Tainan to Kaohsiung to Pingtung! 12 hours to go!

I started of today with a beautiful little blessing. . .This is Josiah! I got to spend time with His Hands Taiwan, and got to hold Sarah H.'s baby in my arms! It was an amazing experience to meet these very special women who use everything in them, hands, feet, and hearts to serve our Heavenly Father.


Our second stop was the Pingtung Christian Hospital where Gracyn spent the first days of her life.


In Pingtung there are lot of dogs hanging out on street, and if not in streets, they were in big bird-like cages. There are a lot of stores dedicated solely to pets!


On the way to the Aboringal Culture Park, there was an abundance of trees, that appear to be palm trees that bear big green fruit! I took this photo from the car. There were countless trees that went on for miles.



Gracyn is living in the Pingtung area, and from the appearance of her foster family and traditional decor, I believe they may be Paiwan. I was able to select some hand crafted beaded bracelets for her. The lady in the store picked out a red one that was for good health! (Red)



To stay cool on we hopped on these big swings and the breeze served as our air conditioner!

Other photos from the park. . .





Last stop of the day. . .




Remember the Pastor I met by simply googling Pingtung? Today's journey ended on a blessed note. We got to meet not only Pastor Chris and his family, but his church family as well. They were so warm and welcoming.

Rosa, the girl in the purple dress next to me is their worship leader, and she has a beautiful voice. Not only can she sing, but she can make some delicious banana cake!! Rosa chose the songs, and the last one was "His Time" - "In His Time, In His Time, He will make everything perfect in His time." I thought it was a "God Thing" for her to make this selection. I've said all along, that this had to be in His time.

After the message, on Ephesians 1, (perfect scripture), Pastor Chris invited me to talk about my adoption journey. It was amazing, and I was so touched. There were great questions and the opportunity to share with the Christian community (which is very small in Taiwan, - I've been told about 3%) about the adoption process, and the great work of organizations like His Hands Taiwan.

We closed in prayer. For my DH, please know that even thought I'm not at home I was lifted up in prayer here in Taiwan! Right in the birthplace of our daughter. After prayer, Chris asked the new faces to introduce themselves, and right behind me was a first-time visitor. Guess what?! He is a physician that has been working at the Pingtung Christian Hospital for 22 years! He gave me his card and welcomed any inquiries. Yet, another "God thing!"

Chris and his wife hosted dinner (Pizza Hut Pizza) for dinner and fellowship. The photo of the box is for my boys at home. . .


Well, this is it. . .in less than 12 hours I'll be at SLC awaiting the arrival of my sweet Gracyn. I am still really calm. And, quite frankly, after the day we had today, I'm ready to put my head to my pillow, say my prayers one last time, and dream. For the first time I don't have to dream about what it will be like to be at this part of the journey. . .I'm living it!!! For those of you are still waiting, please reflect on my part about in "His Time." For those of you who are home with your children, I hope you can reflect on your own journeys and give your children an extra hug and kiss for the blessings that they are.

Hugs and thanks to all of you who have been following this journey to my second sweet pea. DH and DS - I love you guys with all my heart! Hope this allowed you to be a part of the trip! Ease up on the red chips and pizza!!! :)

GRACYN - MOMMY REALLY IS COMING TO GET YOU!!! SEE YOU TOMORROW SWEET PEA! It's a date for life.

wiating at home

This is DH, my 2nd post. Better watch out everyone, i might get hooked on this blogging stuff. If my DW and i are both blogging, who is going to watch the kids? My DW was kind enough to let me post a 2nd time even though i had a few errors last time. j/k. Back at home, Peyton and i are doing fine. Peyton and i got to skype with mom for the first time since they left. Peyton was happy to see his mommy. I think he his ready for her to come home already. We are glad the choking incident worked out. From Peyton to Gong Gong. Chew Chew Gong Gong, Chew Chew. Mom will be happy to know that while she is sleeping, Peyton was outside racing our good friend and neighbor. Peyton was in his Power Wheels Jeep and Joe was driving a real tractor, the Kubota. Note to other waiting families. Don't leave the boys at home alone.

Uneventful trip to Tainan? NOT! (Travel Tips Included)

Today while still in Taipei we visited the Jade Market and Flower Market. We were there pretty early, so I don't think everyone was quite set up yet. It was fun and I picked out a few things for Gracyn!


On the way to Sogo's we peeked in the Hello Kitty Bakery. . .We might take Gracyn here to celebrate her birthday!


At Sogo and Sogo II there is so much to look at! The Kids' department was great, but almost overwhelming. (BTW, Sogo's shoe department is comparable to the Mitsukoshi in Tainan - not sure if Mitsukoshi by Taipei 101 is bigger?) If you buy anything there, just know that you go up to the what you think is the register, they give you a total, you hand your money to someone else, who takes it to a "real" register" while you wait in the middle of the store. Then, they come back to you with the goods wrapped, and a receipt. Service is great here, just remember it's different. We at at Sogo's in the food court. We ordered noodles in a hot pot. Not bad, but different flavor. Very tangy. Hard to find seating!

