Back to Beijing

Friday, July 31st-3:00 P.M.

Well....we are back in Beijing. We were up this morning at 4:30 for a 10:00 flight. Isabel did well for her first flight ever. She walked on the plane, sat down, went to sleep, and woke up when we landed. I don't know why Will and I were worried. In Beijing we got off to the plane and were supposed to be met by a driver to take us to the hotel. Didn't happen. Evidently the driver was late. Not good when you don't speak Chinese. We were able to phone one of our guides, Susan and she met us.

Now we are at the Sino-Swiss Hotel. Not remotely close to a five star. If this hotel is any indication of lodging in Switzerland we won't be vacationing there anytime soon. When we arrived, the guide closed Will's hand in the car door. I thought he had lost it, the fingers that is. Will did not say a word. Later he told me he didn't want to cuss in front of Isabel. Needless to say it is very swollen and we can't find ice.

9:30 P.M.-Well we're still going. We've just returned from a wonderful afternoon of sight seeing. Susan our guide bought Will an herbal pain reliever for his finger. She said it was to stimulate blood flow. Will was putting it on his fingers and accidently poured the bottle all over his shorts. We all got dizzy on herbal fumes.

We climbed the Great Wall of China 362 steep steps straight up to the first watch tower and 362 straight down. It was a most awesome site. The pictures will never do it justice. When we reached the tower there was a nice cool breeze blowing. We could have spent the afternoon there but we were off again. Next we went to the Olympic stadium, the "Bird's Nest" and the "Cube" aquatic center. From there we went to Tian an men Square. Being at the places that we've only seen on TV is amazing.

Will and I have been awe struck by the magnifcent sites we've seen but Isabel has reacted just as a typical eleven year old whose parents are dragging her around to boring museums. I know that she will eventually appreciate that she has seen many of the significant sites from her homeland. Right now I think that this shy child is doing all she can to process how her life has changed in the past twelve days. We have been amazed at her strength. It truly breaks my heart that at eleven years old she has not had a family to love, guide, teach and protect her. She is so brave. Would I have had the strength to endure all that she has, probably not. Please keep Isabel in your prayers that she adjusts well to her new life in America with her new family.

We ended this eventful day with a traditional dinner of Beijing Roast Duck. Other dishs included shrimp, very spicy potatos and an even hotter rice dish. When we got back to the hotel we discovered roast duck on Will's back. Obviously have not mastered chopsticks.

She was worth the wait!

Hugs and kisses to all!

Will, Marla, and Isabel

U.S. Consolate

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

Chinese Hospitality

Last night our Thai food was wonderful. Maybe we just hadn't had authentic Thai food before, but it was delicious. A funny thing happened at dinner. Susan our other guide ordered a dessert for the group. It was very pretty, but we had no idea what it was. When we asked, she told us that it was a very traditional Thai dessert made with taquilla. Will and I looked at each other and told Susan that we thought that maybe Isabel was a little too young for taquilla. Susan said no, no it's fine for kids, "no problem." After more discussion about the merits of giving alcohol to children, we discovered Susan meant tapioca. A bit different than tequilla. Some things get lost in translation. The group got a big kick at Susan's expense. So needless to say our groups favorite dessert is now "Taquilla Squares."

This morning David took us to Guangzhou Park. Yet again, another amazing adventure. Armed with camera, video camera, and backpack the Pridgen's are such tourists. I'm sure Isabel is already completely embarassed by her parents. I guess she just needs to go ahead and get over it. I'm sure this won't be the last time we embarass her.

This beautiful park is located right in the middle of the metropolitan city. We spent about two hours hiking through it. The park is almost completely shaded but Will and I sweated through our clothes. Not a drop of sweat on Isabel....always seems fresh as daisy. We thought the south was humid, evidently we didn't know what humid was. South China in summer is in a league of its own.

After the park David took us to his house for lunch. We met his beautiful wife Gigi. Gigi and her mother made a huge lunch for us. We had chicken, fish, squid, pork, greens, eggs, and of course rice. After lunch we sat down for hot tea and Gigi entertained us with traditional Chinese music. Gigi is a professional musican and is extremely talented. David has been a true blessing during this entire trip. He and his family have shown us sincere hospitality and given us an experience unlike any others in our group. We will never forget him or his family and it feels like we have made a true friend. We don't have any way of repaying him but perhaps one day he can travel to the states. We would welcome David and his family anytime.

