Thursday, July 30th 6:00 P.M.
Today we had an easy day. Isabel slept in until 7:30. I know that this has been such a crazy week for her so we were happy to have her get a little extra rest. We headed out this morning to do a little shopping. We needed a suitcase for Isabel and just picked up a few small things.
We were amazed at some of the prices of things that we've seen. I almost hate to tell you the prices, it may upset you. Two things that we really wanted but they didn't work out. North Face jacket...thirty-five dollars. Of course...... did they have Isabel's size?...no. And the kicker, sorry Mark, a set of Callaway golf clubs and bag, two hundred sixty-five dollars. I know Mark, you're never going to let me live this one down.
This afternoon we had an appointment with the U. S. Consolate. It wasn't a big deal, really just a formality. We now have Isabel's Chinese passport and everything we need to get her back to the U. S. She becomes a U. S. citizen as soon as we land in the states. We were also given the super-important "brown" envelope containing all her vital information complete with instructions not to open. Evidently it is only to be opened by the U. S. customs officals.
Tonight we will pack and head back to Beijing tomorrow. After our three hour flight we will have a day of site seeing. They have arranged for us to do the tours that we missed the first day due to weather delays. It will be nice to do this with Isabel. If there hadn't been that storm in Memphis on day one we would not have had the opportunity to experience this with Isabel. Funny how little things like this have a way of working out.
Foods we skipped in Ghangzhou.
"I know that YOU may eat these, but we didn't."
Eel festival
Black Fungus
Spicy Chicken Feet
BBQ Dried Squid
She was worth the wait and is our new hand to hold.
Hugs and kisses to all!
Will, Marla, and Isabel
Oh Marla,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to meet your new daughter!!! We are all so excited here -- your family is the topic of our conversation at school and at every meeting I've been to so far. We will try very hard not to overwhelm Isabel (or you and Will for that matter), but you know how we WW Wildcats are -- I know with time she will love WW and school as much as we will love her and do love her mother. We have our "retreat" this weekend at Angela's and I'm sure you, Will, and Isabel will be in all of our thoughts and prayers for a safe return. As I've said before, I can't think of a time I've ever been so thrilled for anyone. You all are so deserving of this blessing.
Love ya
Pam C
I teared up a little,when I thought of my new grand daughter becoming a u. s. citizen, when the wheels touch down in Seattle,sorta like the feeling I have when they play the National Anthem or the veterans day salute and flyover at the football game.
ReplyDeleteI will be so glad to have my new grand daughter here to share all the good things that we have here.
Good Isabel can be with you to do the tourist thing with the great wall, etc. Try not to embarrass her too much.
It will be such a comfort to know the three of you are safe at home.
Love to the new family,
Grandpa
Dear Will, Marla and Isabel,
ReplyDeleteYou are coming back home soon to start your new life. I sincerely wish that Isabel can live happily there with her parents and all the people who care about her.
Perhaps you will meet some problems after you come back home, I will be really happy if I can help. So please let me know any time!
It was really nice to meet you ,Will and Marla,and it was so great that I could meet Isabel. I regard her as my little sister. I believe that she will be happy with you because of your lovesss.
Hope we can keep in touch!
Miss you all,
Yan
Have a wonderful and safe trek home. As you move westward it is truly the first days of the rest of lives. You three are the bravest and the love will fill in all the hic-ups. deetz
ReplyDeleteWe all are soooo anxious for you to get home!! These past 2 weeks have been 2 of the slowest weeks for all of us-especially for Tigger!! She will be so happy to see you!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you will have the time to continue the blog after you get home!! (Now Gary & I know where Will gets his sense of humor from...Grandpa Bill!) John & Kara are on standby if you need their computing skills!
Marla- you and Will have been such wonderful friends to our family. You have been "my rock" and have helped me be a better Mom to my two children! You and Will have been such positive influences on our children- Gary & I will try our hardest to do the same for Isabel!
I keep thinking about the day (over 2 years ago) when you & Will came to John's art gallery. I remember the look on your face when you saw the picture of the chinese girl that John had painted and you said with tears "Is that our girl?" As we stood there crying -looking at this picture- I wondered what your little girl would look like and when would she ever get here!! Well I don't have to wait much longer and I cannot wait!
Have a safe trip and know that there are so many people who love you!
Kim
Great, now Kim Crews is making me cry!
ReplyDeleteMarla and Will, would you mind giving us (all the folks who are following your journey and praying) more details, or at least the tentative itinerary, of where you are supposed to land, when you leave Bejing, and when you think you will actually get to Chattanooga? We would like to be able to check on whether flights took off on schedule even though there is not guarantee that connecting flights will work out and we won't know for sure you are on the plane. (We need flight numbers and estimated times of arrivals and departures to be able to check on the flights.)
I hope Isabel does not get plane sick..or plain sick for that matter :-) .I know you will all be exhausted but excited, too.
I have a little something for your first child. Tigger will be in a state! I am praying about that, too. In fact, my cats are writing Tigger a "congratulations on your new sister/servant" letter. Melita is always in the chair by my computer so it is the least she can do.
Gary is supposed to ask Will and let the word get out. Would it be okay if a few waterproof mylar balloons and banners were put up at your house? People would like to meet you at the airport but maybe that would be stressful more than welcoming. I got the message that you need time alone with Isabel (and Tigger)for a few days. We are all so eager to meet Isabel but do respect (or will really, really try) to respect your decisions about privacy and delaying a few overstimulations. Hey, YOU ARE THE PARENTS NOW. YEA!
With much love to you all,
Lisa Manly
Wow, Pridgen family...what a ride this has been!!! We have absolutely LOVED reading this blog, and after some help from the gang at Tijuana's...I finally know how to post a comment!LOL We are so excited about meeting Isabel and hearing all about your incredible journey. Colby and Caid ask about her often, so I'm sure they will be anxious to teach her a few southern ways of saying things...like the color red with four syllables and 'yuns' when referring to a group of people. Dan wants Will to know that he is more than available to play the crazy uncle roll when the dating years roll around!LOL On a serious note, we honestly can't think of two people who deserve this more than you guys. While you are so blessed to have found Isabel, she is equally blessed to have you as her Mommy & Daddy! You remain a constant in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all!
ReplyDeleteMissy