journey
Monday, December 22, 2008
3:11 PM
Today we are sitting the Grand Park Hotel, Nanjing ~ China. The time is 4 AM. This has been the first night with Yi Ya, Abby. Even while writing, it seems like a dream.
We arrived in Nanjing at 10:30 AM, Monday morning. After picking up our luggage we traveled straight to our hotel. As we are in route to hotel, Larry, the local guide gave some instruction for the day as to our check in at hotel and time we will go to the civil affairs office where we will pick up our children.
Our group --now four families in total -- are simple overflowing with excitement and shock that this day has finally dawned. Trying not to break down in a river of tears ~ we all continue to cut up with each other as we get closer and closer to seeing our little ones for the first time.
(In traveling through the city, we noticed a great difference from that of modern Beijing. Nanjing has a population of close to 7 million and in the providence some 25 million. It is one of the six ancient cities of China.)
As we reached the hotel, above the front entryway we could not help but notice the Santa Clause and reindeer…it was the same ones from the National Lampoon's Christmas movie -- yep, the one that got blown in the sky…it landed in China, hahaha.
The place is beautiful and the rooms are very spacious, our first thought was this will be perfect for our families during these first days together. All four families are on the same floor - 10th and are beaming with joy. Our departure time is 1:50 for the civil affairs office, this gives us about an hour and a half time frame for unpacking and lunch.
By-the-way, lunch was great!!! After 8 meals of noodles, rice, duck, and other things - a big burger with fries was welcomed!
Ok, it is time… we are all in the lobby, waiting to get on board the bus. We have our gifts for the Nannies, passports, initial toy for our child, and rapid beating heart…we are ready! After boarding, one family is told that their daughter will be late in arriving because the car broke down. Kevin, Gina, and two teenage boys - Jeffery & Jay. (our new neighbors in TN. Who live less than 1 mile away as a crow flies.) Because of the delay, Kevin offers to take pictures of us with Abby, since we are the only family out of the four alone. Kevin also, led us all in prayer on the bus…note in praying: Brother Kevin said, "Lord, after all the thousand of prayers already offered for this day - we just want to say thank you!"
Well, so much for holding back the tears!!!!
The bus stops and we hear Larry say, "OK, you are here, this way please."
Hallelujah! We are here this is it…this is the moment we have been waiting for the past three years. God is so good and so very faithful in not only leading and prompting our hearts to walk in His steps, but providing all things necessary to complete the journey.
When we stepped off the bus, there was some construction going on right there on the sidewalk. So picture it - gravel, and men working, and a bunch of noise coming from some kind of compressor running ~ very loud!!! After crossing through the hazard zone we are in sort of an ally way and there is a building on our left with a large window on the first floor. As are walking we can see a few people in the room, and in my gut I thought, Oh, this is where she is. We entered the building and turned to the room immediately to our left. As we walked in we could see several adults and yes… several babies.
The first child, Candi and I saw was our Yi Ya. At first we were both hesitant to approach her, waiting for assurance of Larry. But just a second or two, he said, "Ok, family 1, Hayes family - here is Yi Ya."
Yi Ya was sitting there all bundled up in a yellow winter jacket and pants eating some crackers. Her Nanny was sitting next to her with a big smile on her face. As we bent down in front of her I knew in my heart that she would be just fine, and that God had prepared her little heart as he has prepared ours for this day.
With a cracker in one hand and a death grip with other to her Hello Kitty doll we had sent in a care package was our daughter. "Lord, how great you are to plant within our hearts such a desire, thank YOU."
Our first moments were amazing - a couple of smiles and her trying to avoid eye contact was so precious. We had brought a soft Panda with us - which resulted in a big smile. I was taking a few photo's and then played them back for her - she loved that, being able to see her self on the camera. After a few minutes, Larry, came over and helped translate a little for us with the Nanny. She told us her nickname was Ya Ya, and that her diet was good and that she had been a wonderful child, very easy. We were then introduced to the orphanage director… he had brought a couple of books filled with notes about Yi Ya's growth and even had pictures of her from the past four years. (This will be a treasure for many years.)