We're headed out now to get Isabel something for dinner. Will and I will skip dinner after our filling lunch. We have to get back early so that we can work on our English and be ready for our favorite Chinese soap opera at 8:00. I don't know what we will do when we come home. Maybe David can email us and keep us updated on our soap.

She was worth the wait and is our new hand to hold.
Hugs and kisses to all.
Will, Marla, and Isabel

Rainy Day in Guanghoz

We just returned from having lunch at.....Subway. Yes, good 'ol Subway. The only other American restaurant here on Shamain Island besides Papa Johns. Isabel seemed to be ok with it. I thought it was great and you didn't have to eat it with chopsticks. Tonight we are having dinner with the group at a Thai restuarant. I'm not a big fan of Thai in the U.S. so we'll have to see how that goes. I'm sure it will be great.

This morning we went with several in the group to a wholesale baby clothing place. We went along because we thought it might have other clothes for older children. The group divided up and shopped for about an hour. This was probably not our favorite place. It was a little hairy. We had been warned about pick pockets. We didn't stray too far from the main drag. Since we are obviously American we do get lots of looks. Many people come up to us and ask for money or try to sell us misc. stuff. Yesterday while we were with David at the movies a woman came up to Will asking for money and would not let it go. David started screaming at her and she screamed back. Finally Will and David both screamed and she left us alone. It was quite funny. All in all I feel very safe here in China, but we are always very careful.

When we were coming back it started raining harder than I think I've ever seen it rain. Within just a matter of minutes the water was up to peoples knees. Guangzhou has no drainage system. I feel very sorry for the people walking and on bikes. Today I phoned home and spoke with my mother. It was a quick conversation but it was good to hear her voice. Luckily we've had the blog so that our family could keep up with us daily. I know that our family is worried but at least this way since they can't be here with us we can let them know how we are doing each day. We will be forever grateful to John and Kara Crews for helping us to set up our blog.

She was worth the wait.
Hugs and kisses to all.
Will, Marla, and Isabel

American Pleasure

July 27th-9:30 P.M.

Today was a pretty relaxing day. This morning we took our laundry and did a little shopping. Later in the morning we watched a man as he loaded our laundry on to his bike and off he went to heaven only knows where. I have a feeling that one of the days we are going to be going though town and see our laundry hanging from someone's apartment window.

This afternoon David picked us up and took us the the movies. We saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It was in English with Chinese subtitles. The movies were very similar to our movies with one exception. Assigned seats. Pretty smart huh. Isabel did seem to enjoy the movies. Another first for her. Bless her heart I think everything we have done this week has been a first for her.

We also went to McDonalds. I've never enjoyed McDonalds so much. It was very crowded. Will and I shared some fries. Isabel still won't try french fries. Our young grasshopper doesn't know what she is missing.

After our little excursion we just came back to the hotel and went to the "deli" for dinner. Not really a deli because they don't have sandwiches. Only authentic Chinese food but it's cheap. Not my favorite place but Will and Isabel like it. Will and I are getting quite handy with the chopsticks. You have to. They don't give you the fork option at the deli.

We've been trying to work on our English each night before we go to bed. Isabel is so shy. She still is really not talking to us much during the day. I'm really worried about her school work. It has been very slow going. This is one time I wish I wasn't a teacher. I really want her to succeed in school and I think it is stressing me out. I guess I need to remember that Isabel has only been with us for one week today and Rome wasn't built in a day.

She was worth the wait!
Love ya, need ya, miss ya!
Will, Marla, and Isabel

The Things We Take for Granted

Sunday-July 26th, 1:00 P.M.
Just returned from a wonderful church service. There is one Chrisitian and one Catholic church on Shamain Island. Very sad, these are the only two churches we have seen since we have been in China, and we have been all over this city and two other cities. Wow, the things we take for granted. The service was translated into English and even one English hymn. Not one that we know, but sang along and enjoyed it very much. It was very moving to see the excitment for Christianity. You could not have packed another person into that church. When the service was over a young woman came up to us and asked if we were from American and if we were Christian. Then she asked how long we had been Chrisitians. Will and I just looked at each other and then told her since we were little. We couldn't help but think how blessed we are to have parents that introduced Jesus Christ to us at such an early age. We will keep our new Chrisitian friend "Judy" in our prayers.

