Friday, June 13, 2008

The Departure!











Well, we started our day Wednesday probably about 75% ready to leave. This was a good thing given that as much effort went into the remaining 25%. As we finally wound down preparations at around 11:00 pm that evening, Shelby came downstairs crying because her ear was bothering her. After my caring reponse induced more tears, it was time for a precauationary visit to the ER. Good thing, because she was diagnosed with infections in both the outer and middle ear. So, after a trip to Walgreen's, we were in bed by 2:00 a.m. Our travel day Thursday started early and our travel group (Dave, Melissa, Cole, Shelby, Piper, Bill and Linda) all met at the airport for our 9:27 flight. The picture for today was actually taken by Will, who was both driver and photgrapher for the morning. The flight to Chicago was uneventful and our flight to Hong Kong departed on-time. A few members of our group ended up in business class and after visiting with the pilots for awhile, and being otherwise pampered, did manage to wander down to the hull where the rest of us were busy flapping our arms keeping the plane in the air! The flight was uneventful until we got near Beijing, which seemed to stay on our GPS view for quite awhile. This was because our destination, Hong Kong, was having bad weather and we were being re-routed to Beijing to for a "brief stop" to take on fuel. Well, the "brief stop" turned into a four hour "pause" on the tarmac, doors shut, while things ultimately cleared in Hong Kong. I probably snapped at least once, or maybe six times, during the 20.5 hour flight that was supposed to be only 14.5 hrs. As you might guess, given our lack of sleep, things are only looking up at this point. With a scant 10 minutes left in the flight, during a brief moment of rest, I was awoken by the melodious voice of my wife exclaiming "Dave, Piper is puking!". Why I needed to know is still beyond me at this point, but I sacrificed a Barnes & Noble bag full of bike magazines to support the cause. Ultimately, we land, clear customs, get our bags, meet some great representatives from our agency, meet two other neat families using the same agency as we are, and ride the 45 minutes to our very nice hotel. Thankfully, the only thing that marked that bus ride was another round of Piper's dry heaving while Linda dutifully wiped her brow. And so, we are now in our hotel, with everyone slowly falling asleep while I drone on-and-on. Someone needs to give me some blog etiquette or this could become a novel. We really are having a blast and appreciate the prayers and the messages.


P.S. I have not referenced Cole in this note, but when I asked him about his time in business class, he did not say "Blah" but joyfully reported something about filet mignon and two containers of freshly toasted and roasted nuts. I just went back to flapping my arms.



Dave
































19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dave, the longer the better. We are living this experience with you and love to know the "details". Praying for you hourly! Kristi

Trisha said...

oh my word friends!!!! poor pipey pooh!! i can't imagine...but just think, it's only up from here. i hope your hong kong tour is great and no puking! we are praying harder than ever for everyone. especially the ones who had to flap their arms...i hope they are not too tired to hold lukey!! love you all.

Trisha said...

hey its Haleigh, hope everyone is doing great and caught up on sleep. pipey pooh i hope you are feeling better and i love you soooo much. shelby i hope your ear is doing fabulous and i miss you sooo much. cole you r sooo spoiled getting to sit up there and being pampered but i would prolly do the same haha! well love you all and have a great day.

Unknown said...

Hi Dave and family! You know we Zobrist girls--we love details!! Keep them coming! Glad you are there. We'll pray for good health for all! Love, Em

Trisha said...

hey its emmy lou!!! hope u guys r having FUN! and piper i hope u r feeling alot better and shelbers i hope ur ear is better and cole hope u had a fun time up in front... o and just giving u a heads up im getting tanner and tanner by the minute! luv u all and miss u give luke a BIG BIG hug and kiss 4 me!!

joyphotography said...

Oh my goodness, sweet Nicholsons!!! At least you have something to write home about (as if going to China wasn't enough...teehee). Praying for Piper, Shelbers, and your poor tired arms! Hope your night is restful! Enjoy the day tomorrow! Love and miss ya....Keep comin' with the details!

