Day 14

Today we were able to shop a little again on Shamian Island. I was still kind of sick. Dave and Lillie stayed back at the hotel and I went with the rest of the group. Susan, our guide, felt sorry for me, and since she was by herself, she offered to go with me. I was thankful, and we were only there for 1 hour and 15 minutes. As soon as I got back to the room I was able to take a nap. Sweet Lillie laid with me! She has really warmed up to me, and I am more and more in love with her! I can't wait for the rest of my friends and family to meet her. Especially Payton and Kelsie! I know they will adore their little mei mei (Little sister)! After my nap I was able to take a nice long shower and then it was packing time and off to the Guangzhou airport. Two of the six families traveling with us stayed behind (they were a day later on all of their paper work, because their province required them to stay longer). It was a 7pm flight that lasted 3 hours. We meet our guide, Winston right away and he had hired a small bus. With some great thought and muscle power of the daddies with us, we all made it on the bus! There were 18 of us in all and let me tell you, none of us were traveling light! We made it to the hotel in Beijing just before midnight and I was able to Skype the kids! I had missed them the day before and they were kind of worried! Anyway, Lillie did well on the flight, there were a couple moments when she was crying (screaming) but all in all she did VERY well! Of course she did not sleep one bit, but it was ok! Needless to say, she feel asleep on the bus ride to the hotel and was down for the count! That girl can sleep when she sleeps!! On the bus ride home I started telling everyone what I was going to get as soon as we reach the US! A slushy with ICE!! Actually anything with ICE sounds so good!! And BBQ sauce! Anything with BBQ sauce! And yes, I am going to appreciate the air even in Newark! It smells so bad in China! Even my banana at breakfast tastes like the dirty air smells in this place!!Dorothy had is right, "There's NO place like home!"

Day 13

Today it was more waiting and waiting in the hotel room until our 3:30 oath "ceremony" at the US Consulate. We couldn't take a camera or phone into the US Consulate. Lillie was so sweet, she even raised her right hand and held it up like everyone else in the room! She looked adorable! She really is smart!! I would estimate that there were 100-125 people in the room, probably 50-75 families. We all swore that the information we provided in our applications was true. The officer that we swore before told us that there were 3,000 adoptions form China into America last year. She estimated that 66% of the adoptions completed in 2010 would be Special Needs. After that we went as a group to have dinner at a Chinese restaurant in the hotel next to ours. I was starving and the food was soooo good! Then…2 hours later I was as sick as a dog!! In fact it lasted all night! YUK! I was swearing that I would NEVER eat Chinese food again! Anyway, the good Lord decided to see me through it!

Day 12

All I have to say today is "Hooray!!!", 12 days are done!! We are so ready to be home! Our Consulate appointment was today, but we didn't have to go. Our agency rep went for us, and she was back right away with our official paperwork, saying Lillie is ours! This afternoon we went to a wholesale market that was 8 floors, it wasn't easy to shop with Lillie and Dave, so we just looked at all of the people and all the stuff, and there was a lot of stuff! We have been able to establish a great little routine with Lillie. She is such a great little girl!

Day 11!!!!

Yeah! 11 days down and 4 to go! Today was a free day to explore the area! As a group we all went to Shamian Island to pick up our laundry and to shop for about an hour. Let me tell you one hour is NOT enough time to shop! But we were able to pick up a few things. The real reason we came back to the island was for 2 of our families in our group have their TB test results read. Both girls passed, one had to have the x-ray because her skin test came back positive. After Shamian we headed to the pearl and jade wholesale. We had heard that a nice pearl necklace that costs $1000 in the US was about $200. And a jade bangle (that is very popular) sells for $300....we didn't get any of either. It's hard to shop with a toddler, in a busy market where the sales people speak a foreign language the currency is foreign and the desire just isn't there, so we just went a long for the ride! After that we were able to come back and freshen up at the hotel. Our guide told us to confirm our tickets home, so I did that while Dave took Lillie up to the room for a nap! We met again as a group and walked one block to a museum. This museum was entirely for a tomb that was found in the 80s, and it was built right over the excavation site. Since I love history I really enjoyed the museum visit. It amazes me how people buried their kings. It also dawned on me, that a lot of other people were buried with the king. At this site many of his concubine and servants were also buried with him. Again I was amazed at all of the ornate tools, jewelry and daily living items that were made and used 2000 years ago. I couldn't help but to think about how plain and simple and borrowed the tomb for the KING OF KINGS was. It doesn't matter what material things we gain in life, we cannot take them with us. How wrong this king was and the people who worked so hard on the items that were buried with him were! I saw beautiful items that were once beautiful thousands of years ago and are now rusted and corroded with years of weathering and I am so thankful that my treasures are stored up in a place where moth and rust cannot reach! On a Lillie note, she continues to show herself more and more to us. She is so sweet and has gotten more comfortable with me. In fact, she even reached for me on the bus today, Dave said it was because I had her cup, but I know she wanted me! I held her close and was singing softly to her when I realized she was singing too! What a precious moment! Her little voice was so sweet. She is a verbal child, but she is not saying any words, in Mandarin or English. China continues to amaze me: the old mixed with the new...every where you go!

