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!!
Julie says
yay! Can't wait to see her in your arms. Prayers for a safe and happy trip.
Shawn, Shelley, Emily, Sarah, Lauren, AnnaGrace and Avery says
WOOHOO!!! You are going to China! Can't wait to follow along. We will be praying for you all!
Leanne says
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!
Jo says
Very excited for you!
KT says
praying for you tonight
glad your tooth is feeling better!
gypsybiscuit says
Good luck, good wishes, Godspeed!!
Oatsvall Team says
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 !!!
The Ferrill's says
And away you go! Our prayers are with you to China and back!
Praise the Lord, Vivi is COMING HOME SWEET HOME!
Wendy says
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!
living4him5 says
Safe travels my friend!! I'll be lifting you all in my prayers!!
Love ya!
Amy says
So excited to see your little girl in your arms. Have a wonderful trip.
Amy
Jewels of My Heart says
So wonderful…. will be praying.
God's speed,
Daleea
Barbie says
Have a safe trip Stefanie! Can't wait to see that precious girl in her mommy's arms!!!
DiJo says
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
Stephanie says
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!
Karen says
Praying for safe travel. I look forward to following your journey to Vivienne!
TanyaLea says
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
Kim says
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
Chris says
Yeah!!!!
God bless you & Asher & Vivi!!!
Can't wait to meet you guys next week!!!!!
Susan says
May God be with you once again! xoxo
Susan says
whoops, I don't remember seeing Ambien on your list! Quick, get some!! 🙂
Chelley says
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
woooohooo!!!
Colleen says
whoo hoo I can't wait!!!! Godspeed ahead my friend…I'm sending prayers your way for a safe journey!!!
Cindy says
Yippee! Answered prayers.
Enjoy the journey, can't wait to see you w/ your Vivi!
Team Houston says
YIPPY!!!!
Cant wait to see Vivienne in your ARMS!!
China here you come.
I will be praying.
xoxo Michele
Cindy says
Hey! We are leaving from Newark today too!!!! See you in GZ!!!!!
connie says
We're praying for you! Can't wait to see Miss Vivi in your arms!
Blessings~
Connie
Angie says
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! 🙂
mom2three says
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
Brandi says
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.
Natalie says
Praying for you and your family! Have a wonderful trip to your precious girl.
Stephanie says
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
Mandi says
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
Cynthia says
I will be watching and praying! Congrats!
Lori says
Yay!!! I'm so excited for you! And to God be the glory that everything came together at the last minute!
Lisa says
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
Ladybugsmom says
Yeah I can't wait to see you with your girl!
Ladybugsmom says
one more thing…now I know we can get our act together when the time comes…and get out the door! Wow!
The Gang's Momma! says
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!
Lost and Found says
Have a wonderful safe trip. If you have a layover in Newark on the return and want a welcoming drop a line.
Stacy in New England says
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 ~
Sophie Neri says
So thrilled for you!! Have a blessed and safe journey, can't wait to see all the pictures!! 🙂
Kristi says
I can't wait to follow along and see you finally meet your precious Vivienne!! Best wishes!!
Jean says
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!!
Sugar Momma says
So excited for you!! Praying for your journey and transition 🙂
Susan says
Hooray – I hope you have a safe and blessed trip – I can't wait to meet Miss Vivi!
Deanna, (aka Dj, and Deej.) says
Have a safe and wonderful journey to your new little! Can't wait to read all about it!
Mei Mei s and Mayhem says
Safe Travels!! Cant wait to see pics of you holding your daughter!
Tish says
hoooooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! much love to you!!!
Norah says
YAY! Very excited.
Kim says
You are amazing! Now go bring that baby HOME!
Hugs!
Tracey says
YEAH!!! Go get your girl! Praying for safety & a wonderful Gotcha Day!!!
Kris says
you are WELL on your way and i'm just so happy for you all!
Missie says
Praying for you and the family! God Bless!
Shanti says
praying for a safe and WONDERFUL trip!!!!
Jill says
Yippee!!!!!!
Jenny says
Prayers, prayers, and more prayers.
Annie says
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!!!
Patricia/NYC says
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
jennifer says
Happy Travels!!! I'm so unbelievably excited for you and can't wait to see you with that sweet girl in your arms!!!!
Sharon says
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
trina says
Praying for you!!! Can't wait to see Vivi. trina
Doreen says
Can't wait to see Vivi in your arms!!!!! Major prayers for "Y'all"!!!
Doreen in Montreal single mom to Faith-Jiangxi& Mia-Sichuan
Wife of the Pres. says
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!!!!!!!
3 Peanuts says
SO excited for you!!!! Covering you all in prayer roght now. Cannot wait to see Miss Vivi!
Karin says
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. 🙂
a Tonggu Momma says
Safe travels, Stefanie. We'll be following along, as I'm sure you already knew.
Football & Fried Rice says
praying…praying….praying!!!!!
ABSOLUTELY cannot wait to see Vivi in your arms!!!!!!
Raina says
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.
Babsi says
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….
Melanie says
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
DiJo says
Are you there?????
PRAYING!
Hugs,
Diana
Global Girl says
Safe travels!
Wendy says
Waiting to hear you've arrived!!! WooHoo!!!!!
Aus says
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.
Lindsey's mom says
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!
The Ferrill's says
Hoping you're there safe and sound!
Praying!