ten days to go

We have only 10days till we leave for China and 13 until we meet Evan.  It has taken so long to get here, one year, yet as we stand on the brink I can feel the same struggle I had before any of our children came into our family.  "We're a nice family the way we are.  The children know how to care for most of their needs.  Are we ready for more chaos?"  Then there are those last times:  The last time Avery will have a room to himself, The last time we can speak english and have everyone understand, maybe the last time Dan and I will be alone for a long time.  Still, there is the strong push forward in order to see what is around the corner;  the curiosity to find out who this boy is and what he is like.  WE stand on the brink of something momenteous and hold our breath and step off the edge.

travel plans

We booked our flights today.  It took a few days but I think we got a good deal.  We can fly in and out of Cincinnati  instead of Detroit which means only an hour drive home afterward.  It seems incredible that we are going 1/2 way around the world to pick up our son.  It seems like all the plans are a struggle, yet to get there in 15hrs is amazing to me.  The countdown has begun. 20 days to go.

travel arrangements

O.K. so this travel thing is not as easy as it would seem.  So many hotels and airlines to choose from and of course because we plan to bring home an extra passenger it is more complicated.  I've talked with numerous people and have figured out what not to do (I hope), just not sure I've got everything in my head yet.  I hope it will all fall into place in the next day or two.   On the plus side, we have had family come forward to help with the kids who will stay home so I think there will be enough supervision.  Now I only have to make that very loooong list of what needs to be done everyday so the cards don't fall.  lol

Travel dates

We got the travel dates today.  We need to be in Shanghai on June 12th and meeting Evan on the 13th.  We will be in China until June 23rd.  I am feeling a bit overwhelmed right now with having to make the travel arrangements quickly.  Pleas pray for guidance for us as we navigate the next few weeks. 

Travel Approval

Our Travel Approval from China is here!  We don't have consulate appointment dates yet but it looks like we will be leaving @ June 12th.   I am so excited, but so much to be done.  I can't wait to look in Evan's eyes and tell him I love him:)

Mother's Day and waiting.

So, tomorrow's mother's day and while I have 5 beautiful children at home (or close by) who will make my day a blessing, I am still wishing for the last of mine to give me a hug.  Avery taught me a lot about how a mother means different things to different people.  A mother is not always prized; sometimes the word "mom" can be somewhat generic until it is associated with a person who loves.  I don't have any idea what Evan thinks of when he hears ma (mom in chinese) chances are it is not what my other kids think.  I am very ansy to show him who a ma is and what a ma does.  I hope that within the year he will know that ma = ai (love).