Day 10

Today we went to a church service on Shamian Island. It was awesome to sing "We are the Body of Christ" in a church in China! We were there right at 11, but it was crowded and we ended up standing in back. We didn't know if Lillie would act up, so we didn't mind having access to the exit! She did really well. After that we were able to shop for a while, Dave and I went into a music store and bought 2 CDs of Chinese music. Another family with us bought one with their first daughter,and they say that it has been wonderful because their daughter can sing all of the words. We would love to be able to keep the Mandarin language in Lillie's head….not sure if it will work, but it is worth a try. Then we met up with everyone in our group for lunch at Lucy's which Lillie slept through. It was nice to have a quiet lunch. After lunch we headed down the street to The White Swan to take pictures on the famous "red couch", which ended up being several couches! Anyway, it was beautiful in the White Swan, and they had amazing statues made from jade! We ran into some friends from Wuhan who are staying at the White Swan, and when we compared accommodations, we decided we were very lucky to be staying at The China Hotel. It sounds like our bed is much softer and the air conditioner is much better…that may seem like small things, but when you are so far from everything you know and love, it is VERY nice to have these "luxuries"! When we got back, Susan took all the daddies on the underground subway to the Super Market. It was nice to have some time alone with Lillie. We were able to play and sing and watch a little bit of Chinese cartoons! I saw "Yo Gabba Gabba" for the first time! It had Jack Black in it! Who knew….?

Day 9 and still no curling iron

Can you believe we have spent 9 days in China? We are so ready to be home! We are tired of eating out, living out of a suitcase and being in a foreign country where not many people can understand what you are saying, a foreign country where I cannot use my brand new curling iron, so my hair is a mess, a foreign country that just doesn't do things like we do at home!! We also miss our children VERY much! If you are lucky enough to see them in the next week, PLEASE give them both a BIG hug for us, will you PLEASE!?? I really do miss them, I am so thankful for SKYPE! But I miss having my hands on them! During these long years of waiting to adopt, we didn't think too much about spending more than 2 weeks in China and how we would deal with that! Our agency's rep who is with us all this week is wonderful and we are thankful for her, but we still miss home! Oh well, soon enough we will be home! We jumped through another hoop today….we had Lillie's physical exam! We were there early and then spent a couple of hours walking aroundShamian Island. We bargained for a stroller and ended up paying less than $15 for one, which we appreciated and Lillie seemed to enjoy! Later back at the hotel we all three took a good nap, I got a long hot bath (Dave keeps the room frigid since we are finally in a room that has good air), I completed 90 minutes of paper work for the consulate appointment (with Susan's help), and then we ventured out and bought Lillie a beautiful Chinese outfit! The day ended with a bang as a thunderstorm passed through the city! The thunder sounded so different than at home...I can't explain it, but maybe since we are in such a dense area with a lot of buildings the sound resonated off the concrete making it sound different. I don't know, but it wasn't surprising that it was different...everything is!

Day 8

Today was our last day in Lillie's city. Dave and I were ready to leave 4 days ago, but it was kind of sad to think that we were taking Lillie away from her place of birth. On our way to the airport we had made arrangements to stop by her "finding spot". We found out this week that the place where Lillie was found was not an exact address, because it was more like a park. It was in-between a dam and a road. It was sad to be there, and Dave who was carrying Lillie said right away that she did not like this spot because she buried her head deeper into Dave's shoulder than normal. Any way, right there by this place was an apartment building and we went ahead and took pictures of it, just imagining that maybe Lillie's mom lived in those nearby apartments. Our driver was pulled off the side of the road to allow us to see this spot and Dave did NOT want to stay long, I however could have spent a couple hours there just looking and exploring the area. I don't know what I was hoping to see or who I thought I might meet, but after seeing that place, I felt better about leaving Wuhan City behind. I love the city, because it gave us our dear sweet Lillie, but there was something very depressing about that dirty city that never really welcomed us all week.

