Travel Updates... Woah

Well... the good news is -- we are in China... the bad news is-- we are not home in Hengyang. Parker and I set out on our adventure of flying home Wednesday, October 12.

We boarded a plane for Atlanta Georgia. Our tickets the entire way to China were on stand-by... but all flights looked good. We made the Atlanta flight and my little angel didn't even make a peep. We were very fortunate to have two seats. The plane was on a three seat set up... so it was me, Parker and military man. Yes... we got the dreaded look "oh great, she's sitting next to me" but after the flight and many people trying to engage this armed force worker... I think he is just an extreme introvert. Many people on the plane comment to me how good Parker was.

Our next flight left just 1 hour and 30 minutes later to Tokyo, Japan... and the flight left without Parker and I. We were at the gate... waiting... praying... hoping and tearful to get on the plane-- but weight restrictions prevented us from departure. So slightly (or a little more than slightly) discouraged- we headed to a hotel to spend the night.
The staff booked us (stand-by) for a flight to Seattle the next morning... then Seattle to Tokyo (Tokyo to Hong Kong)

So we spent the night... woke early the next morning and boarded a plane for Seattle. We got on the flight and once again the counter staff showed us favor... we got 2 Business Economy seats (slightly larger seats)... it was perfect for a 5 and half hour flight.

Once again- Parker did great. We made it to Seattle and with the time change had a breather before waiting to get cleared for our next flight. So we walked around and explored the airport. We saw it all in about an hour... enjoyed a bagel and ice water at Starbucks and headed towards the gate. I thought it was looking good when they checked our documents (passport and visas) but about 10 minutes before the flight was suppose to take off... we were still number 15 on stand-by list and I hear the words- weight restrictions. OH NO!! Was my first thought... I have to get on this plane... but they said no can do.

I looked at the counter supervisor with desperation in my eyes... and said-- "can you please help me. I am traveling alone with my infant son"... etc... I told him we were trying to get to China--he told me a flight to Beijing was leaving at 7:30 pm from Seattle. Please put me on it. So he processed our information and put us on the stand-by list. I got in touch with my parents and Wes and gave them the latest... and we wait and pray.

By this point, due to the way I packed all of Parker's things in the carry-ons... I have not changed my clothes (or underwear) in over 24 hours... and I'm getting pretty ripe and somehow Parker spit up all over the leg on my blue jeans.. I look for underwear and a change of clothes in the airport stores. I had some success... getting a Life is Good t-shirt- with a picture of a steamy bath tube :) contact case and deodorant... but no underwear or pants. I get slightly freshened and we head to our gate.

HOORAY-- we got cleared. We board the plane and were in the bulk head area with 2 seats. The lady that was in our row (seats section of 3) offered to move so we could have the whole row. (maybe because she actually wanted to sleep on the flight and didn't know how good Parker was... but regardless... we had 3 seats)

The flight takes off and lands... Parker is a champ!! He slept great... I even got some sleep (although every time I would wake up in a panic- my thoughts being- "where's the baby"... he was peacefully right in my arms every time)

PTL we made it to China. We head through Customs and down to baggage claim where we encounter our next snag. Our bags aren't there :( sadly our bags were still in Sleepless Seattle (meaning my hope for clean undies... is diminished) I am suppose to call today to get the latest on the luggage.

Tomorrow (Sunday in China) we catch a plane for Changsha. When we arrive in Changsha, Wes should be waiting with a driver from our school.

Even though you would think I had plenty of time to snap photos... I didn't. My hands were full between a baby, book bag, diaper bag and Parker's pea pod tent. I did get him smiling in the arms of a great flight attendant and my Life is Good shirt... just because it is funny. I will post them later. For now... you have the story of our travels to China. To be continued - in a less eventful fashion (I hope) on our completed travel to Hengyang.

Thank you all who were praying. I can't imagine our journey without prayers-- it could have been a complete disaster. I know the Father is faithful to hear those who call out to Him... even though most of the time... it doesn't look like we imagine.