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Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

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in China itinerary… and we’re outta here!

01/08 Depart Newark at 9:58 AM for Beijing

01/09 Arrive Beijing at 3:00PM / Depart Beijing at 9:00PM for Nanning

01/10 Rest. Chill. Prepare.

01/11 Go to the Civil Affairs Office to meet Miss Vivienne!!!!

01/12 Go to the Civil Affairs for adoption registration

01/13 Travel to Guilin by train

01/14 Sight-seeing in Guilin / Hopefully visit An Orphan’s Wish!

01/15 Li River cruise / Fly to Guangzhou

01/16 Vivi’s Medical Exam

01/17 Sight-seeing in Guangzhou

01/18 Medical exam follow-up

01/19 Visa interview

01/20 Go to the consulate for the ceremony

01/21 Go to the consulate to pick up Vivi’s visa

01/22 Fly to Shanghai / Fly to Newark / Fly HOME!

We’re all set! Our visas and POA arrived this afternoon! And my tooth is fixed (if with a temporary crown, but it’s fixed!) and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all your prayers. They were definitely felt, as getting the crown was less painful and less stressful than getting the filling the month before!

So to everyone who took a minute out of their day to pray for me, for us… THANK YOU 🙂

And, amazingly, we’re all packed. All the donations for An Orphan’s Wish somehow managed to fit into the four bags we’re allowed to check. We even had time to go out to celebrate Miss Sophie Lulu’s birthday a few days early, come home and have Hello Kitty cake and strawberry ice cream and play a final game of Killer Bunnies.

I’ll be posting updates here, as regularly as China will allow. As much as I wanted to have another My Adoption Website for this trip, I just wasn’t able to get it together in time. I’ve already confessed, I’m a bit of a last minute girl.

Maybe that should be a New Year’s Resolution.

Nah.

More good news is that Tori taught me how to shoot video with my Nikon, so I’m hoping to upload some video of my sweet girl. AND she loaded Skype on both the laptop and our desktop.

I’m going to be all over the ‘net, baby.

We’re loaded with snacks, pillows, moolah, tooth cement and baby toys… now all we need is our GIRL!!

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01.08.10 · China 77

Comments

  1. Julie says

    January 8, 2010 at 3:43 AM

    yay! Can't wait to see her in your arms. Prayers for a safe and happy trip.

    Reply
  2. Shawn, Shelley, Emily, Sarah, Lauren, AnnaGrace and Avery says

    January 8, 2010 at 3:53 AM

    WOOHOO!!! You are going to China! Can't wait to follow along. We will be praying for you all!

    Reply
  3. Leanne says

    January 8, 2010 at 3:55 AM

    Stefanie….
    I was hoping we would be in China together. Our consulate appointment didn't work out, so we are about a week behind you.

    I was SO hoping to meet you … ,maybe another time!!!

    I still want you to know what an inspiration you are to SO many of us.

    I can't wait to see little Miss Vivi!!!!

    I hope you have a safe and wonderful trip!

    Reply
  4. Jo says

    January 8, 2010 at 3:56 AM

    Very excited for you!

    Reply
  5. KT says

    January 8, 2010 at 3:58 AM

    praying for you tonight
    glad your tooth is feeling better!

    Reply
  6. gypsybiscuit says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:01 AM

    Good luck, good wishes, Godspeed!!

    Reply
  7. Oatsvall Team says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:05 AM

    girl i will be praying … i am so sorry i haven't checked in lately, but i will be praying and checking on the updates … blessings !!!!

    SO SO SO EXCITED !!!

    Reply
  8. The Ferrill's says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:12 AM

    And away you go! Our prayers are with you to China and back!
    Praise the Lord, Vivi is COMING HOME SWEET HOME!

    Reply
  9. Wendy says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:13 AM

    Thanks for the update. This is soooo exciting!!! Wishing you and Asher and Vivienne a wonderful, amazing, incredible journey together! I will keep you all (and there are a LOT of you) in my thoughts and prayers. Safe travels!

    Reply
  10. living4him5 says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:26 AM

    Safe travels my friend!! I'll be lifting you all in my prayers!!

    Love ya!

    Reply
  11. Amy says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:49 AM

    So excited to see your little girl in your arms. Have a wonderful trip.

    Amy

    Reply
  12. Jewels of My Heart says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:54 AM

    So wonderful…. will be praying.
    God's speed,
    Daleea

    Reply
  13. Barbie says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:02 AM

    Have a safe trip Stefanie! Can't wait to see that precious girl in her mommy's arms!!!

