LEAVING & ARRIVING HOME

Katrina & Ramone

Alicia, Katrina, Ramone & Dustin at airport

Alicia tears up as the plane takes off from Manila and Katrina is leaving her homeland.

Katrinas first plane ride

The airport welcoming committee - Tracy & Cheryl Ide's first granddaughter comes home welcomed by Aunt Rebekah, Uncle Peter and Aunt Diana

(1) Aunt Diana (2) Uncle Kent, Uncle Brad, Aunt Kate & cousin Elle (3) Uncle Peter - the sign maker - & Aunt Rebekah

KATRINA COMES HOME

Arrived home about 7 hours ago.  The trip was long, but our little Katrina probably did the best ever.  She truly did better than all three of the adults combined.  

We are so happy to be home.  Katrina - imagine sleeping through a homecoming that made you feel like a rock star.  It was so cute to come down the tarmac and see all of Dustin's family (Grandmother Cheryl, Grandfather Tracy, Aunt Diana, Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Peter) standing there with balloons - smiles and arms that could hardly wait to hold the first grandchild and niece.  How lucky is she to have all of them?  Each time I would look at them they were beaming - beaming.  Grampa Bob, Uncle Kent, Uncle Brad, Auntie Kate and little cousin Elle tried to hold back - guess that's what happens when you've held those babies and know that there will be time enough to get to know their new family member.  What a special support group you were to your sister and aunt.  Then there were all the people that added to our homecoming by just smiling and offering congratulations to the new family and sharing their adoption stories.

Then it was off home - as the Ides loaded up, mama and Katrina in her first ride in a carseat (not required in the Philippines), daddy sitting next to a passenger's seat full of balloons and a hold filled with their suitcases and stroller, I sent off a special prayer of thanks for our fantastic trip and the safe journey we were afforded.  

Now it is time for breathing room and the days to come of firsts - I can just see her exploring her new environment and meeting her family of dogs.  Today we are suppose to have snow.  I am hoping mommy and daddy will take her out and take a photo of her in the snow so we can send it back to the Hospicio and Ramone.

I talked nonstop to Bob about all I did and saw - he was probably happy when I finally passed out - truly, my eyes were not under my control as I passed out earlier this evening.

Thank you to all of you that accompanied us on this journey.  Alicia's cousin, Jeanine, is encouraging her to keep up the blog.  I am thinking Alicia should start a book series - and the first book, KATRINA MEETS THE HOUNDS.  We surely had fun journaling knowing that you would love to see our insights and  comment.  The pictures will be endless and I will make sure you that will get the link to the complete album.  Right now, I am so happy to be home, to be in my own bed and to get unpacked.

ICAB and CCS Visit

Where have we been? Well, parenthood came like a freight train and finding time to sit and have the energy to write is few and far between! Being a mother is such a rewarding job--I watch her every move and just love to see her learning and doing new things. Things she's learned so far? Sign language for "more," how to take off and put on her shoes, the hand movement for the itsy bitsy spider, how to jump, she points to her nose when I say, "nose--and eyes, ears, and mouth," in her favorite book, she has learned how to tickle the baby's stomach...Today was the first day she uttered "muh-muh-muh to me" it was so cool. Most amazing--how to take off and put the cap back onto a water bottle. She worked on that one for a long time. She is proud when she is able to manuever her hands to do it...

Today, Ramon drove us to ICAB (Inter Country Adoption Board) Gemma, our social worker was there to meet us. We received all of Katrina's paperwork, her passport/Visa. We got a tour of the place as well. Katrina received a Filipina Doll, a book about her homeland, and a flag. She will cherish these wonderful gifts I know. Next, on to CCS (Concordia Children's Services), a beautiful home for children in Quezon City. We met Beth, the director--what a wonderful woman--very devoted to those children I could tell--very loving and caring of her to give us a tour of her home. This orphanage now has 20 children ranging from infant to school age. Not only does she care for the children within the orphanage, she also provides for street children who come to get meals or schooling in the day. Very different from Hospicio, much smaller and more like a home environment for the children. It was very interesting, hearing the stories of some of the children within her home...We are very thankful to both Beth and Gemma for all of their work. Gemma spoke on our behalf for Katrina--she was our "lawyer" in a way--putting up a case of why we were to be matched with Katrina. She was also responsible for preparing all of Katrina's paperwork, bringing her to her medical and visa interviews...much, much, more...Dustin and I wish we would have known about how much Gemma has done--we had no clue that she was responsible for this match...Thank you so very much Gemma.

