I'm HOME! Well I guess I've been home for about a week now lol.
The layover in Korea wasn't bad at all. A couple hours into it a few other Americans/people from the UK were at the same gate.....Now that I think back on it, I'm sure I sounded like a complete idiot when I walked up to them, asked where they were headed and after they answered all I did was smile and say "...you speak English...:)" Haha. It was so weird to have an English conversation!
My flight from Korea to Atlanta was really nice. The plane was half empty it seems -- No one was sitting next to me, so I had a full 4 seats to myself, which I definitely took advantage of and laid down on ;) It didn't seem like we were flying that long, and I only slept [maybe] an hour! The flight was supposed to be 14 hrs, I believe, but we got there 40mins early! (I guess after flying 14hrs, 40mins early doesn't make a huge difference -- but still lol). Which was nice, cause I was worried about getting through Customs and to my gate in time for my last flight. But everything was a breeze!
My flight to Louisville was on time and I had a nice little reunion with friends at the airport -- thanks for coming guys! (and thank you, Rachel, for taking me home, it was much appreciated :)
I got home around 1:45am. I think I finally fell asleep around 4am, but only to be awakened around 9ish by my family (that I didn't see when I got in last night) piling on top of me... as tired as I was, I loved it :) My brain is still in Chinese mode -- I keep wanting to answer things in Chinese. But Faith and Anna are ecstatic about it! Though I don't think they like the fact that I can sometimes catch onto what they say to each other (when they don't want anyone knowing) lol.
I love being home with my family again...but I miss China and all the kids so much! I really did not want to come home. Guess I'll just have to go again.. ;)
Being in China, sharing God's love (silently:), playing with kids, and doing photography....all things that were highly needed at Eagles Wings' (the org.) and all things I LOVE! Seriously, how much better could it have gotten?? :) :)
Altogether, the trip was INCREDIBLE!! There were a few rough days, mostly in the beginning from getting sick, but overall I loved the entire experience! There's this unexplainable excitement that I get when I hear that someone is inquiring about a child to adopt, all because I was blessed to take a few simple photos or videos of them... I finally, truly understand the quote, "We're blessed to be a blessing". I was blessed to do what I love and in return I hope I've been a blessing to every single person I came in contact with. I've learned so much and my faith has definitely grown!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
goodbye's
I'm sitting here in Korea still and my mind is constantly replaying the events of saying goodbye last night, so I figured I'd share it...since I obviously have time. lol.
Saying goodbye to all the kids (and Ayi's) was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I guess because I knew I was going to see all my friends and family again, that it wasn't really that difficult say "bye, see ya soon". But, saying goodbye, possibly forever, to the precious kids I've had the privilege to get to know recently, is excruciating for me.
I had Cheng Cheng on my lap last night when I told him I was leaving, and he gave me this silly look and shook his head no...he obviously thought I was just joking. Again, I told him that I really am leaving. I have to go back to America. He then got really serious, got down off my lap and went to ask an Ayi! The Ayi didn't know I was leaving so she was laughing that Cheng Cheng said "jei jei zuo meiguo?" (sister go to america?). I told the Ayi (in my broken Chinese) that I was indeed leaving...and I was leaving in 10 minutes. She then told broke it to Cheng Cheng for me...he got a sad look, shook his head and said "Buyao qu meiguo" (don't go to America), and then walked away from me! (omgsh! SO hard to deal with). I decided to leave him be for a few minutes and say goodbye to the other kids, in the mean time. I think it was harder for me to stop hugging them, than it was for them to quit hanging all over me! I took a few last minute pictures, got some pics with the head Ayi that has been oh, so generous! Then I went back to the room where Cheng Cheng went to hide from me, picked him up, gave him a hug and said "bye-bye". He completely ignored me -- didn't hug back or say anything. Guess he didn't really care, or think I was serious... I then picked up Wei Tao and pretty much just wanted to hug him constantly -- as always! He is SO precious!
