Day 16, 17- Packed and ready, but had to resort to Plan B

We were packed and ready to go on Thursday night...and time was passing slowly. We had to check out by 3PM at our hotel, but our flight was not until 9PM. So we pretty much stayed in the hotel till 3, and then walked to Subway for a sandwhich- and it is pretty close to the US Subway. I had the sub of the day- Turkey/Ham- toasted on wheat with Southwest sauce, and Mickey had turkey plain. Anna will not even try any part of a sandwich, so she had chips and milk. We then headed back to the lobby until our shuttle for the airport arrived at 5.

Inside one of the lobbies, statues made out of jade.
















We then headed to the airport to wait on our flight. Anna had her last milk tea and a sucker(that she didn't like).

We boarded the plane and were off for a 12 hour flight. After our first airplane meal, I gave Anna a little Benadryl and she slept for at least 7 hours. She did fabulous!!! And when she woke up, it was time to eat again- so she was happy. "We hopped off the plane at LAX"....and went through immigration and customs. Anna was officially a US citizen since we had set foot on US territory!!!
We then had to get our luggage for our connecting flight, and then to the ticket counter. When we got to the ticket counter, we were informed that our flight ahd been cancelled from ATL to Chatt due to Ice/Snow, therefore they had cancelled our LA flight, and was going to put us up in a motel for the night and fly out on Saturday. (NOT- that wasn't going to work). We told them we had to fly out on the Friday night flight, preferrably the early one at 10:55 PM, and we would figure out a way home from Atl. We were originally scheduled for a 11:55 flight. But we were able to get the 10:55 flight out of LA to ATL, so we had a 5 hour layover instead of 6. We used that time in making arrangements with family and friends to come pick us up in ATL and drive us to Home.(which became plan B)

So off we were to ATL, where we arrived at 6AM. We had no luggage to get due to it being on the 11:55 flight. So we headed to meet Mike and Kay (Mickeys sister/brother in law). They were waiting on us and it felt so good to see family and finally be back in the SOUTH!! Mike and Kay greeted us (mostly Anna-with a balloon, stuffed animal, outfit and snacks). Mickey and I got snickers bars, and I got a beautiful rose also. We headed to meet the second leg of our trek home in the snow and ice, Dana and Shane, who were waiting on us in Kennesaw. Actually it had rained most of the night and melted the snow off the roads, so they weren't bad. We arrived at the Ricketts home at about 9AM, because we could not get to our home on the ridge due to the icy roads. We were welcomed by my brothers family and then later my parents, and the rest of the Bennetts. . . They had all made welcome home posters, and Lara had made breakfast (and SWEET TEA).  It was good to be in the vicinity of my home, that was for sure. After a couple hours there, we finally were able to make it to our home - in 2 car loads(LOL- we were officially a family of 6).  Our neighbors, the Slifkos, had taken this picture of our home, and  texted us to let us know our power was out- but came back on about 30 minutes after we had been home.

Oh, home sweet home!!! We gave Anna a tour of her new home, and she was pumped. She had seen pictures and seemed very comfortable in it. She responded amazingly well with the kids, and I am sure the 2-a-day Skypes helped. She gave them a work out going up and down the stairs, and from room to room. We got an excellent early dinner of country cooking- (thanks Stephanie and Lara) and then headed to bed at about 10.  Anna slept in her bed with Olivia across the way, and went to sleep with ease.

Day 15- Pick up Visa, Shopped a little more

Same song and dance routine this morning. We headed out to town for a brief shopping trip to the mall after breakfast. We were in  search of pearls that most every lady in our group had purchased. Most of the basement of this 7 story mall is dedicated to jewerly. We finally found the place and it didn't take me long to get down to business. My intentions were to get my girls a necklace/bracelet for when they get older, and for those special occasions. I hope that they appreciate it as much as I enjoyed shopping and selecting out the strands. Mickey had only exchanged a small amount of US dollars, so I was capped off in no time. They did accept credit cards, but I didn't go there. Below is a picture of them restranding them.

Here are some pics around the mall area.

Back to the hotel for a quick lunch-noodles from 7 Eleven, then Mickey took out for the 3rd trip to the Consulate to pick up Anna's visa.

It was a quick trip over there for him, but took 45 minutes to get a taxi, because it was shift change, and it is about a 45 minute ride back. Meanwhile, Anna and I were going to go to the nearby park/playground. So Anna did great until we actually got to the playground, and she pitched a fit. She shook her head no and did not want to go play. So we strolled around the block and came back, and she still didn't want to play. So we headed back to the hotel, for some playing and eventually a nap. We also watched the boats in the river- constantly boats are going up and down the river carrying various stuff. And yes, another smoggy day.

