We have Tentative Travel Dates

patriotism
Originally uploaded by uninvolved observer

I spoke with the Travel dept.,
at our adoption agency yesterday, and they are shooting for us to leave on October 1st or 2nd. They are trying to get us into China at the end of the National Holiday, which starts Oct. 1 and get us out of China, before the Trade fair hits the Hong Kong region. It will be difficult, but these two things will greatly increase our prices, so they are trying to get us in with the least amount of additional burden to the budget.

We thought we'd go through Hong Kong, but now that the Olympics are over, and Hong Kong's trade fair is starting in October, they will try to route us through Beijing. Oh well, we'll be excited just the same. I'm really excited and Pat probably thinks I'm nuts, cause I'm acting that way. But I'm really going to be a mother! It's crazy!

Getting Lulu ready for us

While we've been getting the nursery ready for Lulu, we've also had to be mindful of getting Lulu ready for us. We recently sent a care package to the orphanage, that included a soft baby photo album of pictures of us, her home and her room. This is so she would be familiar with us when she sees us. Also Pat and I each spent a night with her Snuggly we sent, so she could also be familiar with our scent. We of course have no idea if they'll be helpful, but it's worth trying, to help ease her pain in the midst of what will be a very traumatic upheaval for her. Since sending the care package, we have been informed that she is actually in foster care, and not the orphanage. She will however return to the orphanage before we pick her up. Most orphanages use this practice, and believe it is better with the separating of the foster families, before uniting with forever families. This is what's weighed heavy on me lately; the sorrow she will go through at this time. Pat, in his wisdom, said "but they could never keep her forever, it's just not what their society allows." I guess, this too makes me sad. If only they could keep her. Well, it's what's messed up in USA's foster care system too. Same problem. Will you pray for Lulu?

Readying our home for Lulu!

I thought I'd add these pics to show you all these hard working men who helped us prepare our yard 2 mos. ago. Our social worker approved us 3 years ago for adoption on the condition that we would get the yard fully fenced. Well, in anticipation, we scheduled a work party, and everyone came and broke their backs to prep the yard for the fence. The fence went in 2 weeks ago. Just in time! Most of these same people just blessed us with a fund raiser and raised about $2000 to help us buy tickets to China! We are so very thankful for the love for LuLu too.

Deciding on a Name...

StarbucksFedExBOA
Originally uploaded by lito

Since we are now in the final days of waiting to travel, we have been told we must provide our agency with a name. It cannot be changed, as it will appear on all her legal documents. We have decided on Lulu Mei. Lulu means a remarkable person, or something remarkable. Her name will always remind us of "little one" and the journey God had to bring us through to get us to baby Yu, now Lulu. Mei in the second form is Mandarin for Rose. Rose is a family name in the women in my family. She will be one of us and should carry our name. Pat was sure about this, and I think it is wonderful, beautiful and very much fitting for our lovely daughter.

Today we sent for our visa entries to China, in preparation for travel approval! FedEx is becoming familiar, and getting rich off us. OK maybe not rich, but probably can afford a Starbucks every day. (which I no longer can)