7/25/06 (Tuesday)

Tuesday
Wei Long ate a huge breakfast this morning and then we went swimming for the first time. He did great! He likes to stay in the hot tub a lot because the water is warmer. The pool water is too cool for him. I put swimmies on his little arms and a ring around his waist and he was set.

After lunch we went to the Civil Affairs office again to register the adoption. Wei Long agreed that he wanted to be adopted by us, and signed his name to the paper like a grown up. He was very excited to see the assistant director again and I could tell that he was telling him everything we had done for the last 24 hours. He made swimming motions and talked and talked.

I’m a bit sad that he is leaving this very kind man. I can tell that they care about each other. But Wei Long really wants a family, and we love him and will take care of him from now on.

I feel so sorry for the family who is traveling with us. They are adopting an 8 yr old boy. And he cried and cried at the Civil Affairs office. I cried too as I watched him. It was so hard for him to leave his own assistant director, but he does want to come to America and have a family of his own. I’m going to ask Jeri if I can post a link to her website here later.

Now the Chinese part of the adoption is finished. We will get the boys’ passports and the notarized documents on Friday.

Wei Long has such a great personality. He is known by name by the hotel staff by now. He is such a little sweetheard. And he never meets a stranger. But I swatted him on the bottom with my hand this evening. He was turning summersaults down the hall of the hotel, and pretended he didn’t hear me when I told him to stop. So I gave him a little swat and he quickly straightened up! My, but he has captured my heart. He is so lovable.

7/24/06 (Monday) Wei Long, at Last

We're in love with this little boy! He's precious. So little and cute and full of life. And such personality. He never meets a stranger.

We entered the Civil Affairs office about 3:30pm. And he was there waiting for us on the 7th floor. He let me give him a great big wonderful hug, and had the sweetest smile for me. He is much smaller than I expected. Only the pajamas I brought will fit him, none of the other clothes.

While Jeri and her family spent time with the translator and Wei Fu's nannie, Wei Long and the girls chased each other around the Civil Affairs office, hiding behind the chairs and under the tables. They were quiet with their first game of Hide and Seek, but Wei Long would aim a pretend gun at them and shoot them when he found them. We looked over the photo album I had sent him, and he already knew who we all were. He showed me with pantomine that the wanted to go swimming, and I told him yes, as soon as we could.

We came back to the hotel and the children played with bubbles. The room was awash in huge bubbles. They had a great time with them.

At 6pm we went to supper in our hotel. There is a revolving restaurant on the 29th floor of this hotel. Wei Long was fascinated with the view from the windows. He was so grown up at supper. There was a very large buffet, and he quietly pointed to the dishes he wanted to try, and held up his palm for the ones he wasn't interested in. He ate a lot of food for such a small boy. (Julia turned over a glass of water on Adam). He talked nicely with Mei's parents who joined our group for supper. And surprise, he uses a knife, fork, and spoon very nicely. He refuses to use chopsticks. He was eating the shrimp, shell and all, until I showed him how to peel them. But he learns quickly and was very neat in his table manners.

Then, the children discovered that there was ice cream! Wei Long was so excited because he said he has never had ice cream before. He pointed to what we thougth was chocolate, and they gave him a nice scoop in a bowl. He took his first bite and shuddered. He made that face that people usually make when they eat something very sour. We all laughed and laughed. But he kept eating bravely and told us it was very cold. Finally, someone else tasted the ice cream and it wasnt chocolate at all! It was a very bitter coffee ice cream. So, Jeri let Wei Long try a bite of vanilla and a huge smile lit up his little face. He loved it.

Mei's mom took him to the buffet to get his own dish of vanilla, and he came back with a beautiful scoop of ice cream with a marshmallow for a nose and two cookies for ears. It looked like a little bunny. He scooped up the nose onto his spoon and insisted on giving this first big bite to his mommie. What a sweet little boy. He has completely captured his mommie's heart by being so sweet to her. He will hold her hand and guide her around, showing her things. He is so affectionate with his new family. He gives us lots of hugs and even kisses in the privacy of our room. He has learned Julia and Lisa's names, but sometimes calls them er mei and san mei or just jie jie.

The girls played with him and they watched tv til bedtime. He didn't want to go to bed, but was so tired. So, after a quick bath (taken all by himself) we went to bed around 10 pm. He let his mommie sleep with him and we slept soundly til about 5 am.

So, after a dream of a first day, I don't know what to expect. Lisa and Julia are so glad to have this little guy as a brother, and I feel so priviledged to have him in our family. He's a wonderful little boy.

7/23/06 Sunday in Beijing

Sorry, will upload soon.

7/21/06- Orphanage Visit (Changzhou)

Well, it has been several days since we visited Changzhou, so my memory is not as fresh as I wish it was. But here’s a stab at it. I may modify this later after I consult with the girls.

