Sunday, August 1, 2010

Leaving on a jet plane

God really had to pull some strings to get everything in place, but wow, we finally got to the part where we get on the plane and start heading halfway around the world! What a truly amazing yet surreal feeling.


This is definitely the most I've ever brought on a trip, but all things considered I think we did well luggage-wise...and to think that most of that is gifts for the kids and adults we will be meeting....  :) Not a single bag was overweight!



Even though we couldn't sit together, our first flight was thankfully uneventful and we have arrived in Frankfurt. We'll be here for six hours and then on to Almaty. I don't think we have begun to process the emotions we are feeling but the bottom line is that we are so excited we can't stand it!!



Many, many thanks to my awesome parents for the kindle...it arrived just as we were leaving and we got it charged and loaded with books before we left Dulles. It is the coolest thing - love it - and I highly recommend it to other families who are about to travel!! I think we pulled 10 pounds of books out of our bags when it arrived.

We have no idea what our internet set-up will be like so I can't say for sure when we'll be able to post again, but we think we'll have a little down time in Semey before we head to the baby house. Hopefully we'll be back online by then so we can share our first moments together as a family of four!!  In the meantime, we are praying for you guys back at home, and can't wait to hear from you!

15 comments:

  1. LOVE seeing you guys with your luggage ON YOUR WAY!! Prayers sent for safe and uneventful flights...

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  2. Yay - you are ON YOUR WAY! So happy to hear that everything fell into place. It looks like you actually packed pretty well - I think we had nearly that amount, larger suitcases and 2 were very close to the weight limit! You'll need a little extra room for souvenirs. But you may want to save most of your shopping for the Tsum store in Almaty as there is slim pickings in Semey.

    Have a very safe trip and wonderful first meeting with your child. Just keep in mind that the first couple of days will be hard dealing with jet lag and the disorientation of a foreign country and the whirlwind schedule. Just go with the flow and remember that it gets easier! Sleep always helps!

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  3. Wow, that seemed fast...at least to me here in Austin. hah. I wish you all the very best and can't wait to cheer for you as your family gets bigger. Safe travels, Best, Susan

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  4. Best of luck!! Take it all in!! As my husband always says, "There are not THAT many people that can say they have traveled LITERALLY half way around the world, to Kazakhstan, to meet their child!!" And we would not have had it any other way....

    Take care!! Cant wait to follow your journey!!

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  5. I hope the rest of your trip is as uneventful and safe as the first half. And Kelly is right. The first few days are crazy, emotional and exhausting. So if you are feeling overwhelmed try to take a step back and remember where you are and why. Before you know it you'll be in ground hog mode. Everyday is very simply and feels like the one before.

    I'm praying that your first meeting with your child is everything you hoped for.

    Lou Ann & Lexie from Atkau Kaz too

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  6. SO happy you are on your way. We are so excited for you and can't wait to hear about your journey. You will be in such good hands w/the local team. We're thinking of all 4 of you - big hugs & prayers!

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  7. Wow, what a memory. We were just in your shoes yesterday (well actually 7 weeks ago). The long flights, the anticipation, and God's hand, revealing Himself through His word.
    We are thinking of you and look forward to each day of this most blessed and awesome journey. Much Love,

    The Hollands

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  8. By now you should already be in Semey, you are in for the journey of a lifetime take everything in and try to just go with the flow it will make things a lot easier, cannot wait to hear you have met our new soon to be son!!
    You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

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  9. you guys are killling me!! i'm dying for an update :)

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  10. Hope you made it there in one piece and that you are having a wonderful time exploring your new surroundings and, of course, meeting your newest addition to your family!

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  11. I'm sooooooo happy to hear this! I hope yall are having a blast in Kaz. I'm still praying for you. I can't wait to hear about what God is doing over there. The suspense is killing me! :P
    I love yall so much! Keep safe, and take lots of pictures! Say hi to Mo for me!

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