We decided to take an earlier train to Tainan. First incident: We ended up in the wrong car, which was headed to the airport. Luckily the hotel realized the mix-up just a minute or two into the drive, so we went around the block, and hopped into a different car.

HSR was about 10 minutes from Les Suites. Tip 1: When they drop you off, go through the doors, and to the right. You can typically hop on an earlier train with no problem, so when in doubt, Tip 2: Book a later departure.




On HSR to Tainan, we encountered Incident 2: HSR + DAD + Hot Tamales = BAD NEWS
So, I know you're wondering. . .hot tamales? Well, about 20 minutes into the ride, we were snacking on hot tamales, and my dad started to laugh, and you know how when you inhale, you sort of choke on things. . .Well, he choked. And I mean, choked. I'm sure my DH is going, "WHAT?!" - He was able to take water down, so there was room, but I could tell from his cough it was not normal, not good, bad news. I made him stand up, hit his back, he coughed as hard as he could. . .mind you everyone is staring at us now, and the poor girl in front of us is probably freaked out, although she was calm, spoke English, and was offering to call the Emergency Line for us. Luckily, it cleared, and all was okay. . .Tip 3: Don't eat Hot Tamales on the HSR. Tip 4: They do have an Emergency Line, so if you happen to choke, make sure your travel mate gets someone to call for you.




We made it to Tainan. I felt better that we had the "incident" - you know how you always expect something to happen?! Well, I felt like it did, so we could move on. Tip 5: When you get off of the HSR, exit the back door of your cabin. Tip 6: Have your ticket out because you need it to exit the terminal. Tip 7: When you come down the escalator, even though Door 2 shows taxis, make a u-turn and go for Door Number 4. That's where the taxi queue is.


Last 3 tips of the day:

Tip 8: The difference between the old Taiwan and New Taiwan Dollars, is a shiny silver bar running across the bill (width wise). I was super careful during the exchange to request New Taiwan Dollars, and I still got a few bills that were "old" and not accepted.

Tip 9: If you forget anything, make sure it's a toothbrush. They have them everywhere with toothpaste. On the plane, in your hotel room, etc.

Tip 10: Print out what you can in Chinese. I brought an itinerary, with locations in both English and Chinese. For the ones I didn't have, Les Suites was kind enough to translate. They even looked up places that they were unsure of.

Ate a great meal in the basement of the Mitsukoshi, opted not to push Dad, so we skipped the Night Market, but did go to to the Carrefours - combination of Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Barnes and Noble! They have the paci's that they use at SLC there (or they're at least very similar - there are 3 brands. Koala packaging has no "lines" on the nipple, one brand has the lines, and comes in clear, other brand has the lines and comes in colors with a matching case.)

View of from our room at Tayih Landis

Room - 2 Single Beds "Supreme" Room, pretty standard - very spacious

Bathroom, complete with separate tub

Mitsukoshi treats for Gracyn (box was irresistible, & Peyton (Thomas the Train Pocky!)

Tomorrow we spend the day in Pingtung! Last day before I get to hold Gracyn!!!! And, I'm still relaxed. . .even after the Hot Tamale incident. Please pray for us! That we have good health, no more "incidents", an enjoyable day in Gracyn's birthplace, for my DH and Peyton back at home, and for continued peace as I finish up the last bit of my wait for Gracyn. Sweet dreams, my sweet Grace.

D & P - Love you guys and miss you!!!

We're in Taiwan!

Me and Dad At SFO

Excited Mommy and Daddy before saying goodbye

Flight 27 - Taipei Bound

Les Suites Da An in Taipei

We made it to TPE safe and sound. . .I think I only read for a few minutes, slept a couple of hours, but I watched 4 movies!! Seats in EVA Deluxe were comfortable. Food was plentiful, and tasty for my Asian taste buds. Shrimp and Rice (curry flavored) or Chicken and potatoes for dinner. Rice Porridge (or eggs/ham) for breakfast. Tooth brush provided, along with slippers, quilt, pillow, Vitamin C drop, cookies, Rice Cracker mix, and warm rolls.

There's a "Fever Check" when you get off the plane, and of course, I knew I would be the one they stopped. Nurse said I was running a slight fever, asked if I had bitten by a mosquito - I hadn't stepped foot out of the airport yet, and no bites. Probably was, and still am dehydrated though.

The first step out of the airport was the first taste of Taiwan. It took me a few minutes to catch my breath through the thick air, and there was a lot of smokers out there too! Once in the van, it was great - Thanks to a friend who's currently living in Taiwan for the summer, our transportation was arranged, and the driver talked to our friend via cell phone so she could translate.