From the books, we noticed several pictures of her painting and coloring. We had brought with us a magna doodle in hopes of giving her something to occupy her. When she saw what it was and how it worked it was bye-bye to the Kitty:).
We gave them the gifts we brought and took a couple of pictures then they quickly left. As they left, Yi Ya was just fine… her eyes now fixed on Momma.
In the room, the other families from our group, was all in tears as they too were greeting their new additions. There was also a family there who was from Sweden, adopting their second daughter. I could not say much to them, but we did exchange a big "Merry Christmas!" After a few minutes or so passed we had a family photo taken which will go on Yi Ya's passport. After which I noticed that Gina was holding a baby…they did not have to wait after all! Their new daughter was in the room when they arrived.
Before departing to go back to hotel Candi and I had to sign some paperwork. After doing so, Yi Ya was standing there in the middle of the floor then, (get this), opened up her arms to Candi said, "Momma." Only God!!!!!!
We all soon departed to go back to the hotel - Yi Ya all the while never a tear or whimper. Around 7 pm we got online and were able to introduce Emily to her new little sister. At first, she did not know exactly how to react, but she did great. Before we got off, Emily said, "You know what the greatest gift is this Christmas, my little sister, Abby." Thank you Lord again.
We were so very tired by 8 pm it was lights out for the Hayes family! Candi slept holding on to our second daughter offering that comfort that only mothers give.
So for right now, it is early, early in the morning and as I have been writing this post the tears have been flowing.
God bless and keep praying,
Chris
Monday, December 22, 2008
3:11 PM
Today we are sitting the Grand Park Hotel, Nanjing ~ China. The time is 4 AM. This has been the first night with Yi Ya, Abby. Even while writing, it seems like a dream.
We arrived in Nanjing at 10:30 AM, Monday morning. After picking up our luggage we traveled straight to our hotel. As we are in route to hotel, Larry, the local guide gave some instruction for the day as to our check in at hotel and time we will go to the civil affairs office where we will pick up our children.
Our group --now four families in total -- are simple overflowing with excitement and shock that this day has finally dawned. Trying not to break down in a river of tears ~ we all continue to cut up with each other as we get closer and closer to seeing our little ones for the first time.
(In traveling through the city, we noticed a great difference from that of modern Beijing. Nanjing has a population of close to 7 million and in the providence some 25 million. It is one of the six ancient cities of China.)
As we reached the hotel, above the front entryway we could not help but notice the Santa Clause and reindeer…it was the same ones from the National Lampoon's Christmas movie -- yep, the one that got blown in the sky…it landed in China, hahaha.
The place is beautiful and the rooms are very spacious, our first thought was this will be perfect for our families during these first days together. All four families are on the same floor - 10th and are beaming with joy. Our departure time is 1:50 for the civil affairs office, this gives us about an hour and a half time frame for unpacking and lunch.
By-the-way, lunch was great!!! After 8 meals of noodles, rice, duck, and other things - a big burger with fries was welcomed!
Ok, it is time… we are all in the lobby, waiting to get on board the bus. We have our gifts for the Nannies, passports, initial toy for our child, and rapid beating heart…we are ready! After boarding, one family is told that their daughter will be late in arriving because the car broke down. Kevin, Gina, and two teenage boys - Jeffery & Jay. (our new neighbors in TN. Who live less than 1 mile away as a crow flies.) Because of the delay, Kevin offers to take pictures of us with Abby, since we are the only family out of the four alone. Kevin also, led us all in prayer on the bus…note in praying: Brother Kevin said, "Lord, after all the thousand of prayers already offered for this day - we just want to say thank you!"
Well, so much for holding back the tears!!!!
The bus stops and we hear Larry say, "OK, you are here, this way please."
Hallelujah! We are here this is it…this is the moment we have been waiting for the past three years. God is so good and so very faithful in not only leading and prompting our hearts to walk in His steps, but providing all things necessary to complete the journey.
