It's the two day countdown. I will be leaving at approximately 12:40 on a 14 hour flight to Beijing on Thanksgiving Day. I am almost packed and have gotten most of H.'s honey-do list out of the way. We put Meghan's car seat in the van tonight, so she is ready for pickup.
As I am writing this, I can't help to feel really excited about this trip. I am so looking forward to meeting this little girl face-to-face and to getting her home.
We really appreciate how everyone has helped us get ready for this moment...the gifts, prayers, words of encouragement, babysitting the boys, just so much. Thank you for your love and friendship. Please continue to pray for all of the Saffords as I embark on this adventure to China.
Our agency sent out our itinerary today. It looks like it will be a packed couple of weeks:
November 27, 2009 - Arrive Beijing
November 28, 2009 - Take tours and local sights as time permits (Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, etc.)
November 29, 2009 - All families depart Beijing for five provinces
Depart Beijing 11:00 a.m. Arrive Guangzhou 2:00 p.m.
November 30, 2009 – Placement at 2:30 p.m. at Civil Affairs.
December 1, 2009 – Registration at 9:30 a.m. in Civil Affairs. Notary and passport application.
December 2, 2009 – City tour.
December 3, 2009 – City tour.
December 4, 2009 – Pickup notary papers and child’s passport.
December 5, 2009 - City tour and/or rest. (I'm thinking rest...)
December 6, 2009 – Check visa application paperwork with Bill in the morning
December 7, 2009 – Take pictures in the morning, city tour in the afternoon
December 8, 2009 - American Consulate appointment (Bill only) Families stay in hotel room from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
December 9, 2009 – Oath taking at the Consulate (all families) 3:30 p.m.
December 10, 2009 – Get visas at the Consulate (Bill only), visas delivery at 5:00 p.m. in the hotel
December 11, 2009 – Pack for trip home. Departure dinner together at the White Swan.
December 12, 2009 – Leave at 5:00 a.m. by bus to Hong Kong Airport for 11:40 a.m. flight home
I can't believe the time has come!! Steve, we will be praying for your trip and for everything to go smoothly over there. What an amazing day it's going to be when you meet Meghan face to face. Heather, I will be praying for you missing Steve, holding the fort down and any fears that might pop up while Steve is gone.... Just remember that God is going before both of you on this!!!
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
Laurie
Steve-OK, So i totally wanted to pack up a care package for you and your mom for the plane ride etc. But I haven't left the house in almost in a week! I cannot believe the day has come for you to pick up your little girl! I so cannot wait to meet her, I can't imagine the anticipation you are feeling. You will be in our prayers and in our constant thoughts for a safe journey. We'll look after Heather and the boys while you are gone. Trust in God if the fear takes over. Love you all!!
ReplyDeleteTeri and all the Danstrom's
Have a great trip. Looking forward to meeting the new little one.
ReplyDeleteLove, Dad