6pm rolled around -- I was now an hour later leaving than I had planned -- but I didn't want to go!! I gave Wei Tao to the Ayi and then he started screaming! I took him back and he clung to me more than usual...he didn't even understand that I was leaving! WHY did he have to do that to me?! :( Once again, I told the Ayi I needed to go, so she took Wei Tao from me...he started screaming again...so she took him in the other room. :(
All the kids were at the door as I left with my luggage...except Cheng Cheng. They were all smiling and waving goodbye. I wanted to cry, but some how managed to hold it together, say goodbye and actually leave........ I barely got down one (out of 12) flights of stairs and I hear this little voice hollering, "Jei jei!", at the top of the stairs. Peering down at me through the bars was Cheng Cheng! I dropped my luggage on the platform and ran back up to say goodbye. He asked "ni zou meiguo?" (you go america?)...I said yes, he said okay. I picked him up and he gave me a big hug and kiss and then said "bye bye"..... and I was still supposed to leave after that?!! :'(
I said goodbye and then left, for good...and then I lost it! :(
...I really hope they're all adopted (soon!) and are super happy with their new families! I know they go through a lot of volunteers there, so I'm sure they're used to saying goodbye...but I'M NOT! ...this is gonna be a long flight home.
Saying goodbye to all the kids (and Ayi's) was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I guess because I knew I was going to see all my friends and family again, that it wasn't really that difficult say "bye, see ya soon". But, saying goodbye, possibly forever, to the precious kids I've had the privilege to get to know recently, is excruciating for me.
I had Cheng Cheng on my lap last night when I told him I was leaving, and he gave me this silly look and shook his head no...he obviously thought I was just joking. Again, I told him that I really am leaving. I have to go back to America. He then got really serious, got down off my lap and went to ask an Ayi! The Ayi didn't know I was leaving so she was laughing that Cheng Cheng said "jei jei zuo meiguo?" (sister go to america?). I told the Ayi (in my broken Chinese) that I was indeed leaving...and I was leaving in 10 minutes. She then told broke it to Cheng Cheng for me...he got a sad look, shook his head and said "Buyao qu meiguo" (don't go to America), and then walked away from me! (omgsh! SO hard to deal with). I decided to leave him be for a few minutes and say goodbye to the other kids, in the mean time. I think it was harder for me to stop hugging them, than it was for them to quit hanging all over me! I took a few last minute pictures, got some pics with the head Ayi that has been oh, so generous! Then I went back to the room where Cheng Cheng went to hide from me, picked him up, gave him a hug and said "bye-bye". He completely ignored me -- didn't hug back or say anything. Guess he didn't really care, or think I was serious... I then picked up Wei Tao and pretty much just wanted to hug him constantly -- as always! He is SO precious!
6pm rolled around -- I was now an hour later leaving than I had planned -- but I didn't want to go!! I gave Wei Tao to the Ayi and then he started screaming! I took him back and he clung to me more than usual...he didn't even understand that I was leaving! WHY did he have to do that to me?! :( Once again, I told the Ayi I needed to go, so she took Wei Tao from me...he started screaming again...so she took him in the other room. :(
All the kids were at the door as I left with my luggage...except Cheng Cheng. They were all smiling and waving goodbye. I wanted to cry, but some how managed to hold it together, say goodbye and actually leave........ I barely got down one (out of 12) flights of stairs and I hear this little voice hollering, "Jei jei!", at the top of the stairs. Peering down at me through the bars was Cheng Cheng! I dropped my luggage on the platform and ran back up to say goodbye. He asked "ni zou meiguo?" (you go america?)...I said yes, he said okay. I picked him up and he gave me a big hug and kiss and then said "bye bye"..... and I was still supposed to leave after that?!! :'(
I said goodbye and then left, for good...and then I lost it! :(
...I really hope they're all adopted (soon!) and are super happy with their new families! I know they go through a lot of volunteers there, so I'm sure they're used to saying goodbye...but I'M NOT! ...this is gonna be a long flight home.
KOREA!
