Sunday, November 9, 2008

TODAY TODAY TODAY TODAY...It's TODAY!!!!

Family and Friends,

Hope all are doing well!

John and I arrived in Nanning, China yesterday afternoon (Sunday afternoon--China time) and we are all settled in our hotel room. Nanning is much different than Beijing. I am grateful for the time we had in Beijing. It really helped us adjust to the culture.

Last night we ate at a Cantonese restaurant. It was amazing! Well, it was to us. John and I had Roasted Peking Duck and Pigeon. It was soooo good. I have been wanting some duck so bad and we both wanted to try some of the local food. Pretty stinkin' good! Glad we are still feeling good today..that's for sure!

Now....The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. We are just hours away from meeting Lydia for the first time. We are pretty calm right now. Other than a few butterflies here and there. The Lord has given us great peace and we are grateful for all your prayers. PLEASE don't stop! :)

We are with 4 other families from our agency that will also receive their girls today. It has been a huge blessing not to do this on our own. They have all been such a great help. Not to mention our coordinator. She rocks! We can't thank her enough for all she has done thus far to make our trip smooth.

Our schedule is going to be like this today:

2:30pm-leave hotel for Civil Affairs Office

3:00pm-we receive Lydia

4:00pm- take bus back to hotel

4:30-5:30pm-hang with Lydia in hotel room

5:30pm-?-- one parent goes with coordinator to complete some paperwork (at this time--we are not sure who that will be...I think we are going to draw straws!)

It's hard to imagine what it's going to be like --meeting her for the first time, riding on the bus, our first night together as a family of 3, etc.. so we are trusting the Lord for the outcome.

By the way, our first trip to Wal-Mart is tomorrow. Yes, you read it right...Wal-Mart, baby!

Anyway, it's been wonderful thus far. We are (well, I guess I should say I am) getting adjusted to the time. Finally getting some sleep..thanks to Melissa! :)



This picture was taken at the highest peek we climbed at the Great Wall. Good lookin' group, huh?

Keep checking our blog for more updates....we will have some pictures of Lydia to share with you very, very. soon.