When we arrived at the hotel, Les Suites Da-An, the driver and the front desk helped us to translated our itinerary for Sunday when we go to Kaohsiung and Pingtung. Service is GREAT. The Suite is nice, spacious, very clean, separate shower and tub which will be perfect when we pick up Gracyn, and nice carpet in case we end up sleeping on the floor.

I felt so relieved once I logged on to my computer. I now feel connected to home. I can't believe after the weekend I'll be holding Gracyn in my arms! Luckily EVA has a ton of KIDS movies and shows, and they're offered in multiple languages.

To my DH - great job posting hon! But if I have "the" computer, which is why you're never on our blog, how is it that I'm in Taipei and posting, but you're in the US and posting too??? HMMMMM. . .we must have more than one computer in the house - Ask Peyton to count for you. It's three. Yes, we have 3 computers hon. . .Welcome to the world of blogging!

PTL for an uneventful, and pleasant trip here!

Travel Day

Hi all, this is DH. This is my first post ever because the computer is FINALLY FREE! My DW was surprisingly calm yesterday and today. I'm sure come Sunday night will be a different story. My DH has been telling Peyton that while she is gone, that i will take Peyton to Funderland. (a really small park with rides for kids) So when i picked Peyton up from daycare I told Peyton mom is on her way to Taiwan. And he said, "to pick up Gracyn" and i said, "yes" and he says, "can we go to Funderland now"? So I had to break it to him that she will be there for a few days and that we will go Saturday. Back to travel day, my DW was relaxed as i have ever seen. We left the house on schedule at noon, we stopped at In / Out Burger for lunch and arrived at the airport at 3:00, 3 hours before departure. Travel day was as good as can be. I'm sure my DW will continue where I left off upon arrival in Taiwan.

Bye Mom, I love you!

I used to travel a lot for work, and after I while I got pretty good about saying goodbye to my sweet pea. We spent the morning playing "horses," giving lots of hugs and kisses. . .a ton of reminders, "listen to your Dad, okay?". . .and then I put Peyt into his car seat, said goodbye a million more times, with a million more kisses, including blubbery ones on his tummy and feet. . .and then as they drove off, he yelled out the window. . ."By Mom, I love you!" and blew me a kiss.

Yes, a few tears came to my eyes, and my heart skipped a beat. . .it's time. Peyt said this morning, "Now you're going to Taiwan?" - I explained I was leaving and would pick up Gracyn on Monday. Peyt replied, "NO, you said you're getting her today." - Kids are so brutally honest and cute.

My first glimpse of Gracyn. . .

My all-time favorite photo for months. . .

Suprise photos for 4th of July! And boy is she independent - she's walking!

First close-up photo with a beautiful smile to melt Mommy's heart.

Gracyn,

Mommy has waited a very long time for this moment. I'm still very at peace, and relaxed. PTL! Perhaps since we have a few days before we meet you, I'm just not nervous yet. I am so excited to see where you were born and where you've spent the first two years of your life. I am so blessed to call you my daughter. I pray that you have been at peace with your family this week, and that you are being somewhat prepared to meet me. I know it will be sad to say goodbye. It was sad for me to say goodbye to your brother, and that's only for a week. Leaving behind everything that you know might make you scared or angry. I hope that you know God is always with you. He was with you they day you entered the world, has been with you while I've been waiting to bring you home, and will be with us during our first days together as Mom and daughter. He is always with us sweet pea.

Mommy can't wait to wrap her arms around you, and wipe away your tears. I can't wait to see your beautiful eyes and your sweet smile. I wonder how big you are and what your voice sounds like. I wonder what you smell like, and how thick your hair is. I can't wait to "touch your palms" to help you sleep, and to feel your hand around my finger. Mommy fell in love with you a long time ago, and now I can finally show you how much!!!

Until we meet. . .may you be blessed with joy, comfort, and sweet dreams.

Love,
Mommy

Last night at home as Mommy to one!

Praise the Lord, I am so relaxed. I never anticipated being this relaxed the night before we leave for Taiwan, but it's great. Tonight I thought about all of the cute Peytonisms. . ."Pamillwa" = vanilla. . ."Mom, you're making me nervous!" (He shouted this one out in Target today and a couple overheard and couldn't help but laugh!). . .oh, and yes, in the last 48 hours, I've done Target 3 times. . .

Speaking of Target, the "buying 2 of everything" has officially begun. Peyton had to have another bouncy ball, as if we need any more, and picked out not one, but two rainbow balls. One for him, and of course, one for his sister. I think he understands Gracyn is finally coming home. Tonight, he pretended to push her on the swing, and pretended that she was sitting one side while he was on the other. Quite sweet.

