Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Consulate Appointment
Hello everyone! We had our us consulate appointment today to get Allie's visa to enter The United States. When we land home, she will be an official United States Citizen! Yeah! All paper work and appointments will be done.
Tonight we are going on a river cruise. Then tomorrow we head out to Hong Kong. We spend one day there, then leave for home. Love everyone. We have had a great trip, but are ready to get home! See you very soon. Bob, Jennifer and Allie.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Guangzhou
Today Allie had her visa photo and physical. The photo was a bit funny with her hands in the air - and the clinic was not much, they squeaked a duck in one ear for the hearing test and pretty much took her measurements and temperature. All went well! We ate lunch at Lucy's - yum!!! Real American food! We were so happy to have a real burger, fries and onion rings!
Ok, just wanted to say hello and let everyone know we are doing well! Going for our us consulate appointment in a few days to get Allie's Visa. See you soon. Love, Jennifer and Bob
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday July 14, 2011
Hello everyone. We are still in Zhengzhou. We get Allies passport tomorrow, then head to Guongzhou. We are officially Allies Daddy and Mommy. yeah!!!!
Yesterday we visited her orphanage. A two hour bus ride there - crazy drivers! We took Allie into the orphanage. She did great! She held onto us and only got down 3 times. Once in her old playroom, once to let a nanny hold her for 2 seconds and once to go see a friend taking a nap and say good bye. The orphanage has 635 kids and over 200 workers. The director and nannies seemed to love the kids and all was very good for what they were able to provide foe the kids. We were able to take lots ofnpictures and videos. The director even took us into the board room and gave us bottled water gifts (embroidered tablecloths).
Next was lunch at KFC. Bob and Allie ate chicken wings. too cute.
Our next visit this day was to Maria's Big House. This building was build by the Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his family and named after their daughter who died suddenly. This facility is for critically Sick children, children with disabilities. Bob and I received a huge surprise when we walked in. They started recognizing Allie (whom they called Carolina). I could not believe it!!! We were so shocked. The lead nurse (Mariah, from south Carolina) explained that Allie came here right when she was found, just a few days old. She was 1 of the first six kids at the facility the first week they opened. We heard an amazing story about our little girl. Including lots of pictures they showed us and will be emailing us (pictures from the moment they unwrapped her, through the first 8 months of her life). We feel so blessed by the nurses and doctors, Maria's Big House and to God for leading Allie to our family! We will be checking the website. They said there are pictures and maybe videos online of Allie (Carolina).
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Well, I'll try to post again in Guongzhou. Love, Jennifer and Bob
Yesterday we visited her orphanage. A two hour bus ride there - crazy drivers! We took Allie into the orphanage. She did great! She held onto us and only got down 3 times. Once in her old playroom, once to let a nanny hold her for 2 seconds and once to go see a friend taking a nap and say good bye. The orphanage has 635 kids and over 200 workers. The director and nannies seemed to love the kids and all was very good for what they were able to provide foe the kids. We were able to take lots ofnpictures and videos. The director even took us into the board room and gave us bottled water gifts (embroidered tablecloths).
Next was lunch at KFC. Bob and Allie ate chicken wings. too cute.
Our next visit this day was to Maria's Big House. This building was build by the Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his family and named after their daughter who died suddenly. This facility is for critically Sick children, children with disabilities. Bob and I received a huge surprise when we walked in. They started recognizing Allie (whom they called Carolina). I could not believe it!!! We were so shocked. The lead nurse (Mariah, from south Carolina) explained that Allie came here right when she was found, just a few days old. She was 1 of the first six kids at the facility the first week they opened. We heard an amazing story about our little girl. Including lots of pictures they showed us and will be emailing us (pictures from the moment they unwrapped her, through the first 8 months of her life). We feel so blessed by the nurses and doctors, Maria's Big House and to God for leading Allie to our family! We will be checking the website. They said there are pictures and maybe videos online of Allie (Carolina).
Monday, July 11, 2011
Zhengzhou
The airport in Beijing was quite an adventure - between Bob's pocket knife - - to our friends hairspray - - we finally got through security. (yes, bob kept his knife in checked bag - - our friend lost her hairpray). LOL
Our flight was about 1 1/2 hours - and we headed straight to the hotel. (p.s. more squatty pottys at the airport... too funny).