We are back now with our large travel group. (six other families). It has been nice to see them and hear there stories and meet their children. We found that while they were away several people have gotten sick. We have been very lucky. Hope our luck holds out.

Isabel is smiling a little more each day. Food has not been nearly as difficult for her as we thought it would be. Last night we introduced her to Papa John's Pizza. We ordered from our room and they delivered to the hotel on a bicycle. It was a real treat. She ate a piece of cheese pizza and a bread stick.

Boy it is a small world. We were in a store last night and struck up a conversation with another adoptive couple. We of course asked were they were from. They were from Jefferson, North Carolina and went to Appalachian State. They were there the same years as my sister and bother-in-law and are friends with my sister's two college roommates. Small world!

She was worth the wait.
Hugs and kisses to all,
Will, Marla, and Isabel

Trip to the Zoo

Saturday-July 25th-2:00 P.M.

This morning David took us to the Guangzhou Zoo. It was a great. The zoo was right in the heart of Guangzhou. It had a wide variety of animals from both China and Africa and yes Pandas. I think Will enjoyed it more than Isabel, neither had been to the zoo before. We think Isabel enjoyed the zoo, but of course we don't know for sure.

She still is barely speaking even with David. We've been told that Isabel speaks a different dialect call "Hakka.". Yesterday at the orphanage we asked if she was scared of anything. They told us that she was not scared of anything except people. We all laughed at that. Shyness seems to be her only issue. She is so timid. Please say a prayer that she will grow out of this. Isabel has such a pretty smile, but we only rarely see it. And when she does smile she covers her mouth with her hand. We really don't have any pictures where she is smiling.

A little while ago we received a phone call from the front desk telling us that we had to move from our room 1527 to 1823. Do you know how long it took us to explain that to Isabel? The way we understood it, they had to move everyone on the 15th floor to another floor. Some type of problem. They sent a crib to the room instead of the small bed. We then tried to tell them that we needed a roll away bed. We thought they understood and when we came back we had both a crib and an extra bed. We finally just gave up and moved to crib ourself. As you can see our Chinese is not great.

We are now moved and resettled in our new room. We're relaxing watching TV. We are really starting to enjoy Chinese TV. It's quite different than American tv, many soap opera type shows. We have a little routine of dinner then bath time. This is followed by studying English letters and phrases then a little TV before bed at nine. Similar to her schedule at the orphanage. Each night we watch the same soap opera. Will and I call it "As China Turns." It's really getting good. Last night I couldn't hear the TV and I found myself telling Isabel to turn it up. Will started laughing and said, "why do you have to hear it, you have no idea what they are saying.". Isabel just looked at us and smiled.

She was worth the wait.
Hugs and kisses, love to all!
Will, Marla, and Isabel

Emotioal Day-Trip of a Lifetime to Huidong

July 24th 3:00 P.M.
We are in the van headed back to Ghangzhou after a trip to Isabel's orphanage in Huidong. Words will not be able to express what we have experienced today.

We left the hotel this morning at 8:00 and arrived at the orphanage at 11:00. The three hour trip was not bad. Isabel does get car sick so we gave her medicine to make the trip. She slept almost the whole way to Huidong and is asleep now. The trip had beautiful scenery. Reminded us of the North Carolina mountains. David, our guide, has always referred to Isabel as being from the country so we where expecting rural and country. To our surprise, Huidong is a huge city. We saw things today that you could only see in China. The city is very crowded. There were a lot of motorcycles, mo-peds and many homemade looking vehicles.

We easily found the orphanage as Ms. Wang met us downtown. When we arrived at the orphanage there was a large gate that was guarded. Ms. Wang, the lady that brought Isabel to us last week, took us into the main office to formally meet the director and have hot tea. (I think that all the problems for the world could be solved over Chinese hot tea.) There we also met Isabel's English teacher, Yan. Yan was very sweet and we welcomed an additional interpreter. As soon as we arrived Isabel vanished. This worried me for a minute but of course I knew that she had gone to share with her friends all her experiences of the past week. Or, for all we knew, she could have been telling another girl, "No really, you go with them, I'll stay here.". After a long tea time we went upstairs to meet Isabel's friends, see her room and meet her caregivers. Everyone was so friendly. We took lots of pictures. If it were up to us, Will and I would adopt all twenty children in the orphanage. We even joked with David about bringing home another little girl named Huidon. David laughed and said "This isn't Africa, you can't just take them all."

