Journey to Dani

Deu 28:2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God...AMEN!

Our family is certainly a testament to the above verse. As you scroll down to see the pics, notice the one with our three kids. That was taken immediately after we landed. It's great to see the joy on the faces of our older children, Alexa and Matt. Alexa had tears in her eyes. This wasn't only a long wait for Chuck and I, but also for them.

Ya know, it did take about a week for Dani (and us) to get into Illinois' time. But, we expected that. Come on, we took this beautiful little creature from her home, her family, her bed, her time zone, her sights, her smells....it's unbelieveable that it only took one week! I encourage anyone going through an international adoption to keep this in mind. It takes effort to view this through the child's minds-eye, yet we must. Reading sure helped me. One book in particular that I loved and am so glad I read prior to going was "The Lost Daughter's of China" by Karin Evans. She is a journalist who adopted from China, and she speaks a lot about honoring the birth mother. I think that's very important.

Soon after we were home Chuck and I discussed our experience in China. Would we have changed anything about our journey. We both agreed - we would change nothing. Thank you Sunny Ridge for a magnificent journey. Thank you Bob for you expertise and generosity. Thank you Bill for interpreting and helping us find a digital camera the day before we got Dani, because ours broke, and for so much more.

We loved everything about China. The people in each of the cities met us Americans, who were in their country to take one of their own home, with such kindness. People back home have asked if we were ever scared. NEVER...yes we stuck out like sore thumbs, but you have to be ready for that. We loved the food and the smells. The traffic was an eye-opener - we think it's wild here!

Dani is the same little angel that we met in China. We are blessed that she sleeps all night, has a glowing personality, and an infectious laugh. She has brought so much joy to our home, our extended family - including our church. She has this thing called "the face". That's all we have to say is, "Show me the face," and we get this scrunched up expression where her eyes disappear. It's hilarious! It is hard to imagine this home without her.

I asked Chuck soon after we got home when he knew she was ours. I mean, was it immediate or did it take time to fall in love with her. Again, we agreed. She was ours from that first beautiful "gotcha" expression you'll see on our gotcha page. I call it the look of "awe". This is the child we fell in love with - the daughter God had intended for us, and the reason this whole process seemed endless. We have told the kids that it took longer than expected because Dani wasn't born yet. Thank you, Lord, for this gift.


Thanks for following our journey. Continue to visit as we'll try and show you more pics and video clips.
Lynette

Well, Daddy shook the bug...Yes! He was weak feeling today, but joined the group on a tour of yet another shopping district. Girls, one whole 6-story mall was jewelry...CRAZY! We couldn't take anymore. On the way we saw many medicinal products like gingerroot, live scorpions, and snake penis wine...yes, you heard me right (for arthritis)...any takers?

Here's a pic of the area

Dani was herself today (yea) and handled the long walk very well. She mellows out well in the "Hip Hammock" (thank you Aunt Jamie). She's beginning to eat more everyday. Today she liked tomato soup, cookies, apple, french fries, and crackers. She also loves her rice cereal before bed.

Dani eating her cookie
.

Oh, boys at the school....yes, we found your present. Hint: It's something you could do at recess.

But the highlight of the day (at least for mom) was the "girls night out" our leaders signed us up for. We were told it was a foot message, but it was sooo much more. Oh my goodness, my masseuse was so strong for a little lady! We were warned. Actually, our leader, Bill, told the ladies to take it easy on us. She began with a back message...up, down, all around. UGH!! I'm telling you, she could have snapped my limp neck like a twig and I wouldn't have noticed. The foot message was next. Again, she was so strong! She went so deep, it hurt...but in a good way. "UUWWAATHTHGGMMPTHP..." (That's probably what I sounded like during the message.) And, get ready... it cost a whopping $6.00 US for 70 minutes! Can you imagine what that would have cost at home? Of course, we all tipped really well.

I couldn't post what my face probably looked like, but here's my foot and my masseuse.

We go to the US consulate tomorrow to take an oath of parenthood, I guess. It's the last important leg of the trip. Oh my gosh, we're coming home. Not looking forward to the trip home, though. We will leave our hotel for our first flight (40 min) to Hong Kong at 6:00 am, and we don't fly out of Hong Kong for Chicago until 11:45 am. So, needless to say, it's going to be a long day. We have last minute shopping to complete tomorrow, and, oh ya, packing. Gotta figure that one out.

Have a great Tuesday, everyone in America....we'll be home very soon!

Dani's still not feeling her best. We did manage to get out for some shopping...and there's plenty of it on Shamian Island. Then we had a looooooong paperwork meeting. Tomorrow we'll have some pics of the area. It's really nice. As we walked today, we would be stopped often by children and adults both who would politely ask to speak with us for a moment to practice their English. Their were 2 common denominators to all conversations today...1 - when we say we're from Chicago (it's just easier) they reply...."Chicago Bulls!" And when we say that Dani is from Hunan they all reply "....ahhhh...spicy girl."

Well...here's your daily dose. Home in a few days!

New Video!!! This her face when she likes a food...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HElLb2JdUFA





Here's our spicy girl...