I'VE MADE IT TO KOREA!!! :)
I got up at 4am after going to sleep at midnight, got on what was supposed to be a 2hr bus ride to the airport, which then turned into a 2 1/2-3hrs after the bus had a flat tire (and then 20 mins later the bus died) I then had to sit and wait on the side of the road for another bus. Got to the airport where every person I talked to told me to, "Ni zuo xia. liu" ("you sit and stay"..i think) and wouldn't help or let me go through the line, for what seems like a lifetime! (2 1/2 hrs lol), my boarding time was soon and I was still sitting practically outside the airport being told no...? It was frustrating and nerve wracking! But, finally the first person I had spoken with this morning came back to me and me follow him and was SO very kind and helped me get my ticket and point me to the right direction (he said I was just too early so they made me sit and wait for so long)...and then my plane was delayed. Whew! I'm already exhausted and I'm not even half way home! lol. I am currently in Korea, where I VERY easily found my gate and happen to have internet (and FB!). Yup, I'm quite happy to be here after all that lol. Only...uh...21ish hours until I'm home! :)
I got up at 4am after going to sleep at midnight, got on what was supposed to be a 2hr bus ride to the airport, which then turned into a 2 1/2-3hrs after the bus had a flat tire (and then 20 mins later the bus died) I then had to sit and wait on the side of the road for another bus. Got to the airport where every person I talked to told me to, "Ni zuo xia. liu" ("you sit and stay"..i think) and wouldn't help or let me go through the line, for what seems like a lifetime! (2 1/2 hrs lol), my boarding time was soon and I was still sitting practically outside the airport being told no...? It was frustrating and nerve wracking! But, finally the first person I had spoken with this morning came back to me and me follow him and was SO very kind and helped me get my ticket and point me to the right direction (he said I was just too early so they made me sit and wait for so long)...and then my plane was delayed. Whew! I'm already exhausted and I'm not even half way home! lol. I am currently in Korea, where I VERY easily found my gate and happen to have internet (and FB!). Yup, I'm quite happy to be here after all that lol. Only...uh...21ish hours until I'm home! :)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Dedication to Lindsey
Lindsey, so sorry I'm missing your birthday! I love you so much and can't wait to get home and see you!
Hope you have a GREAT birthday! =)
Love you! <3
Hope you have a GREAT birthday! =)
Love you! <3
Monday, October 10, 2011
EW 3
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Yay!
So, I have some exciting news (for me, at least). First of all, after 3 days of having NO voice whatsoever (I lost it on Thurs night), not only can I talk (for the most part, at least) again, but I had a 25 minute conversation in Chinese, and understood every word of it!!! =) =) Granted, the convo was with a 3 year old (yes, it was Cheng Cheng;), so it's not like there was a ton of hard vocab, anyway lol (tho he does have a lot to say!), but still. It was awesome :) I'm finally able to communicate, and of course I'm leaving in FOUR days! :( Wish I could stay longer...but it's been great while it's lasted! Maybe I'll get home and actually be able to talk to my sisters this time...
AND as of today, I got all the portraits FINISHED! Yay! (actually, I still have to take the staff's photos on Wed...but that'll be quick and easy). I feel like I've accomplished sooo much today! :) 3000+ pics taken here in Jiaozuo, so far.. probably 5000+ if you add in the ones from Kunming and Guangzhou... haha :)
I swear if Cheng Cheng comes running up to give me a hug one more time I'm gonna stuff 'em in a suitcase and take him home with me!! (I had a dream that my parents adopted him last night...). I'm gonna miss that kid so much :'( ...I should video walking into the room with the kids downstairs, just so you can see what (adorableness!) I have to put up with every day!
Tomorrow I was supposed to be working at the baby house (actually I was supposed to every day until I leave), but since I still have a cold, we had to find someone else to cover for me instead. Which is kinda good for me, cause not only is it exhausting, but I do have a lot to do in the next couple days to get ready to leave. So, now it looks like I have a semi-free day tomorrow ("free" meaning I'm not obligated to a specific job) but I'll end up playing with the kids and going to the school to help out there or something.
AND as of today, I got all the portraits FINISHED! Yay! (actually, I still have to take the staff's photos on Wed...but that'll be quick and easy). I feel like I've accomplished sooo much today! :) 3000+ pics taken here in Jiaozuo, so far.. probably 5000+ if you add in the ones from Kunming and Guangzhou... haha :)
I swear if Cheng Cheng comes running up to give me a hug one more time I'm gonna stuff 'em in a suitcase and take him home with me!! (I had a dream that my parents adopted him last night...). I'm gonna miss that kid so much :'( ...I should video walking into the room with the kids downstairs, just so you can see what (adorableness!) I have to put up with every day!
