We made it to Beijing
We made it safely to Beijing after a l-o-n-g day of traveling.
This is how our morning started. My nephew showed up at the house promptly at 6:45 and it was pouring rain. Now we haven’t had rain in I don’t know how long but my first thought was still, “Why right now?” I was fortunate not to melt. We were loaded and out the door by 7:00.
The flight to Chicago was effortless. Eliana was quite comfortable and obviously not phased at all by the occasional turbulence.
As we walked to the gate for our flight out of Chicago, we met two families from our agency that are also adopting. We’ll be going in different directions in China but at least we had someone to fellowship with along the way.
One little bit of excitement to start the journey.
We had just boarded the plane to China and got situated in our seats when Carmi scolded Eliana for something. Well, Eliana started crying… and then she started coughing… and then she puked. Fortunately Carmi had packed one extra change of clothes for the Empress in a carry-on.
Our first meal was served up at 3:30. United’s first culinary offering was delicious and especially the salad with Asian Sesame Ginger dressing.
There was a little girl - 15 months old, I believe - in the row behind us who was just not happy. She cried and cried for the longest time until Eliana came to the rescue. Eliana started talking to the little girl and even shared her animals which is quite unheard of. Before long, the child was laughing.
Towards the end of 13 hours in the air, we saw this screen which brought a big smile to our faces.
We arrived in Beijing at 2:00 pm, a full hour ahead of schedule. That extra hour was used up, though, getting our luggage and trudging through customs. We were greeted by Amy, our guide for the next several days. Amy had arranged for a taxi to take us to the hotel.
Ordinary, everyday life in Beijing.
Our room at the Wangfujing Grand Hotel. Too bad we won’t be able to enjoy it but one night.
What’s on Chinese television? Sumo wrestling, of course.
Eliana schooled us in the fine art of eating with chopsticks at dinner tonight. The girl really does do well.
It’s now 8:30 and Eliana has already been snoozing for an hour.
Stick a fork in me and Carmi ‘cause we’re done… especially Carmi. I heard snoring and turned to see Carmi out like a light in mid-sentence.
I’m gonna be in so much trouble.
See you tomorrow!
Comments
What an adventure, and by the way I too want to hike the Appalachian Trail. Take care of yourselves and see ya soon!
Seeking Embers of Grace,
Andy
And you’re right. Carmi is going to be upset with you!
I love that Carmi fell asleep with her bible under her pillow! May God’s presence be so real to you all during the next two weeks.
God Bless!
Karen Y
Wow! How exciting… It has been so amazing experiencing this adoption with you guys through your blog, and it will be a daily stop for me while your gone. 
Laura and I stayed at the Wangfujing Grand Hotel in 2002 when we were in Beijing—such a nice hotel. Do they still have the italian restaurant on the mezzanine level?
Hope you have a GREAT time, and that the new Henderson comes to you swiftly and safely.
Stephen,
We also were here in 2002. Very nice place. Hard beds...but a nice place.
I don’t know about the Italian restaurant. We’ll find out when we return to Beijing at the end of this next week. Haven’t had much time to look around.
So glad you had a safe and uneventful trip. Keeping you all in my prayers. I love experiencing China along with you. Can’t wait to see new pictures of Karys.
Doug is not in trouble for the picture of me however, he is in trouble because he said the reason Eliana cried and puked was because of me. Amazingly forgetful he is. I did fuss at her for something but he reached over and gave extra scolding and pulled her arm to get her to look at him and that is why she was crying. 
I knew what would happen if she cried and was trying to avoid that. He is just very lucky I was able to hold it together and not join Eliana. I have the weakest stomach and it was all I could do to avoid the need to use my own extra change of clothes!
So glad and THANKFUL to know that you’ve arrived safely. Looking forward to lots of pictures and narrative throughout your journey. We can’t wait to see current pictures of little Karys. Be safe - be happy - and have a wonderful time.
Love and hugs to you and the rest.