Thursday, July 28, 2005
Today is the beginning of the end . . . or is it the end of the beginning? Our day began early, as it did in Beijing 9 days ago when we met Lily. Like then, we packed the night before and got a few hours of sleep, excited about what the next day would bring. Today, we would head back to Beijing for a brief layover before returning home with our precious cargo – and the baby, too. (Okay, a little levity never hurt, right? And hey, we DID some shopping!!)
We had to leave for the airport at 6:30 AM. Fortunately, the breakfast buffet opened at 6, so we were able to get a bite (or 2 or 3) before leaving. We knew it would be a long day and the opportunity to get a meal or even a snack might not come until we were on our way to Newark after 3 PM. Helen and the driver were prompt as always, and at 6:30, we loaded the van with 6 full pieces of luggage (2 of which we had purchased and filled in China), the diaper bag, Justin’s computer bag, and the stroller. We all piled in and began our journey home.
Traffic was light once we got out of the city and onto the highway, which was, by the way, a beautiful road. There were lots of trees and nice scenery. Best of all, there were very few other vehicles and everyone stayed in their own lanes. We got to the airport in plenty of time for the flight and had no problems. Helen was even able to talk the officials into letting our overweight bags go on at no extra charge. This was technically a domestic flight (Guangzhou to Beijing) but since we were only changing planes for our international flight to Newark, they let it slide. Maybe it helped that we only checked 3 of the aforementioned bags (yeah, we carried-on 3 small roller suitcases, the diaper bag, computer bag and stroller all the way to St. Louis – UGH!!) She saw us all the way to the security checkpoint, we said our final goodbyes and we were on our own.
Guangzhou, China Airport Terminal
Saying goodbye to our wonderful guide, Helen. Did I mention that ALL of the people who assisted us getting to, and while in China absolutely fantastic? They most certainly WERE!
Waiting at the gate for our first flight of the trip home with our arsenal of carry on luggage!
We flew China Air to Beijing. It was the nicest of the domestic flights we had experienced. The plane was a bit larger and the little extra room made a difference. It was 3 hours to Beijing and Lily slept most of the way. We left late, which posed no problem – we thought – as we still had about 4 hours after landing until the next flight. As it turned out, we needed almost every minute of that layover to retrieve our luggage and re-check it to St. Louis on Continental Air. Also, there was some confusion about whether or not the baby had a seat of her own and if it was already paid for. This is typical airline hassle, yes? Well, try dealing with it in a country where they don’t speak much of your native tongue! With much patience and persistence, we made it to the gate with 30 minutes to spare. Lily, by the by, was incredible! Coaxed with Cheerios and crackers, she patiently waited in her stroller the entire time (except when she had to be changed – good thing we brought plenty of diapers and extra clothes).
We look pretty chipper as we prepare for our first leg of the journey, eh?
The wing of our Air China plane, en route to Beijing.
A relatively small part of Beijing from the air. It seems to sprawl forever, but I guess 15 million or so people need a lot of space!
Unfortunately, we could not get 3 seats together, but the 3rd passenger in the row kindly swapped the odd seat with us. She whined a bit about not being able to have her favorite window seat, but when she saw the small baby, I think she was probably glad to give it up for a 13-hour flight. We were prepared to have Lily help us “encourage” whomever it was to move, so we weren’t too worried about getting together in the end. (The window shades were closed almost the entire trip, since we flew the entire time in the light of day. This helped allow people to sleep, if needed, during the bulk of the trip. Also, the girl who switched with us ended up wearing an eye covering and sleeping herself, almost the entire trip, so I don’t know what value the window would have been to her anyway!) As it turned out, we really did need to be together. We took over the row and all the floor space.
Lily, again, was wonderful. She slept about half the trip – 5 or 6 hours of it at once. She cried some, but not too much, and when she did, it was only for a minute or two. Dilla got in a few good hours of sleep and Justin, as usual, just slept a little. It was during this flight that both of us started to feel a little queasy. We had made it the entire trip without getting sick in China, as so many people do, but both of us started feeling the symptoms of head colds.
We followed the same flight path back to Newark from Beijing – over the North Pole – as we took when we went over and took about as long. This flight seemed to take much longer, though. Hmmmm! I wonder why? Finally, the announcement came that we were landing in Newark about 23 hours after we had awakened in Guangzhou – all in daylight! It was 4:30 PM, we would have only 2 hours to retrieve our bags, clear customs, process Lily’s paperwork with Immigration and recheck bags (while schlepping all that carry-on stuff, don’t forget) and Dilla was getting really sick.
When we landed, we were the last off the plane. We were very concerned about Dilla’s health, so they had paramedics come over and meet us as a precautionary measure. It was precisely at this moment that Lily also decided to relieve herself of the “coaxing” we had done with all the food since we had left Beijing. The clock was ticking to make our flight home, which – even in this condition – we did not want to miss. Dilla checked out okay and with a little time, began to get some color back. Meanwhile, Justin worked on Lily who was rapidly using up supplies and extra clothing.
Continental Airlines, FINALLY realizing that they had a potentially serious problem on their hands, assigned us a customer service manager, a gate agent and a wheelchair handler for Dilla, again, as a precautionary measure. We now had one hour before our next flight and had begun none of the official proceedings to get to it. Two US Customs agents attached themselves to our party and, with all the privilege of ranking dignitaries, whisked us through every checkpoint, bypassing all the lines and personally walking our papers through. It was amazing, and we made it to the gate with 10 minutes to spare! Dilla, gratefully, was looking better as we boarded the small regional jet. That plane took off late, too, but it didn’t matter. We were on it, and bound for home.
This flight passed without incident. We all got a little sleep as darkness finally began to fall. At 9:30 PM, 29 hours since we’d been in a bed (or a bath – YUK!), 16 days after we had begun this journey and over a year since we started the process, Dilla, Justin and Lily Beth Gordon walked off the plane, safe and sound, home at last.
Even at this late hour on a weeknight, we were met by a VERY enthusiastic greeting party met us at the end of security. There was hugging and kissing, crying and laughing. Everyone wanted to see Lily, and she was amazingly calm, as she looked at all the strange, eager faces. She wouldn’t let anyone hold her, but lightened up quickly and began doing some of the tricks we worked on since we met. She pleased everyone with clapping; buzzing her lips, showing her tummy and waving like British Royalty (you know, that wrist-turning wave?). She even smiled a few times and we wondered if she was starting to understand how to “milk the cow”. She would now be the center of attention in our little family.
We were mobbed by greeters coming through security! Aunt Elaine came to stay a few days and help from Texas. Uncle Rick and Aunt Susie were there (standing at left). Cousins Jamie and Nancy flank Dilla and Lily on left and right, respectively, with Granny Sandy across from them, all on the floor. Sue Kastel, from Boeing and her daughter were there (standing in center) and our dear friend Jerry Sue accompanied Granny Sandy (kneeling). (The kid in the blue shirt must have been wondering what all the commotion was about!)
For a change, we did not have to wait for the luggage, but it was waiting for us on the carousel. Everyone was having too much fun welcoming, visiting and playing with Lily. Soon, though, we did get the luggage, and loaded up the van. When we arrived at our house, Gus and Gizmo were excited to see us and surprised by the new package in our arms. She wanted nothing to do with them so we put them outside while she got acquainted with her new home. It wasn’t long, though, that weariness overtook excitement and one by one – Lily first – we dropped into our own beds and began to dream of the wonderful life that surely lay in store for us, together.
Granny Sandy and Aunt "Aine" welcome Lily to her new home.
Asleep, at home, at last.
We are ingratiated to many people who made this dream become possible. First to Kathy Kaiser (whom we have never even met in person, but treated us like the oldest and dearest of friends) and the Wasatch International Adoption Agency in Utah. From the first time we got in touch, she has been right there with answers to every question, solutions to every problem and support when we just needed reassurance. So, too, was Sabrina Chang and her organization in California, who orchestrated the entire trip with schedules, tours, guides, drivers and all other accommodations. Nearly everything happened like CLOCKWORK. For the couple of times that we needed assistance, they responded immediately to our emails, and worked around the clock to make sure that the wheels kept turning. They were all so nice, helpful and professional.
Thanks to our families and friends. Without your support and constant encouragement, we would never have made it through this last year. It was a long process, but having you there for us really made it seem to go by relatively easily. We know you will continue to be here for us and we want to share our Lily Beth with you.
And Thanks to everyone who visited this website, kept in touch with our travels and sent their love and support through personal greetings, phone calls, emails, thoughts and prayers. You brought Lily to us, us to Lily and back again safely. We know that many of you, reading this are not in St. Louis and hope that it isn’t long before we get to see you, thank you in person, and get you a hug from Lily. Also, we know that some of you reading this we don’t know at all, and will soon embark on a journey similar to ours. Of course, we would be happy to talk to you about our experience and offer any help or support we can. Feel free to contact us through this website with your contact information and we’ll get in touch.
For you numbers folks, here are some interesting statistics. We received over 3,300 hits on the website in the last 7 days (July 25 – 31). Over 1,600 came on July 26. Since the website was created in the beginning of July, we have had 9,830 hits! We are deeply touched by this confirmation of support and interest in our experience.
This website will remain up for the foreseeable future so everyone who wants to, can get a chance to share our experience. Also, from time to time, we’ll add updates to our progress as a family and Lily’s development. Thanks again for being with us. We have the deepest regard and love for you all.
Dilla, Justin and Lily Beth
