We made it!
Right now, It’s 5:45AM in Phili and 5:45PM Thursday in Beijing. And, we’re feeling like we’ve been up all night. We were so thankful for that direct flight from Newark to Beijing. But, let me tell you, it was LONG. I was not so happy when I thought I had really had enough and realized we had 7 more hours to go. But, we did finally make it. We quickly realized we weren’t in Kansas anymore when we saw these signs—FOREIGNERS—and knew it was referring to us. (Right after I took this picture, we saw a sign that said no photography. Oops.)
Our guide Lisa took another family and us to our hotel, the King Wing Hot Spring Hotel (I can’t say that name without smiling. It sounds more like some late night club to me.). The rooms are really impressive. Even on the 12th floor, I can clearly hear the hustle and bustle of traffic outside. (We ARE in China after all!) But, it’s nice to have this comfortable room to relax in after so many hours of traveling. It’s home for a couple days at least.
We’re meeting my parents’ friends Frank and Helen for dinner tonight. I’m hoping we can both stay awake enough to actually have a conversation with them.
Dear Evan, Ashlyn, and Drew – it was not easy to leave you all yesterday morning. But, you know that we have to come here so that Lydia can come home. Know that we love you and look forward to hearing all about the fun stuff you are doing with Nanma and Granddaddy while we are gone. Check out the cool bed we get to sleep in? You guys would love this fancy room!
WilxFamily says
YAY!!! This is so exciting!!! Are you in a group that is traveling?
When I went to Ireland a few years ago, our hosts had us take a 45minute nap..and NO MORE. They said less than 45 minutes didn’t help, and more than an hour made the jet lag worse. FWIW. :0)
So excited to follow your journey. Keeping your family in our prayers of course as well.
Wow…this is YOUR time! HAVE FUN!!!
Greg and Laura says
So glad to see you made it safe and sound!! Funny, I think I did the same thing on the flight over, and it had only been about 5 hours…it is long! Enjoy Beijing! Continued prayers for you all and Lydia!!
Denise says
Woo Hoo…glad you made it! What a swanky place you are staying in…rest up, the best is yet to come! Hugs and prayers~
The Johnson Family says
I’m so glad you made it safely. We are praying for you and Lydia and look forward to your updates.
Melissa says
Yeah!! You made it! What a fancy looking room! I hope that you guys are going to get some well needed rest! Enjoy your day!(or night :)
Julie says
Yay! Oooo! I can’t wait to see the pics of Lydia with her mama and daddy! Lifting you up! So happy you sent the spread sheet! I like to be very specific in my praying!
Lisa A says
Oh my friend I have been hitting refresh all morning–except when I was posting the news of your travel to my blog! I started the post–as a therapy to distract me while I wait to hear of your safe landing in Beijing!
Looks like the room is AMAZING! So happy for you–it’s crucial in getting the rest needed to catch up before the biggest day–when you meet your Lydia!
Dan and I took a nap and woke up 9 hours later–I imagine you’ll do the same thing. :)
Happy you’re safe and sound my dear friend!
Are you pinching yourself that it is really happening? I’m sure! Soon, so soon!
http://cotaarndtadd1.blogspot.com
Jenny says
YAY!!! Kelly- I am so glad you made it!! And I just looked at your Gotcha Day- it is the SAME day we had our Gotcha Day with Katie Mei 5 years ago!! Awesome day!! : )
Courtney says
OH my…those foreigners signs look familiar! I felt so strange going through those….
I think the WORST part of the flight for us was feeling like you were ready to DIE sitting there and then you look at the screen and it says:
Distance Traveled: 1000 miles.
Distance To go: 5000 miles
Or something like that. How DEPRESSING!! But so glad you made it and are enjoying China!
Nicole says
Thus begins the jet lag!!! Yuck!
Rest up because Lydia is waiting !!!!
Nicole
Laurie says
YEAH! You made it! I know what you mean about that flight- I remember looking at Scott after about an hour and saying, “I’m bored!” Ha! Your hotel room looks awesome, but I know you’re looking forward to the NEXT hotel room you’ll be in! :) Oh- here’s a funny- the word I have to type for my word verification is lobor- kind of made me think labor! God DOES have a sense of humor.
Danielle and Ryan says
Kelly, Glad you guys made it safe and sound to China. Have a great time touring around Beijing! Can’t wiat to hear about gottcha day!! Can you believe it is right around the corner. Enjoy ever minute.
Danielle
The Denis Family says
So happy to hear you made it! And yes-very nice room! Lydias’ getting closer to being in your arms!!!
Tricia says
Kelly,
I am so glad you made it to China safely! I have been thinking about you. I was so glad to see your post! Have a great time at dinner tonight!!!
Tricia
joymweaver says
I am so excited you are finally there. So, were you up at 3:00AM? We all were. Enjoy your chicken nuggets on the breakfast buffet. I thought the name of the hotel sounded like a Dr. Suess hotel. I hope your room isn’t 90 degrees like our room was when we got there. We had our window open the whole time.
My favorite memory of our long flight was when they woke us up at 2:00 in the morning to give us hamburgers and Hagen Das ice cream.
Michelle says
Ooooh! I’m so thrilled to see a post from you and know you made it safely. I have prayed for you multiple times a day and will continue to do so. You keep coming to mind as I progress through my day! Get some good rest so you will feel refreshed! Michelle
Petrie says
Glad you are there safe and sound! I just got back from a family trip, and couldn’t wait to check the blog. Will be keeping you in prayer as you recover from jet lag and await meeting precious Lydia.
Angie says
I can’t believe you are finally actually THERE! You are so close to holding your sweet girl! Enjoy your visit…praying for good rest – power through the jet lag!
Lisa A says
Oh Kelly–it’s morning 8:19am on the 28th your Lydia Day! I am sooooo excited for you–I’m on the edge of my seat, thinking about your last hours as you fly into Xi’An City to meet your little Sweet Lydia. A dream you’ve waited and waited and waited on is about to be “reality” and I couldn’t be happier for you.
Enjoy your last few hours together as a couple–as you look forward to holding your Lydia.
I remember that plane ride like it was yesterday…I’ll never forget.
Praying for you my sweet friends.