We then went to give Shiyan a gift from us for being such an amazing guide. She has truly blessed our lives and this experience. She is so professional and hats off to anyone who can manage 30 familes for 12 days and still keep their sanity(and dealing with several very difficult and selfish families). Off to Lucy's for one last time, can you guess what Mickey had? (Yep, grilled cheese, I had the club sandwich, and Anna had rice noodles). Took our last stop to 7 Eleven for some ice cream cones. Remember all of the little shops I told you about that were named after people, 1/2 of them are gone now- packed up and GONE. I guess they got word that most of the families left, and so did they. Mickey picked up his laundry he had dropped off that morning, and back to the room for the laser light show. I have enjoyed Shamian Island and the light show at night. There are various boats that are all lit up, some with BIG LCD screens that crusie the waters nightly. I also have missed our friends today (Pav's and Packs) as they are headed back to the US now on their flight. Someday we may meet again. Bob, if you are ever in Virginia- give us a call(wink, wink)

Tomorrow we check out at 3, take a taxi to the airport at 5, and catch our flight to Los Angeles California, where we land at 8PM EST. Layover for 6 hours,and fly out 2AM, in Atlanta at 7AM and back to Chatt by 11. Thanks for everyones nice comments and for praying for us. The journey is really just beginning!! I will be off the blog for a couple of days, but will catch you up on the homecoming, and the Rector family that has become 6.

Day 14- Red Couch and US Consulate, again

We started out with breakfast by the river at the hotel buffet. Anna always eats well, but is distracted by all of the boaters and he many adopting families. All of the Bethany families were to head to one of the hotel lobbies for the "famous red couch" pictures at 10AM.

Need I say more on how that went? Anna struggles when she is with the whole group. Some of the older girls pester her, and she can't stand it. The Bethany babies went first and actually did quite well, and then our group. Well, as usual, some of the families were late, and with sitting there with all the camera flashing and pestering people behind her, she was fit to be tied!! She screamed almost the entire time. And we never even got our family photo on the couch.

All 14 Shanghai kids around the couch...

We quickly left the crew to get calmed down, and by the time we arrived to our 12th floor, all was good.  The 3 of us girls(Robin, Coleen, and I) went back out to Jordan's place(shopping) and by Emma's place. When I was out, I needed to potty, but the only ones I could find, were like these- Chinese potties, AKA- Squatty Potties! Needless to say, I held it!

 We went to Starbucks, and brought back sandwhiches for lunch. Anna doesn't like any sandwhich at this point we have found. Then off to the Consulate, again.

Very unusual traffic lights here, they have green /yellow U-TURN arrows. Anyway, on our way, our driver had a confrontation with a van that tried to cut him off. The van driver got out of his van, marched over and yelled at our driver, while our driver was inching up on him. He finally got back in his van, after straightening his mirror and our driver did get in front of him, as he should. I caught it all on video!!The consulate tour was another 3 hour event. When we got back it was time for supper and someone said a Subway was close, so several of us took out to find it, while Mickey and Robin were going to order PAPA Johns- again! I just couldn't take pizza again. We found it and it was very similar to the US, except they have very few toppings. Most of our friends are leaving for a 5 am flight back to the states tomorrow, but we are here till Friday night- 9PM flight out. Mickey is counting down the hours, and currently we are at 49.5 hours left till take-off :)

Day 13- Trial Run at Consulate

*Pics are of Shiyan and Anna, corn on the cob being sold on the curb in Guangzhou, downtown (which the whole city seems to be under renovation in preparation for the Asian games), Sara Beth from ALA (one of her favorite buddies from the orphanage), inside our hotel and Anna strutting around.



We got another morning to sleep in, 6:45- not what I call sleeping in, but these beds are rock hard. There have been some interesting things about the hotels we have stayed in.
1) The double beds here, are like twin beds in America. Very small- we Americans need and require bigger beds. Can't wait to sleep in my comfy KING on Saturday night!
2) Even though we have 3 people in our room, and they KNOW this, we only get 2 wash clothes/2 towels.
3) The towels however, are gigantic, like beach towels
4) In reading about the hotel in the book they provide in the rooms, they always note; THE TAP WATER IS NOT POTABLE. In other words, don't drink the water!!!!
5) We have come accustomed to getting 4 free bottles of bottled water everyday- for brushing our teeth and drinking water. The maids come around in the morning and late evening to restock us.
6) This hotel provides us with complimentary white house shoes (2 pair). Also, at our mini bar is a free selection of various teas(milk tea, jasmine,green, etc) with a portable hot bot which boils water in 30 seconds. And on top of the bar are 5 mini size liqueurs you can purchase. Ours have remained unopened at this point.
7) At breakfast, don't order a coke, or it will cost 30 yuan- $5. However you can go across the street to the 7 Eleven, and get one for less than 50 cents.
8) We visit the 7 Eleven nightly for ice cream- they have the best nutty bars, even in dark chocolate- for less than $1.
9)Our night stand between our beds is like a control panel for the room. You can turn on/off most lights in the room by it,including the TV, as well as play a selection of 3 different music styles (classical, and 2 chinese stations).Pretty nifty, and would love to have one for my own room at home!
10) Some interesting items on the breakfast buffet: Fried Milk, beef balls, chicken nuggets, pizza, fish sticks, whole boiled eggs (which Anna loves!), omelet station, chinese noodles, Hot milk, tater tots, veggie egg rolls, seasonal veggie, and baked beans. Of course multiple breads, pastries, yogurts and juice selections.