Okay - first day in Zhengzhou - - we settled in our room - got paperwork and gifts ready for the next day - - visited the 7-11 for a few waters (by the way, the traffic is crazy here - you risk your life just crossing the road!) Now we are going crazy waiting for tomorrow - our GOTCHA DAY!
Well, today is our Gotcha Day and I'm looking at our sweet baby sleeping in the crib in our room! She has been a dream!!! Okay - here is how the day went....
UP at 2:00 am - can't sleep.
Back to sleep around 3:00 am.
UP at 5:00 am - can't sleep - decided to just get up and go to breakfast. Everyone is there.... grinning ear to ear!
Took bus to registration office - - once we got there everything happened so fast. 1 family got their child.. then they called Luoyang orphanage... and we went to the door... immediately I saw Allie and the tears flowed! The orphanage officer said "ma ma" and she gave her to me - - Allie had on purple sandals, butterfly pants and a red t-shirt with a bear on it. I took her in my arms and held her tight - - she was crying - - (and so were we) - - we went to one of the couches and I held her and sang "Jesus Loves Me" and she was so quiet and so calm.... I fell in love! After a little bit she went to Bob... and Bob - - well, he is the best Dad!! He had her smiling and waving... she was so clam and so good (especially when she got used to the beard on Bob's face tickling her with the kisses).... we feel so blessed! After signing one document - then a family picture - we went back to the hotel.
Allie has done great - she is so calm and happy - Bob had her laughing like crazy! All the little kids are playing in the hall way in the hotel! At lunch she ate noodles and meat.. and loves all the crackers and animal cookies we brought!
Okay - I'm signing off - - we are all doing great.... we can't wait for you to meet Allie, and we can't wait to be home!! - Love, Bob and Jennifer
Our flight was about 1 1/2 hours - and we headed straight to the hotel. (p.s. more squatty pottys at the airport... too funny).
Okay - first day in Zhengzhou - - we settled in our room - got paperwork and gifts ready for the next day - - visited the 7-11 for a few waters (by the way, the traffic is crazy here - you risk your life just crossing the road!) Now we are going crazy waiting for tomorrow - our GOTCHA DAY!
Well, today is our Gotcha Day and I'm looking at our sweet baby sleeping in the crib in our room! She has been a dream!!! Okay - here is how the day went....
UP at 2:00 am - can't sleep.
Back to sleep around 3:00 am.
UP at 5:00 am - can't sleep - decided to just get up and go to breakfast. Everyone is there.... grinning ear to ear!
Took bus to registration office - - once we got there everything happened so fast. 1 family got their child.. then they called Luoyang orphanage... and we went to the door... immediately I saw Allie and the tears flowed! The orphanage officer said "ma ma" and she gave her to me - - Allie had on purple sandals, butterfly pants and a red t-shirt with a bear on it. I took her in my arms and held her tight - - she was crying - - (and so were we) - - we went to one of the couches and I held her and sang "Jesus Loves Me" and she was so quiet and so calm.... I fell in love! After a little bit she went to Bob... and Bob - - well, he is the best Dad!! He had her smiling and waving... she was so clam and so good (especially when she got used to the beard on Bob's face tickling her with the kisses).... we feel so blessed! After signing one document - then a family picture - we went back to the hotel.
Allie has done great - she is so calm and happy - Bob had her laughing like crazy! All the little kids are playing in the hall way in the hotel! At lunch she ate noodles and meat.. and loves all the crackers and animal cookies we brought!
Okay - I'm signing off - - we are all doing great.... we can't wait for you to meet Allie, and we can't wait to be home!! - Love, Bob and Jennifer
Beijing
Well, we finally made it to China. Over 18 hours in the air - lots of plane food, movies and finally a little sleep - - we are now in the country of our daughter Allie!
Our guide George met us at the Beijing Aiport and took us to the hotel with three other families.
We slept (well tried to) so we could adjust to the 12 hours time difference. This was tough - lots of 2am automatic wakeups - and not much to watch on China TV (especially since we can't understand what they are saying). We did find a chinese soapopera - a home shopping network; and a weird basketball game with no backboards/short skirts. Interesting....
The hotel was beautiful - including an outside garden. We had a starbucks, McDonalds and Pizza Hut within walking distance. Perfect!
Our tours in Beijing included:
A rickshaw ride! Wow, that guys was sweating after pulling Bob and I. LOL He was also very interested in Bob's hairy arm!
