Sunday, June 15, 2008

Almost Time


Well, this could start to sound like a bit from the movie "Groundhog Day". We all awoke pretty early, some at 3:00, others at 5:00, some later yet and then we all proceeded downstairs for breakfast. For fun, we did watch a bit of the Brewers' game "live" on the web as we prepped for our day--funny what you can remain connected to from half-way-round-the-world. Some of us are growing addicted to table-tennis on the television, although soccer and women's volleyball are also fun because you at least know what is happening even if you cannot understand the play-by-play commentary. Our day moved pretty quickly from breakfast to loading onto the bus for our ride to the airport. The sky was a little lighter and clearer than Friday evening and yesterday, so it was nice to see more of the island and the bay and Hong Kong life. We moved pretty efficiently through the airport, passport checks, immigration, etc. and boarded our plane to Kunming. The flight was uneventful, lasting only about one and one half hours. We were met at the airport by another CCAI representative named Michael. He is actually not from Kunming, but flew in yesterday from another province just to help our seven person "group". Really fun person and very knowledgable about the area. As an aside, I always pronounced it "Coon ming" but it "Kwun ming" sounds more correct. Anyways, our fist question was "When?" and the answer was/is "9:00 a.m." We meet Michael and the registration official at 8:30am, drive to the registry office, and get to meet Luke at 9:00a.m. We think he has been at the orphanage for the last four or five days, with nannies, but no longer with foster parents. He apparently still takes a couple bottles of formula per day, but is otherwise on solid food. Michael also was kind enough to put together a care package of the formula Luke is used to, as well as a few snacks he likes. I was quite pleased to see that one of the snacks looks almost exactly like a Moon Pie. Get that young man an RC and we will Southernify him in nothing flat. No word on whether or not he is walking. Once we have him, we will complete all formal paperwork by noon on Monday. Apparently, this is faster/different than other areas, and means our schedule for remainder of the week is completely open as compared to what other groups may experience. Please pray for a great first meeting and time of transition and bonding.
The picture above is at a very nice Japanese restaurant in our very nice Chinese hotel. Most of the humor of the day was generated by the collision of two factors. Fewer people in Kunming speak English and we were trying to use Chinese words. I am still not certain we have gotten "thank you" down pat. I have heard us say "see see" and "she she" and "si si" and "shay shay"and "say say" and variants I cannot capture. But, everyone is trying, having fun, and trying to connect. In the local dialect, which Luke will apparently know a bit of, "Love you" is "Eye knee". Some suggest that he may key off our emotions when we meet. So, I will probably just run the video camera so he is not confused by the blubbering fool with short hair. Yes, this child will know me as "the rock". We are obviously very excited, although once again, I am awake and everyone else is in bed. Lots of pictures tomorrow, so be ready.
We "eye knee",
The Nicholsons
P.S. I was supposed to tell some of you the Petunia bag has been a big hit.

18 comments:

The Luces said...

Dave, you are so good at this blogging - I'm enjoying reading all about your adventures so much!! I feel like a spaz, going back and forth between wanting to laugh and cry! ;)

I'm sure Piper's feeling better now that the flight is over, and all I can say is - I'm so glad you guys had Shelby's ear looked into. I hope it's feeling good by now, Shelby.

Can't even wait for the update tomorrow. You're all in our prayers. Happy Father's Day to Dave and Bill.

<3 The Luces

Holli said...

I can't wait for tomorrow! and I ditto the luces - "the rock" is a good blogger!
CAN"T WAIT FOR THE video of the MEETING!

Anonymous said...

hi this is sam, i am very excited to see you guys and luke soon i hope you are having a great time. uncle dave you are the rock.


love samuel james hatfield

Anonymous said...

Cole, Shelby, and Piper, I know you guys must be so thrilled to be getting a baby brother. And I am just as excited to have a new baby cousin. I can't wait to meet him, and to teach him how to be southern. "There's a quite bright light out there tonight!" LoL. :-)Have lots of fun and be safe!
Love,
Allison(the Forest City Nicholsons)

Amy said...