We were disappointed to learn that we would not be allowed to visit the temporary orphanage facilities. We would be allowed to go the the old orphanage where Lisa stayed which now houses the senior citizens.

Lisa and I both recognized the facilities when we drove up. The large statue was no longer there though. It was raining and muggy, so we were led directly inside to the same room where Lisa and I first met! The furniture was all different, and there were no children, but we still recognized the room. Soon the director and assistant director came to meet with us. We gave them the pictures sent by two other families who had adopted previously from Changzhou and they were very glad to get them. Then Lisa gave them the photo album she had prepared for them and they looked at it with her.

A bit later we were joined by the nannie who took care of Lisa and a child who Lisa used to play with. I’m sorry I didn’t remember this girl’s name. She needed assistance in walking, and I’m sure you’ll be surprised to learn she is 17 years old! Lisa was a bit quiet during the entire meeting.

We were able to learn a bit from the director. She says she has a picture of the old couple who kept Lisa for the first 4 years of her life and that she will email it to us. I have her email address and I’m going to try my best to get that picture for Lisa. The director says she saw that couple just last month and told them that Lisa is doing well and that she was going to visit Changzhou. She also promised to forward a letter and picture to them from Lisa. So, we’re going to try to contact them! Lisa would really love that. She loved this old couple. We also got the name of the city where they live, but not their names. I sincerely hope the director follows through on her promises to Lisa.

We took the director and nannie out to lunch at a local restaurant. They were very cordial to us, and we learned that the director had canceled an important meeting to meet with Lisa. I was very grateful that she took the time from her obviously very busy day and met with us.

After lunch, we started the very long drive back to Nanjing. We stopped by the Nanjing Jade Museum and I bought both the girls a beautiful jade bracelet.

Next morning when we got to the airport we learned that our flight had been canceled. So we were able to catch an earlier one. This caused me tons of problems because there was no one to meet us at the Beijing airport. I walked around for over half and hour, then decided just to risk it and take a cab to our hotel.

I was not able to contact our guide in Beijing because I didn’t have her phone number, so I just checked myself in and waited! I sent emails to everyone I could at our agency to let them know I had arrived safely. The other two families had already arrived and were checked in also. So I just met with them and the guide in the lobby at 5 as planned. They had spent a few hours waiting around the Beijing airport looking for us, but just on the later flights. They never thought we might get an earlier one. And the airlines would not give them any info about which flight we were on for security purposes.

I know God was looking out for me and the girls. We have had one flight which was delayed for a couple of hours and this one was actually canceled. But both times we were able to get where we needed to go without too much trouble. I must admit it’s a bit scary to be in an airport where hardly anyone speaks English and have no one there to meet

7/19/06 Wed- Orphanage Visit (Yongxiu)

What an exciting day. I didn’t expect anything like this. We were met at the orphanage by firecrackers! And most of the staff and children were outside to greet us. How touching.

We were taken up to the director’s office and served watermelon! Julia was at home immediately. I have never seen her so comfortable with new people. But she seemed to know that this was her first home and that these were home folks.

Then we were taken outside for a look around. The grounds were so familiar to us, just like the pictures and videos that other families have shared with us. We walked down to the little pavililon by the water. Several of the children came out to p lay with Julia and Lisa. And I sat and talked with Mr Cai (the director), the assistant director, and a couple of nannies. Also present was the man who oversees all the orphanages in the area. The men smoked and we watched the children playing. We spent a very pleasant half hour outside before going back to the directors office.

Now they brought out all of Julia’s paperwork and let us look at it. We already had copies of everything they had except the paper that told about her being found. I tried to take a picture of it, but it didn’t come out very well. Julia was very interested and looked at everything they had. We learned that she was left at the gate to the orphanage and that she was found by and old man who has since passed away. They took us outside and showed us how the gate was closed each night, and that Julia’s loud, persistent crying had caused the old man to come out and find her. I must admit to being sad at the thought of my precious girl being left there. But if she hadn’t been, then I wouldn’t have her as my sweet Julia. Afterwards we talked about and we know that God had planned for us to be together all along. And I told Julia that whoever left her there must have stayed hidden behind the buildings there until the old man came out and got her and brought her into the warmth of the orphanage. I don’t know if I mentioned that the orphans are in one bldg and the old folks are in an adjacent bldg.

After this we were taken back inside and allowed to tour the bldg. We went into a couple of rooms where there were beautiful babies in walkers. There was one nannie assigned to 4 children, sometimes 5. But in each room we went into, there were at least two women. The older women from the adjacent bldg were in with the children, helping with them. They all gave Julia big hugs and welcomed her. They were so friendly to us all, I think they felt we were a part of their family.

Two of the older girls and one older boy followed us around the whole time and Julia loved playing with them. I would have loved to bring all of them home. The smallest girl in the pictures was so precious, so friendly and sweet. She stole my heart completely.

