We arrived safely in Hong Kong! (10/7/10)

(Before I start this, I will let you know that this is my 2^nd attempt to journal this post.  I was halfway through journaling this in MS Word the first time – sitting in the hotel bathroom at 0530 in the morning – when all of a sudden the program closed without notice, losing all that I had typed thus far.  I hope that is not a sign of things to come for attempting to post on this trip.  We know that those of you reading this will offer up for “clear lines of communication” for us…in more ways that just requiring internet connection…..)

After all the packing and prepping for the trip, the ride to the airport was quite amusing, with the kids talking to us and themselves a mile-a-minute.  Yet we were both quiet and oblivious to them most of the time, with the dozens of thoughts running through our head of all the possible “required” items that we possibly left at home.  But nothing came to mind, and we pressed on towards the airport.

Both sets of grandparents met us at the airport to send off the six of us.  After spending some time checking in and visiting, Jenn’s dad asked my dad to bring us together once more and offer up a prayer for us of thanksgiving and for safety.  My dad was still itching to come with us, and it was obvious he was disappointed that he was not traveling with us.  Maybe he can if there is a next time….

The flight on the “express” jet to Newark was great, especially for Luke and Lauren, since they had never flown before.  It was a great warm-up for them before the long one.   There was no sign of fear or anxiety in them, which goes right along with their personality.

After a couple of hours to stretch in Newark, we loaded onto the Continental 777 around 3:15 EDT.  Let me give a quick “plug” for Continental Airlines….They are the bomb when it comes to flying internationally!  I have only flown abroad two times, and both were on a Continental plane.  But with the amenities offered by Continental, plus the lowest cost offered to us, it is hard to pick another flight option.  However, we did learn on the announcements that United and Continental are merging and will be one airline soon.  (I am sure we were one of the last to know this, and it has been public knowledge for quite some time……oh well.)  We knew that the touch-screen TV’s on the backs of the seats would be a big hit with the kids.  Before Jenn and I could even get settled into our seats, I think they had their earphones on and playing video games on the seats.  I wonder if they even realized that we took off when we did.

After our first meal was brought to us after a couple of hours, Jenn broke out the phenergan for the kids and Ambien for us to try to help us get some sleep.  That did work a little this trip, as I think each of us did sleep a little.  I did look over at Luke a couple of hours before we landed, and he looked a little strung out, like he had been forced to stay up all night.  But Jenn and I were pleased that after we landed and made it to the hotel that they handled everything exceptionally well….besides being a little hungry, as the airplane food did not satisfy the boys as much as hoped.

We arrived at the Marriott Sky City Airport around 8:30 pm (7:30 AM home time) and were met on our floor by Jessica Freeland, with the cutest, brightest smiling face as the door opened.  It was great to see her and her parents as we arrived!  It definitely helped the “shock factor” of being across the world to see our friends as we arrived.

Lauren and her sweet friend, Jessica....both soon-to-be big sisters!!

Today, we are heading either to Hong Kong Disney Land with the Freeland’s or to Ocean Park.  Whichever one we choose to go to, it will be a neat experience for all of us.  Plus, we go back to the fact that we are one day closer to meeting our daughter, which is why we are here.  Monday, October 11^th is the day we are aiming for at this point.

Be blessed!