The sunrise is different in Beijing. The sky is a hazy deep crimson red, completely solid in color. There are no pinks or purples, only solid red. It reminds me of the importance of the color of red in Chinese culture. Gifts are given in red wrapping; brides are married in red dresses. It is a symbol of beauty and honor.
You all know that I would not normally see the sunrise voluntarily! This morning, we met in the hotel lobby at 5:20 am to go to the airport. (Fortunately, we joked that it was lucky that we all still wake up around 4 am anyway, thanks to a little jet lag!) It was bittersweet to see all of the families go in different directions. We've known each other for 2 days. It feels like a lifetime.
We set off for Kunming, not really knowing what to expect today. I admit that my nerves (and my stomach) were a wreck this morning. Yesterday, we had our orientation, which includes what we should expect in watching Ethan go through his grieving process. He is losing all he has ever known - his kind caregivers, his playmates, his home. Grieving is healthy. Grieving is hard. Thankfully, our agency has prepared us well for this process.
Kunming is a beautiful city. It is known as the City of Spring. Spring weather is year-round! We are high in the mountains, with a cool breeze, and glorious 70 degree weather. I read somewhere that it is known as the "Holland of Asia" because of the abundance of flowers and flowering trees. It is definitely a nice change from the cold, rainy weather in Beijing. Kunming is the capital of the Yunnan Province, which is the same province that Ethan is from. This is where the official paperwork will be done for the adoption. We will be here for 6 days while we wait for the paperwork to be processed.
Yesterday was our second day of learning about Chinese culture in Beijing. We visited Tianneman Square and the Forbidden City, and we took a rickshaw to a local Chinese traditional home. Our guide has been wonderful, and we have learned so many interesting things. Did you know that there are around 10,000 characters in the Chinese language? It takes the children 10 years in school to learn them all. The simple version has 3,000 characters.....makes our 26 look really easy!
Tomorrow is the day we have really been waiting for. At 10 am, our guide and Ethan's caregiver will bring him to our hotel room to meet us. His orphanage is several hours away, so we will not be able to visit it. Instead, a caregiver will drive him to Kunming. We learned today that his orphanage is very small - only 40 children, according to our guide. That is very good news, and means that he has gotten more one-on-one attention than he would have in a larger facility. Hopefully, the caregiver who comes with him will be able to give us a lot of information about his life in the orphanage.
Thank you all for your prayers! They are being felt, even half a world away. Pray specifically for calm for both of us tomorrow. Ethan will take his cues from us, and a mom who is crying hysterically would freak him out! The more calm we can be, the safer he will feel with us and the quicker he will bond. Today I am including a picture of all of the families in our group. Say a quick prayer for all of them and for their new children, some who are being placed in their arms at this very minute. They are precious, beautiful children who may be more than a little frightened tonight.
You all know that I would not normally see the sunrise voluntarily! This morning, we met in the hotel lobby at 5:20 am to go to the airport. (Fortunately, we joked that it was lucky that we all still wake up around 4 am anyway, thanks to a little jet lag!) It was bittersweet to see all of the families go in different directions. We've known each other for 2 days. It feels like a lifetime.
We set off for Kunming, not really knowing what to expect today. I admit that my nerves (and my stomach) were a wreck this morning. Yesterday, we had our orientation, which includes what we should expect in watching Ethan go through his grieving process. He is losing all he has ever known - his kind caregivers, his playmates, his home. Grieving is healthy. Grieving is hard. Thankfully, our agency has prepared us well for this process.
Kunming is a beautiful city. It is known as the City of Spring. Spring weather is year-round! We are high in the mountains, with a cool breeze, and glorious 70 degree weather. I read somewhere that it is known as the "Holland of Asia" because of the abundance of flowers and flowering trees. It is definitely a nice change from the cold, rainy weather in Beijing. Kunming is the capital of the Yunnan Province, which is the same province that Ethan is from. This is where the official paperwork will be done for the adoption. We will be here for 6 days while we wait for the paperwork to be processed.
Yesterday was our second day of learning about Chinese culture in Beijing. We visited Tianneman Square and the Forbidden City, and we took a rickshaw to a local Chinese traditional home. Our guide has been wonderful, and we have learned so many interesting things. Did you know that there are around 10,000 characters in the Chinese language? It takes the children 10 years in school to learn them all. The simple version has 3,000 characters.....makes our 26 look really easy!
Tomorrow is the day we have really been waiting for. At 10 am, our guide and Ethan's caregiver will bring him to our hotel room to meet us. His orphanage is several hours away, so we will not be able to visit it. Instead, a caregiver will drive him to Kunming. We learned today that his orphanage is very small - only 40 children, according to our guide. That is very good news, and means that he has gotten more one-on-one attention than he would have in a larger facility. Hopefully, the caregiver who comes with him will be able to give us a lot of information about his life in the orphanage.
Thank you all for your prayers! They are being felt, even half a world away. Pray specifically for calm for both of us tomorrow. Ethan will take his cues from us, and a mom who is crying hysterically would freak him out! The more calm we can be, the safer he will feel with us and the quicker he will bond. Today I am including a picture of all of the families in our group. Say a quick prayer for all of them and for their new children, some who are being placed in their arms at this very minute. They are precious, beautiful children who may be more than a little frightened tonight.
4 comments:
oh my goodness! I was thinking the big meeting wouldn't be for another week. I am so excited for you guys. Prayers for peace and sleep! Can't wait to see pictures of your beautiful family.
So excited for you two and my new nephew! We will be praying for you all as you are united together tomorrow! What a journey!! Love you! --Paula and the gang
At this point, I guess you are about an hour away from meeting your son! I've got chills and am so excited for you three! Lots of prayers from this end for successful first days! Lots of love to you all!
Praying that your first night as a family is peaceful and jubilant! Sleep well!
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