    Reply
  14. DiJo says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:06 AM

    Ok Girl!!! I have, and I will be lifting you, and your handsome escort up!!! And, of course for precious Vivi for what is yet to come!!! I will be anxiously waiting to see you three together soon!!! Honestly, I can't wait to celebrate with you! Thank you for sharing your journey with me…. You are such a role model for many of us!!! Thank you for sharing your amazing heart with so many! Now, go and get your girl!! It is time!

    "The One who calls you is faithful, and He WILL do it!" 1Thessalonians 5:24

    God Bless you my friend!
    Love,
    Diana

    Reply
  15. Stephanie says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:07 AM

    OH the memories are flooding back! We left 11 years ago tomorrow to get our first daughter from China. She turns 12 tomorrow and I can't believe it! Can't wait to see updates from the trip and I am so happy that the day went well! Travel safe!

    Reply
  16. Karen says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:12 AM

    Praying for safe travel. I look forward to following your journey to Vivienne!

    Reply
  17. TanyaLea says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:26 AM

    Can you believe it's really THAT TIME already!?! SO excited for you!! I will SO be stalking your blog in the days (weeks) to come… can't wait to see that sweet girl in YOUR arms!

    Praying for safe and healthy travels!!

    Hugs,
    Tanya

    Reply
  18. Kim says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:26 AM

    I am so excited for you and for Vivi and can hardly wait to see you in each others embrace. Knowing you are going to be so close is killing me. Wonder how I could swing a visit to Gullian?!!
    We will be following along for every update and lifting you up in prayer from Hong Kong!
    Love & Blessings,
    Kim

    Reply
  19. Chris says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:29 AM

    Yeah!!!!

    God bless you & Asher & Vivi!!!

    Can't wait to meet you guys next week!!!!!

    Reply
  20. Susan says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:33 AM

    May God be with you once again! xoxo

    Reply
  21. Susan says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:34 AM

    whoops, I don't remember seeing Ambien on your list! Quick, get some!! 🙂

    Reply
  22. Chelley says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:39 AM

    YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    woooohooo!!!

    Reply
  23. Colleen says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:49 AM

    whoo hoo I can't wait!!!! Godspeed ahead my friend…I'm sending prayers your way for a safe journey!!!

    Reply
  24. Cindy says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:55 AM

    Yippee! Answered prayers.
    Enjoy the journey, can't wait to see you w/ your Vivi!

    Reply
  25. Team Houston says

    January 8, 2010 at 6:05 AM

    YIPPY!!!!

    Cant wait to see Vivienne in your ARMS!!

    China here you come.

    I will be praying.

    xoxo Michele

    Reply
  26. Cindy says

    January 8, 2010 at 10:46 AM

    Hey! We are leaving from Newark today too!!!! See you in GZ!!!!!

    Reply
  27. connie says

    January 8, 2010 at 11:16 AM

    We're praying for you! Can't wait to see Miss Vivi in your arms!
    Blessings~
    Connie

    Reply
  28. Angie says

    January 8, 2010 at 11:18 AM

    Yahoo! Can't wait to follow your journey to your sweet girl. And, I don't think many people travel to China with tooth cement…but probably a good idea! 🙂

    Reply
  29. mom2three says

    January 8, 2010 at 12:36 PM

    YIPEEE!! Praying for you and Asher and you travel daily. Can't wait to see Vivi's sweet litle face wrapped up in your arms.

    ~Branda

    Reply
  30. Brandi says

    January 8, 2010 at 12:41 PM

    Praying..Psalms 91 for you,Asher and Vivi. I'll be praying for Vivi's transition. Praying for Chris and the children to stay safe and healthy while you are gone.

    Reply
  31. Natalie says

    January 8, 2010 at 12:50 PM

    Praying for you and your family! Have a wonderful trip to your precious girl.

    Reply
  32. Stephanie says

    January 8, 2010 at 1:12 PM

    I tell you what, you ROCK Stefanie! You have handled everything so well from last minute dental to last minute deliveries. I don't know that I'd survive all those last minute hurdles. I don't believe in luck, just blessings so I'll say MANY BLESSINGS to you and your family as you get make it through these next few weeks

    Reply
  33. Mandi says

    January 8, 2010 at 1:26 PM

    So glad to hear that you received your the rest of your necessary paperwork as well as fixed that darn tooth.
    I will be keeping you in my prayers during your trip and can't wait to see sweet Vivi in your arms.
    Hopefully we will not be too far behind you in getting Drew.

