Sunday, January 9, 2011

First Day in a Foreign Land

It’s Sunday January 9, 3:20 PM here in Beijing. Marcie was feeling tired so I told her she better nap while she can . Funny to think almost every single person we know and love is asleep at this very moment as it’s 1:20 AM Sunday in Paducah. We started the morning after breakfast with the task of exchanging our Traveler’s Cheques to Chinese Yuan (RMB) to cover all of our adoption related expenses in Beijing. We only freaked out a little when the hotel exchange informed us that they were nearly out of money due to it being Sunday and we would have to wait until Monday for the banks to open for the amount we needed. This being a free day (meaning a day without our wonderful Mary), we were tasked with trying to find a bank open on a Sunday. The hotel folks, who speak decent English but not in depth conversation decent English, couldn’t find one…so emergency phone call #1 to Mary (who said “anytime”). Of course, Mary found one…”Bank of China…Dongan Plaza…three minute walk from hotel.” Uh oh….you mean just us, leave the hotel and walk out into downtown Beijing…um, ok. So we got spotty (at best) directions from the hotel staff and off we went. Found it! Closed! Not the one Mary spoke to…bad directions from hotel staff. Back to hotel. Decided to let Mary talk to hotel staff. New directions. Off again in the exact opposite direction as before…found it…OPEN on a Sunday. We understood less than a dozen words…we caught “take ticket, wait”, “number 1024”, “what you want do” and “you welcome”…that was it. An hour later we trudged back to the hotel like the richest little broke couple in China.


Now we rest, but we are anxious for what tomorrow brings. We’re nervous too, somewhat, and a little scared. What will she think of us? How will she respond to our desires for kisses, hugs and snuggles? Will she like the toys we brought? Will she scream until she has sucked all the oxygen out of the room? We don’t know. But we know this…God has fulfilled His promise to us. He planted the seed in our hearts, He nurtured and grew it. He provided the details (zero lost paperwork in 2.5 years, every $ necessary, and even worldwide airline regulation changes) when only He could. And here we are, ready to lay it all at His feet.

People keep saying she has no idea how lucky she is and how much her life is going to change. True…but the real truth is, we are the lucky ones and we have been blessed beyond measure.

That’s all for today. Next time we post, we will be a family of five…anxious to get home with the newest little Peck. Thanks for your continued prayers…what a privilege to walk this earth with each of you.

8 comments:

Kelly T. said...

We would say Your name
A hundred times a day
Like speaking words in faith
And with a mixture of
Hope and fear and trust
We prayed for the strength to wait
And dreamed of how we’d feel the day
You’d be in our arms and …

Swept away
Caught up in our love
Home to stay
You’ll never be alone
You’ll be amazed
As how much you are loved
Your life will never be the same
Once you’re swept away

What once was just a dream
Is now reaching up to me
And I hold her in my arms
Father thank You for the way
You held her all the days
That we had to spend apart
And now I see the impossible dream
Is holding me and I’m …



Christian lyrics - SWEPT AWAY LYRICS - GEOFF MOORE

Sara said...

So excited for all of you! Blessings!
Sara

Myra said...

I know you are currently counting the hours to Gotcha! Can't wait for the photos! and can't wait to meet you in Guangzhou! We are from Lexington!! Small World!

The DeLuca' with Madison

Tracy said...

So excited for you Marcie!!! Cant beleive you are gonna have her so soon!!! Hope you get some sleep. I already cant sleep and we dont leave until thursday night to head to NY so we can fly out of JFK on Fri to Chicago to Beijing (sat) to stay overnight and then to Jinan on Sunday. We fly to Guangzhou on the 21st staying at the Victory and hope to see you there!!!

Rita Morgan said...

Having been to China, I know the logistic and language challenges you face. They will get easier. The next 24 hours are going to be so amazing! Blessings to you and your daughter!

Tanya Robinson said...

I wonder if I'll cry every single day you are gone....every email and post makes me cry already. Boy, does adoption define me. Thank you for sharing your journey! Love you guys and your hearts! Can't wait to see Miss Maggie!

Anonymous said...

Even though I cry every time I read about your journey I am so thankful you are sharing it with us. We are praying for you not only in China but also for the ones waiting for you in Paducah. I can't wait to read about the first time you meet your DAUGHTER!!!!
Jamie

Kelly T. said...

Marcie and Kevin,

Can't get you off my mind! I know you're holding your precious Daughter right now!!! I am so happy for your entire family!