Noelle has stolen our hearts!

We got Noelle around 4pm today. There was some serious tear shedding going on between Mommy & Robin when all the other babies were handed out and Noelle never came. But, it's all okay now. We are in love with our baby girl! She is so adorable and so FUNNY! What an incredible day this has been. We will never forget today....ever.

Link to video:

http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/jamnbsslix/Gotcha%20Day/?action=view&current=Noelle1.flv

Day Two in Beijing, China

Today was busy just like yesterday. We had to pack our checked luggage tonight by 10pm. Our guide is having all of the luggage brought from the hotel to the airport tonight to be checked in because we all have early flights to our various provinces. So now all we have in our room is our carry on bags. Tonya and Robin are sleeping and I've got to get to bed because we have to be in the lobby to leave at 5:30am.

Here's what we did today:

Got up and had breakfast here at the hotel

Went to church at the International Christian Fellowship here in Beijing. It was very good.

Went to the Jade Factory.

Had Chinese food for lunch....best so far. Did a little shopping in shops adjacent to restaurant.

Went to the Great Wall.....awesome!

Went to dinner....still full from lunch...Chinese again.

Came back to hotel for about 30 min.

Went to an incredible Chinese acrobatics show....bought 2 hour DVD....hope it will play at home....it should on the laptop.

Need to get some sleep...tomorrow is the day....can hardly believe it. Please pray for our Gotcha Day.....got the butterflies already.

Day One in Beijing, China

Okay, here is Mike's attempt at a first "real" post from China. We think we've finally figured out how to post...here in Beijing anyway. There's a slight learning curve to internet use over here.

Today was a very busy day of touring. We had an excellent breakfast here at the hotel around 6:30am. It gave us a chance to meet a bunch of the other families and socialize for awhile. It was interesting, everyone seemed like old friends in a way. I guess it's because we're all going through the same thing and we're all here together in a strange place. After the breakfast we hopped on a bus and went to Tiananmen Square. It's a very large paved open space with lots of history. Our guide Sherry gave us many facts and we were allowed free time to take photos and walk around. From there we cut through a tunnel on foot underneath a busy highway. This leads to The Forbidden city. The architecture we saw there was truly amazing. There was incredible detail throughout all of the construction. The air here is disgusting....thick and smoggy. Tonya says it's messing with her system and giving her headaches. It's also bitterly cold here. The smog kind of blocks out the sun plus it was overcast today with the chance of snow. You see lots of Chinese people riding their bikes and walking around with masks or bandannas over their mouth and nose.

Next we had lunch at a Chinese restaurant. It was good. Nothing like Chinese food back home. Yup, the chicken came head and all as the photo indicates. Following lunch we went to a place where they harvest pearls from oysters, clean them up and sell 'em. We had the entire process explained to us by a Chinese lady who spoke very good English. She let one of the little girls choose a huge oyster. Then she cut it open and showed us the pearls inside. There were many. Tonya bought Noelle a little pearl necklace and bracelet. Robin also bought a bracelet.

We then went to the Summer Palace. This is located alongside a man made lake. It was another place with a lot of amazing architecture and centuries of history behind it. I got distracted taking photos and didn't retain many of the facts that our guide gave us today during the tour. There were also many, many, MANY Asian people touring these sites as well. They definitely do like to stare at Americans! Many, many, MANY vendors approach you. The first thing you learn is to say is "bu yao"....I don't want it.

Our last tour stop was the silk factory where they explained to us all the details on raising silkworms, taking their silk, then taking their eggs so they can hatch into more silkworms so they can take their silk too. This place had a lot of beautiful silk merchandise at really good prices. Tonya found a couple silky pajama-type outfits for Noelle and a silk comforter for our bed. Robin got something to wear too....not sure what it is though. I got a can of Coke with no English on it. The pull tab was different too. It was neat.

We ended the day with a Peking Duck dinner. It was not what I imagined it to be. There was nothing there that looked like duck. Just lots of wonderful oriental food. It was a fabulous experience for my taste buds. It was all really awesome. The women who served the food were dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. They also had on high heel type shoes except the heel part was in the middle. It was pretty strange to see them walking around balancing perfectly. I'll have to see if Robin got a photo of that. I did not.

We were back to the Radisson SAS Hotel Beijing around 7:30pm. Robin wanted to go swimming but Tonya said nope we are going to go "sleeping". I think within 15 minutes of being back in our room they were both out...and still are. We only got 4 hours of sleep last night so this is good. I will join them shortly. I just thought it would be good to get this posting thing down. Tomorrow is another day of touring but more laid back. We'll attend a church service, go to a jade factory, and walk on the Great Wall of China. It seems really weird being here but we are loving it.

Tomorrow is the last day that the Davis Family will be a family of three. That's what it's all about.

In China!

We made it praise the Lord! It's Saturday 12:20am. We just wanted to let you all know we made it safe. We're settled into our hotel and NEED to get some sleep! We have to eat and be ready by 8:30 to tour ALL day we only have had about 1-2 hours in a 48 hour period! I can't locate the plug for pictures so check back later.
Good night from Beijing!
Love,
Mike, Tonya and Robin

Last post from home!

I can't believe we start our journey to China in the morning! We are so excited and have prayed for this day for so long!

Here are some specific ways you can be praying for our family....

That we would be safe at all times and in all modes of transportation and that the Lord would give calm my nerves. That we would all stay healthy, for Noelle that the Lord would comfort her during this time of transition.

Here are some pictures of our sweet little niece, Hannah Grace! She and mommy are doing great!






This picture is of Robins friend Jessica saying goodbye.

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
Psalm 91:11

Dear Travel Group 130,

The day you have long been waiting for has finally arrived! You are about to meet your precious child face to face! The America World staff shares in your joy as this day quickly approaches.

Like most incredible life experiences, your trip to China will be both amazing and challenging. As Paul encouraged the Romans, so we also encourage you with this verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

(Romans 15:13)

Please know that you will be in our prayers throughout your time in China. We look forward to talking with you upon your return, and hearing all about your trip. May God bless this final chapter of your adoption process!

In His Love,
Kristen Hussa

Travel Coordinator