We have successfully fit everything in our three carry on suitcases and backpacks. Compression bags work wonders :) in helping all the things nicely fit into their assigned place.
The long checklist is complete except for some basic cleaning on Monday and spending some one on one time with Mandy. The list seemed so long as times but it is amazing if you focus just on one thing at a time it is much more manageable.
One of the unique things that we chose to do to prepare for the trip was to convert to China time before leaving. China is 12 hours ahead of us here in Indiana. Agencies normally schedule adoptive parents to travel a couple of days prior to receiving their children so that they have time to adjust before the emotional day. We are also planning on leaving early but the first portion of our trip will be spent exploring Mandy's birth town and her orphanage. We decided that we wanted Mandy (and ourselves) to be rested for this special trip since it will likely be filled with lots of questions and wondering on her part as she discovers and explores her biological heritage. For that reason we chose to stay up later each night and to sleep later each morning. Today we have accomplished our goal. It is currently 6:42 am and we are still going strong but I am sure we will be ready for bed soon. This experience has given us an appreciation for those of you that work nights. In the last few days we have missed connecting with people and the sunshine!
We all will enjoy sleeping in our own beds tonight for the last time until April 3rd. We will be staying at 5 star hotels while in China and they are very nice hotels with great service. However, the beds are small (more of a 3/4 bed than a full bed) and extremely hard. I love going out of town but I am one of those people that absolutely loves coming home.
I have been blessed with God's peace and assurance of his love during these last weeks as we have prepared for and anticipated this trip. I am so looking forward to being Michael's Mom and having the opportunity to teach him about Jesus' love and exploring the world with him. The time is fast approaching and I cannot wait! It is difficult to know how to express our appreciation adequately so I will just simply say thank you for your prayers and trust that you know the thankfulness in my heart.
Tuesday morning we will leave for the airport at 4:00 am and will arrive in China Wednesday at 4:55 pm (4:55 am here in Indiana). We would appreciate your prayers as we travel - that we have safe flights, that we are able to rest and also that Mandy is easily able to be entertained for 14 hours of the flight plus the 6 hour layover.
This will be the last blog post until we arrive in China! The excitement continues to build!!
Blessings to all of you, Sheila
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