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Beijing Bound
But stuck in Tokyo
August 31, 2006

Just a quick update as we are in a hotel in Tokyo and will be heading off to Beijing in about 6 hours. Sheila and Jada just got out of bed at 4:00 in the morning after the two of them had a lengthy conversation to which I was most fortunate to have heard, considering I was in the bed beside them.

It all started yesterday – seems SO LONG AGO looking back. We got to Tri-Cities airport at our specified time and said good-bye to Sheila's Mom who was kind enough to brave the early morning and provide the ride. Needless to say, Jada was excited to be taking her first plane ride; at least the first plane ride in her young memory. But I digress…

We made it to Detroit on time and settled in for our allotted 5 hour layover. We saw the sights of our little corner of the airport with visions of the LONG plane ride ahead whipping our thoughts. These were NOT visions of sugar plums stuck in our heads…but I digress…

After several announcements at the Northwest counter talking about something with the words hydraulics and leaking and can’t find the source that we determined that we were NOT taking this plane to Tokyo. After the decision was made to get another plane and transfer all the baggage and food, we left a good three hours after our regularly scheduled departure time. As it turns out, this was just the right amount of time to allow our connecting flight to Tokyo to leave us waving in the wind. But I digress…

Now, here we are in Tokyo and the Northwest people are putting everyone up in the Radisson until such time that a new flight can be made available for everyone. We had to clear Customs and catch a shuttle ride to what we thought would be a quick jaunt to a hotel called the Narita Airport Radisson. NOT! It was a 30 minutes ride through the streets of Tokyo and one that I thoroughly dread to take again this morning. But I digress…

Back to 4:00 this morning – after a short conversation, Sheila asked Jada to play a game called the “Be Still” game. Whoever moved first, lost the game. It sounded like Sheila won every single round except the time when Jada blew in her ear. Anyway, after several rounds of this not so quiet game, Sheila asked Jada to tell her what time was displayed on the digital clock between the beds. Stating matter-of-factly that the clock showed 4-8-8 (the 0's looked like 8's to her on that clock), we knew we were going to be in for a L-O-N-G morning preparing for our trip to Beijing.

Well, I believe the two of them are about done with their shower. It has been a real experience trying to type this while listening to Jada sing Jesus Loves Me and the Barney Love Song (I Love You – You Love Me) in the shower. She is a laugh a minute and we are so glad (So Far) that we have brought her on this wonderful adventure.

More to come – we love you all and can’t wait to see everyone when we return.

Richard

Comments
Richard, you entry is cracking us up. Sounds like your trip is already filled with lots of fun memories. We are thinking of you often and so anxious for your next update.
Posted by: Dustin, Michelle & Halle Grace on August 31, 2006 at 01:00 P.M.
Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear about all the aggravation- but glad to hear all is well. Tell Jada her Brit-Brit loves her! I did talk with staff at Living Hope today (Sheila ask I call) and they know of the delay, and there will be someone in Beijing at your arrival time. Look for LH signs, they said.
Posted by: Brittany on August 31, 2006 at 02:55 P.M.
We are glad you have arrived in Beijing safely(or by the time you read this); air travel can be a trying time. Our travel time this past January seems like years ago. Stay safe and healthy.

P.S. A woman by the name of Emily was our LH contact in Beijing this past January.
Posted by: Bill, Wendy & Ashley Nobles on August 31, 2006 at 03:23 P.M.
So glad you guys are on your way- too bad for the flight problems but it will work out. Look forward to following your trip- we are SOOOOO happy and excitied for you guys!!!!
Posted by: Michael and Starla on August 31, 2006 at 03:51 P.M.
We are so glad you all are doing good. Sounds like your in for a very exciting trip!Rememember just to laugh alot and enjoy every minute of it, cause it will go by so fast. We will keep you all, in our prayers! Give Jada a big hug from Abbey Grace.Sending lots of love your way!!!
Posted by: Scott,Laura,Hilliary,Peyton,and Abbey grace on August 31, 2006 at 06:44 P.M.
Oh my goodness - it sounds like you all are having just a little too much excitement at this stage in your journey! But I digress....I'm glad you made the long flight safely. And we're happy Jada did so well. Enjoy Beijing and get used to the time change. We can't wait to see pictures of little Ruby. Tell Jada that Eliza has been asking about her being in China. Love you guys!
Posted by: Joel, Donna & Eliza on August 31, 2006 at 07:33 P.M.
Richard and Sheila----It is so good to follow your trip with you---Larry and i are praying for you every night---God be with you and keep you in His care--We cannot wait to see Little RUBY--please take care and give Miss Jada a hug for us--God bless
Posted by: Larry and Opal Ragsdale------Aug.31--2006----10:36 on August 31, 2006 at 07:43 P.M.