Sunday, February 17, 2008

Day 5: The Road to Tianjin

This morning we checked out of our beautiful Beijing hotel room, said good-bye to our newly made friends and set off for Tianjin. The road to Tianjin was paved with good intentions and potholes as we drove instead of flying since the city was only 2 hours away from Beijing . Our guide Wendy is bright, energetic and compassionate and taught us all a Chinese children’s song during our bus ride.

We arrived at the Harbour Center Hotel and were impressed by the size of the rooms. It’s a very nice room, but there is a lot of construction going on all around the hotel area, so it’s kind of busy and loud outside. We arrived mid-afternoon and learned that in Tianjin, it is difficult to find a restaurant open between lunch and dinner. But a 10 minute taxi ride took us to KFC. (I promise, we’re not trying to eat Western food, but we didn’t have much choice.)

After unpacking, we took a walk through a local neighborhood. We stopped into an establishment that looked to be a restaurant. Speaking almost no Chinese to a staff that spoke no English, we managed to order, enjoy and pay for two beers. We might have had dinner there, but without some translation, Karen was afraid she might accidentally order fish! (Sorry, Michael, we left the Franlkin translator in the room). We later had dinner in the hotel restaurant while preparing a list of questions to ask Micah’s caregivers.

We collected all our necessary paperwork and gifts and prepared to meet Micah tomorrow morning. Tomorrow morning! We just sat back and let it sink in that tomorrow morning we will be parents. It’s humbling and a bit overwhelming, but also exciting and awesome. We are ready to get our son and begin the process of being parents. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep tonight, so this will be short tonight.

16 comments:

Donna said...

I am SO excited for you guys. You are going to be terrific parents. Just remember that if it gets tough- "this too shall pass". It is what got me through each difficult hour. Micah's whole world is about to change forever and so is yours. Be patient and all soon enough he will be loving his mommy and daddy. Keep the faith-God is good and really knows what he is doing!!

Susan and Dan said...

Hey guys...you've made it, just think he is right around the corner from you and his entire world is about to change! Life as a Chinese orphan will be something just to put in his memory books. Starting tomorrow, because you guys said "yes" this little guy's future will be radically different. I know God is smiling "big" right, I hope the day goes smoothly and we will continue to pray for an easy transition for all of you! Love Dan, Susan, Grace and MiMi (and Hope)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the wonderful updates and for checking in at our forum--we're all so excited for you. Hope you are able to sleep for your big day tomorrow!

Christina (drmalcolm)

Heather said...

WOW! You are in our thoughts and prayers!! We're so excited!! We'll be praying for a smooth transition, but yes--remember that it is hard in the beginning. Each day gets better and better--hang in there. Be patient and understanding--you've educated yourselves so well about what to expect. You've been chosen to be Micah's parents--and you'll be GREAT parents!

Congratulations Ladman Family!!

Michael said...

One sleep and the world will be made new. His world will change forever and so will yours, but he will have a harder time understanding those changes at first. We are praying for wisdom and patience for your both and of course lots of God's Love. For Micah, we are praying for a smooth transition, for peace and for understanding of the gift of having a forever family. Sheridan, Kim and I lit a candle at church with these prayers fresh in our minds.

Keep the translator in your bag for food ordering and other occasions. We can hardly wait. Sheridan is asking about Libby and tells us that Micah is in China. From our corner of the world to yours, may God grant you all peace, love, understanding and of course JOY.

Michael

Unknown said...

Finally the big day! We are so exited and happy for you. Micah could not have wished for a better mother and father and four legged sister at home....Be safe, patient, and breathe deeply.

We are with you every step of the way.

Diane and Steven

Jen & Bill said...

Only one more day!!!

Get a good nights sleep! All is about to change!

Tracy said...

I am so thrilled for you!! I sure hope you got some sleep. Advil PM was my friend the night before we got Charlotte.

We ate some western food in China - sometimes you are in a hurry or it is your only choice. But hey - not every meal can be authentic ;)

Cannot wait for you to meet Micah and our friends Brent and Shelly to meet Amelia. What an exciting morning (well, night for all of us here) this is going to be for you.

Tracy

Steph said...

What a great way to enjoy the "road to parenthood". I sometimes wish we would have taken a train from Beijing to our son's province, just to experience China like most don't get the chance to. We also ate a bit of western food while in China... It's funny to think that "I need something different" can actually mean KFC or Pizza Hut! Can't wait to see your union with Micah. Being handed a toddler and left alone to figure it all out in a hotel room is an experience hard to explain, but also a lot of fun. Ditto to Tracy's comment... Advil PM!

Valeri said...

You're so close to getting Micah!!! I will be stalking your blog for sure tomorrow!!! LOL

Anonymous said...

I am SO EXCITED for you guys! Right now I know you are preparing to meet your sweet child! I will be checking in and hope to see a TON of pictures in the AM! :-)
Much love,
Mary Rodin

Angela and Jay said...

We're SO excited for you! Praying that you get a good nights sleep and can't wait until your next post... :-)

Anonymous said...

Karen and Bruce,
I am so happy for all of you!

Deanna said...

So excited for you! Can't wait to see pictures of Micah in your arms! Take notes on Tianjin, I'll be asking for insight before we travel in April or May.

Anonymous said...

Just a matter of hours now! So exciting! I can't wait to know you have Micah in your arms. Thinking of you all!

Shannon (revrob)

AmyO said...

Congratulations to you & your family!