Matt and Katie said...

Classic!!! Loved all the details (like Em said I am a Zobrist too and a woman, plus I give details about everything too, so thanks Dave) Seriously Missy are you done flying overseas yet. Two times now...tell me which is worse the England one of 6 hrs, were you dealt with Jeremy not talking (wierd) and me prego (usual) or Hong Kong 4.5hrs Pipes puking. Difference is ours was on our way home, you still have so much more FUN to come with your new SON=) Pray for everything to only get better...no more puking...Linda to stay calm...Shelby to hear better...Cole to give some pampering to everyone...Dave and Bill you stay on top of things...Missy to have a calming spirit...and you all to take this experience in!!!!!! Love you guys look Dave lots of details;-)

Neil and Kathy said...

As Bill wouls say, "We're making a memory!" A nd what a memory it is and will be! God speed, John Glenn. opps, that should be the Nicholsons and Mortons. Uncle Neil and Aunt Kathy

Jason, Kate and Tait Miller said...

Such Drama! Kidding! It truly will be something that one day you will get to tell Luke. Of all the things that you went through to bring him home! And as you meet him and hug him, I am sure all those little hiccups will melt away! Love you all!

Anonymous said...

Dave,
No PEANUTS on the flight? The Collins family is praying for you guys. We were unaware though that there were enough bike magazines to fill a whole bag...

Anonymous said...

Oh my! Did you pack any Airborne? I'm serious!! :) Anyway, I'm glad you made it there safely. Hopefully, today will be uneventful. Love you guys! Sheila

Shawgo's said...

Testing 1,2,3...I'm not sure I speak 'blog' but I'll give it my best shot. Please know that we continue to lift all of you up in prayer as you experience this momentous event in your lives. Keep up the postings when you are really tired - this is some of your best work, Dave.

Anonymous said...

I don't think we should talk bad about cole because he was appointed the business class position. Although he did appreciate his filet mignon and chocolate cheescake he was concerned with those in economy.

-from Anonymous

Salzer's said...

OH DAVE, I didn't know that you are as "windy" as I am!!! So happy for you that you all made it safely, we were praying and still do that God will grant you all His grace and that you will have a wonderful time getting to know little Luke. Keep us updated and hello to Missy, Cole, Shelby, Piper and Grandma & Grandpa! And don't flap too hard on your way back! Blessings to you all...Missy, remember, I want a "lunch date"!

Anonymous said...

Well my my!! What a crazy day/flight for you all! Hope Piper feels better and Shelby's ears clear up. I guess God wanted to give you all a trip to remember!! Keep positive and stay excited to meet Luke...what a happy time it will be...I'm sure you'll forget about the puking/ear issues. I pray you all get rested up and stay positive, excited, and thankful for this amazing time to finally arrive!! Keep writing! :) --Marla--

Dave, may your magazines rest in peace. :)

Anonymous said...

Hey everyone I miss you all and LOVE you all and can't wait to see you all!!!!!! Love Shelby!:)

cristi&linds_08 said...

hey,sounds like you guys are having an awesome trip-but hope Piper is feeling better and Shelby's ear is too! Dave,we love hearing your point of view...we just cant wait till you bring Luke back to the states-just think ryan and him will have just wonderful times playing together!! Its going to be a great adventure for you all to be adding a new member to your family.. hope you have an amazing time there and cant wait to see you when you get back,you are always in our prayers-We love and care for you sooooo much! ~The Schaffnit Family:)

Holli said...

PRAYING for you all! I just started reading and don't know how I missed so many entries.... so this is the 1st of many comments!
Thanks - Joy now thinks you really do have to flap for the plane! Let Cole talk to her about his flying experience!:)

Anonymous said...

Wow, What an exciting day this must be for all of you. Looking forward to the updates through out your trip. What a lucky guy Luke is. God bless all of you, and have a safe trip back.

Melissa Coziahr

Blog Archive