Well, today I received notice that our Annabelle will be returning to the orphanage on Friday (actually since it is 8:20PM here when I am posting this...she might be already getting ready to leave Hope for Jiaozuo SWI). When I read this information this morning, I was in total tears. I cried for my little girl who is now headed to a strange place and who was taken away from her only family that she has ever known...I cried for her care-takers who have truly loved her and cared for her the best that they could...I cried for her little buddy, Justin who she has truly grown attached to...and I had a good cry for myself (reason for which are private). I just hope that our baby girl is well and takes to the transition (I do know that there will be a Hope Rep with her until she is united with us). I know that I heard from other families whose children have come from Hope that the way the Hope Representatives conduct the transition that it is very smooth, but I am still so worried. The only thing that keeps me going is that I know in 12 days, she will be united with us.
Yesterday was surly a busy day in our household. It took forever to find a flight at a reasonable price...our travel agent said the average prices for flights were running $5500 per ticket {ouch!} but after some time of searching, she found one that fits our budget and is a direct flight from NYC to Beijing (only 13 hours). We are still waiting on the information from our agency with regards to our In-China travel. As of today (when I last spoke to them) they were still working on it. We still need hotel reservations for when we return to Beijing after Guangzhou, but I did make arrangements today with New Hope to visit their facility on November 1st. And, I did find out that there will be four other families traveling with us, which is something so new to me (last time we had a big travel group).
All in all things are moving along here at the Leonard household and as of now, we leave in less than 7 days for China (our flight is leaving at 4:30PM). I am not freaking out as bad as I thought I would, but it is still "early in the game". I am sure by next week, I am going to be coming-undone.
Thank you to everyone who has posted such beautiful and encouraging comments on here and on our travel web site. I can't begin to express what you all mean to me.
10 comments:
Oh, Shell. I got tears myself reading about Annabelle's return to a strange place, a place that doesn't really know her..I am so sorry & will continue to pray for her transition & that her little heart would be open to you & Keith & Francesca...
TWELVE more days!!!! **I** am freaking out!!!!!!!
We just talked about this yesterday....I know this has to be hard to think about...At least she will have someone with her from New Hope....I hope that this gives her some comfort during this transition...
You are all in our thoughts and prayers....12 days Shell, 12 days and she is all yours....all the worry will pass!
Hang in there, Sending a big hug your way!
Sorry it didn't work out today...can't wait to see you next Tuesday!
Lisa
Oh sweetie...she will do fine. I am praying for her transition and yours. You know I cried b/c Annslee had to change schools and it was nothing like this. We just want to protect them from every little hurt : )
I can't wait to see her in your arms and see what else unfolds for your family
So happy that your little girl will be in your arms in just 12 days. I hope that her transition goes well and can't wait to see her in your arms.
Hugs!
That is hard to think about, sending good thoughts and prayers for all of you. Best wishes!
Janet
YAY!!! I am so excited for you!! Prayers for little Annabelle - AND YOU!!!
LID 3-13-06 for Olivia in China and waiting for Patricia and Philippe in Haiti
Your sweet girl is in my prayers! I know it must be so hard as her mommy, to know she will be going through so much transition at once. Thank God you will be there for her soon!!!
Oh - and can I just say - $5500 A TICKET?? Should I plan on coming up with an extra, oh, $10k for our China trip? Ouch is right!
I, too, am also praying for a smooth transition for your sweet girl.
I can't believe the flights are $5,500. That is some serious smack!
Hang in there!
I think the transition time back at the orphanage is usual -- both of our kids went back for one week while they waited for us, to help them break away from their foster families. I'm not saying I agree or disagree... but when I visited their orphanages I found the nannies and staff to be loving toward them. I hope you will find peace with this, I know how upset you're feeling.
She is on her way home, praise God!
It is so traumatic for the little ones. But amazing at how they need and want your love. I hope all will be well and safe travels.
Alyson
Celebrating 24 days as Alyzabeth's Mommy!
Travel to China 09/11/08
Referral Day 08/12/08
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