I'm a bad, bad mommy. I've been letting Peyton have his "doots" (rhymes with foot, aka paci's) because he's really needing them to feel comforted. Usually he can only have them in his bed, but I've been bending he rules and allowing him to have them on the couch as well. I'd rather it be the paci's than the potty training to go down the tubes! LOL

This journey has been amazing. . .I don't think I ever imagined what this part of the process would look or feel like. My advice. . .forget trying to make the house and the bedrooms perfect. It's not how we live everyday anyhow. . .for those of you who can manage to keep a spotless, perfectly decorated home, and balance it with life, more power to you! My DH has encouraged me to remember, that it's not going to be perfect. What I'm most grateful for is my family. That our home is full of joy, and we're about to add to that with Gracyn's homecoming. Rather than spending my last night cleaning closets (don't get me wrong, I've done that too in the past weeks) I opted to hang out on the couch and cuddle my first born. We ate "blue chips" aka Ranch Doritos and Cheetos at an unacceptable hour, and at almost 11PM, Peyton is stil up watching Potty Bear. Sad thing is, this is a pretty regular night in our household. (Well, not every night, but it's been a fairly normal evening, including the snacks.)

Tomorrow will be my last post here at home. . .a post to Gracyn. Until then, sweet dreams.

Roll it.

The one thing I can pride myself in doing fairly well, is packing. . .After managing to fly SW for years, and refusing to check in my luggage because it takes too long to claim it, I've mastered packing for 4-5 day trips in a carry-on. Yes a carry-on that meets regulations, I'm not one of those rule-breaking travelers!

Roll it baby. . .roll the clothes and pack them tight - unless you're taking fabrics like rayon or silk, in which case you have to layer. I decided to create space in each of the two suitcases for Gracyn, my Dad, and for me. Why? In case something gets lost, of course. Also the smaller suitcase is what we'll take to Tainan, and leave everything else in storage. Too much to carry with Gracyn in my arms! Did I say that?! Gracyn in my arms. . .yes. . .Dad will have to be my mule, as he has already named himself, and I will be the toddler wrangler. . .

Count down has begun. . .Tami, and Jackie, are you packed yet?!

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Gracyn! (Part 2)

Today, on Gracyn's birthday I finished packing, and our passports and paperwork are ready to go! My DH surprised me with a GIANT Cookie that had "Happy 2nd Birthday Gracyn!" written on it - too cute!!! Thanks hon!

My dad is traveling with me and picked out the cutest card for her from him and my mom (who passed away over 5 years ago). Inside it reads: Today is your first birthday with us. We don't know you yet, but welcome to the family. You and your new family have been blessed to have been joined as family. Love, Your new Po-Po & GongGong

Not only have we been blessed to be growing our family with the addition of Gracyn, but on this journey I met Val. A true blessing and a most dedicated friend. She's the one on the other line when I've been going crazy with the wait, frustrated beyond belief, and also for the calls when I'm just beaming ear to ear saying, "She's so stinkin' cute!" Well, today, the 25th, Gracyn's Birthday in the U.S., with two girls in PJs, and one just out of soccer practice, they made the trek to our house to celebrate.

Auntie Valorie made a giant cupCAKE to help us celebrate Gracyn's Birthday. Peyton and his girlfriend (Val's daughter) Mia helped boost up Gracyn long enough for us to sing Happy Birthday, and then they helped make wishes by blowing out the candles! It was like Gracyn was really with us. . .Love you guys! Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 2nd Birthday Sweet Pea!

Gracyn's birthday is the 25th. Since it's lunch time in Taiwan on the 25th, I wanted to wish my baby girl a very Happy 2nd Birthday! I just talked to a friend in Taiwan, and wanted to have her run over to Pingtung to give her a hug for me.

I leave in 4 days, on the 28th, and I pick her up when she turns 2 years and 1 week old, on 9/1. Since we received the photo of Gracyn on the pink and purple tricycle, we changed our minds about letting her have Peyton's Red, Yellow and Blue one and opted to buy the same one but in pink and purple. . .We thought it might be comforting for her to have something familiar.

During service today, our church family prayed for us. For travel mercies, and comfort. . .for strength, and discernment. For DH and Peyton as they wait behind at home, and for me as I spend Gracyn's first days with her trying to help her adjust. We are so blessed to have such support and friendship. Heavenly Father, thank you again for entrusting us with Gracyn. Thank you for being our strength through this journey.

Gracyn, Mommy can't wait to love on you and give you a big hug and kiss! I hope today you have a moment of silence. I hope that moment is full of peace, joy, and allows you to be exposed to God. He is with you my sweet daughter. Sending you Birthday wishes and kisses to you, from Mommy. Happy, Happy Birthday Sweet Pea! I love you, and I'm coming to bring you home to your forever family.