    Blessings,
    Mandi

    Reply
  34. Cynthia says

    January 8, 2010 at 1:31 PM

    I will be watching and praying! Congrats!

    Reply
  35. Lori says

    January 8, 2010 at 1:33 PM

    Yay!!! I'm so excited for you! And to God be the glory that everything came together at the last minute!

    Reply
  36. Lisa says

    January 8, 2010 at 1:47 PM

    Prayers for your family will be constant, can't wait to see you and Asher with Vivi!

    Your family is amazing and our family is blessed to have God intertwine our paths!

    hugs

    Reply
  37. Ladybugsmom says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:07 PM

    Yeah I can't wait to see you with your girl!

    Reply
  38. Ladybugsmom says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:08 PM

    one more thing…now I know we can get our act together when the time comes…and get out the door! Wow!

    Reply
  39. The Gang's Momma! says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:18 PM

    Yay! Yay! I can't wait to see you guys holding little Miss Vivi and kissing on her and covering her in the Love of the Lord through your hands. I. canNOT. Wait! I am so excited for you all and will be praying. I just linked to your blog so my followers can follow the journey too!

    Blessings for a safe, happy trip. Yay!

    Reply
  40. Lost and Found says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:26 PM

    Have a wonderful safe trip. If you have a layover in Newark on the return and want a welcoming drop a line.

    Reply
  41. Stacy in New England says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:31 PM

    Many prayers and blessings to your family from ours ~ May you and Asher have an amazing time together ~ a journey he will never forget ~ May your bonding with little Vivi go smoothly ~ safe travels girlfriend ~

    Reply
  42. Sophie Neri says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:36 PM

    So thrilled for you!! Have a blessed and safe journey, can't wait to see all the pictures!! 🙂

    Reply
  43. Kristi says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:37 PM

    I can't wait to follow along and see you finally meet your precious Vivienne!! Best wishes!!

    Reply
  44. Jean says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:39 PM

    So excited for you! Can hardly wait to see Vivi with you crew!!

    While in Guilin keep your eyes open for two sweet sisters- Our Emma and Ellie (Qin, Fuyuan and Qin Fuquan).

    Blessings on your journey!!

    Reply
  45. Sugar Momma says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:47 PM

    So excited for you!! Praying for your journey and transition 🙂

    Reply
  46. Susan says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:54 PM

    Hooray – I hope you have a safe and blessed trip – I can't wait to meet Miss Vivi!

    Reply
  47. Deanna, (aka Dj, and Deej.) says

    January 8, 2010 at 3:19 PM

    Have a safe and wonderful journey to your new little! Can't wait to read all about it!

    Reply
  48. Mei Mei s and Mayhem says

    January 8, 2010 at 3:51 PM

    Safe Travels!! Cant wait to see pics of you holding your daughter!

    Reply
  49. Tish says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:04 PM

    hoooooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! much love to you!!!

    Reply
  50. Norah says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:21 PM

    YAY! Very excited.

    Reply
  51. Kim says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:26 PM

    You are amazing! Now go bring that baby HOME!
    Hugs!

    Reply
  52. Tracey says

    January 8, 2010 at 4:47 PM

    YEAH!!! Go get your girl! Praying for safety & a wonderful Gotcha Day!!!

    Reply
  53. Kris says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:02 PM

    you are WELL on your way and i'm just so happy for you all!

    Reply
  54. Missie says

    January 8, 2010 at 5:39 PM

    Praying for you and the family! God Bless!

    Reply
  55. Shanti says

    January 8, 2010 at 6:04 PM

    praying for a safe and WONDERFUL trip!!!!

    Reply
  56. Jill says

    January 8, 2010 at 7:05 PM

    Yippee!!!!!!

    Reply
  57. Jenny says

    January 8, 2010 at 7:19 PM

    Prayers, prayers, and more prayers.

    Reply
  58. Annie says

    January 8, 2010 at 7:32 PM

    YAY!!!!! Have a wonderful trip Stefanie and of course our prayers go with you! Cannot WAIT to see little Vivi in your lovin' Mommie arms!!!

    Reply
  59. Patricia/NYC says

    January 8, 2010 at 7:47 PM

    Well…you are probably flying somewhere over northern Canada right now…YAY!!! Finally, you are on your way!!