Oh...one more video clip. This is Chloe, our friends Chad and Frances Preston's little one. We have this thing where we pretend to sneeze, and the babies go balistic...check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C0wMLrKZX0

Today was our last day in Dani's Province. Tomorrow we fly to Guangzhou. We now have the adoption certificates as well as her passport from the People's Republic of China. So, today we got to tour an embroidery factory. VERY interesting. All of the embroidery is done by hand with silk. They look like photographs. These ladies have been working on this embroidery for 2 years now.



After that, the 3 of us ventured out around the downtown of Changsha. One thing you need to know about China, for all of the poverty and need that exists, it is important to know that China is also a growing, thriving economy as well. There is construction everywhere. And the people are a proud and pleasant people. Very kind. We're used to the stares now. We walked the busy downtown shopping sections that look like Times Square and not once did we see another non-chinese person other than Lynette and me. There was no other race or skin color represented except for the two of us. Needless to say we stood out and were stared at by everyone. But it's in a curious and kind way. It's different from America where we have such diversity. Not only is that diversity not present, but we are holding one of their own as well. But it's not an issue. Instead, people came up to us non-stop to play with Dani, to touch her, to say hello. We don't do that in America....walk up to total strangers who are of a different race and fall all over their babies. It wouldn't work. Here it does. We had a great time...and ate at McDonald's...

Dani eating french fries...




The menu was a bit different than home, not much, just a little different. Fries are the same. That's all that matters...right?

OK...your daily dose...




NEW VIDEO ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MXiPMbKt0g

...well that would be the understatement of all understatements. We had quite the day. I'm not posting many pictures on this one, we just want to tell you what happened. Before I get to our little miracle moment, the day started with a 2 1/2 hour drive to Dani's hometown Yueyang. This was quite a dose of reality. The areas outside of Yueyang is where Dani was most likely born. It is so poor. I had a lump in my throat all day. Once we got into Yueyang, we visited the orphanage that has overseen Dani. The building was pretty rough. You can tell that resources are scarce. We were able to go inside and visit the playroom that the girls would have monthly medical visits in, etc. We recognized the furniture from Dani's referral photos.

After leaving the orphanage, we went to lunch. That's where it got interesting. What happened next was God's hand at work. I'm afraid I won't be posting pics, though, as the specific details of what happened we have decided to keep private for Dani someday. We hope you will understand. Some of today we just won't be speaking of. Anyway, when we sat down to lunch I thought of Dani's finding spot. We have a name of the location, and some details regarding her abandonment and finding. There would be no way to venture off and look for the spots of 12 families in a city of 1/2 million people. But I asked our translator, Bill, how far away the location was in case we were to pass close by chance. He asked the waitress where the location was in the city. They bantered back and forth in Chinese, and Bill had a funny look on his face. He then looked at me and said...

"It right next door...I take you while they prepare food." In a city of 1/2 million people...of all of the places we could have been taken for lunch, we were placed 3 doors away from her finding place. I was numb. We literally walked out the door, took a left and walked less than 1 block, and there it was! We were able to take pictures and video of us and Dani together on her finding spot. No one else got to find theirs. We were placed right next door. We hope you'll understand our desire for privacy concerning some of what happened today, though. It was
hard to believe we were standing there, and even harder to imagine her future there, as well as what happened there on a cold January morning. I'm so glad we got to go to Yueyang.

Kids, and I'm talking to all kids reading this....you have NO idea how good you have it. We saw such poverty on the way to the orphanage, it made my heart sink. I'm not saying Dani wasn't loved and well taken care of, oh my gosh was she. We can certainly tell. But we in the United States always WANT, WANT, WANT when we don't really need. These people "need". Parents, we have a duty to try and instill a "world-view" as much as possible to our children. Perhaps 80% of the population of China lives under these conditions. "We Americans" are not the norm...we are the fortunate. Let's all thank our Father God for what and who we have in our lives before we put head to pillow tonight...AMEN.
Here's the outside of the orphanage


Behind the orphanage is this piece of land that belongs to the orphanage for gardening.


Yanhua's like a rock star. These girls just loved her. She laughed at them and they wanted her picture


Love the blankey

This morning we finalize the adoption. She slept really well. She's been through alot obvioiusly and is doing great. we're in a bit of a hurry, but here's a few more. We'll post later today (night for you)

Check it out Gloria...

Be sure to scroll down now below the pics, too, for a rundown of the day.


GOTCHA DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ba Yanhua (It is today 12/3/06)

Emotions abounded in the room: from nervousness, to happiness, to fear. We headed to the Civil Affairs building at 8:30 am and met the girls at 10:15. The first sighting of the girls was out the window three floors down. Everyone rushed the windows with cameras in hand. When they came up, they were ushered into the adjoining room. The first name announced was "Kim Buchanan" (which is only right. She is the one whose husband hurt his back and could not come.)