Then the staff told us they were going to take the girls shopping and buy them some clothes! We didn’t know what to say. I know they don’t have much money and didn’t want to accept, but was afraid I would hurt their feelings if I declined. So we all piled into the vans and off we went to a local clothing store. What a ball the girls had! They tried on clothes and shoes and we created quite a stir in the small shop. Julia was thrilled to get a pair of shoes that she just loves. The shoes were only 20 yuan each, less than $3 a pair. I don’t know how much the shorts and shirts were though. Julia is so careful of those shoes, you would think they were Cinderella’s glass slippers.

Next we took the orphanage staff out to lunch at the hotel we were staying in. What a great time we had! The men ordered beer, I think. And they kept toasting us. The party got a bit louder as time went on. We had a private dining room all to ourselves. And Julia thoroughly enjoyed the food. She ate like a little pig! The staff said it was because she was at home and everyone loves home cooking. We were toasted again and again, and invited to come back as often as we liked and to stay as long as we wished. They said I could come and stay and help at the orphanage if I wanted to!! Maybe they had too much to drink?? But honestly, we felt very welcome and accepted, just like we were amongst family.

Later we went shopping and I bought the orphanage a new washing machine. They need 4 in total. The machine was $2000 yuan, and you get 8 yuan for each dollar. So it was less than $300. Each little apartment needs a washing machine. Julia had to use the squattie pottie for the first time and wet her pants. All the ladies were very sympathetic, and she quickly changed into the new pants they had bought her.

Then the staff took us to see some local sights in Yongxiu city. But it was so very very hot that we had to cut the tour short. The heat was making the girls sick, and I was so sweaty (and a bit smelly).

They drove us to the entrance to the toll road and there we said our good byes. I think we all left a bit of our hearts in Yongxiu.

7/19/06 Wed- Orphanage Pictures

Yongxiu city pictures

7/18/06 Tuesday- In Yongxiu

Simba told us we would be staying at the best hotel available in Yongxiu. The Yongxiu Hotel. And you can tell that it was a great hotel at one time. The lobby is very nice, but they do not have AC in any of the common areas, just a unit in each room that you can turn on with a remote control.

The room is nice and large with 3 twin beds. But we were so shocked when we entered. The floor is covered in a very old gray carpet. And there isn’t a square inch of it that isn’t marred by huge cigarette burns. People must just drop their cigarettes on the floor and step on them. And it reeks. The beds do not smell clean, and the towels don’t’ either. But we have been traveling for what seems like days and must have a rest. I showered and changed clothes and we went downstairs to meet our guide for lunch. Did I mention that there is no elevator in this hotel? Thankfully we’re only on the second floor, so there are only one and a half flights of stairs to climb.

I was amazed at how much food the girls ate. They gobbled up everything that was placed on the table. Julia has got to be the pickiest eater on the face of the earth at home, but not here. She tried everything, and loved it. That first meal I think she ate nearly a whole watermelon. The food was very, very spicey, and she needed the watermelon to counteract the hot peppers! Lisa loved it too, but was much more quiet, letting Julia do all the talking.

Our guide told us that Mr Cai, the orphanage director was coming to see us later today at the hotel. I was surprised since we are supposed to meet them tomorrow morning at 8 am.

We went to our room to rest for a while before the meeting. I was very very tired. The girls played cards and watched a bit of a video while I dozed for a while.

About 5:30 we met Simba in the lobby, and soon a van drove up. There was Mr Cai, the orphanage director, two assistant directors, and one on the nannies. How nice of them to drive out in the heat to welcome us to Yongxiu. They promised us a tour of the orphanage next day, and left quickly because there was a thunderstorm coming at any moment.

The girls and I decided we needed sleep much more than we needed supper, and we went to bed at 6:30 pm. And slept soundly on those rock hard beds until about 3:45 the next morning.

7/16/06 On our Way

The girls were so excited about the flight. They entertained everyone around us as they discovered each new wonder on the plane. There were little individual tv’s on each seat. And they played with laying their seats back and raising them up again. Then there was the little bag of toiletries given to each of us. The squealed over the new toothbrushes, blackout shades, and earplugs. They loved the navy slippers and quickly took off their shoes and put them on.

It was a long flight though, and we slept only a little. Lisa spent a very long time watching tv. Julia played with her coloring book and crayons. And poor little Julia got locked in the tiny bathroom the first time she went. She couldn’t figure out how to opent the door. But she was smart enough to push the attendant button and was quickly released from her tiny prison.

Finally, we landed. We gathered up our carry-ons, and got off the plane. The girls were so excited to be on Chinese soil again. They were jumping and cavorting all over the place. I just enjoyed seeing their happiness. This is going to be a trip that they will remember the rest of their lives. I am so blessed to have these two precious girls and to be able to share this trip with them. I wish Gary could be here with us. We are already missing him, but I am determined to enjoy this trip as I think it will be my last time to travel to China.