Tomorrow I was supposed to be working at the baby house (actually I was supposed to every day until I leave), but since I still have a cold, we had to find someone else to cover for me instead. Which is kinda good for me, cause not only is it exhausting, but I do have a lot to do in the next couple days to get ready to leave. So, now it looks like I have a semi-free day tomorrow ("free" meaning I'm not obligated to a specific job) but I'll end up playing with the kids and going to the school to help out there or something.
Me and Lui Er
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Xia Lan
Catching up!
Ni hao! (I almost said hola...haha)
It's time to catch my blog up with all the craziness around here! I've kept really busy lately, which is good. Getting a lot done. I'm almost finished with the photos! Yay!
I went to the actual orphanage yesterday/today, it was...wow. They have a whole floor that's on "lock down"...which is where all the doors on that floor are dead bolted and the kids are literally tied to chairs and things, because their special need (mentally, mostly) is so extreme and they can hurt themselves/others. I didn't get to go in, obviously, but from what I heard on the outside of the door was enough... :(
I've been working as an Ayi in house 5 (the baby house) a lot, which is sooo exhausting, but I love it! 11 hour days taking care of so many babies/toddlers is so tiring, that I end up falling asleep as soon as I get back (5:30pm), which has messed up my sleep schedule again lol, but oh well, I'll really mess it up soon, when I go home anyway, right ;). Getting to house 5 is interesting, though. I have to take a taxi...alone. I have a card that has the address on it for house 5 and 6 (6 is fairly close to where I'm staying, so I get dropped off there and then walk), but getting back is crazy. I have to walk a ways down the street from house 5 and hope to spot a taxi and wave them down. There's something about not only getting in a vehicle with a stranger, but PAYING to do so, that's not very comforting.. lol. but it's gone pretty well.
At the orphanage is where Eagles Wings' houses 3 and 4 are. Yesterday I took photos of the kids in house 3 -- they're so cute! It went exceptionally well.
This morning I got to skype some friends at frisbee! It was sooo awesome! (thanks guys!) Great getting to see them again, and even watch a little of the game ;) haha. Can't wait to play again! For lunch I went and had "street food" again. It was really good :) After Xuixi, I went back to the orphanage to take photos at house 4, which is all the really difficult special needs kids. It went well and I got some fairly good shots, but it's so different trying to photograph kids that aren't really all there mentally. Interesting experience.
Tonight I went to a "train" restaurant with Donna, her kids, Micah, Kaitie and some of their friends to have a little "party", since us volunteers are leaving soon...
After almost a full month of being healthy, I'm sick once again! Although this time it's a cold...to be honest, I'd much rather be sick for 24hrs from food "poisoning" than this, but there's nothing I can do about it haha. Not sure how working at the baby house will work out next week, if I still have the cold, but we'll see! I lost my voice completely earlier in the afternoon (I blame Rachel and the people at frisbee for make me 'scream' into the computer to talk to them ;)) haha. Actually it's probably the sleep, or lack thereof, that I've gotten lately (I think I got about 4hrs last night :( )
Cheng Cheng steals my heart every single time I walk in the room now (it's BREAKING my heart, too)! He always comes running and gives me a big hug and kiss (I wonder why I'm sick now :P) and even a few of the toddlers in house 5 come up and give me a kiss, too. *sigh* I love them!
FYI, my email was hacked the other day, so I haven't and won't receive emails to that one anymore. So I'm sticking with gmail now.
If you all could be thinking of my family, it'd be wonderful! There is sooo much going on right now!
