September 2003

Jiang Su

Stressful and calming, exhausting and uplifting, an emotional roller coaster that was ultimately fulfilling. All of these come to mind when I think of the trip to China.

A diverse group of excited, nervous people from Ontario and Saskatchewan gathered at the Vancouver airport on August 22nd. Dreams of babies made the flight pass quickly! (The wine helped, too!)

Shanghai was our introduction to China. The trip to the hotel from the airport gave us an indication of the size of the city and a journey downtown after dark impressed us with its blend of old and new architecture. The teeming crowds on the riverbank were our first experience of the people of this great country.

Shanghai to Nanjing by bus was our next experience. The heat and humidity could not dampen our enthusiasm because the end of the trip promised our first meeting with our babies. Eleven babies met eleven families that afternoon amidst smile, tears, hugs, toys and much filming.

Beijing was next and we all looked forward to the experience. The capital was amazing – perhaps it was the thrill of parenthood that added to the excitement. The fine hotel with its lovely breakfast buffet, the coffee shop with its North American coffee and even Antonio’s shop were fun. The department store and indoor market, as well as the delicious suppers arranged by Fay and Yulin, were all highlights.

The trip to the Great Wall was our last tour. Babies were left with nannies as we geared up for the Badaling section of the Great Wall. It certainly was a thrill to be at the Wall, especially at its highest point. Fay told us that climbing to the top would make us “heroes” and it was a weary bunch of heroes that straggled back to the bus that day!

The next day was Departure Day! Packing, making extra bottles, stowing extra clothes and diapers, and a group photo made the morning fly by. We got to Beijing airport to discover other groups of parents and new babies there as well. When the flight was called, 37 babies boarded. It was a thrill to be a part of the special journey for each parent and child.

China seems almost like a dream now, but one look at our daughter’s face convinces us of the wonderful reality.

To Yulin, Yufen, Yupin, Fay and Michael, thank you once again. Your caring and hard work made the trip a very successful one.

To all the other families, it was a privilege to travel with you and to get to know you. Lynn, Julie and I wish you all the best! We’ll be in touch soon.

Philip Cheveldayoff