Sunday, August 2nd 11:00 P.M. EST
This blog entry is to notify you that the Pridgen family, formerly of Rocky Face, GA, now reside in Chicago, Illinois at the Hilton Hotel. When Isabel starts to school, if I'm correct, she will be registered as homeless.
As you may have gathered we made it as far as Chicago. All this started with that "little" door problem in Beijing. We have been shuffled to every airline. We have discovered that all airlines far over booked and evidently only send one flight per day to the southeast. Our bags are getting better assistance than we are. We were told that they made it to Chattanooga!
You may be asking yourself how could they possibly miss their flight when they were at the airport. Yeh, well we would like to know that, too. When we got to Chicago everything was going fine until we discovered that our gate had been changed and then later we found that they really didn't book us on that flight anyway. We were booked for August 3. Now if you are really confused do not fret. We truly have no idea how this happened nor do the people at Northwest, Alaskan, or American Airlines. Each time we share our plight to the attendants they say "you started from China?"
We can only wonder what Isabel thinks about her parents not being able to make it home. We just hope she understands. I hope, if nothing else, she can understand by the expressions on our faces. She even laughed a little when we were going through it all today.
With everything that has happened today we have had a wonderful evening. We have a very nice room at the Hilton. On a scale of 1 to 7, we give the Hilton 7 chinese lanterns. (The Sino-Swiss received 2 lanterns and our hotel last night we rated at 3 lanterns.). We all three played Nintendo 64 for the first time and we ordered a pizza from room service. Great evening, but best of all Isabel smiled all evening while she was playing. Seeing her smile made this day all worth it.
She was worth the wait!
Hugs and kisses to all.
Will, Marla, and Isabel
I'm so happy to hear that my grand daughter smiled. I know how that lightens your hearts.
ReplyDeleteOnce she is rested, she will realize how great life is, and how God smiled on her, and it will be blue skies from now on.
Fatigue can rob you of judgment and diminish your capacity to hope. Rest up, and enjoy this day that God has made. Just trust him, He has plans for my grand daughter. She will make you both very proud.
Love to you Isabel and to Marla and Will.
Grandpa
Will called. They leave for Chattanooga at
ReplyDelete10:30 A. M. today.
Best to all,
Grandpa
When I read "Sleepless in Seattle" I felt so bad for all of you. You sounded so down and that wasn't the real Marla talking-it was sleep deprivation. Will's dad is absolutely right about what way too little sleep will do to the spirit. It truly robs you of your judgement and most of all your hope. You can never be prepared for being a parent and while it does affect everybody differently it can be very overwhelming. No one could have ever prepared me for the sleep deprivation I was getting ready to face after Natalie was born. Due to specific circumstances, a total of 2-3 hours every 24 hours was all I slept for about 2 monthts. I thought I wasn't going to get through it. I did get through it with support and prayer. You will get through this too!!! Good sleep will do wonders!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou and Will are Isabel's greatest blessing just as she is yours. I'm so excited for you. I struck up a conversation with a lady today while buying school supplies. She told me she had 2 adopted sons-I had to tell her about you. She was thrilled for you. You will be such a support for other adoptive parents just as your friends who have adopted have been for you. Our challenges allow us to help others.
I'm anxiously awaiting to hear that your home in Dalton. We hope to meet her when you come home to Gastonia. Again, I'll wait to hear from you after you catch your breath.
You're in our thoughts and prayers.
lots of love,
Michele
they called and were in the car on U. S. 75 and headed from Chattanooga to Dalton. I'm sure they are home by now and probably napping.
ReplyDeleteThey were met by friends and Isabel received gifts and returned smiles. All posed for pictures.
Best to all,
Grandpa
Gary,John,Kara & I along with 3 other fellow Daltonians met Isabel,Marla & Will when they got off the plane in Chattanooga!! Isabel is absolutely precious!! She posed for pictures with all of us and Will and Marla look happy,content and relieved!! This is day we will never forget!
ReplyDelete:)
The Crews'
Welcome home!
ReplyDeleteRita
WELCOME HOME ISABEL, MARLA, AND WILL!
ReplyDeleteI AM SO GLAD YOU ARE HOME AT LAST. GET SOME SLEEP AND REST, AND KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU!
AUNT MARJ
Welcome home, sleep tight and let the sunshine wash over you three tomorrow. Deetz
ReplyDeleteYeah!!!!!! We're glad you're home safe and sound. Get some sleep. The best is yet to come!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS Marla, Will and Isabel!!!!
ReplyDeleteHome sweet home!!!!
You're in our thoughts and prayers.
lots of love,
Michele
Welcome home and thank you Marla so much for keeping up with this throughout your journey! This has been amazing for everyone to be able to share in your joy and blessings! Get rested and enjoy every moment of the journey God is about to take your family on and know that there are many praying for you all!
ReplyDeleteAndrea