A bit about the Himsels

In July 2011, we were drawn to a posting by our adoption agency of a little girl that was soon to "age out" of the orphanage in China, and they were hoping to find her family before her birthday in February, when she would no longer be eligible for adoption. After reviewing the information, giving it alot of thought and prayers, we knew she was to be our daughter. So we started the paperwork chase to bring her home. But God had a bigger plan in mind for the Himsels. Along the way, we decided to pursue adopting a little boy, and that journey actually led us to two little boys, who are 18 months and 14 months old. All three children are located in the Guizhou province. We are excited to be so close to bringing home Ella (Jinglan), William, and Ethan, and we hope you follow along with our journey.



Monday, January 9, 2012

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Long day - finalized our international travel today. That's a huge relief. It's official - we are leaving January 25th. Whoo Hoo. I can't believe that in less than three weeks we'll be a family of 6. What started out 6 months ago with a posting on Facebook, will soon result in our family doubling its size. So for those who are keeping track - here's our itinerary:

- January 25 - late flight departs Chicago for Beijing
- January 26 - arrive in Beijing (very late)
- January 27, 28, 29 - tour Beijing
- January 29 - depart for Guiyang in the afternoon
- January 30 - receive the kids in the afternoon (Yeah)
- January 31 - return to Civil Affairs office for official adoption proceedings
- February 1, 2, 3 - in Guiyang, taking care of paperwork and passports for the kids
- February 3 - depart for Guangzhou
- February 4 - medical exams for the kids & visa photos taken
- February 5 & 6 - in Guangzhou
- February 7 - US Consulate appt for kids visas
- February 8 - pick up the visas and depart via train for Hong Kong
- February 9 - leave Hong Kong for Chicago (via Tokyo)

I'm dreading that long travel to get back home with our three new family members. Good thing Aunt Nay will be there with us to help out. It will be a challenge, and much tougher than our travel back with Andrew from Russia. But so, so worth it.

2 comments:

  1. OMG Deb!!!! I just realized that this is YOU!!! lol Something stood out in your post about this adoption being different that when you went to Russia for Andrew. I was like, NO WAY! It's DEB!!! I am beyond THRILLED for you guys. I think you are the first person I know to be able to adopt 3 children at one time!!! I can not wait to follow your journey and watch as God's plan unfolds!!! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you!!!!!

    Jen McCoy

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  2. Yep, it's me. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. Often thru this I have thought of your adorable girls and your passion for those on the special needs/waiting children list. I am so thankful to have heard your story and met your family. We are so excited. And I'm pretty sure we're the first for FTIA to adopt 3. We had alot of hoops to go thru and a very unique situation that has blessed us with our three children. Can't believe we leave in 10 days to pick them up :).

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