After 39 Hours of Traveling, We're Home

I woke up Thursday morning at 5:30 am, China time, which is 4:30 am Virginia time.  We had a 9:50 am from from Guangzhou to Hong Kong.  It all went rather smoothly, and Ivy enjoyed the excitement, sounds, chaos, of the airport.  She seemed in such awe.  The flight was only 40 minutes, and Ivy thought it was so neat being above the clouds.

After arriving in HK, we walked around, and decided to eat lunch at Burger King.  While we were eating in the food court overlooking the enormous airport, Ivy looks at me and says, "May Guo?"  This means America in Chinese.  She thought Hong Kong was America.  I hated to tell her that we had another 30 some hours and 3 more flights before arriving home.  So, I asked the Chinese pilot sitting next to her to explain this to her.  He was very kind to her.

View of part of Hong Kong from our gate.

We left HK on time for our 11+ hour flight to San Francisco.  Cathay Pacific gave Ivy a child's package of goodies; coloring books, origami, puzzle, magna doodle, stickers.  That took up some time, and so did the movies and games on the entertainment system.  Ivy was very excited when we could see the city of SF and "May Guo".  After taking care of immigration/customs (Ivy is now a US citizen), we decided to head to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, since we had an 11 hour layover.  The next flight to Chicago was booked, so we took advantage of our time.  I have never been on the west coast before, and this was a treat for me.  I figured out the subway and trolley cars, and found our way to the Bay.  The weather was beautiful, 50+ degrees.  My exhaustion disappeared once we got moving and I felt that pleasant sea breeze on my face.  Ivy's exhaustion did not disappear.  I felt badly for her because she could not enjoy the fact that we were in a new place.  We spent a few hours walking around the area.

Once we made it back to the subway, I expected Ivy to fall asleep.  She kept nodding off, almost falling over at times.

We had lunch at the airport, walked around, talked to the family, played computer games, and watched people.  Near our gate the airport had a "Kid's Zone".  Ivy enjoyed that for many hours.  I nodded off while sitting at my gate and Ivy was playing!  What a terrible mom!  I'm just thankful she's not the type to take off to escape.

 

The flight to Chicago was about 4 hours.  Ivy and I slept part of the flight.  I woke up to see Ivy doing her silent cry.  I can only imagine how difficult all this was for her.  She was extremely jovial at the SFO Airport. She talked so much to me, and we played games together, held hands.  Sometimes I just don't know how to comfort her during this moments of sadness.  I just stroke her hand or arm and tell her it is okay to cry.  These moments do not last too long, thankfully.  On our last flight home, Ivy slept the whole hour of flight time.  I am sure I looked ridiculous nodding off.  It is always embarrassing to have people see you in such a vulnerable position.  One man at the airport was snoring away right next to us as he was spread out getting a great rest.

The mountains were beautifully dressed with a white blanket of snow.  I was so glad to see this view.  Ivy woke up once we landed.  I told her, "all done" and she just smiled.  When she saw the whole family waiting for us, she bashfully grinned.  She never said a word, but seemed truly happy to finally see everyone.

Everyone seems to be adjusting well.  We got settled in, and Ivy got busy investigating the home and her room.  It took her a while to say anything, and she is still extremely quiet.  She's had a few moments of tears, and that is what we expect.  Eva and Joy seem to love her unconditionally.  Jack is my man of few words, Seth played a game of Memory with the girls, and Jordan did a puzzle with Ivy before heading off to work.

Thanks for following our journey to adopt Ivy.  I'm sure we'll face many challenges in the months ahead, but I thank our Savior for His love, protection, and prayers of my friends and family, and I know He has the mercy I need to make it through all the issues that lie ahead.  

I'm off for some much needed rest.  I'll be posting again soon to share how everyone is doing.