As we continue to settle into a routine at home and have the fog of jet-lag lift, we are able to think a little bit more than just trying to get through the day. We still can't believe that we after all the thought and energy involved in preparing to go to China, that we have "been there, done that." It is almost surreal. And it is a bit sad. For a very intense 2+ weeks, we met some really incredible people, American and Chinese.
First, we want to give some props to our Chinese coordinator, Elsie. Elsie, pictured her with Kate, was an outstanding hostess. She met us in Beijing when we stepped out of baggage claims, and literally walked us through every step of the process while in China. She is even the one who kept me from getting a big fine (or worse) in my visit to the police station. She is also the one who took the awesome photos of me and the police officer.
Elsie was tremendous. She served as translator, administrative assistant, travel coordinator, menu guide, hostess, and encourager. She helped us with every piece of additional paperwork we had to do in China. She kept us on time for our appointments. She gave us information in enough detail to keep us going, but not too much to overwhelm us. At restaurants she would order for us and ordered things that we enjoyed but also kept ordering a variety of things to keep things fresh (so we did not order Sweet and Sour Chicken EVERY single time). She was a tremendous blessing. We became even more aware of this when we would meet other American families adopting in China, but not with our group (Children's Hope International); they had many more frustrations and struggles than we did.
Also over the past couple of days, we have thought about our American friends we made while there. We have even been able to contact a few by email or stop by their blogs to check up on them. You can't go through a such a incredibly intense and life-changing event without being connected to the families that experienced this with you. Our fellow travel families with CHI came from all over the U.S. and had all kinds of different backgrounds. Some were Christians, some Jewish, some neither. But we all shared this time together. And so it has been encouraging to email or visit their blogs (and to hear that they are just about in the same post-travel, trying to get back into the swing of things mode).
One blog that I really like is Love Knows No Limits. We met the Gardners while in China. They are still there because of some issues involving the little girl that they were initially going to adopt. They were overwhelmed at the change of events that occurred, but God has firmly been involved every step of the way. Check out their blog. It will also give you a few more pictures to look at that I haven't been able to post!
There is still much to process about our trip. I hope the following days and weeks I can share a few more thoughts. If I don't get around to it, I am sure you will understand.
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