    Praying for a safe & uneventful flight…praying for Chris holding down the fort…praying for all of sweet Vivi's siblings at home…praying for an easy transition for precious Vivi…praying for YOU, momma, that your fears & anxieties are calmed with the peace of the Lord!

    I CANNOT WAIT to see Miss Vivi in your loving arms & in Asher's as well!! GODSPEED, my friend!!

    XOXO
    Patricia

    Reply
  60. jennifer says

    January 8, 2010 at 8:39 PM

    Happy Travels!!! I'm so unbelievably excited for you and can't wait to see you with that sweet girl in your arms!!!!

    Reply
  61. Sharon says

    January 8, 2010 at 9:26 PM

    Been thinking about you all day today! Praying for all that is and all that will be.
    Can't wait to see pictures and video!

    LOVE YA!
    Sharon

    Reply
  62. trina says

    January 8, 2010 at 9:31 PM

    Praying for you!!! Can't wait to see Vivi. trina

    Reply
  63. Doreen says

    January 8, 2010 at 11:32 PM

    Can't wait to see Vivi in your arms!!!!! Major prayers for "Y'all"!!!

    Doreen in Montreal single mom to Faith-Jiangxi& Mia-Sichuan

    Reply
  64. Wife of the Pres. says

    January 8, 2010 at 11:49 PM

    You sound so ready! I am laughing out loud. I wish I could spend just an hour with you! I know I'd be smiling the whole time! CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOUR GIRL IN YOUR ARMS!!!!!!!

    Reply
  65. 3 Peanuts says

    January 9, 2010 at 2:00 AM

    SO excited for you!!!! Covering you all in prayer roght now. Cannot wait to see Miss Vivi!

    Reply
  66. Karin says

    January 9, 2010 at 2:26 AM

    Yay! So glad the dentist visit went well. I'm so excited for you! I have always wanted to go to Guilin and try that Li River cruise. It will be fun to experience it through your blog. 🙂

    Reply
  67. a Tonggu Momma says

    January 9, 2010 at 2:31 AM

    Safe travels, Stefanie. We'll be following along, as I'm sure you already knew.

    Reply
  68. Football & Fried Rice says

    January 9, 2010 at 2:34 AM

    praying…praying….praying!!!!!

    ABSOLUTELY cannot wait to see Vivi in your arms!!!!!!

    Reply
  69. Raina says

    January 9, 2010 at 2:48 AM

    Oh My. Just reading your itinerary makes me tired – I'm too close to the experience for comfort just yet. Have a wonderful trip. Take care of yourself.

    Reply
  70. Babsi says

    January 9, 2010 at 10:00 AM

    Wow, you´ve made it!
    Very, very soon you will hold your precious child .
    And when you look back you can see God was with you! And you can just look forward, cause he won´t leave you. Even in the first days, when it´s not so easy.

    I´m still praying for you , it´s just great what you are doing….

    Reply
  71. Melanie says

    January 9, 2010 at 11:28 AM

    I love following your blog! I am a new reader and I have enjoyed reading all your posts! I can't wait to see your china updates and I am happy to know that I am not the only last minute person! Praying for you on your trip.

    Blessings,
    Melanie

    Reply
  72. DiJo says

    January 9, 2010 at 3:39 PM

    Are you there?????

    PRAYING!

    Hugs,
    Diana

    Reply
  73. Global Girl says

    January 9, 2010 at 3:46 PM

    Safe travels!

    Reply
  74. Wendy says

    January 9, 2010 at 4:58 PM

    Waiting to hear you've arrived!!! WooHoo!!!!!

    Reply
  75. Aus says

    January 9, 2010 at 9:03 PM

    Stephanie – sorry that we'll miss you – we will wave tho….we'll probably leave for Korea on the 20th, then fly to Jinan on the 24th.

    Maybe on the 'next trip'? 😉

    hugs – aus and co.

    Reply
  76. Lindsey's mom says

    January 10, 2010 at 2:07 AM

    Stef
    we JUST got back today! Have fun! The island is a nightmare being under construction EVERYWHERE! Be careful as you have to walk in the street. 🙂 I hope to read updates!!!
    Kathy T
    mom to James since 12/28!

    Reply
  77. The Ferrill's says

    January 10, 2010 at 3:50 AM

    Hoping you're there safe and sound!
    Praying!

    Reply

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I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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our china journeys

magnolia - 2016
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penelope - 2011
vivienne - 2010
shepherd - 2008
jude - 2007
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isabelle - 2005

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