Gotcha Day!

Today has been great.  Noah was in the 3rd group of children to arrive at the Civil Affairs office.  He seemed to recognize us and came bearing snacks and his own backpack.  I don't think he has stopped eating or drinking since the moment we got him aside from a 4 hour nap we all just took.  He hasn't cried but instead smiled all day long.  Its clear he was well-loved and cared for.  His nannies were so helpful with the transition and he is indeed potty-trained (uses a squattie potty and traditional toilet).

We have lots of pictures to share but want to FaceTime with Ella and Beckett and then eat dinner.  (finally uploaded more pictures)

The Amazing Orphanage Donation

It's Monday morning here-we've already eaten breakfast at the hotel and are getting things ready for the Civil Affairs office (and Gotcha Day!).  We'll be taking Luke's backpack filled with snacks, bottled water and an iPad, Noah's new backpack filled with toys and treats and 2 gifts for the ayis (caretakers from the orphanage).

Yesterday afternoon our guide took us to a local bank and we exchanged $8,500 USD for RMB; of that $5,556 is a required orphanage donation fee.  Here is a picture of what that looks like in RMB:

Interestingly enough this amount is EXACTLY the total amount we have raised/received from t-shirt sales, the garage sale, the Fund Anything account and in-kind donations from friends and family.  How cool and amazing is that?!  God's hand is constantly there providing for each of us even when we cannot see it.  

We're feeling a million mixed emotions about today and in just a few hours we will meet Noah!!!

We're in Zhengzhou!

Hi we are here it is Saturday night at 9:15 pm...

(Luke at dinner tonight tasting a local beverage)

We almost missed our connection flight from Guangzhou to Zhengzhou early this morning since our departure from LAX was 30 minutes later. Whew! Nothing like running full speed thru an airport to wake us up. 

It is snowing in Zhengzhou, cold and lots of smog. We cannot see the sun.  Our guide met us at the airport and we rode in a van about 50 mins to the Sofitel Hotel. Checked in and slept about 4 hours, dinner downstairs at the Western buffet and just FaceTimed with our children and my parents.

Tomorrow our guide will take us to the bank to convert our USD to Yuan (yes banks are open on Sundays here). Feels surreal that we are not only in China but in the same town as Noah now! Thanks to all that prayed for our safe travels-we sure felt it.

This is the lobby at the hotel-so beautiful.

At The Airport

Packed & Ready!

Our bags (all 3 of them) are packed and Noah's carseat is now installed.  Still can't believe tomorrow is the day we leave for China!  I hope to post pictures along the way of our travels and blog once we arrive in Zhengzhou.  Only 3 more nights for our son to be without a family.  We can't wait to meet you, Noah!

Psalm 68:5-6 "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families."

Travel Itinerary

Here's a brief overview of our time in China.  We hope to update the blog daily with a new picture and sentence or two about Noah.  There is a 12 hour time difference between Cumming, GA and Zhengzhou, China.

Thursday, February 6-Saturday, February 8-Depart from Atlanta,GA at 3:15 PM to Los Angeles, CA (5 hour layover) then to Guangzhou, China (2 hour layover) and finally arrive in Zhengzhou 9:20 AM
Staying at the Sofitel Zhengzhou International

Sunday, February 9-Free day

Monday, February 10-Gotcha Day!  Meeting Noah for the first time

Tuesday, February 11-Civil Affairs appointment

Wednesday, February 12-Free day

Thursday, February 13-Free day (have requested to visit Noah's orphanage)

Friday, February 14-Fly to Guangzhou, China
Staying at the Guangzhou Victory Hotel

Saturday, February 15-Medical appointment

Sunday, February 16-Free day

Monday, February 17-Free day

Tuesday, February 18-Consulate Appointment 8:30 AM

Wednesday, February 19-Thursday, February 20-Depart from Guangzhou, China at 9:30 PM and fly to Los Angeles, CA (5 hour layover) then to Atlanta, GA arrive at 6:41 AM

Thank you!

Many of you have given financially towards the adoption expenses and we want to thank you so very much.  We have raised an additional $880 using the Fund Anything link in the past 3 days!