The orphanage was clean and well kept. It has only been open since 2005. The grounds were well maintained. After more tea, pictures, exchanges of addresses and waves goodbye Ms. Wang rode with us to show us where Isabel was found. It turned out to be a health clinic. It was pouring rain. Isabel had no idea why we were stopping and she sat in the van with the driver while we got out to take pictures. We were there for less than three minutes. It was very hard not to be extremely emotional, but we made it. (Isabel is as tough as nails and I'm learning to be too.)

We proceeded on to lunch only to find that we would be having lunch with Ms. Wang, Yan the English teacher, and the orphanage director. Will and I were hoping to just stop for Isabel, David, and the driver and we would eat cheese crackers. It didn't happen that way. We arrived at a large nice restuarant and were taken upstairs to a private room. There was a large round table set for us as nice as any I've ever seen. David and the director discussed what we would eat. I think that Will could sense my stress at the thought of eating a true Chinese meal with our new friends. We all sat down for lunch after tea and I think appetizers. The food soon followed and kept coming. Isabel was fine and had no problem. As for Will and me, thank goodness we had David and Yan. David told me what each dish was and Yan helped Will. We ate family style with chop sticks only. To my surprise, the food was wonderful, although there were several animal heads that kept going by on the lazy susan. This was by far the best meal we've had since we have been here. The fellowship could not have been better. We tried to pay for the meal but the orphanage director would not let us. When we asked how we could repay him for his hospitality he just asked us to love and take care of Isabel. With that, I teared up and we promised that we would do just that.

After that, we said our tearful goodbyes and we were off again. Today was wonderful for us because we were able to learn so much about Isabel and her life before us. The orphanage director discribed Isabel as the quietest, healthiest, and the toughest child in the orphanage. Ms. Wang added that they have never seen Isabel cry. Isn't that funny she doesn't cry and she has already seen both of her parents cry. I guess you have to be tough as nails when you've been through what Isabel has in her eleven short years. If you've never had a family to love you and all your worldly possessions can fit into one small backpack things are just different. I feel that we have been given a great gift and God hand picked this child for us.

Please keep us in your prayers that we can give her the life that she deserves.

She was worth the wait.
Hugs and kisses to all.
Will, Marla, and Isabel

Doctor Visit and all is Well

12:00 noon-Thursday July 23rd
We have just returned from Isabel's physical exam. Another cultural experience. The exam center is located here on Shamian Island. Nice ten minute walk from the hotel. The exam is for Isabel's entry to the U.S. She was a real trooper. It was a two hour process. Isabel had to get five shots. I think it was harder on us watching than it was on Isabel.

Yesterday afternoon we went to the police station to apply for Isabel's passport. David could not take us so he arranged for his coworker, Rebecca, to take us. She was so cute and bubbly. It was not a long process but all the same it was a process. Like David, Rebecca has to translate everything for us and in the midst of her translating she got in trouble for talking too loudly. It was quite funny. She really wasn't talking loud at all. However there were signs everywhere saying "be quiet.".

Last night after we returned from another culinary adventure at Lucy's we taught Isabel how to play cards. We just played war although Will wanted her to learn Texas Hold-em. Isabel won war hands down of course then we made her count her cards aloud. Before bed each night we practice letters and last night we did math too. No problem with math.

Will is finding that banks in China are quite different than in the states. Before we traveled we were told that our U.S. money had to be new bills. Now we know why. They individually inspected every bill. This made for a long process when changing dollars to rmb. Also yesterday we were out shopping with David and a van stopped in front of us and four men jumped out in full body armor and machine guns. Will and I almost had a heart attack. David just laughed at us. I was the Chinese equivlient of Wells Fargo.

Isabel is learning to snack. Right now she is sitting here eating Lays potato chips and drinking Mountain Dew. She is definitely Will's daughter. Will was thrilled to find Mountain Dew and now he has Isabel drinking it. We'll have to work on this bad habit.

