What's Your Vector, Victor

You have heard a bit now about the why of our adoption trip, so here is more on the where. We are adopting from the People's Republic of China. Our adoption agency, CCAI, based out of CO, successfully brings home more children each year than other agencies. They also have programs for adoption through Haiti. If you are interested in more information, I can introduce you to some experts- just ask!! 

My mom is my traveling companion, and she's super-great. We will be gone over Mother's Day, and I would just like to ask the question- what kind of gift do you give to the woman who not only gave you life but agreed to drop everything for 2 weeks to travel to the other side of the world to support you in this moment?? 

We are connecting through Chicago on our way to Beijing on Wednesday, April 30, and we will stay in Beijing until Sunday May 4 when we will fly to Gabe's home province, Henan. This time in Beijing gives us an opportunity to meet our travel group, adjust to the local time (12 hours difference), and rest before the excitement begins! 

On Monday, May 5, we will be introduced to Gabe! Please pray that this will be as smooth a transition as possible for everyone. The caregivers that will bring him to us love him dearly, and he is used to being with them. The next few days will be spent getting to know each other and building the bonds of family. The capital of Henan province is Zhengzhou, and that's where our hotel and home base will be. We will travel to Gabriel's birth city, though, to complete additional paperwork. This will be a 3.5 hour (1-way) van ride. Also during this time in Henan the adoption will be registered and finalized- after the registration, I will formally be his mama. 

Upon leaving Zhengzhou, we will fly south to the city of Guangzhou. ThIs leg of the trip in Guangzhou is focused around our trip to the US Consolute. Following the consulate appointment, we will be ready to head home! We will arrive back in the States on Saturday, May 17. As soon as Gabe's feet touch US airport carpet, he will be a citizen. 

We have been told to expect that the trip will be exhilarating and exhausting. The mental, physical, and emotional roller coaster may give us whiplash, but we are focused on the joy of bringing home our son. We also know that when we run out of strength, patience, or sleep, God will give us what we need. 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21