A visit to Mr. Hou's house - - 5th generation home. Very beautiful.
Tieneman Square - Forbidden City - - very crowded, and lots of vendors.
Silk Factory - - bought a few items.
Jade Factory.
The Great Wall! This was our favorite site in Beijing! After climbing for about an hour, we were exhausted! I can't wait to show you our pictures, and make sure everyone asked Bob to see his new shirt "I climbed the Great Wall"! He purchased that and his first Chinese Beer (TSINGTAO) after our climb!
Our final tours were of the olympic stadium (birdsnest - and water cube) - lots of folks took more pictures of Bob - and interesting Porta-Squatty-Pottys.
Overall, Beijing was incredible. The people were so friendly and we enjoyed our time there! - Bob and Jennifer
Our guide George met us at the Beijing Aiport and took us to the hotel with three other families.
We slept (well tried to) so we could adjust to the 12 hours time difference. This was tough - lots of 2am automatic wakeups - and not much to watch on China TV (especially since we can't understand what they are saying). We did find a chinese soapopera - a home shopping network; and a weird basketball game with no backboards/short skirts. Interesting....
The hotel was beautiful - including an outside garden. We had a starbucks, McDonalds and Pizza Hut within walking distance. Perfect!
Our tours in Beijing included:
A rickshaw ride! Wow, that guys was sweating after pulling Bob and I. LOL He was also very interested in Bob's hairy arm!
A visit to Mr. Hou's house - - 5th generation home. Very beautiful.
Tieneman Square - Forbidden City - - very crowded, and lots of vendors.
Silk Factory - - bought a few items.
Jade Factory.
The Great Wall! This was our favorite site in Beijing! After climbing for about an hour, we were exhausted! I can't wait to show you our pictures, and make sure everyone asked Bob to see his new shirt "I climbed the Great Wall"! He purchased that and his first Chinese Beer (TSINGTAO) after our climb!
Our final tours were of the olympic stadium (birdsnest - and water cube) - lots of folks took more pictures of Bob - and interesting Porta-Squatty-Pottys.
Overall, Beijing was incredible. The people were so friendly and we enjoyed our time there! - Bob and Jennifer
Friday, July 1, 2011
Our Itinerary
July 6: Travel to Beijing
July 7-8: Tour Beijing (Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, etc.)
July 10: Travel to Zhengzhou - Henan Province
July 11: Gotcha Day (we finally meet Allie); we assume guardianship
July 12: Adoption is legally finalized
July 15: Travel to Guangzhou
July 16: Medical Exam; Visa Photo
July 18: American Consulate Appointment
July 19: Pick up Visa for Allie; and travel to Hong Kong
July 20: Depart Hong Kong
July 20: Arrive Home!!!
July 7-8: Tour Beijing (Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, etc.)
July 10: Travel to Zhengzhou - Henan Province
July 11: Gotcha Day (we finally meet Allie); we assume guardianship
July 12: Adoption is legally finalized
July 15: Travel to Guangzhou
July 16: Medical Exam; Visa Photo
July 18: American Consulate Appointment
July 19: Pick up Visa for Allie; and travel to Hong Kong
July 20: Depart Hong Kong
July 20: Arrive Home!!!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
AFTER 5 YEARS - WE FINALLY MEET OUR ALLIE
We joyfully announce the referral of our precious new daughter and sister! Allie!
Chinese Name: Dang Xue Zheng
Date of Birth: July 25, 2009
Currently Residing: Luoyang City Children's Welfare Institute, in the Henan Province.
Date of Referral: June 1, 2011
We hope to travel in July to bring her home! We have heard all about "worth the wait" - - now we understand..... thank you God... yes, our Allie is "worth the wait"..... we are so blessed! We are so excited to see what God's plans are for her!
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Chinese Name: Dang Xue Zheng
Date of Birth: July 25, 2009
Currently Residing: Luoyang City Children's Welfare Institute, in the Henan Province.
Date of Referral: June 1, 2011
We hope to travel in July to bring her home! We have heard all about "worth the wait" - - now we understand..... thank you God... yes, our Allie is "worth the wait"..... we are so blessed! We are so excited to see what God's plans are for her!
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
~Hebrews 11:1
~Hebrews 11:1
What a beautiful little face - - we can't wait to kiss her little nose and give her lots of hugs!
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