Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Greetings from Taipei

After 24 hours of travel yesterday, we spent a restful (yet very expensive) night in Taipei. As we departed the airport, we were reminded that most families make this journey in a straight shot and we were just overcome in amazement.

Our flights went well. WB was a trooper and we were able to get seating assignments to sit together. We certainly enjoyed the comfort of EVA's economy class, but did wish we'd had a couple of weeks notice so that we could have found seats in Premium Economy because it looked even nicer. The food was your typical cross-Pacific confusing menu...trying to address the paletes of several Asain populations. I think WB had a roll and some yogurt the entire 14 hour leg. We are all hungry today and hope to get something at the airport before departure.

We are off to HCMC on a 3 1/2 hour flight. We are blessed with great travel mates, Dave and Shelly and their girls, who have adopted twice internationally (China). Hard to believe it has been almost 18 years since JB and I crossed the Pacific annually, but not too much has really changed.

After we land this afternoon, we'll go via bus to Can Tho. Depending upon what time we arrive, we may go straight to the orphanage and see DoriGrace. If it is too late, we'll go to our hotel the Can Tho Golf for the night. Tomorrow, Friday, we'll officially have our Giving and Receiving ceremony and we'll officially become a family of four!

The hotel we are leaving, the Grand Hyatt Taipei sits at the base of TaiPei 101. Even as we rolled in last night after midnight, it was a beautiful site. We hope the sun is up enough as we pull away that we are able to snap a picture.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support! (The computer says 3:28 PM Wednesday, but we are currently 5:28 AM Thursday.)

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have all been in my thoughts and prayers. I was so excited to hear that things are going well. Look forward to your next post!

Nadra said...

Leigh...I've been checking our blog constantly for updates. Thanks for taking the time to post. Can't wait to log on and see pictures our you and your sweet Dori Grace.

LJ said...

OH MY GOD!!!! I have truly looked at the computer 12 times since I woke up this morning. I am sooooo happy that you made it safe and sound. Kuddo's to WB for being such a trooper. I can't wait to hear all about it. I miss you ton's. Send pic when you get to hold that baby girl for the first time. Thinking about you always.

XOXOXO
Aunt Lori

Robin said...

hi everyone! i just hung up the phone with lori and she gave me your blogger so, i was able to catch up! lewis caught us up on the trip to the airport yesterday at lunch...what a morning! i know everyone was sleepy and excited! sounds like quite an adventure just to get to the orphanage. i know tomorrow will be one of the best days of your life. give everyone my love and congratulations! i can't wait to see dori when she is finally at home in oklahoma!

bobo

Julie said...

What a wonderful start to the trip. Can't wait to see those pictures of Dori Grace.

Happy traveling!!!

Anonymous said...

WOW! I HAVE GOOSE BUMPS SITTING HERE READING YOU ARE THERE SAFE AND ABOUT TO BECOME A FAMILY OF FOUR! AS SOON AS LORI CALLED I RUSHED IN TO READ THE UPDATE. KEEP EM COMIN!

LOVE,

MISS VAL

Scott and Leslie said...

Glad that you made it the longest leg of the journey thus far. Your precious Dori Grace will soon be in your arms! Tell the Dillon staff and Can Tho orphanage staff hello from Miss Avery.

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

Girlfreind, I have been waiting to hear from you all day,finally. I am happy to hear that you all are safe. Walker I am so proud of you. Rock On Walker. I want to hear everything about the trip, and can't wait to check in tomorrow. I Love you guys. Get some Sleep. Krista

Bill, Paula & Will Cook said...

So cool! WB can tell his buddies he stayed in a high-rise in TaiPei - that's definitely a cool kid thing! Can't wait to see you in Can Tho!

Daniel and Jamie said...

How exciting! Can't wait to see pics of y'all with Dori Grace!

Kelly said...

Leigh,

I'm glad things are going well. If you have any time will you please send me an email ASAP. It's about the Can Tho orphanage.

Kelly
kbolson@ualr.edu
mediatingmom@gmail.com

Cindy said...

Yay! Leigh,
So glad you made it safe and sound! Loooong trip huh? Can't wait to see you holding Dori Grace! I'm packing like crazy but trying to keep up with your travels!

DawnHa said...

Thinking of you while you are on your way!! We will be there soon!!
My b-day is 7-11 too!!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad Walker has some new friends to play with and join him on this wonderful journey. In less than a day he will have a sister, a friend for a lifetime. What a great big brother he will be!

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

Love,
Miss Val

Adoption Timeline

  • 01/01/08 - Home at Last
  • 12/24/07 - G & R
  • 12/18/07 - Travel
  • 12/7/07 - Travel Packet/VISA Authorization
  • 12/06/07 - I-600 Approval
  • 11/16/07 - I-600 Received for Review
  • 09/26/07 - Referral
  • 03/23/07 - Log in Date
  • 02/23/07 - Dossier to Vietnam
  • 02/08/07 - Dossier to Agency
  • 08/08/06 - Switched to Vietnam Program from China Program