We got through customs in just minutes. I was so glad that it didn’t take long at all. They just took the papers that I filled out on the plane and waved us through.

We had no problem finding our connecting flight to Nanchang, but it was very tiring waiting for two hours. Julia got to sit by the window since we are visiting her orphanage first. She was so excited and happy as Nanchang and the surrounding area came into view. It was beautiful. Lots of green squared of cultivated land, and beautiful mountains. All three of us oohed and aahed over the site.

We were met at the airport by our quide, Simba, a 23 yr old young man. We all really liked him. He was open and friendly and very helpful. Our driver’s name it Tu. He looks to be in his mid 40’s maybe. He has one child, a 21 yr old son. He doesn’t speak English, but is very good at driving in the crazy traffic in China. I just have to close my eyes and ask God to protect us as we dodge in and out of traffic where there do not seem to be any lanes.

New Picture of Wei Long

Thank you, Carmen, for sending me this wonderful picture of our boy. I sent him the shirt he's wearing. It's a size 6.

Itinerary

7/16 Sunday AA745 (509P/613P) Dallas/Los Angeles

7/16 Sunday CZ328 (1150P/620A) Los Angeles/Guangzhou (arrival on 7/18)

7/18 Tuesday CZ3539 (820A/920A) Guangzhou/Nanchang Meet OCDF guide at the airport, the guide will hold a red sign with OCDF CHINA TOURS on, transferred to Yongxiu by private van/driver accompany with the guide from Nanchang, upon arrival, check in Yongxiu Hotel (best available), rest of time free, lunch at local restaurant, dinner on your own.

7/19 Wednesday Breakfast in the hotel, morning visit Yongxiu SWI, meet the director and caregivers, see the child’s (Julia's) adoption file and where the child resided, host a lunch with the director and 2-3 staff, afternoon see the finding site of the child if possible, late afternoon drive back to Nanchang, upon arrival, check in Gloria Hotel-4*, dinner on your own.

7/20 Thursday Breakfast in the hotel, morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Nanjing, upon arrival, transfer to Changzhou by private van/driver accompany with the guide from Nanjing, upon arrival, check in best available hotel, lunch at local restaurant, dinner on your own.

7/21 Friday Breakfast in the hotel, morning visit Changzhou SWI, meet the director and caregivers, see the child’s (Lisa's) adoption file and where the child resided, host a lunch with the director and 2-3 staff, afternoon see the finding site of the child if possible, late afternoon drive back to Nanjing, upon arrival, check in Nanjing Grand Hotel-4*, dinner on your own.

7/22 Saturday Breakfast in the hotel, morning transfer to the airport for the flight
Nanjing to Beijing by CA1818 (1210P/150P)
In Beijing, Hotel – Wang Fu Jing Grand Hotel, Tel: 0086-010-65221188, Fax 0086-010-65223749 www.wangfujinghotel.com

7/23 Sunday, tour Forbidden City and Great Wall

7/24 Monday Beijing to Hefei
Leave Beijing, 10:30am on China Eastern #5170, travel time 1:40, plane MD-90

Arrive 12:10pm in Hefei
Get Wei Long in the afternoon!!!!!
Hotel – Holiday Inn Hefei, Tel: 0086-0551-4291188, Fax: 0086-0551-4291166
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/hfech

7/25 Tuesday Registration and notarization for adoption

7/26 - 7/30 Wednesday – Sunday 7/30 Sight see in Hefei

7/31 Monday Hefei to Guangzhou
Get Wei Long’s passport
Leave Hefei, 10:20am on China Southern #3814, travel time 1:45, plane Airbus 320
Arrive 12:05pm in Guangzhou
Get Wei Long’s medical check up and visa photo
Hotel – White Swan Hotel, Tel: 0086-020-81886968, Fax: 0086-020-81861188
www.whiteswanhotel.com

8/1 Tuesday Consulate appointment 9:00am to apply for visa

8/2 Wednesday Get Wei Long’s visa

8/3 Thursday Guangzhou to LA
Leave 9:00pm on China Southern #327, travel time 13:50, plane 777-200
Arrive 6:50pm on 8/3 in LA

8/4 FridayLA to DFW
Leave 12:15am on AA #2404, travel time 2:53, plane 737-800
Arrive 5:08am in DFW

Updated Pictures and Info

We got new pictures of Wei Long. And updated height and weight. He is 103 cm tall and 17.5 kg.

He looks so sweet in the pictures, can't wait to meet him.

We're trying to arrange a trip to each of our girls' orphanage when we travel to adopt their little brother. They are both so excited at the prospect of a trip to China.