Dave,
How wonderful is technology...being able to share in these moments with you and your family from Nashville! I pray that everything goes well and will look forward to your updates!

Say hello to everyone for me!!

Amy

Anonymous said...

Ok, this is great, the flight sounded long. Things here are good. As I type you are sleeping on sunday night. Miss you
Will

The Luces said...

P.S. I loved the part about Dave keeping the plane in the air with his flapping while Cole munched on filet mingon. We first-borns have to stick together - I'm sure Cole deserved it by merely blessing your life with his presence. ;)

Dani

Anonymous said...

Hey guys,

Happy Father's Day, Dave and Bill!! Dave, this is your last day of only being the father of "3"!!

Steve and I remember talking with you about your flight home from China that made the decision to adopt concrete. What an adventure for the whole fam!!!

We have laughed so hard and outloud at the Dave's blogging! You are doing a fabulous job!! Love all the extensive details.

Just know that we are praying for you all and for the first meeting and adjustment. Remember that God already knows what all of you need. He will be so faithful and blow you away with his attention to details!! ****5 and one half hours****

Love to you all,
The Burns
p.s. Steve said to tell Dave, "I miss you man!!" Ha

joyphotography said...

Bring on the pictures of Luke (hours away....wooooooohooooooooo!)

Anonymous said...

Good morning....today is the day..."It's China time!" Tell Luke that he has a cousin named Libby who wants him to know that he is adorable and I need more pictures! Dieing to meet him. I want all the details....cause..."Everytime I see Luke's picture on my wall I think bout you goin to get him bringin him back to us all....nrr nrr nrr nrr nrr nrr nrr nrr..It's China Time" Love Libby Sue

Anonymous said...

You should be getting ready soon to go pick up our precious new family member! It's ok if he sees you cry Dave! He might as well get used to it! We love you all.

Anonymous said...

heyy! its jenna. oh my i am sooo excited for you guys!! you're so close to meeting him! i can't wait to see all of you [and new Luke!] again even though i'm sure china is stellar! cole, i have to tell you that jordan is doing really well on keeping your words to a minimum. we worked on it. i'm praying for you guys, can't wait for pics! love, jenna =]

Unknown said...

I just got to your blog this evening and realized it's 30 minutes and counting!! I can hardly see what I am typing as my "allergies" are acting up too!! I will print these out and take them to Grandma B. this evening...and thanks, Linda, for the birthday call last night. Love you guys and anxious for more news and pictures!! Auntie Em

The Luces said...

Ohhhh. So they must have met him at 6:00 p.m. our time then, hunh? So they have probably been together for almost two hours now. Sigh.

Matt and Katie said...

Breathe in breathe out...you are WITH Luke!!!!!!! I can hardly stand IT, why do I suddenly feel like I need a pegasus' pizza=)

Anonymous said...

Hi Nicholsons and Mortons
We are thinking of you all and hope all is going well - and that
everyone IS well by now. Happy
father's day Bill and Dave. How
great this is to be able to have
your updates. Thanks for letting
us share in the excitment!
Jim and Nancy Hatfield

Anonymous said...

O my word i cant believe that you have Luke!!! he is yours!!! well cant wait to see pics hurry im dying!

Anonymous said...

Well Since my parents dont understand this whole "blogging thing" I am taking it upon the Awtry family clan to tell you that we have read your blog Mr. Rock about 100 times and we almost cry every time from either your hilarious rendition of how you got to China or how you describe Uncle Bill wanting to cease every opportunity. ( We of all people can understand that side of him). From when you talk about how you are feeling about getting your precious Luke! We are so happy for you and can't wait to meet him at the Dells in 2 + weeks. Dave do you think he is too young for a Mary's Double Decker???

Congrats to you all from the Awtry's! He truly is a gift from God and you know what they say... The best things in life come to those who wait!

- Written by Jill so excuse the typos haha!

- Jill Awtry

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