She was worth the wait.
Hugs and kisses to all,
Will, Marla, and Isabel

Solar Eclipse in China

Not many people from Dalton, GA have the opportunity to see a once in a lifetime eclipse in China the way we did. Another wonderful memory. This morning David our tour guide took us to Family Chen's Temple. It was breathtaking. I think we enjoyed it a little more than Isabel. She's a kid, and how much do kids really enjoy museums?

Last night we ate at an Italian restaurant here on the Shamein Island. Yes, I know you're thinking that was our first mistake, but we are seven days into this adventure and we wanted something familiar. Well...you were right. We ordered a vegetable pizza because David told us that Isabel wanted to try pizza. Yes, we got vegetable pizza but it came with carrots, broccolli, potates, egg plant and a few other veggies that we weren't even sure what they were. As you can tell David is only with us a portion of the day.

Yesterday was a big day even after the adoption. We went swimming. We finally coaxed Isabel into and bathsuit and then in to the pool. This was a big accomplishment. Never before in a bathing suit nor the pool.

We are learning so much about Isabel.
-She knows more English than we give her credit for.
-She loves fruits and veggies. Really is a not big on meat.
-She's a neat freak, aways tidying things up. Hope this quality sticks.
-She loves to watch TV, what appears to be Chinese soap operas. David assures us that it is ok. Luckily no inappropriate shows on Chinese TV.
-She loves music and apparently, "China Idol". (Yes, Marsha, Lynn, and Judy I realize I should take Isabel to the concert, but we aren't coming home until August 1st.)
-She is painfully shy.
-If she is saying "no" to us, she waves her little index finger back and forth. Will and I jokingly refer to this as getting the finger.

Thanks Deanna for posting our daily journal from the blackberry. We tryed to use the computers at the hotel yesterday only to find that the world wide web is not so world wide. Thank goodness for this blackberry.

She was worth the wait.
Hugs and kisses to all,
Will, Marla, and Isabel

Offically Ours

Today we offically adopted Isabel. Just had to fill out paperwork, have pictures made and have a short interview. Isabel was asked several questions and she did fine. We got tickled, she had to write something, we don't know what they asked her, all was in Chinese, but she answered by asking if she needed to write it in English. (Don't get excited, she doesn't know that much English, but we do think she knows more than what she is saying). We have discovered that Isabel will always win the quiet mouse game.

We just got back from picking up the laundry and having lunch. Everything is an adventure. Lunch was a first. I've never seen Will spit something out in a cloth napkin. Ordering a meal is an adventure in itself. Will ordered something he thought would be relatively safe, chicken and rice. Not exactly what he expected. He was doing pretty well with his chopsticks until one flew out of his hand and into the air. I'm having issues of my own. Isabel and I went to the restroom last night and Isabel had to point out where the restroom was and demonstrate how to use that hole in the ground. I changed my mind and just waited. We are now in the room and Will thought he was getting a Sprite out of the mini bar only to find the he opened a Chinese brand beer. Labels are deceiving around here. The laundry service is great. We could get used to this. Even our undies are pressed. But if you could see the store itself you would think the clothes would get more dirty just by being there.

David our guide took us to the grocery store today. Picked up water and snacks. What an adventure. I wanted to take pictures but we couldn't. David had to tell us everything. So many foods we had no idea what they were. We are slowing figuring out that we have a very shy daughter. I would be shy if I were with us too. Keep us in your prayers. She was worth the wait.

Much love,
Will, Marla, and Isabel

A New Hand to Hold

We just returned to the hotel about an hour ago from meeting our daughter. Today when we met Isabel it wasn't anything like we expected. It was so much better. Prayers answered! We arrived at the Civil Affairs Office at around 2:00. Isabel arrived around 2:30. The two ladies that brought her to us couldn't have been nicer. They spent lots of time with us and answered all our questions. Isabel has been very quiet, but will answer our questions in softest of voices. She came with a backpack with two outfits and a few things.

She did come with a note:
To my parents: I am so grateful for your love. And I am very very happy to be your daughter. I'll try my best to adapt my new life with you.