When we stepped off the bus, there was some construction going on right there on the sidewalk. So picture it - gravel, and men working, and a bunch of noise coming from some kind of compressor running ~ very loud!!! After crossing through the hazard zone we are in sort of an ally way and there is a building on our left with a large window on the first floor. As are walking we can see a few people in the room, and in my gut I thought, Oh, this is where she is. We entered the building and turned to the room immediately to our left. As we walked in we could see several adults and yes… several babies.
The first child, Candi and I saw was our Yi Ya. At first we were both hesitant to approach her, waiting for assurance of Larry. But just a second or two, he said, "Ok, family 1, Hayes family - here is Yi Ya."
Yi Ya was sitting there all bundled up in a yellow winter jacket and pants eating some crackers. Her Nanny was sitting next to her with a big smile on her face. As we bent down in front of her I knew in my heart that she would be just fine, and that God had prepared her little heart as he has prepared ours for this day.
With a cracker in one hand and a death grip with other to her Hello Kitty doll we had sent in a care package was our daughter. "Lord, how great you are to plant within our hearts such a desire, thank YOU."
Our first moments were amazing - a couple of smiles and her trying to avoid eye contact was so precious. We had brought a soft Panda with us - which resulted in a big smile. I was taking a few photo's and then played them back for her - she loved that, being able to see her self on the camera. After a few minutes, Larry, came over and helped translate a little for us with the Nanny. She told us her nickname was Ya Ya, and that her diet was good and that she had been a wonderful child, very easy. We were then introduced to the orphanage director… he had brought a couple of books filled with notes about Yi Ya's growth and even had pictures of her from the past four years. (This will be a treasure for many years.)
From the books, we noticed several pictures of her painting and coloring. We had brought with us a magna doodle in hopes of giving her something to occupy her. When she saw what it was and how it worked it was bye-bye to the Kitty:).
We gave them the gifts we brought and took a couple of pictures then they quickly left. As they left, Yi Ya was just fine… her eyes now fixed on Momma.
In the room, the other families from our group, was all in tears as they too were greeting their new additions. There was also a family there who was from Sweden, adopting their second daughter. I could not say much to them, but we did exchange a big "Merry Christmas!" After a few minutes or so passed we had a family photo taken which will go on Yi Ya's passport. After which I noticed that Gina was holding a baby…they did not have to wait after all! Their new daughter was in the room when they arrived.
Before departing to go back to hotel Candi and I had to sign some paperwork. After doing so, Yi Ya was standing there in the middle of the floor then, (get this), opened up her arms to Candi said, "Momma." Only God!!!!!!
We all soon departed to go back to the hotel - Yi Ya all the while never a tear or whimper. Around 7 pm we got online and were able to introduce Emily to her new little sister. At first, she did not know exactly how to react, but she did great. Before we got off, Emily said, "You know what the greatest gift is this Christmas, my little sister, Abby." Thank you Lord again.
We were so very tired by 8 pm it was lights out for the Hayes family! Candi slept holding on to our second daughter offering that comfort that only mothers give.
So for right now, it is early, early in the morning and as I have been writing this post the tears have been flowing.
God bless and keep praying,
Chris
3 comments:
While I was reading your letter to Jerry the tears started flowing, and Jerry had to finish reading it. GOD is so good. He has gave you to precious girls. We will continue to pray for ya'll.
Love in Christ,
Cheryl & Jerry
Our hearts are filled with joy as your family is blessed with such a precious and beautiful little girl. The expressions on Candi and YiYa's faces light up the screen! No words of explanation needed. Praise the LORD!
Oh dear friends...!
Your tears have been shared by many... (I don't know who could read your story and not be moved to such.)
God is AWESOME and you know it well. To read your words...giving praise to God (to Whom it belongs), it tickles me to no end. THAT is as it ought to be. You are His, and you are greatly beloved. Each of you, right in the middle of His spectacular plan for your lives. For your betterment and His glory.
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow...."
We praise Him with you!
Love to you ALL.
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