We are in China!!!

We made it!!

Thanks so much for your prayers!! 

We flew Delta for those considering... Even with a delay I can't say enough good things about them. We had 8 checked bags (6 for LWB and New Hope) and they didn't charge us for them after hearing what they were for.  They were so supportive and genuinely excited about our adoption journey.  While checking in Aili needed to go to the restroom... one of the Delta ladies escorted her so we could finish check in.  Then as we were boarding they changed our seats so we'd have more room to relax.  On the international leg we were not seated together until Brian asked the lady at the gate (they said they couldn't help until then).  She immediately moved 5 other passengers so that we could all be in one row. 

Then there was the delay.... supposed to have left Detroit at 1200 (you saw the earlier post - how awesome that our church's Uganda team arrived in Detroit just as our flight was boarding?)  That was such an awesome send off group!!!   Anyway...we boarded at 1200...at 2:00 we unboarded.  There was a mechanical issue that required a part that wasn't in Detroit.  Delta gave us $25 per person vouchers for food/merchandise as we exited the plane.  When they realized they were getting a new plane and we had to wait for a new crew they gave us another $25 per person vouchers.  When the  plane finally arrived they told us we'd get another $100 per person Delta Travel Voucher for our worries.   Wow!  So 7 hour delay and $250 in airport voucher and $500 in Travel Vouchers for our party.... time well spent ;)

Delta flight was good.  Our kids did great!  They enjoyed the personal TV's that had "Sky Kids" which had tons of Disney and Nick TV shows and movies.  They slept really well on the plane (hence we are not sleeping right now).  Delta also had Kids meals and snacks for them which was great!  The flight attendants were nice and courteous, very child friendly. :) 

We are staying at the Poly Plaza.  I will try to post some pictures on here. Beds are smaller than full but maybe slightly bigger than twin... will be fun for 5 of us for 4 nights. :)  I wish I had taken a picture of us at the airport.  HILARIOUS!  pulling all those bags!  Everyone chuckled, the airport folks, the driver, the bell boy... 16 bags!  We are not that bad of packers just had 2 carry ons and 2 checked for us.  The kids each had a small backpack with snacks and things to do (coloring books, etc), Brian had backpack with computer and I had backpack with camera and my MIL had 3 bags...ok so that is 17!  Crazy!!   

Oh- fireworks are great!  It is still Chinese New Year Celebration here so we should get to enjoy that for a few more nights! :) 

For my friends who are packing - bring summer PJs..it is about 100 degrees in this room and we can't get it to cool down.. We left room door open for a while and opened a window...still hot!! 

Ok...gonna try to get some sleep!  Tomorrow Brian and I get to drop off the bags to New Hope and LWB Heartbrige!! Can't wait to me the folks who have been caring for our sweet Meisi!! :)  Karen and the kids are staying here at the hotel.  they were bummed the pool is closed. :(  Pray they find enough to do!!!  :)

Thanks for your prayers!  We certainly feel them!!  Everythings has gone great in the traveling side so far! :)  Love you guys!  Will share more in a couple days - maybe some pics of all the cool palces we are going to see!! :)