The *Official* Part One
15/01/08 11:00 Filed in: Travel &
Prep
Well, here's the first official "play-by-day" record
of our journeys in China. I hope to get everything
updated before we re-enter the States, but... we'll
see how time permits.
So, Friday, January 4th we landed in Beijing International Airport (PEK) -- the local time was around 4pm. We had a very nice flight: the stewards & stewardesses were constantly flying down the aisles feeding us & delivering drinks and hot washcloths. Between the sleep (which we got very little of), and the incessant feedings, combined with the children's cooperation, the flight went by a little faster than we expected for a 17 hr jaunt. While in Chicago, we came across two other PHFers -- John & Desiray Christen. They were on their return flight to China to continue working with the orphans there. That was pretty cool!
When we arrived in Beijing, John helped us locate the PHF drivers, since we weren't too sure how this was all going to work out. Blessings just continue to pour out of this journey! That made it VERY easy for us to get moving to Langfang (where PHF is located). The hour-ish van ride was a very sleepy one, to be sure!
Upon arrival at the PHF campus, we were pleasantly greeted by Leah Zimmer -- she's the Guest Relations Coordinator at PHF, plus she writes the Heartbeat Newsletter -- she was much taller than we pictured, but oh-so-friendly (which we kinda did expect, BTW). Though we had originally requested one 8-person room, Leah granted us an additional 4-person room which turned out to be all-too helpful! Yet another blessing!
My best friend, of over 26 years, arrived in China shortly after we did -- he experienced a delay departing from Dulles earlier that day (imagine that...) Our group was nearly complete!
We unloaded a little, but quickly found ourselves in deep need of some deep sleep. After getting the kiddos & Carolyn in bed, Suzanne & I quickly crashed -- after all, our adventures were to begin bright & early @ 8am the next day!!!!! Yikes!
We *all* loved the Inn of Eight Happinesses! It was just... "home"! We didn't experience any feeling of "culture shock", or anything while staying there. It was WONderful! Thanks PHF!!!
So, Friday, January 4th we landed in Beijing International Airport (PEK) -- the local time was around 4pm. We had a very nice flight: the stewards & stewardesses were constantly flying down the aisles feeding us & delivering drinks and hot washcloths. Between the sleep (which we got very little of), and the incessant feedings, combined with the children's cooperation, the flight went by a little faster than we expected for a 17 hr jaunt. While in Chicago, we came across two other PHFers -- John & Desiray Christen. They were on their return flight to China to continue working with the orphans there. That was pretty cool!
When we arrived in Beijing, John helped us locate the PHF drivers, since we weren't too sure how this was all going to work out. Blessings just continue to pour out of this journey! That made it VERY easy for us to get moving to Langfang (where PHF is located). The hour-ish van ride was a very sleepy one, to be sure!
Upon arrival at the PHF campus, we were pleasantly greeted by Leah Zimmer -- she's the Guest Relations Coordinator at PHF, plus she writes the Heartbeat Newsletter -- she was much taller than we pictured, but oh-so-friendly (which we kinda did expect, BTW). Though we had originally requested one 8-person room, Leah granted us an additional 4-person room which turned out to be all-too helpful! Yet another blessing!
My best friend, of over 26 years, arrived in China shortly after we did -- he experienced a delay departing from Dulles earlier that day (imagine that...) Our group was nearly complete!
We unloaded a little, but quickly found ourselves in deep need of some deep sleep. After getting the kiddos & Carolyn in bed, Suzanne & I quickly crashed -- after all, our adventures were to begin bright & early @ 8am the next day!!!!! Yikes!
We *all* loved the Inn of Eight Happinesses! It was just... "home"! We didn't experience any feeling of "culture shock", or anything while staying there. It was WONderful! Thanks PHF!!!