A Virus in Anhui Province China

Some of you might be aware of an outbreak of a virus in China's Anhui Province called the enterovirus 71 (AV 71). Apparently there is an outbreak of it there. Below are links you can read about what has been found. Hannah Mei is not in this province--nor is she near it. However, several families traveling in our group will pick up children there. Please pray for them and also for the health of all families as we travel. We'll all meet up during the final week in Guangzhou. The virus seems to be accompanied by brain swelling and high fevers. 20 deaths of children have been recorded.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/080430/2/p/16ob9.html

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23623435-38197,00.html?from=public_rss

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/30/china?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront

What time is it in China?

If you double click on the map below, the picture is much more clear. There is a 12 hour time difference between China and Virginia (Indiana, too). China is AHEAD of the USA. So, if it is 6:00 a.m. in Virginia on a Monday morning that means it is 6:00 p.m. on Monday night.

What exactly happens when Hannah Mei is given to us?

We are not exactly certain how it happens that Hannah is given to us. I don't know if the Chinese stork just plops her down in your care on May 5th and waves a heartfelt good bye & good luck, ha! Or, it just might be that orphanage workers stay and chat a bit. I would presume that they would 'make the delivery' quick. I have read numerous blogs on adoptions. The situations vary. Sometimes families go to the actual orphanage. Apparently, Suixi County is in the far southern portion of the province. Hence, she'll be brought to us. Very soon, we will let you know how it all happened. What I do know is that many new parents describe that the little girls are often scared and very aware that they are leaving the only home they have ever known. We will need your prayers on this day especially.

Chinese map & itinerary

• May 1st Depart for Beijing from Washington Dulles on United 897
• May 2nd Arrive in Beijing
• May 3rd Sight-Seeing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace
• May 4 Tour the Great Wall
• May 5 Fly to Guangzhou in southern China

MONDAY MAY 5th is the "Gotcha Day" It is when we will meet Hannah Mei for the first time. As we understand it, she will be brought to us.

• May 6 Civil Affairs Appointment
• May 7-10 Paperwork, Sight-seeing, & Shopping
• May 11 Medical exam
• May 12 Consulate Paperwork
• May 13 Consulate Appointment 9:30 a.m.
• May 14 Pick up Hannah Mei's visa
• May 15 Return to the USA
  
  
  

How does Ian feel about this?

Ian's response has been mixed. At times he shows such a sweet/gentle side about it all. In tandom with that are indications that he might not be too keen on the idea of sharing our attention or his toys! We're going to take the advice of so many of you that we lavish him with as much love and affection as possible. He's excited about the actual flight---can't say I am looking forward to the 13 hour 15 minute jaunt over to Beijing!

We're ready to take off!

May 1st marks the day of our departure to China to pick up Hannah Mei. Hannah is a Hebrew name meaning = grace. Mei (pronounced May) is Chinese = plum. Her date of birth is January 20, 2007. It seems she was left in front of a medical clinic on February 2, 2007. It's an unpleasant thought for me to realize that someone placed her at only 12 days old on the steps of a building. When no biological parents came forward, Hannah Mei was placed into the Suixi County orphanage in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. In a few short days, we will meet her for the first time. We can hardly wait!

This blog will help you follow our journey to China. We ask for your prayers as we travel.