Leaving Beijing!

Awesome awesome awesome time here in Beijing. Yesterday we climbed the Great Wall!!!! Man, was it hot. But awesome!!!! We also visited the Summer Palace and walked the longest corridor in the world. (My feet can attest to that!) We learned how cloisonne is made and toured a jade factory. The food is excellent. We had Peking Duck last night. Tons of construction everywhere to get ready for the Olmpics next summer. The CHinese people are very friendly and surprised when I smile and speak to them on the street. Hey, folks, I gotta be me!! Never met a stranger, even in China! :) Flying to Jude's province, Liaoning, this morning. We will likely not see many Americans there. All ready I am a novelty it seems, lots of looks and one lady wanted her picture with me!! We are all so happy to be here and cannot wait to get Jude tomorrow! Time to go check out. Missing home a bit already. (Again, please kiss my puppies for me!)

Beijing!!!

Greetings from Beijing! After a loooong flight, or actually several flights, we made it. Didn't get to bed til midnight last night, but up early today to go to the Fobidden City and Tianamen Square. Then we an awesome lunch at a local woman's home and had a rick shaw tour around a residential area. We also visited a silk factory and a Chinese Wellness Clinic. Oh and a Governement Tea house where we tried 5 types of tea, all delicious. We had supper at a local place with our guide, Jenny. Very interesting!!! The best dish was raw julienned potato in garlic. The food is just amazing and of course nothing like the Chinese food back home. So far no one has gotten a sicky tummy, but we a re taking pepto and tums just in case. I had some locally brewed beer today that was lovely. :) We also each had a foot massage this evening!! So nice after running around for 2 days. Having a great time, but anxiuos to get my boy already. That will happen on Monday. Tomorrow we will see the Summer Palace and the Great Wall. (I will try not fall off of it!) Off to bed now. Missing everyone already and especially my puppy dogs. (Please hug Lamby and Cookie for me!) Will try to post pictures tomorrow.Nighty, night! :)

Off to Bejing

We are off to Beijing. Will get in to Tokyo and then right off to China. Arriving at 9:40 pm so will likely go to bed and not find a computer.

TA baby!!!

Today I recieved Travel Approval from the Chinese Government! This is the last big step!! I will be traveling in early August. Tomorrow I will find out my exact dates and more importantly Jude's "Gotcha day", which is the day that I will finally hold my boy for the very first time. It is so close that almost can't wrap my head around it yet. I am so very blessed! On my way Jude!

LOA! LOA! LOA!

My Letter of Acceptance arrived at the agency today! This is a huge deal! The agency will overnight the LOA to me to sign and then I will zip it right back to them. From there the LOA will return to China and then we just wait for the Travel Approval, which should arrive in about a month! This letter is a step that the Chinese Govt just added in January and it really is just to stall, in my opinion. It just basically says that I do want to proceed with the adoption of this child. Well, as my 8 year old nephew would say, "Duh!" (Although I frown at him when he says it!) So I am one gianormous step closer to my Jude today and so very thankful!

Waiting and waiting and waiting.

The waiting continues. This is day 54 into the official wait for the LOA (letter of acceptance) from the Chinese govt. Meanwhile, I am working on Jude's room, sorting a TON of clothes my SIL gave me (Thank you Valerie!). The mural in his bedroom is coming along nicely. I am also working on a scrapbook about the whole process. Anything to leep busy. I do watch the blogs from the agency (Harrah's) like hawk to keep in the loop. There are so many awesome families waiting for their peapods ,as well. Next week I will be helping with VBS at my church and looking forward to be around all the kiddos as it does seem to sooth my soul. Keep sending up those prayers folks!! Oh, and I did get a short message from the head nanny at his orphanage yesterday saying he is well and just waiting for me. :)

That's my son!

What a blessed day this has been! A family traveling to Jude's orphanage to get their new daughter got to see Jude!!! The wonderful nannies there made sure that Jude was home from school (which is 3 hours away from the orhanage) in order to get the package I sent for him with this family!!!! He saw my picture and looked up with his toothless smile and said"Fu Mama!!" He is well cared for and happy and very excited about the adoption! I cannot tell you how amazing it was to read that post today! Such a surprise! That makes the waiting just a wee bit easier. A huge THANK YOU to the Frasers for taking Jude's package to him and sending me such great news!