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| Linda, about 6 months old, 1968 |
I will celebrate my 43rd birthday in a very special way. On November 29th our family will be in China, meeting our nine year old daughter, Shan AnShuang. To say we are all excited is such an understatement. The truth is; my brain is mush. We just found out Monday that our official Notice of Coming to China, or Travel Approval (TA) was received by our agency. We found out Tuesday that our Consulate Appointment was confirmed for 12/8, which means we are leaving for China NEXT WEEK!!! Friday, 11/26!!!! and arriving in Guangzhou on 11/27. We will have one day to rest from jet lag (Eric's good idea) and then meet Shanna on Monday. Our family of 5, plus Gramma Marion are all going.
Here is a map of China. Guangzhou is in the South, near Hong Kong. We fly from Newark to Beijing, then to Guangzhou (pronouced Gwan-joe). For those of you who followed Megan's adoption in 2008, we traveled then to Shenyang, in the Northeast, by North Korea.
Here is a map of China. Guangzhou is in the South, near Hong Kong. We fly from Newark to Beijing, then to Guangzhou (pronouced Gwan-joe). For those of you who followed Megan's adoption in 2008, we traveled then to Shenyang, in the Northeast, by North Korea.
I think Shanna will be brought to Guangzhou on Sunday, as it is about a 6 hour drive by van. She lives in Shantou.
Can you imagine her feelings right now??
Hope, apprehension, wonder, fear, excitement, confusion, curiosity.
Everything we are feeling and more.
Because my last letter to her was in September, I wanted to connect with her one more time before we arrive, so that she has happy thoughts in her mind as she travels that long van ride, so I sent her a cake and a translated letter, through a package service in China, called Ladybugsnlove.
Here is what I wrote:
So what next?? Well, I have a list a mile long. I was feeling so ready, and now!! Well, NOW I have to kick into high gear. Even though my brain is mush. Labor has begun.......stay tuned!!Dear AnShaung,We are all coming to China soon; mom, dad, older brother, older sister, younger sister and grandmother and we are so excited to meet you. Your younger sister is especially happy to share her room.We have everything all ready for you. It won’t be long, now. We are hoping that we will be there by the end of November.We are sending you a cake to share with your friends and celebrate your life together. By giving this party to them, you can thank all of your friends and nannies for the good care and love you received from them.We will see you soon.Love, Mama
6 comments:
yay!!!!!! so happy for you!! i can't WAIT to follow along! :) :)
(not sure if it will be the same for shanna but they brought lulu straight from shantou that morning. they left at 6am and she was waiting at the affairs office by 2. lulu was very tired but thankfully shanna will probably tolerate it better at her age. i am so excited to hear about your gotcha day!!!)
Oh Linda, I can't imagine a more wonderful birthday gift!!!
Dear friend, I love you so. Shanna is about to be blessed with the most amazing Mommy ( and Daddy and big brother and sisters!) and I know in my heart of hearts that each one of you will be blessed beyond measure by her presence in your lives.
God builds the most beautiful families!
With Love and Prayers and JOY! unending...
Safe travels, smooth transitions, moments to cherish forever...my wishes for you. (((BIG HUGS)))
Linda - I look forward to following your journey.
Louanne
BAAS list
i am so excited...i'm glad skype is available so i can share your journey...lots of love...sue
Dear Linda and Eric & family,
Congratulations on adding Shanna to your family! We can't wait to meet her and welcome her in person. I'm sure that it will be a huge transition for her, but I know that you all will do a wonderful job as you have done with Megan.
What a magnificent Thanksgiving surprise, receiving your TA! Enjoy your trip to China, which makes our family a bit jealous, since we are just beginning to plan a trip of our own. But we will be following your blog faithfully, so take many photos and post as often as you can.
Remember when we met you guys in Toronto at the Lantern Festival after your paperwork had gone in for Megan? Isn't it awesome how many good things have happened since then?
Love and best wishes from your AC friends
Jane, Mike, Ani and Elia
I'm just now catching up. Congrats on your upcoming travels.
Where will you be staying in GZ?
We won't meet our daughter until the 30th, but depending on where you are staying, we may run into you!
barb
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