Yi Mei's Province

We spent our last day in Hefei City touring an ancient village called San Hui. It was so nice to get out of the city and all the traffic. The population of Hefei City is 7 million people and it is considered a small city compared to Guangzhou or Beijing which have populations over 20 million. Being out in the country was a respite for us. We saw rice paddies, people washing their clothes in the river and rickshaw drivers. We took a boat ride on the river and toured the local temple. It was raining which actually helped make the heat a little more bearable.

Later we went out for dinner at a local restaurant. We had a local specialty called Hot Pot. There is a big pot of steaming broth at each table in which you cook your vegetables and meat. Our guide Tracy has been amazed at how adventurous we are with food. We have gone to local restaurants every night and have tried all kinds of food including chicken feet and duck gizzard soup. I want to experience my daughter's culture as much as possible. Yi Mei, however, has taken a liking to the American food we have introduced her to. Chocolate crescents, french toast and candy are her favorites. She also loves fruits!

Here are some pics from our outing along with a picture of Tracy who has been our guide in Hefei. We will miss her!

Yi Mei

I can't help but stare at YiMei, as she is such a beautiful child. She is very tiny- even the 3T clothes are too big for her. Whenever we pass a mirror, she breaks into a huge grin and says, "Mama and Yi Mei." I love seeing her smile. In the orphanage they called her Amei, which we also are using. I have no doubt that she will be speaking English soon, as she watches everything we do and is a quick learner.

Here are some other things I have learned about her.
Yi Mei:
Loves watermelon

Is very neat and organized

Enjoys sorting cards

Is fearless

Enjoys outings and seeing people

Likes barrettes and jewelry
Loves water

Prefers sweets such as juice and candy

Loves to be held

Here are some pics from our outing to the zoo and park:

Gotcha Day

  Yi Mei has been with me for 32 hours now and it seems like we have been together forever. She attached to me very quickly and has been a little angel. We have taken her swimming and to a huge park down the street. She loves seeing people and takes everything in. Kathy and I think she is very smart as she knew how to unlock the hotel door within seconds of arriving.

Yi Mei was very upset at the hand off. She screamed at the top of her lungs for hours. When we got back to the hotel Kathy had to sit by the door to keep her from bolting out. She hit me and couldn't be consoled. After 4 hours she finally collapsed from exhaustion. Yi Mei is one strong willed little girl.  Not only did she nap with her shoes on, but she refused to lie down.  She actually fell asleep with her head in her lap.  After napping in my arms, Yi Mei awoke in a much more peaceful state. She out of her sy has not only accepted her situation, but has delighted in all the attention.

Yi Mei is the cutest little thing. When she sleeps with me she likes to lay right on top of me. As soon as she rises, she puts her shoes on.  Yi Mei has been very eager to explore her new surroundings.  When we go on outings she walks with the happiest little gait- Kathy and I are enjoying every minute of our time with her. She doesn't speak to us yet, but she has been smiling. Thank you for praying. When we went back to the civil affairs office today, she was doing much better than the other girls who did not cry the previous day.

Leaving on a jet plane....

I am set to go...

Packed our bags                      Check
Packed special Yi Mei's toys  Check
Applied for visas                    Check
TA                                           Check
Purchased VPN and Skype      Check
Car seat ready to go                 Check
paper work done and packed   Check
Bedroom ready                        Check
Got Freedom to board
Pepto-Bismol/Tylenol PM       Check
One excited mom !                   Check

I am looking forward to celebrating the 4th with friends today.  I am as ready as I will every be.
At 9 am tomorrow, I will be on my way to Chicago.  At 5:30 pm I will board my international flight  to Hong Kong.  It will be Friday evening when we arrive- 22 hours later.  I am so excited- please pray that I can sleep!

Here is our itninerary:

July 6:  Arrive in Hong Kong 8:00 pm
July 7:  Walk around Hong Kong- get over jet lag.  Fly to Hefei City in pm
July 8:  Go on tour and find our more about Yi Mei's province
July 9:  Gotcha Day!
July 10:  More paperwork and bonding time
July  11 & 12:  Free Day- find something fun to do with Yi Mei
July 13:  Fly to Guangzhou (home of US Consulate)
July 14:  Yi Mei's medical exam
July 15:  Tour Guangzhou
July 16:  Safari Park
July 17:  Pearl River Cruise
July 18:  Kathy leaves/ Yi Mei becomes a US Citizen
July 20:  Visa is issued.  Leave for USA at 9:00 and arrive home at 7:05 pm

Flights Scheduled

My emotions are swinging all over the place.  Worry, fear, stress coupled with pure anticipation.  I scheduled my flight yesterday and there is still so much left to do..  I can't believe it... in 10days I will be holding my baby girl (a four year old Chinese baby). 

I can't help but wonder... Will she like me?  What will our first meeting be like?  My mind has been consumed with thoughts of her these past few days.  Though she may be screaming and kicking as I take her away from all that is familiar,  I also know that the beginning of a deep bond will take place.

I also know that God has gone before me and He will be with me on every step of this journey- He is my the shade at my right hand and my front and rear guard.  God made a way for my dear friend to accompany me.  The agency granted permission for us to leave a week prior to their scheduled group, which is rarely ever ever heard of.  I still get overwelmed when I think about the way He has provided for me financially through the generousity of others.  "My cup overflows, surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life."

TA!!!

Monday I received the call which I have been waiting for over a year.  My travel approval was granted for July 5th with a "Gotcha Day" of July 9th.

 In just 10 more days, I will be able to gaze into her sweet little face, wrap my arms around her and call her by name.  I will be able to finally tell her how beautiful she is and how much she is loved. 

There is a Chinese proverb that speaks of an invisible red thread that connects a child to all the people in her past and future life.  I like to think of the red thread as the invisible hand of God that has destined Yi Mei to come into my life.  I know it is no accident that He selected this special little girl to become my daughter.  She was meant for me and I for her.  I am excited beyond measure to begin our journey together!

Still Waiting

Yes, I am still waiting for my Travel Approval.  The issues with my immigration paperwork set me back a month, pushing my TA to the last week of June.  If my agency is able to arrange a consulate appt. last minute, I will be able to join the next travel group (June 29th - July 15).  If they can't get a last minute, appointment, I will have to travel with the July 12th group.  This living in limbo is killing me! I watch the airfare go up in price every week and long to buy a ticket.   

Contrary to what I imagined, I am not having any difficulty finding ways to occupy my time during my summer vacation.  I do think about Yi Mei all the time, but have been able to enjoy afternoons by the pool, finding treasures on Craig's List and the extra time to finish projects.  I am in the middle of putting miniature shingles on the roof and painting a beautiful dollhouse my friend Kim gave Yi Mei.  I finally put together Yi Mei's Disney scooter (a special gift from my friend Nancy) and also found a Disney art desk to match.

Please pray for a very quick TA.  They can happen as quick as 12 days or as long as three weeks.  I need to make the next travel group for many reasons, the main one being my friend Kathy cannot come in mid July.  I also have made some wonderful friends through a FB adoption group and they are traveling in late June. Yi Mei's preschool screening is August 3rd, I will need some time in July to help adjust prior to the screening.  Pray, pray, pray!

Here is a picture of my Craig's List find and the scooter: