It always is a sad scene: the airport scenario, the reality of the loss of presence of loved ones for a while. It hits us hard, and Sophia looks on in wonder, she is sad because she sees people that she loves are sad. Later she said: "Aunt Laura was crying" and I told her why and that we all were very sad. Julie and Heather came to see us off, and to see them cry and to know that we will miss the actual experience of each others live for another few years startles me again. It sobers me each time, and when I ponder it too long the ache ensues, hence the tears.
I know that as Poppy and CC go around their house and see 'remnants' of us, of our being there, it will be real grief for them. Yes, they can always look to the next time they may visit, but that barely comforts what their hearts are feeling now. They were superstars during our time in their home, constantly helping, cooking meals, always offering to watch the girls, or do whatever to make our visit memorable. And it was. So many great memories made. We can only now trust that our God will provide all the strength needed for each of us as we part ways and go about our lives across the ocean.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
About jet lag
So far Bella has been the Jet lag master. The first night she slept all the way through, until 6:45 a.m. Day two for her she slept until 7:15. Incredible.
Sophia on the other hand was awake the first night from 11-4 or so and the next night from 2 a.m. on and David finally got up with her at 5:00 a.m. I honestly do not know how she is making it. We are praying tonight for better sleep for her so that we all can sleep through the night.
Sophia on the other hand was awake the first night from 11-4 or so and the next night from 2 a.m. on and David finally got up with her at 5:00 a.m. I honestly do not know how she is making it. We are praying tonight for better sleep for her so that we all can sleep through the night.
Here, barely
I know that sounds pathetic. We made it just fine, but it didn't really feel that way some of the time. About five hours into the 14 hour flight I looked at David and said: 'this is worse than I thought it was going to be' and he replied: 'the word torture comes to mind.' Granted we both started the trip exhausted, and I made the tactical error of trying to get the girls to sleep quite a bit earlier than their normal bedtime. I thought they had to be SO tired from waking up early and barely sleeping so far...so they both fought sleep. David rocked Bella multiple times walking the aisles for literally almost two hours, while I spoke to Sophia every ten minutes about her need for sleep and how much longer the plane ride would be. Once they went to sleep (about thirty minutes past their normal bedtime) things were much better, even though I still didn't sleep. The next leg, five hours, they both slept quite a bit, and we did too! And then in the provincial capital we arrived and got into bed at a hotel by 12:30 a.m. and got a little rest.
We went to check in our 8 bags at the overnight desk at the airport to avoid taking them to the hotel. The man refused multiple times because they were closed and there was no way to put them through the security machine. He later saw us over at another desk as we tried to reassess how we were going to get to the hotel across the street with all of our bags in a timely manner. He asked me: 'is it convenient for you?' to which I said: 'no, it is a lot of trouble.' After a little discussion he obliged, without putting them through security. This was so surprising! what a blessing, and welcome home.
I was so excited on our flight into our town. And Sophia was too, she even said it, "I am excited to be going back to China." I kept reminding her she would have to speak Chinese (since she refused most of the time in the States).
We were greeted by our great friends J and his son Caleb who happened to be the first person Sophia wanted to see...it was so sweet to see them reunited. They have played together every day since (thanks K, a huge help). Abby was there to greet us too, we have missed her so much. She has been invaluable these past few days...
We arrived and started the unpacking. We realized that there were tons of ants (no shock, just a lot more than normal), and closets that were musty and moldy. And so ensued the removal of every item (linens included) and the washing of about 20 loads of laundry. I really thought it would take us two weeks to get our house settled, but alas, we are almost there!
We went to check in our 8 bags at the overnight desk at the airport to avoid taking them to the hotel. The man refused multiple times because they were closed and there was no way to put them through the security machine. He later saw us over at another desk as we tried to reassess how we were going to get to the hotel across the street with all of our bags in a timely manner. He asked me: 'is it convenient for you?' to which I said: 'no, it is a lot of trouble.' After a little discussion he obliged, without putting them through security. This was so surprising! what a blessing, and welcome home.
I was so excited on our flight into our town. And Sophia was too, she even said it, "I am excited to be going back to China." I kept reminding her she would have to speak Chinese (since she refused most of the time in the States).
We were greeted by our great friends J and his son Caleb who happened to be the first person Sophia wanted to see...it was so sweet to see them reunited. They have played together every day since (thanks K, a huge help). Abby was there to greet us too, we have missed her so much. She has been invaluable these past few days...
We arrived and started the unpacking. We realized that there were tons of ants (no shock, just a lot more than normal), and closets that were musty and moldy. And so ensued the removal of every item (linens included) and the washing of about 20 loads of laundry. I really thought it would take us two weeks to get our house settled, but alas, we are almost there!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Going East
I have some planned posts more reflective of our time in the States. But they will wait until our return and I have more time. Just trying to cherish these last moments here with family.
Our bags are all packed, We have eight of them, our total allotment, but with more poundage for sure...oh well.
We will wake up at about 4 or 4:30 a.m. to drive to the airport. I will be radio silent here for a little while until we are in Asia. We are really looking forward to getting home. We are so thankful for all the people we were able to reconnect with and all the wonderful memories that were made with our girls.
We should arrive home on Tuesday October 5th. Pray for safe travels and quiet girls (yeah right).
Our bags are all packed, We have eight of them, our total allotment, but with more poundage for sure...oh well.
We will wake up at about 4 or 4:30 a.m. to drive to the airport. I will be radio silent here for a little while until we are in Asia. We are really looking forward to getting home. We are so thankful for all the people we were able to reconnect with and all the wonderful memories that were made with our girls.
We should arrive home on Tuesday October 5th. Pray for safe travels and quiet girls (yeah right).
Friday, October 1, 2010
Last visit with 'the cousins'
9.30.2010
We just couldn't stand Sophia not having one more time to play with Isaiah, Micah, Anna, and Sammy. So we decided to take her one last time to play for the morning. David hung out with Travis again and I got to visit with Julie and Nikki and her three adorable girls as well.
We arrived to Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a special treat! (Thanks so much). Sophia had a blast and said she didn't want to leave (of course). But I told her to invite Anna over to our house in China, maybe she could visit one day. And so she did...she later said Anna could live with us there and sleep in her room and she would give her all her stuffed animals to cuddle with .
One thing the Williams' kids love to do is put on costumes. Sophia became a Dalmatian, Then it was Anna's turn.
They love driving on what they call 'the China car.' That is because years ago we brought this car back with us from China for Isaiah, who had come to visit, took one back, and it got too busted up in the return. They do have these cars in some specialty toy stores in the States and retail for about $80. Too bad in China they are 80 RMB which is just over ten US dollars.
These girls. Even though Sophia can be a little clingy, they have learned to play well together.
Sophia will treasure these times with her cousins!
We just couldn't stand Sophia not having one more time to play with Isaiah, Micah, Anna, and Sammy. So we decided to take her one last time to play for the morning. David hung out with Travis again and I got to visit with Julie and Nikki and her three adorable girls as well.
We arrived to Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a special treat! (Thanks so much). Sophia had a blast and said she didn't want to leave (of course). But I told her to invite Anna over to our house in China, maybe she could visit one day. And so she did...she later said Anna could live with us there and sleep in her room and she would give her all her stuffed animals to cuddle with .
One thing the Williams' kids love to do is put on costumes. Sophia became a Dalmatian, Then it was Anna's turn.
They love driving on what they call 'the China car.' That is because years ago we brought this car back with us from China for Isaiah, who had come to visit, took one back, and it got too busted up in the return. They do have these cars in some specialty toy stores in the States and retail for about $80. Too bad in China they are 80 RMB which is just over ten US dollars.
These girls. Even though Sophia can be a little clingy, they have learned to play well together.
Sophia will treasure these times with her cousins!
Don't pretend it is easy
9.28.2010
DATE NIGHT WITH TRAVIS AND JULIE
We finally had a date night with Julie and Travis. We met at P.F. Chang's and literally sat there for hours eating and talking, and we could have hung out with them all night if we had had the time. It is always refreshing and challenging to be with them. We learn so much and are always encouraged. This is one big fat reason why the leaving only gets harder and harder. There is so much more to learn, so much more to say, so much more to know, so many more things to laugh and cry about together...and who knows when we will see each other again. This is not hyperbole emotion. It is reality that starts to hit right about now (two more full days before we leave), and just sinks in, and sinks in, gets bottled up in there somehow and dealt with by daily graces and joys that keep me thankful, surrendered, and tear-stained. We love what we do. But we don't pretend it is easy.
Sisters. Best friends. Love this girl more than anything. Love her family. Being around her just makes me a better person.
Our handsome husbands, who are kindred spirits in many ways.
DATE NIGHT WITH TRAVIS AND JULIE
We finally had a date night with Julie and Travis. We met at P.F. Chang's and literally sat there for hours eating and talking, and we could have hung out with them all night if we had had the time. It is always refreshing and challenging to be with them. We learn so much and are always encouraged. This is one big fat reason why the leaving only gets harder and harder. There is so much more to learn, so much more to say, so much more to know, so many more things to laugh and cry about together...and who knows when we will see each other again. This is not hyperbole emotion. It is reality that starts to hit right about now (two more full days before we leave), and just sinks in, and sinks in, gets bottled up in there somehow and dealt with by daily graces and joys that keep me thankful, surrendered, and tear-stained. We love what we do. But we don't pretend it is easy.
Sisters. Best friends. Love this girl more than anything. Love her family. Being around her just makes me a better person.
Our handsome husbands, who are kindred spirits in many ways.
The Lynch House-more beach
9.17-27.2010
Life is good. Really. We returned to Wrightsville beach for over a week with the Cokers. This was the last hoorah with the family. We had a great time and the weather was perfect.
David rented a surfboard for the week, and had quite the go at it. The first three days the surf was huge for the East Coast. The lifeguards came by and told us it would be red flags for a few days because rip tides were so great. They were only letting surfers out there, and there were surfers a aplenty. It was so fun to watch. It wasn't a 'rough' surf, just big, splurging waves. Which made it a little hard for a novice surfer like David, these are not really the waves to start in, but he still managed pretty well and got quite a work out (ie, 'beat up'). By the end of the week, it had died down a little, gotten a little smaller, but now more rough and choppy, still able to beat you up but more fun. He is now a full fledged surfer, whatever that means.
Bella, contemplating the surf herself.
I will stick with eating sand.
We headed down to the river to eat and walk, downtown Wilmington is a great place to stroll, the Coast guard ship was in so we walked down to it and Sophia had a little peek. Across the river is the battleship which was also cool to see.
Sunset on the river, battleship behind us
Children's museum:
body tracing at the museum
Aunt Laura's friend, Katie and her son, Eli joined us for the fun.
blurry but cute.
Bella in Aunt Laura's B.O.B. Stroller, which is da bomb.
At the fake grocery store
we definitely need milk
I am ready to check out sir.
upstairs at 'the diner'
flippin' fake burgers
Bella had her own fun in the camp out section of the museum
learning to mix colors
'watering' the plants
Aunt Laura and Bella. Laura is due Dec. 7, baby Ryan is growing!
During our last weekend on the beach, David's cousins and their kids graciously drove ALL day to spend one day with us. Sophia was so pumped to get to see Jordan, Emma, Luke, and Lance again. She talked about them for days after wards and would 'play' like they were still there even after they left.
Emma really took care to play with Sophia a lot!
Bella loved playing peek-a-boo on the awesome wrap around porch
Thanks Poppy, CC, and Lee and Laura, for making the trip so special! We loved the full moon talks and morning walks.
Life is good. Really. We returned to Wrightsville beach for over a week with the Cokers. This was the last hoorah with the family. We had a great time and the weather was perfect.
David rented a surfboard for the week, and had quite the go at it. The first three days the surf was huge for the East Coast. The lifeguards came by and told us it would be red flags for a few days because rip tides were so great. They were only letting surfers out there, and there were surfers a aplenty. It was so fun to watch. It wasn't a 'rough' surf, just big, splurging waves. Which made it a little hard for a novice surfer like David, these are not really the waves to start in, but he still managed pretty well and got quite a work out (ie, 'beat up'). By the end of the week, it had died down a little, gotten a little smaller, but now more rough and choppy, still able to beat you up but more fun. He is now a full fledged surfer, whatever that means.
Bella, contemplating the surf herself.
I will stick with eating sand.
We headed down to the river to eat and walk, downtown Wilmington is a great place to stroll, the Coast guard ship was in so we walked down to it and Sophia had a little peek. Across the river is the battleship which was also cool to see.
Sunset on the river, battleship behind us
Children's museum:
body tracing at the museum
Aunt Laura's friend, Katie and her son, Eli joined us for the fun.
blurry but cute.
Bella in Aunt Laura's B.O.B. Stroller, which is da bomb.
At the fake grocery store
we definitely need milk
I am ready to check out sir.
upstairs at 'the diner'
flippin' fake burgers
Bella had her own fun in the camp out section of the museum
learning to mix colors
'watering' the plants
Aunt Laura and Bella. Laura is due Dec. 7, baby Ryan is growing!
During our last weekend on the beach, David's cousins and their kids graciously drove ALL day to spend one day with us. Sophia was so pumped to get to see Jordan, Emma, Luke, and Lance again. She talked about them for days after wards and would 'play' like they were still there even after they left.
Emma really took care to play with Sophia a lot!
Bella loved playing peek-a-boo on the awesome wrap around porch
Thanks Poppy, CC, and Lee and Laura, for making the trip so special! We loved the full moon talks and morning walks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)