One Day to go (actually just a few hours)

This morning we got up very early and headed to the airport.  We were told to leave the hotel at 7:15 for a 10:30 flight, seemed early but George called this one right.  The traffic was indescribable.   This was the first day after the Tomb Sweeping Festival so everyone must have been back to work.  It took about 1.5 hours to get to the airport, then check-in took forever and security let’s just say “Pain in the Butt”.   They took all the souvenirs out of my carry-on bag and scanned it all again, took all the electronics out of my camera bag and dumped it in a bin to scan again, took my wallet, took Robin’s money belt etc.  By the time we made it to our gate we boarded the bus to the plane.  Not even time for potty breaks. (bad for the ladies).

The flight to ZhengZhou (Jang Joe) was uneventful.   When we arrived we were greeted by Rita our guide from last trip. It was so great to see her.  She remembered us and asked for pictures of the girls first thing.   It was a bit of a reunion for us.  On the bus ride to the hotel we received an update on Shaun with a number of questions answered.   Sounds like he may be an introvert, he will have to overcome that in our family.  Sounds like his health is good and all is going well.

We had to grab a quick lunch and then off to the bank. Lisa just FYI we went to a great noodle house and I know you wanted photos so here it is just for you.  Sorry we ate the other dish so quickly there was no time for a picture.

 

After lunch all the dads (10 of us) had to head to a bank to exchange money for all the transactions tomorrow.  Then two of us dads had to go purchase train tickets so we can take the bullet train to the city of our children’s birth.   We have to go there to apply for his passport on Wednesday.  The drive would have been 5 hours and the train is 1 hour, much better for us. 

Then after all of this a bunch of us walked to Wal Mart.  Wal Mart here is interesting it is a 3 story building and you use moving sidewalks to go between floors, the shopping carts lock on as you go up and down.  We had to pick up formula, cereal, snacks etc. for Shaun and for us.   It was after 6 by the time we made it back to the hotel to slow down.  Below is a photo to show you what it is like walking on the sidewalks here, you can literally get run over by a scooter. Crossing the street is even more interesting, it gives new meaning to the game Frogger.  A very busy day all in all.  We were able to Skype with the girls

 

Hard to believe that in just a few hours we will all gather and head to the Civil Affairs Building to meet our children. (This should be Sunday evening for most of you).  We will post photos of us meeting Shaun as soon as we can.  Say a prayer for us as we meet him.  Pray that he is prepared for us and that he bonds quickly.  We truly appreciate all of your prayers and support through this journey.