We went to a few of the little shops after breakfast, but didn't find much, then we headed out at 2 for the consulate appointment. It was a 45 minute bus ride, and traffic was crazy again- the craziest of all 3 cities we have been in. We sat in a big room, and at 3:30 they started calling the Chinese names of the kids one by one to a counter to come and sign for the visas. All of the names were eventually called in 30 minutes, except ours. So we asked Shiyan, and she told us our appointment was for TOMORROW :(
Anyway, we had a trial run and got to see all of our friends go through, take the oath, and had a 45 minute bus ride back to the hotel. After we came back, I went to Shiyans room to let her interpret a 3 page letter Anna's birth mother had written when she abandoned her. We video taped her translating and I will put it on paper when I get back. It was very moving, and even brought Shiyan to tears. I will post it when I get it all wrote down.
Then off to Lucy's again for some Americanized grub. Mickey with the grilled cheese again, Anna with basil pasta and I had orange chicken.

Day 12- free day

We had another free day today while our social worker went to the US Consulate to present all of the families paperwork. No wake-up call, no worries- we still are waking up at like 6/7AM, then heading to breakfast. After breakfast we went to the Swan Room, a play room they have dedicated here to the adopting families. Anna was sweating when we left, she had played so hard. We then came back and watched some cartoons (the most popular cartoon over here is about a goat and wolf).

Princess of the bed with her Barbie and ghost antlers given by the ladies at the Italian restraunt.

We then headed out to the antique mall where we were going to look at the pearls, but only found jade everywhere. We were at the center of the city which everyone said resembles Times Square at night. We had to make a quick stop for some Mickey D's- but still no SWEET TEA!! Which by the way, I will be brewing a pot of tea within an hour after I hit home to make some sweet tea, and let Anna have a taste of American tea- not Jasmin, green, or hot tea!

On our taxi ride back to the hotel, (which by the way we have only seen 1 wreck on our trip,which is amazing if you could see the driving over here) we had a small run-in. A van ran a red light and knicked our taxi on the front end. Our driver got out, the cop who was out directing traffic came over, and they all had a yelling spat and it was over. It taught us to WEAR the seatbelt at all times, even if it is a 10 minute ride for 10 yuan!! Thankfully we were fine, just a little adrenaline rush. I then went back out shopping because on our previous shopping excursion, I spent less than $1 on 2 bracelets for Anna to try to shut her up, because she hates riding in a stroller. Daddy's back is sore from carrying her when we go out, so we made her stroll.

There are many little shops around the hotel, and are all named by peoples names: (michaels place, sharons place, jennys place, etc) It's quite hilarious. And everyone does laundry, of course at 50% off. Another trend I have picked up on is all the women wear leggins and boots, a trend I hope doesn't make it to the US. All of the little shops are used to people bargaining and haggling with them, which I enjoy. I only found a few things, and I did get the flag for free below. Anna loved it!

We diverted again from the planned meal- Traditional Cantonese dinner. Instead- PAPA JOHNS delivered to our room, and we had dinner with 2 other familes and enjoyed a nice night hosting.

Anna has really opened up and has warmed up to me. Those first couple of days, I was a wreck and it was not good. We both said today we can't imagine not accepting her, and if we had rejected the referral, we really would have missed out on a very special little girl. We hope that once we get back to the states and settle in, that her limp can be somewhat corrected, and that some day, she will be able to run with her brothers and sister, and friends to come! She is a bundle of energy, a chatterbox, and at times very sassy (in Chinese).  I was almost sure I got cussed out tonight in Chinese for telling her to do something. Luckily, it normally takes about 3 months for the kids to lose their Chinese once they get back to the states- looking forward to it, because it kills me not to know what she is saying.

