Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Welcome to my family blog. I have been married to Mike for over half of my life. I love my Savior, Jesus. I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom to six terrific, interesting children. My 3 oldest were born to me in my younger years, while my 3 youngest were given to me by God in my older years. I am very blessed. ~Cheri

2.12.2010

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.

16 kind words:

Melanie

So glad to see you're home safe. Thanks for the great posts while you were in China. It was fun to journey with you.
Take care and rest well.

Deb, Russ, Lily, Lucy and Lainey

Cheri,
What a lovely post. It has been a wonderful time for me to follow your blog. We are so glad you are home with Ivy and cannot wait to meet her! She is just adorable and I am sure it has been hard on her. Yes, Our Savior has protected you and will continue to carry you and Ivy. What a wonderful family you have and I know you are thankful. Get some rest and we will be over for dinner at 6!!! Just kidding!! LOL... so glad you are home...
Hugs to all-
deb

Tracy

Hi! I have enjoyed your blog so much and followed you every step of the way! Thank you for posting and I can't wait to see how Ivy is doing soon!

Tracy
(Jennfam from RQ)

Anonymous

It was so great to travel with you through your blog. Ivy is such a precious little girl. I pass all stories and pictures on to Don and Rose and they also enjoy them very much. You have such a beautiful family.

Vickie Leiser

Our family:

So wonderful to see you and Ivy home with your family!!

You are in our prayers. I know there's a lot of jet lag and it takes time to get back into the swing of things. Remember God's grace!

God bless your beautiful family!
Lydia

Sue Lucas

Hi Cheri and family it is so good to see you all home and together.I have so enjoyed your journey to China to get your Ivy.I will continue to pray for you all that Our Great God will meet every challenge before it happens and every thing settle into His peace.
Sue

Naomi

Oh the picture of her with all her siblings brought tears to my eyes! I am in awe of all you have done Cheri, traveling there all that way AND back home again!! You deserve an award!

Oh precious Ivy, I love how she thought HK was America! Of course you would!! It is very westernised!

You have blessed us all with a very detailed account of your trip and I know that Ivy will enjoy reading it when she is older. Blessings and prayers will continue as you settle back in.

with love in Christ,
Naomi

Jenna

Thank you so much for allowing us to follow your journey. It looks like Ivy is right where she belongs. I know your family will be blessed by her, and she by you!

Jenna
Elemomma from RQ

Bobby and Regina

You must be exhausted! I am thrilled to see you are home and everyone is now back together! Ivy has many good things in store for her as she will soon figure out! What a blessing children are, and what a gift from God! She is beautiful, and she will bond great with your family! Love, Regina

Anonymous

Oh my goodness....so good to be home! And oh how wonderful to see Ivy with her new family! I can't wait to see how things transpire over the next few weeks as she feels more and more like a part of the family.
What a draining trip and I hope that you will be on a good sleeping schedule soon! I've never ever been so tired in my whole life than that trip to China. And of course, the emotions that are felt are so taxing on ones body.
Have to say that I have been checking your site several times a day since Thursday to see these pictures.
Cheri...you are so adventurous! I'm so glad that you got to see a little of the west coast!
Love the picture of all your children together. It looks to me like the PERFECT family!
May God Bless everyone! We will certainly continue prayers for you all!
Love,
Jenny

Learning Together at Home

It was so wonderful to see the 6 of your kids together! Congratulations on a job well done, Mom! :)

Unknown

It is so wonderful to see you and Ivy finally make it home. Praying for all of you, as Ivy makes this transition. Rest up!

RQ friend,
Eva

Vicky

Welcome Home Ivy! Thanks for allowing us to share in your journey with you! Cheri, get some well needed rest,and please don't hesitate to call if we can help you in any way!
Vicky

The Landes Family

So glad you guys had a great trip. When we landed in Hong Kong, Burger King was the first thing we did. We asked for ICE. Ivy will do fine. She is so beautiful. Welcome home.

Mommy

Glad to see you guys made it home safely. Praying for everyone during this transition. WELCOME HOME IVY!

Yoli

Welcome home!!!! Hope you get to rest. Ivy and her siblings are gorgeous!

Post a Comment


Total Pageviews

Blog Archive


  © Free Blogger Templates 'Photoblog II' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP