We enjoyed our breakfast buffet this morning at the hotel. It was about like the other hotels we stayed in last time. Ally gobbled up her congee and baked beans! We asked her if she ate congee when she used to live with Frannie. Isn't that cute? No idea if any of this seems vaguely familiar for her at all. She just seems to go about her day as usual. We did notice that we got many MORE stares just walking around the streets. People would notice Sara and Lauren then Ally and then look at us and point or stare. Most will just stare. Sara and Lauren have been asked 3 times if they are twins! We did see a church service going on, but didn't know what "kind" it was. Also, there are TONS of cell phone stores around here.
Many places are still decorated for Christmas, and Christmas music is playing in the lobby and halls of the hotel. The tree in the lobby said Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad!
We just got a call from Susan and we will now meet Alaina at 4:30 this afternoon in the hotel. The other family that is supposed to be with us missed a connection, so our meeting will be delayed a few hours. We were supposed to meet her at 2 to go to the Civil Affairs Office, so we'll see. Wow - that is close!
I'm thinking that Ally will have a very hard time with this. She has been acting quite demanding on this trip. I understand she has been through a lot with the flight "challenges" we have had. She is not being a very good girl about obeying this morning. I know she is tired and off-schedule. Hoping she can get a good nap before Gotcha time!
I sat at breakfast and just couldn't really believe that we are HERE again! It's unexplainable! What an amazing opportunity!
Susan also said for us not to be upset if Alaina cries when she meets us or when we go up to the room. The ladies at the orphanage said she is scared of strangers! Great - we will be the most strange strangers that she has likely ever seen! And she will be told to go with us and be a good, big girl. Our anticipations are so different with an older child than they were with Ally.
After our little walk around outside the hotel, we came back to put the nanny gifts together. Doug and Lauren went back out to look for the Green Lake Park. I hear it is beautiful. The weather is pleasant. We wore jeans and a light jacket this morning and we were a little chilly, but it is sunny and clear. The traffic is light, but it is Sunday AM. I'm sure it will be in full-China-traffic fashion tomorrow!
It's just a little strange sitting here waiting for time to pass...
4 comments:
Okay H's - you've dreamed of this moment since May and now the time is finally here. There are no words to express how excited we are for you guys. We know you're anxious, excited, and scared for her all at the same time. However, God would never have handpicked this precious child for you if it wasn't part of HIS MASTER PLAN! Popsicle was talking about Alaina at dinner tonight! Sprinkles is so excited to travel with six daughters this summer. If Alaina looks scared - have Doug translate into his machine, "You get to go on a Disney cruise very soon!" That should calm all of her fears - :) I'll be sleeping with Sprinkles' laptop again tonight! We can't wait to introduce Alaina to the boat this summer - Sprinkles says she'll love Mable! Make sure you mention her size as soon as you have determined what it is - shirt, pants, shoes, bathing suit :)
Lots of hugs and kisses to all - OMG, YOU'RE SO CLOSE! It's gonna be an AWESOME GOTCHA DAY! You can probably hear us cheering from way over here!!!!!
Hang in there!!! You are doing great!! Just be prepared and open for anything. No expectations and it will be all you dreamed of!!! Older child adoption is a bit rougher, but you are doing great. Take care and I have been checking on you guys all day!!!
Thinking of you here in snow covered Seattle!!!
LindaJ
3 1/2 hours left until she's yours.... I found a website to tell me what time it is over there. The fabulous family of 6 is just hours away...
I am so excited for you! Rest in Him, it is all in God's hands and this moment was written way before you could ever conceive it. Aren't you glad you said "yes" to this awesome journey. I know it has been stressful and fearful at times but what a wonderful ride. Just think, what if we had said no to this-I can't bear to think of the blessings we would have missed. Once again you are paving the way for us. First ones to get to China and now adopting an older child. You know we will be looking to you for guidance this coming year as soon you will be old pros. Can't wait to see her sweet face with you. Her hair will soon grow. Sarah Beth's was so short too and people thought she was a boy. Honestly at SB's orphanage, we couldn't tell boys from girls. I can hardly wait! The time is almost here....... Love you!
Melissa
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