Of course this journey began a long time ago. It has taken so many prayers, emotional decisions, different kinds of fundraisers, phone calls, interviews, and paperwork to get to this point. Now it really gets exciting! So the question, "Are you in this?" is like an open letter to God and to all of you that have been involved so far, but I already know the answer. Yes you are, and yes He certainly is. Not only does He just spell it out for us (James 1), but He has shown His hand all along this process. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Please keep praying!
Here's an overview of the coming days:
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Travel! Molly and Justin flew with Zeke from Seattle to Minnesota yesterday (Wednesday). This morning Sarah and I joined them for the Minneapolis -> Detroit -> Beijing -> Kunming parts of the trip. We're currently somewhere near Yakutsk (remember that territory in the Risk board game?) on the long flight to Beijing. We went north out of Detroit and over the top of the world. That seemed so much cooler to me 8 hours ago. It's a long ride!
Saturday and Sunday
The calm before the storm. Spend some time getting acclimated to the timezone and take pictures of the city before the real excitement begins.
Monday
Gotcha Day! Molly and Justin will meet Isla for the first time at the civil affairs office in Kunming (not the orphanage). They will get to take her "home" (to the hotel) and begin the 24 hour "harmonious" period. .
Tuesday
Official Adoption Ceremony - We'll go again to the civil affairs office where an official will conduct a short interview and ceremony, then complete the Chinese paperwork.
Wednesday
Sightseeing day with Isla - If things are going well, Molly and Justin will continue the bonding process with a short outing (city garden or zoo?)
Thursday
Visit the orphanage - Meet Isla's caretakers and (hopefully) have a chance to thank them and ask questions.
Friday
Travel Day - Fly to Guangzhou (near Hong Kong) to be near the US Consulate to finish the remaining US steps.
Saturday
Visit the American medical clinic to get Isla "checked out", ensuring she doesn't have any ailments that would delay her entrance to the US.
Sunday
Sarah & Jeremy travel home.
Monday - Friday (20th - 24th)
Molly and Justin visit the US Consulate to complete the remaining paperwork and (unfortunately) wait a few extra days due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Saturday (25th)
Justin, Molly, and Isla travel to Minneapolis through Shanghai and Seattle.
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