Journey to Nanning, 2008

- Taken from our Travel Journal - June 29, 2008

"We arrived in Nanning today, still nervous and excited. Renting a computer in our rooms, we immediately communicated with everyone back at home and got some responses back. Zena's parents are particularly thrilled. We woke up at 3:15 a.m. today, then had our luggage picked up by 4:00 a.m., ate at the hotel buffet at 4:45 a.m., and left the place by 5:40 a.m. We said goodbye to Beijing and arrived at the airport, an amazing structure. I must say that Beijing has the most incredible architecture I've ever seen. We saw the Bird's Nest Stadium and other Olympic venues, but some of the other buildings are stunning.

It is very humid in Nanning. It is called the "Green City" because of all the lush vegetation. Here, we found our hotel, the Mingyuan Xindu Hotel, where you'll stay with us for the first time. There's a crib in the room and a Mickey Mouse sticker above the bath tub. They must know we're big Disney nuts. We went to the local grocery store and purchased some of the formula you like, and some rice. We got more water and I even tried some savory prawn flavored potato chips. I wouldn't do the pickled chicken feet though! Our family had pizza tonight, ordered from Pizza Hut. It was a quiet meal, we were all so tired. The plane ride was three hours long, but we listened to Perry Stone on the way (hey, it's Sunday!).

Less than twenty-four hours to go. We are filling our time with emails and preparing the room for your arrival. Zena's scurrying about, getting everything set. We've still got money to exchange and forms to fill out (always forms!).

BUT, we are almost there. A three-year journey is nearly about to reach that most important milestone. Know this: we are happy. We love you. You are a blessing in our lives. We have come this far and done this much because we want you and love you so much. We will see you soon..."