Day 11- free day, final paper work gathering

We got to sleep in today for the first time- no wake up call or early morning adventure- and it was so NICE! We went down for breakfast and sat by the windows again and it was so nice watching the boats go by on the river. Anna's eating has slowed down some, I think she realizes she can get 3 meals a day (all she wants- and more!) and is loving it.

And we went and picked up our laundry that we had cleaned. I had taken all of my clothes- shirts, jeans, socks and all...and all of Anna's, and then some of Mickeys. When we went and picked it up, it was in these shrink wrapped bags, neatly folded- undies and all. Very nice, and for next day service for all pieces- 200 yuan, which is about $32/US dollar. That is a bargain to me, and it beats rinsing things out in the tub and hanging them up to dry like some people have. And the humidity is so bad here, it takes things 3 days to dry.

I had to go meet for the final paperwork preparation in our social workers room, which took us all about 1 hour. Not bad. Then we went out to Lucy's, and Americanized restaraunt. Mickey had (of all things) a grilled cheese sandwich/fries, Anna had the kids meal (chicken wing, sausages,fries, fruit, ice cream) and I had Lucy's pan fried noodle dish- it was good.

We then headed back to our hotel, met in one of the sitting areas and played a few rounds of phase 10- it was a nice break from the room. Our hotel is very large and has lots of gathering places. Looking forward to tonight at 10PM when we get to Skype our church family :)

Day 10- Medical Exam for Visa

So as our social worker Shiyan had said, this would probably be the worst day yet- due to going to a cramped and crowded medical office that was understaffed, with as many families as we had, it was going to take some time. Plus some of the kids needed vaccinations and CXR's due to + TB skin tests. We walked in, and it wasn't that bad. We went back to the waiting area and there were 3 stations we had to go throuhg- ENT, medical/surgical, and height/weight/etc room. We were called about #6 and went through ENT first- everything ok. Then on to the next station- Height- she had only grown 1cm since October, and had gained 6 pounds!!! ( I told you she was an eater!!) We then had to wait a bit for the doctors exam, but everything checked out ok. And best part of all- NO SHOTS!!! It took about 2 hours.

We saw a hummer on the way there, only the second one we have seen since our trip.

Everyone doing their Tai Chi- this is fairly routine for the adults to do "morning exercise". And as we were walking to the clinic, we also found an adult playground- funniest thing to see all these adults see-sawing and doing money bars.

We headed back to gather our laundry for cleaning, and I will let you know how cheap that was tomorrow when I get it back. Nap time and then off to supper to the Italian place about 4 blocks away. This town is very quaint and lit up at night, a big change from Shanghai. It has a small town feel to it. We are on a small island at the southern tip of China. It is warmer here for sure.

**On a side note, when we checked out of the hotel in Shanghai, the clerk thanked us for our adoption. And already here, Anna received her first Barbie doll- a Barbie carrying a Chinese baby- from Mattel in support of our adoption.

Day 9- Shanghai Zoo and Silk Factory, Fly to Guangzhou

OK, so we left the motel for the last time in Shanghai! It was a very nice 5 star motel. We headed to the zoo, and it is still freezing and breezy. Needless to stay, we didn't stay long. We saw a few of the exhibits, the Pandas- which they have 10, and were headed back to the bus. Anna pretty much fussed 75% of the time. Thank goodness we still have our guide to put her in line at times.

Sorry, not many pics of the zoo, we took more video, and it was just not pleasant. She was scared of the animals.

We then headed to another "traditional Chinese meal", just what Mickey and some of the others have been waiting for- not really, it's a joke amongst us. Anna used chopped sticks in front of us for the first time, it's amazing. She wants a taste of every dish on the lazy susan.

And yes, that is a whole fish with head and tail bathed in sweet and sour sauce.

We walked down a flight of stairs and were at the Silk Factory, and got a lesson on the life of a silkworm and how to make silk, it was pretty neat.
Then we headed to the airport for our flight to Guangzhou. Anna did fine, until we sat on the runway for about 30 min, but due to the events of the day, she was asleep before we even took off. Slept for about 45 minutes, and then was ready to eat the lovely airplane cuisine. She never turns down a meal, and everyone keeps saying how puffy her cheeks are getting, so it will be interesting to see how much she weighs now.

The language barrier has at times been an issue. There are people in certain restraunts that speak little English, and at least a couple in our hotels know English. Our shopping trip earlier in the week trying to get 2 strollers was quite an escapade, and almost sent Collen over the top. I can only laugh about it know, but it was quite frustrating. I tried to incorporate sign language as much as possible.
Speaking of which- Anna knows- Thumbs Up!, I Love YOU, I want a drink, I want to eat in sign language. And can count to 3 in English!