Love you, Your new daughter

Again answered prayers. She even came with snacks. Isabel just pulled out a bag of boiled eggs and handed us both one. When all else fails keep an egg in your bag, in case you get hungry. She'll fit in just fine.

She was worth the wait!

Much love,
Will, Marla, and Isabel

Hotel Sweet Hotel

We are finally in Guangzhou. Arrived Sunday afternoon around 3:00 p.m. local time. David our guide in Guangzhou met us at the airport. (Yes, once again had no trouble picking us out, go figure) Very nice young man. He has been very helpful, and his English is quite good. He lives in Guangzhou and is our interpreter for the next week until Susan and the others in our travel group arrive in Guangzhou on the 25th. The other six couples are all together with Susan meeting there daughters in another province in China. Everyone in the group seems so nice and we hate that we are not with them. We are staying at the White Swan Hotel. The hotel is gourgous and the room is very nice. (Daddy-bonsai trees everywhere, you would love it) As for the bed however...the floor maybe a little softer, firm mattress is an understatement. Even with that said we took a five hour nap this afternoon. At eleven p.m. we had dinner. We didn't try anything unusual just a club sandwich. We'll be more adventurous when we are over jet lag. (Ankles are fine, no swelling as all)

Tomorrow is the big day! We meet Isabel tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. David will take us to the civil affairs office to meet. We will take a list of questions and he will translate. Keep praying. We are very nervous and apprehensive about tomorrow. We can only imagine how Isabel must feel. She is a very brave young lady.

Love to all! Love ya, need ya, miss ya!

Well... We Made It!

We are finally here. Last night we stopped in Toyko for two hours before heading on to Beijing. Susan our Chinese guide met us at the airport last night. We were so happy to see her. She recognized us right off. (Surprise, surprise) That seventeen hour plane flight took a lot out of us, but we rested at the beautiful Renaissance Beijing Hotel. This morning we are once again at the airport waiting on our flight to Guangzhou. Short flight, only three hours. Please keep us in your prayers, we are tired and we really haven't even started yet. Love ya, need ya, miss ya! Will and Marla

Day Two of Will and Marla's Big Adventure

Made it to Seattle at 2:00 A.M. EST. Our options out of Memphis were Amsterdam or Seattle. We argued geography a bit and checked the globe and decided Seattle was at least the right direction. Flew by snow capped Mt. Rainer. It was beautiful! The flight was fine. Sat with a nice dentist from Memphis. We made it to Seattle but to our surprise our bags were not on the carrousel. We went to the lost bag area and explained our day and the ladies gave us a t-shirt and not a lot of hope. Then after more checking and searching the remote corners of the airport our new BFF "Delta girl" returned with our luggage. Apparently our luggage passed us in Canada. Stayed at the Marriott and had a good nights sleep.
All in all it was a trip...and we had fun.

We are headed out today at 2:00 local time going to Beijing by way of Tokyo. We will arrive at 10:00 P.M. (10:00 A.M. EST)
Keep us in your prayers.
Love ya, need ya, miss ya!

Going Nowhere Fast

Houston we've had a problem. Bad weather in Memphis delayed our flight from Chattanooga and we are now sitting in the Memphis airport. We've had a day. After a two hour forty-five minute wait we finally got the okay to leave Chattanooga. Then an error in baggage and passenger weight caused the pilot to get mad, scream at the baggage handlers and stomp off the plane. After composing himself and chewing out a poor young man we were off.... only to find out twenty minutes later that we didn't have enough gas to make it to Memphis. So we swung down to Mississippi and gassed up. An hour later we were off. Yes we missed all our connecting flights for the trip. After quite a long process and even some begging we are booked to Seattle tonight and will spend the night there and leave for Tokyo tomorrow afternoon. We still have a long way to go!

Almost Time

Well it's finally here. The day that we have dreamed about forever it seems. We are packed and ready to go. Now if we don't have it, we won't take it...if we didn't finish it, it just won't get finished...if it's not clean, it really doesn't matter. All that matters is that in just a few hours we will be leaving to pick up Isabel.
We appreciate all that family and friends have done to help us prepare for Isabel's arrival. It has been such a whirlwind these last two weeks, but we have enjoyed every minute of it. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful support.

Please keep us in your prayers.
Off we go!!!