Our flight was delayed, then we were put on an earlier one, which also was delayed, which meant we ended up leaving pretty much at the time we were originally supposed to leave! hahaha! Chinese airlines may not make any more sense than US ones! Anyway, I am happy to say that Lillie was GREAT!! She cried just a bit during take off. Dave and I fumbled trying to give her a Ring Pop (my bright idea), but she didn't know what to do with it so we gave her the crackers that she was eating before we got on the plane, and she ended us falling asleep eating a cracker, which was hilarious to watch, because she was taking bites of her cracker WHILE SHE WAS SLEEPING!!! of course I didn't get it on video, but we will never forget how funny that was! She slept on Dave's lap the entire flight!

So driving from the airport to The China hotel was neat. The city seems much cleaner and we didn't feel the "oppression" that we felt in Wuhan. We couldn't believe our eyes when we checked into our room! It is much nicer than any hotel room we have ever stayed in! One major disadvantage: My curling iron will not heat up here either!!! Yikes! That is why my hair looks so bad and will continue to look bad. It is one of those irons that heats up instantly and it will turn on but not heat up. It didn't work in Wuhan either…Oh well, if anyone knows bad hair days, it's me!

Day 7

Today we went to the Hubei Provincial Museum to learn more about the history of Lillie's province. Here we mainly looked at the exhibit of a tomb found in the 70s that was from around 433 BC. There were 4 chambers in this tomb, one of which was full of musical instruments. Of the instruments, the large set of bells was a one of a kind find. The bells are two-toned and can play 5 octaves! It's so interesting to me to think that people who lived thousands of years ago really were not that different from us. They enjoyed music as much as we do! There were other things in the tomb, like a pot that was used to cook food with coal chips (the first BBQ?), and many different "pots" that were used to keep wine cool. We also saw an exhibit showing all of the important people who have come from Hubei province. There have been a lot of intellectual people who have come form Lillie's province...no wonder she is so smart!

On a Lillie note, we continue to get to know her better, she has warmed up to me a little more, and we have her schedule pretty much down pat! She continues to eat well, and she is a good sleeper. She takes a nap after noon for about 1-1 1/2 hours and we have all been in bed around 9:00 pm each night. She really is a sweet little girl and we cannot wait for you all to meet her!!

Tomorrow we will pick up her passport and fly to Guangzhou. We are hoping that Lillie will endure the 1 hour 20 minute flight nicely! On our way to the airport we will stop by the place where Lillie was found. We saw a glimpse of it on our way from the airport when we arrived on Sunday, it doesn't look like a very nice spot. I am nervous to see it. We are excited to meet back up with the five families who traveled with us from the same adoption agency. We cannot wait for them to meet Lillie and we are excited to meet their beautiful little girls!

Day 6

Day 6

Today we went to see the Yellow Crane Tower. From what I understand this tower was first built in 223 AD as a military watch tower. Later, it was used as a scenic spot.It is built on top of "snake hill" and from it you get a great view of the city and Yangtze River. The tower has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, the current tower was built in 1981. What I discovered officially at the tower today was that Lillie is most assuredly a daddy's girl! Again, she cried for him, but she did let em carry her for a while, I think she was very tired. She was a real trooper, not complaining about anything!! It was very hot (103 degrees), but we could stop on the way up and catch a view and a breeze. Dave was stopped by several people asking if they could get a picture with him. I always knew he was a super star!! We were there and back in the hotel room before noon. Lillie does not like baths, or to have her teeth brushed, both of which are my jobs…I need to switch jobs with Dave tomorrow! I really don't mind, I am actually thankful that she is creating a stronger bond with him, it is what I have prayed for. Anyway, she is a sweet little girl, and she ate very good at breakfast this morning (2 whole bananas and 2 slices of watermelon)!She got crackers and OJ for lunch and hopefully we will actually go out for dinner (at the hotel) tonight!! We are this much closer to home! Love and miss you all!! Again, thank you for your prayers!

Day 5

Day 5:

Today we went back to the Civil affairs office to finalize our paper work for the adoption (China side). I hoped that she wouldn't cry because she might remember that this is the same place that these crazy English speaking people picked her up. She didn't, but she would not smile for our first family photo!! Oh, well, we know smilies will be abundant soon enough. Now we are just waiting for her Passport. It will be done Friday morning, and we will leave Friday afternoon!! Dave and I signed our names to the paperwork and then had to give our finger print on top of our signature. Lillie had to give her foot print.

