Thursday, October 16, 2008

NEXT STOP BEIJING!


Well, I don't know who book flights this early in the morning but, I can tell you right now THIS IS FOR THE BIRDS! I am not a morning person. Well, we are off to China and I will see all of you on the other side of the world. LOve you all.

8 comments:

Stephe said...

Almost that time!!!

Kathy & Erik, I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you both as you get ready to head out to meet your second daughter, Emma. I can't wait to follow your journey!!!

It's the day before you leave this will be perfect to read before you go to sleep tonight.

Twas the Night before China Adoption Trip/
The Night Before Adoption!

Twas the night before leaving
when all through the house
not a creature was stirring,
not even your spouse.
The luggage was packed
and repacked with care
in hopes my Emma
would soon find you there.
No child was nestled
or snug in your bed,
she slept that night
in her orphanage bed.

And Mama in her jammies
with luggage in sight
had just settled her brain
for a long sleepless night.

When out on the lawn
there arose such a clatter,
You both sprang from the bed
to see what was the matter.

Away to the window
You flew like a flash,
tore open the shutter,
and threw up the sash.

The sun on the grass
and the newly formed dew
gave promise of morning
time to bid my adieu.

When, what to you wondering
eyes should appear,
but a yellow airport taxi
and your family you hold dear.

With a little old driver,
so lively and pip,
You new in a moment
You would start my trip.

More rapid than eagles,
to our cities we came,
and we whistled and shouted
and called them by name:

Off to China in the province of Beijing
Words that make my heart sing!

then on to Guangzhou
Now Dash Away! Dash Away! Dash Away ALL!

and then, before you know it...

Like treasure from heaven
in your arms they did place
your precious new daughter
tears fell from your face.

So up to the hotel room
with your child you flew
your new bundle of joy
"I have presents for you."

And then, in a twinkling,
You heard from the door
"Paperwork to do!"
You heard yourself "MORE?"

Like rain from the heavens
when hurricanes fly
Tears just like raindrops
fell from your eyes.

You bathed her and dressed her
from her head to her toe.
With ribbons and dresses
and a giant hair bow.

A bundle of clothes you had
that were to big or to small
You sent to the orphanage
to be shared by them all.

Her eyes- how they twinkled!
Her dimples, how merry!
Her cheeks were like roses,
my nose red as a cherry!

Her beautiful smile
was drawn up like a bow,
and her very happy mama
seemed to give off a glow.

A stamp of her foot
and a print from your thumb
made a family of you all,
the adoption was done!

Passport! and Visa!
then the Consulate Visit.
My paperwork done?
Afraid that it isn't.

A wink of an eye
and a twist of a head
soon gave you to know
You had nothing to dread.

He spoke a few words,
went straight through our work
double checked our documents
then turned with a jerk.
He wanted to know
"was this the daughter you chose"
and giving a nod,
up from his desk he arose.

They gave the approval
and we gave a loud whistle,
And away we flew
like the down of a thistle.

They heard us exclaim,
on one of the best days of our life:
"Blessings to all and to all a good life!"

(by Jack Hilton but edited by stephe)

Lots of hugs and Love on your trip!!! Stephe

Doug & Michelle said...

Even having a sleepless night and getting up so early you likely won't sleep much, if at all, on the flight. But it's all worth it, my friends. It's all so worth it.

We're thinking of you, Kathy & Erik. Take thousands of pictures and write everything down so you won't forget a moment of this amazing journey.

Stephe, that poem is fantastic!!

Doug, Michelle & Caroline

the mommy said...

Kathy and Erik, have a wonderful trip we will be thinking of you every moment you are gone. Enjoy everything most especially Emma and give her a kiss from Aunt Susan and Uncle Riz

Angela said...

oooh I have goosebumps for you Kathy!!! So exciting!! enjoy every moment ~ it all goes by so fast!

I cannot wait to see Emma in your arms, she will definitely worth the wait :)

love, Angela & Ella

Lori said...

We're watching ! :::Note to self: make sure we do not have an early morning flight:::

Can't wait to hear you are in China!! YIPPEE!!

Love you guys !
Lori & Andy

Unknown said...

You made it!! Try to get some sleep, but not too much so you can get on "China time" ASAP! Can't wait to hear how you survived the trip. We'll be watching the blog; can't wait to see our new little niece/cousin!! :-) Love Janeane, Tom, Emily, Tommy & Olivia

Anonymous said...

Auntie Kathy & Uncle Erik...Taylor wants to know if she can hold Emma when she gets home and is Uncle Erik's neck feeling better so she can have a ride on his neck!
BTW you should be having dinner with your travel group - wonderful hotel, hope you arrived safely and we can't wait for your updates :)
LOVE YOU (Taylor made me write that!)
Sharon, Andy, Taylor & Teresa

Billy and Maggie said...

Wishing you a very safe trip. All the joy and happiness in the world!