NEXT WAS ANNOUNCED: Ba Yanhua !!!! THAT'S US!
All we knew for sure was that she would have LOTS of hair. And that she does. Chubby cheeks, and maybe eight teeth. She looked at daddy with no hesitation. The same when handed over to me. She seemed to be unaware of the cries and heartaches of many of the other children. We actually expected that, but, two hours later, she's still talking, happy, and playing with her toys...HOW BLESSED WE ARE! We had gotten her her first doll a long time ago, and she really took to it. She continued to hold it and rub it on her face (I think that's how she kissed it). She came with a two piece sleeper and with a precious winter coat and pants (like a snow suit). It's fleece and very warm. All of the girls coats and pants are brand new. They have no wear and tear to them and have that "new smell".

Back at the room we let her play and then took off her clothes to check her out...nothing! Just a beautiful little one year old baby. She does have the Mongolian spots on her butt and lower back. Those are somewhat typical and will fade away. She downed a Playtex nurser bottle. She got excited when I showed it to her.

j6fctfrhjl,oubvfd (That's Dani saying, "Ni Hao" ...she typed.)

She's just amazing...beautiful, smiling, laughing baby girl. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support through this whole process. This is the day (and the face) we've all been waiting for...right Alexa and Matt??

Please comment and visit soon!

I have to give our agency a lot of credit for making it possible for us to experience so much in so little time. It's hard to believe all that we did today. We started out at Tiannmen Square (the largest public square in the world). A lot of history there! Below we are standing below the famous painting of Chairman Mao. This is also the entrance to the Forbidden City. It's called that because it has been the home to the Emporer's Palace for thousands of years and has never been seen by the public until 1925. Let me tell ya, the Roman Emporers...the Pharaohs...they had NOTHIN' on the Chinese Emporers! The Forbidden City was really amazing (lots of walking)



From there, we went to the silk factory. Really interesting. In the pic below, you can see just below the workers hands the silkworm's caccoons floating in water as the silk strands are being wound from them by the machine. This is the largest silk factory in Asia (yes Mom, bought you something)



From there we went to the Hutong section of China, which is the "old" part of Beijing. Very poor. We took rikshaw rides and visited a families home there. He is a 6th generation artist who paints tiny detailed paintings on the inside of crystal jars. I tried my hand at it...I was terrible. Visiting this section of the city and this families home was a real highlight. Very....VERY simple living.






From there we climbed to the top of the drum tower (whew) Then it was off to the pearl factory. And after that...a Peking Duck dinner. A real highlight has been spending time walking and talking with our Sunny Ridge head Bob McNiel about China, politics, his stories, etc. He's been to China 36 times and started the China adoption program himself 12 years ago. It's quite a work he's done.

Tomorrow morning we fly to Changsha, where we will get Dani. More soon.

Well....here's the gang. You'll meet the rest later (that being Bob McNeil from Sunny Ridge, and Bill who is our China contact...we were well greeted at the airport. Also, our thoughts are with the Buchanons (Kim & Doug) and we look forward to seeing Kim on Saturday...safe travels!

Now...this is the way to kill 13 hours on a plane! Playing UNO! Matt & Alexa, I'm sure you both would've beaten us all...gotta run...more to come


For another view of everything...you can check out Lance & Susan's blog as well...the link is in the list on your right.

Pinch me...is it really time? Like so many of you it's been sooooo long.

We're staying up near O'Hare and fly out in the morning for Beijing. I was just writing Dani a little letter letting her know how overjoyed we are to finally get to meet her. I was telling her about all of the family at home who are so anxious as well. While I was opening the little journal we had purchased to write in, I found the sweetest little drawing from Alexa. She drew it back in April '05. I didn't realize it was in there, but as I gazed at it, it is such perfect timing. She drew a big heart with Dani and I in it. Tears are running down my smiling face and the caption reads, "Mommy laying her eyes on Danielle for the first time". How perfect is that?? We're coming, Dani, and on your first birthday!

Thanks to everyone who has been on this journey with us. Come back and continue your participation.

Lynette

Here's how it's gonna go down (please refer to the map & final itinerary below) We leave Chicago and fly to Beijing via the North Pole....yea, that's right...After a couple of days in Beijing, we fly to Changsha, which is near Yueyang (where Dani is). Then we fly to Guangzhou. Then we're off to Hong Kong. Then back to Chicago. It's that simple ;o)

For scale, remember, China is bigger than the US geographically.



Nov. 29 - depart from Chicago / arrive in Beijing on Nov 30th
Dec. 1-2 - tour Beijing (Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City)
Dec. 3 - Fly to Changsha, Hunan
Dec. 4 - GOTCHA DAY! Begin registration, notary, & passport application for Dani
Dec. 5 - free day
Dec. 6-8 - tour local sights in Changsha
Dec. 8 - receive notary papers and passports for Dani
Dec. 9 - Fly to Guangzhou
Dec. 10 - Free day / consulate paperwork
Dec. 11 - Medical exam for Dani
Dec. 12 - US Consulate appointment
Dec 13 - receive visa for Dani
Dec 14 - fly to Hong Kong - Fly to Chicago...GO HOME!

Our agency has recieved our permission to travel from the CCAA and is now requesting our date with the US Consulate in China. This is the last hurdle. So, we should have a complete itinerary soon, and we will hopefully travel by the end of the month...more to come!