All she wanted for breakfast was watermelon, and I let her eat her fill! (after breakfast when we were driving around I saw all the watermelons for sale, I realized why she wanted it at breakfast)! At lunch she had her first McDonald fry…that didn't take long did it? Well, when your dad is Dave, you're gonna eat fries! She had a good nap this afternoon, and she ate well and has been drinking water all night too. I just worry about her not getting milk, but I guess we can wait to get home to the good ole USA cows to get her to drink milk. She cried when Dave left, so he had to stay with her while I went to get lunch! She's becoming a daddy's girl, although she doesn't mind me too much! Her little personality is coming out more and more. First, she's smart!! She figures things out quick! I brought stacking/linking cups for her to play with and they keep her busy. I say "go get your cups" and she goes to them. She puts our phones (and the TV remote) to her ear and says "Ehh"! She has also figured out the velcro on her shoes! She's a toddler just like they make them back home! She arches her back and cries to stop you from putting her in the sitting position, she kicks the covers off her when she sleeps, she is nosy, she can tell you no, with her head when she doesn't want something and she will jerk her hand away from you when she doesn't want to go where you want her to go! Is that not an American toddler?!? Anyway, we are tired, an already ready for a home cooked meal! Well, know we love you all and miss home VERY MUCH!!!

day 4 Lillie day

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the LORD O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's ~ Psalms 103 1-5

Who provides when you do not know where it will come from,

Who carries you safely to a foreign land,

Who protects and watches over your every step, where ever you are,

Who assures and comforts you in times of fear,

Who unites your heart with a child from across the world!

Lord you are mighty and worthy of Praise! ~ Dave and Sherrye 8/2/10

day 3

Day 3:

18 years ago today I said "I do" to the journey of a life time! Dave and I were young, in love, and ready to conquer life. We have learned a lot about one another, and the commitment of marriage. We certainly have not done it all perfectly as there have been many childish fights and numerous selfish acts, but looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. We are sitting in a Chinese airport inBeijing waiting for a flight to take us to our daughter's province of Hubei, and neither of us would have ever thought in a million years that this is where we would spend our 18th anniversary! We are still happy (regardless of what tea we drink) and still in love. He is my best friend and I couldn't have asked for anything better. I am his and he is mine! Thank you Lord for seeing us through this far! Here's to 18 more!

Anyway, back to China: It was sad to say goodbye to our new friends. I cannot remember if I told you, but there are 6 families here (in China) from the same agency. We all bonded quickly and so it was sad to see them go. On our way to the airport Susan (our guide) had the best idea to have church on the bus on our way. And so several people spoke and shared something that the Lord had given them. It was wonderful to share scripture, stories and prayer with these wonderful people!

We arrived into Wuhan City about 12:30. Our Wuhan City guide, Rosalind, was waiting for us. Along the bus ride to the hotel she told us many things about what to expect over the next couple of days, a little bit about the city and herself. She got us all checked in to our hotel and then she left until tomorrow afternoon at 2:30. That is when she comes back to pick us up to take us to meet Lillie. There is another family here in this same hotel who are also from the USA. I met them online before we came, and it turns out not only are they in the same hotel but they will do several things with us this week. I met them through a Yahoo Group I belong to. I called their room and spoke to them for quite awhile. It will be nice to get to know them over the next couple of days. Dave and I were bored for a bit this afternoon, so we decided to walk a block down the road to a Department Store. We were fish out of water FOR SURE!! First we are in a Big City! Wuhan has 8.5 million (plus) people here. Our hotel has over 17 floors ( we are on the 17th) and I am not a city girl. But for adventure we took the walk down the road.We felt like we were being watched by 1000s of eyes!! So we made it quick and came back to the room, opting to skip dinner. I can't keep my eyes open as I type this, I guess we have been through a lot the last couple days, and are ready to crash. Too bad our bed is as hard as a board (This is NO lie or exaggeration)! Oh Well! I am determined to check this day off the itinerary and go to bed!

All about the pictures(:

Wuhan City:

Back on Track; Day 2

Day 2:

Today was a very busy day. First we went to the Forbidden City. I have to admit I was people watching more than I was looking at the City. The place was packed FULL, and I mean it was crowded. There were mostlyChinese people there. It was so interesting to see the people, I simply could NOT stop watching the, and many of them were watching us! There are 2 children in our group who have very light colored hair, and the Chinese kept stopping us to ask if they could get pictures of the children in our group. Several school children stopped me and took pictures with me and were very polite, telling me "welcome to Beijing" and asking me where I was from. It was really HOT and humid. And I am a girl from Florida so I know hot and humid! Anyway, after the Forbidden City we walked across the street to Tienamen Square. Again, it was packed, and again I was overwelmed with watching the Chinese people! Then we went to a China Tea House, had lunch at a wonderful chinese restaurant (Dave ate a ton of food), and off again to about an hour away to the Great Wall. It was Beautiful here!!!! We drover up part of the mountain and then took a cable car up to the great wall. I simply cannot believe how beautiful it is there. We took pictures that look like post cards. I could have stayed there ALL day. But we had to go for the hour trip back to Beijing and an AWESOME acrobatic show to finish the evening off!!

Thanks again for all your prayer! we are having the time of our LIVES!!!