Krista, it's 9pm your time as I type this. In jsut 8 short hours you will be on your way, not that you are gonna sleep tonight but try. Chack back with ya tomorrow, glad you are having fun! 17 hours and counting!

dawn said...

It's finally here, that moment that you have waited your whole life for. Sending positive "everythings" for an easy transition and that you and your sister stay healthy.

I am so excited for you, so are the girls.

Kelli k said...

I am so stinkin' excited for you. I've got butterflies for you!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for you and Mia during this transition time. I can't wait to see her in your arms. OK, now I'm tearing up just thinking about it. I'm a wreck waiting for Mia day!!!

I can't get my google account to let me comment so this is Kelli, the obviously hormonal asshat!

Anonymous said...

It is here and so excited for you. Looks like you have had an amazing trip so far and the best is yet to come. Looking forward to seeing little Mia in her Momma's arms. IT IS FINALLY YOUR TIME - Cherish Every Moment!!!

Sue E. From IL

shelley said...

Yea.....I have followed your blog for so long and I can't believe it is really here. I can't imagine how excited you are....continue to soak in every minute....it will pass so quickly. Update when you can...your life is really about to change for the BETTER!!!!!!!!!!

Luna said...

It's finally here....You're going to have Mia in your arms so very soon!!!! Sending prayers your way. Hoping that it's an easy transition for both you and for Mia. I hope you get some rest tonight, Momma!

Donna said...

Sending good thoughts & prays your way.Try & sleep tonight (I didn't) Its almost time!
Donna

Anonymous said...

Oh Krista!! You're ohsoclose to Mia!!! SOOOO excited for you!!! Praying for health, a good transition for Mia, for her caregivers that are saying goodbye to part of their heart and for so much more. Will set the alarm to pray at 2am tomorrow for you as Mia is placed in your arms. Congrats Mommy....your long wait is almost over and now you have a lifetime with Mia ahead of you!!!!

Catherine

Jannine said...

I have really loved following your journey! This is the trip of a lifetime. I look forward to seeing pictures of you holding your Mia for the first time! Safe travels to Nanchang!

Anonymous said...

Krista, I have to say I am getting choked up just thinking about you finally meeting your daughter after such a long wait! Cherish this day, I am very happy for you!
Drea

Shannon said...

I've loved reading about your travels - it's so fun to experience the excitement of a new country through your writing, and it's made even better knowing you are almost with your daughter.

You and your sister were brilliant to come in early, tomorrow is going to be so much easier because of the time to adjust to the jet lag. Praying for you, your sister and for Mia.

Stacey Rake said...

Krista,
I am SO excited for you!! You are going to be an awesome mother and what a wonderful gift you and Mia will be to each other!! I said a prayer and will continue to pray that the transition is smooth!! Maybe I can meet her sometime when you are back home. Best of luck, and congrats on the best thing that will ever happen to you! :)

Anonymous said...

Almost there! I'm feeling very sentimental today reading todays post in your blog. We traveled with Norman for both of our adoptions (2001 and 2004) so much of this is so familiar to me. And it's funny because it is comforting for me that you are able to have this same wonderful experience with him that we did (and I don't even know you!).

Receiving your Mia will be surreal for about 5 seconds and then it becomes very real. Enjoy it all - the tears, smiles, whatever it is. You'll all be fine!

Michelle from SoCal

Anonymous said...

Oh the memories this brings back!

Kelli said...

Wow.....I would say..."your last few hours of sleep before Mia day" but my guess is there is not a whole lot of sleep happening tonight! I imagine you are waking up constantly thinking it's time for the airplane! :) Can't WAIT to see tomorrow's posting!! Beautiful pics...but you know what we REALLY want to see pics of! :) That beautiful adorable little girl of yours....and YOU HOLDING HER! At last! Big hugs for all of you!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

YAY!!! Your day is here..... it is 3:45am there, so I am assuming you are up and getting ready for your flight!

I am sure those butterflies are kicking into high gear, but try to take deep breaths, relax and enjoy every second of this miraculous day!!

I cannot believe your wait is finally over. Your baby girl is getting ready to board the bus that will bring her to her Mommy!!!

Many blessings to you and your beautiful girl. I might have to wait up tonight to see the first photos.....so excited for you.

xoxoxo

Lisa

Susan said...

As of this entry you may already be holding Mia, but if not, you are very very close. As you read this you will be in what China deems as your "harmonious" period. I found our "harmonious" period to be anything BUT harmonious and I pray yours goes better than ours :) BUT if it doesn't that could actually be a very positive sign... it would mean she has bonded to 'someone' and will ultimately bond well with YOU! Hopefully you won't need these words of encouragement, but here they are if you need it.. give yourself time and if things aren't as you dreamed they would be try not to be discouraged as this is actually more the norm than not! A year from now you will be looking back on these early moments with such emotion and longing to be in China again (I know it's actually hard to believe you will miss being so far from home, but it happens! :) :) Savor every moment! May God Bless this incredibly special time for you and Mia.

Nina said...

I have been following your blog for a while. I love and am so happy and praying for all of you. I too hope to adopt from china one day, so this blog means the world to me. Thank you!

Johnny said...

Best wishes and good luck!

Anonymous said...

YAAYYYOOOO!!!!! I can't wait for the update that has you holding that sweet baby girl!!!

Anonymous said...

We can't wait to see pictures of her in your arms, Krista!! Good luck!!

...Kris and Madeline :)

Anonymous said...

So so happy...my heart wants to burst with excitement for you! I want to cry and laugh all at the same time! I am so happy for you...love you and can't wait for you to both be home!

Donna said...

Exciting times! Can't wait for the next blog post...

Anonymous said...

Will keep you and "your daughter" in prayer--doesn't that look good--- "YOUR DAUGHTER" --- wow-- "OUR Daughter " has been with us for 13 years from Anhui Province in 1998-- wow !that seems like Forever Ago--GOD BlESS you both and keep you in PRAYER and good transitioning for MIA -- Cathy in ILLINOIS

Suzie said...

SO, SO, SO excited for you!! Next time I log on you will have Mia in your arms and you will officially be a mama!!! Congratulations Krista!!

Anonymous said...

You bet I'm praying! I've prayed for this for so long, I'm not going to stop now.

Teri

Kris said...

Also Krista make sure you tell us Mia's sizes! :)

Debbie said...

Krista! I'm in awe. You are such a great traveller, what a great Mom you will be. I can't wait to see photos of the day you meet Mia. Hoping that the trip continues on smoothly as it seems to be going. Hang in there Mama!! And, enjoy every one of those emotions.
Hugs from NY,
Anonymommy (RQ)

Sarah in MT said...

What a wonderful day Wednesday will be. Like everyone else, I am excited to see you finally holding your little girl. And how wonderful that Carla is there to share it with you - a very special memory for sisters. Hugs to all 3 of you!

Anonymous said...

I'm sooo excited for you!! Every time I look at the clock I think it's xxx time in China. It brings back fond memories of our Family Day with our little man.Can't wait to follow the rest of your journey.

Lorie
June /06 drop out
Mama to Xavier-adopted from Ethiopia 2009

Clarisa said...

Best wishes, I will keep you guys in my prayers.

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