My mom's email was also hacked, Faith had her visit with the cardiologist today and it looks like she'll need surgery soon-ish/a lot throughout life? (poor girl hates doctors), I think some of the kids at home have been sick, too. Our water heater not only died, but it burst and flooded our basement... we have company x2, coming in next Sat. And yeah, I could keep going, but you get the idea... I wish I could hug my mom <3
On the upside, it sounds like things are going great with Faith and Anna! They both love American food now and are picking up some English here and there. They don't like the cold weather (and it's only fall -- just wait til winter!) haha. Anna has already been talking about her life back here in China and has said she loves her "China baba (dad)", but she loves her "America baba" too! (her dad died a few years ago, which is why she was put up for adoption). I'm sure there's a lot of emotional issues that will come up eventually, and that's completely normal. But so far, things are going great. We're so blessed. :)
It's time to catch my blog up with all the craziness around here! I've kept really busy lately, which is good. Getting a lot done. I'm almost finished with the photos! Yay!
I went to the actual orphanage yesterday/today, it was...wow. They have a whole floor that's on "lock down"...which is where all the doors on that floor are dead bolted and the kids are literally tied to chairs and things, because their special need (mentally, mostly) is so extreme and they can hurt themselves/others. I didn't get to go in, obviously, but from what I heard on the outside of the door was enough... :(
I've been working as an Ayi in house 5 (the baby house) a lot, which is sooo exhausting, but I love it! 11 hour days taking care of so many babies/toddlers is so tiring, that I end up falling asleep as soon as I get back (5:30pm), which has messed up my sleep schedule again lol, but oh well, I'll really mess it up soon, when I go home anyway, right ;). Getting to house 5 is interesting, though. I have to take a taxi...alone. I have a card that has the address on it for house 5 and 6 (6 is fairly close to where I'm staying, so I get dropped off there and then walk), but getting back is crazy. I have to walk a ways down the street from house 5 and hope to spot a taxi and wave them down. There's something about not only getting in a vehicle with a stranger, but PAYING to do so, that's not very comforting.. lol. but it's gone pretty well.
At the orphanage is where Eagles Wings' houses 3 and 4 are. Yesterday I took photos of the kids in house 3 -- they're so cute! It went exceptionally well.
This morning I got to skype some friends at frisbee! It was sooo awesome! (thanks guys!) Great getting to see them again, and even watch a little of the game ;) haha. Can't wait to play again! For lunch I went and had "street food" again. It was really good :) After Xuixi, I went back to the orphanage to take photos at house 4, which is all the really difficult special needs kids. It went well and I got some fairly good shots, but it's so different trying to photograph kids that aren't really all there mentally. Interesting experience.
Tonight I went to a "train" restaurant with Donna, her kids, Micah, Kaitie and some of their friends to have a little "party", since us volunteers are leaving soon...
After almost a full month of being healthy, I'm sick once again! Although this time it's a cold...to be honest, I'd much rather be sick for 24hrs from food "poisoning" than this, but there's nothing I can do about it haha. Not sure how working at the baby house will work out next week, if I still have the cold, but we'll see! I lost my voice completely earlier in the afternoon (I blame Rachel and the people at frisbee for make me 'scream' into the computer to talk to them ;)) haha. Actually it's probably the sleep, or lack thereof, that I've gotten lately (I think I got about 4hrs last night :( )
Cheng Cheng steals my heart every single time I walk in the room now (it's BREAKING my heart, too)! He always comes running and gives me a big hug and kiss (I wonder why I'm sick now :P) and even a few of the toddlers in house 5 come up and give me a kiss, too. *sigh* I love them!
FYI, my email was hacked the other day, so I haven't and won't receive emails to that one anymore. So I'm sticking with gmail now.
If you all could be thinking of my family, it'd be wonderful! There is sooo much going on right now!
My mom's email was also hacked, Faith had her visit with the cardiologist today and it looks like she'll need surgery soon-ish/a lot throughout life? (poor girl hates doctors), I think some of the kids at home have been sick, too. Our water heater not only died, but it burst and flooded our basement... we have company x2, coming in next Sat. And yeah, I could keep going, but you get the idea... I wish I could hug my mom <3
On the upside, it sounds like things are going great with Faith and Anna! They both love American food now and are picking up some English here and there. They don't like the cold weather (and it's only fall -- just wait til winter!) haha. Anna has already been talking about her life back here in China and has said she loves her "China baba (dad)", but she loves her "America baba" too! (her dad died a few years ago, which is why she was put up for adoption). I'm sure there's a lot of emotional issues that will come up eventually, and that's completely normal. But so far, things are going great. We're so blessed. :)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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