After CCS, we went on to purchase some keepsakes for Katrina. Ramon took us to a special handicrafts store where we dropped over 500 US dollars for our little one( a special thank you to Ramon for being Lolo and keeping Katrina occupied while mommy and daddy shopped). We purchased a pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings...we also purchased a beautiful dress--wait until you see it! A purse made out of banana fabric, a shell jewelry box, some dolls, and some other wooden carved crafts.

We went to stop for lunch--I tried chicken adobo for the very first time and loved it--I will need to get the recipe and try it. Katrina could not sit still--so Lolo Ramone, once again came to the rescue. We found out she loves rice with mushroom soup in it. After lunch, we came out to see Ramon and Kat-Kat jamming in the car to top 40 music! The day was wonderful--now to pack and bring our little one home--we'll see how this plane ride goes. We will be up around 3 to get to the airport in time for our 7am flight...We arrive back in Milwaukee on Friday night, around 4:00pm! See you there if you will be greeting us--just wait until you meet this little one, she will steal your heart time and time again! Alicia Rae

AYALA MUSEUM & MEETING PAMELA

The Ayala Museum was fabulous. Getting there via walking was another matter - thank goodness for the kind Filipinos that look at me and know that I am so darn confused.
The museum was 3 floors of exhibits. You start on the top and move your way down. First thing I saw was pottery (reminded me of my mother's love for it),a collection of Filipino costumes and a beautiful exhibit of historic gold jewelry. It was preceded by a great narrated film of the Filipino craftsmen creating their gold bowls, tiaras, necklaces, etc. Then you go in the VAULT and view all the pieces. The coolest thing was the drawers beneath some of the cases - you would pull it out, items were displayed and then they had a magnifying glass that was attached to a grid that you could move around and inspect the pieces. Amazing workmanship.
The next floor was filled with artwork by Filipinos - Robin - remember when we would play that game that and you would always select the topic, Filipino poets??? Well, truly there are poets and artists here. The final floor was a diarama of the history of the Philippines. Well worth the time it took to look and read.
I came back to the hotel to meet Bob's nephews wives sister, Pamela. She drove in to have lunch with me. She is adorable - works for the Wrigley gum corporation here in the Philippines. We had fun talking and laughing about things. Karen, Patti & Dick - she is a treasure.
Today it is the coolest it has been in Manila. The wind is blowing and it is wonderful.
Kids still aren't back from ICAB - they must have gone shopping for pearls and native dress. Good for them.....pictures will be up as soon as they return.
Mareta

TAGAYTAY

The kids were in to bonding time so I heard that little voice in my head, Bob, telling me not to waste a moment and take the time to do some trips. Manila is not the real Philippines, like Honolulu is not the real Hawaii, so I took off with Ramone to visit Tagaytay. It is about an hours drive south of Manila and is the site of the smallest active volcano in the world. The Taal Volcano is located in Taal Lake which sits in another volcano. Romone took me to the ridge and we visited with his friend, Henry, who manages a small zoo/restaurant/hotel. We had a personal tour of the zoo - I saw a white lion, camel, beautiful birds and lots of fish and snakes. Cal - I saw this fruit bat - huge - I also saw little hamster babies - so cute. Kyle - you would have cringed at all the snakes - I even saw snake eggs (I've never seen those) and a cobra.
We had lunch overlooking Taal Volcano. We had St. Peter's fish which is local to the area, chicken/pork adobe (not as sour as Pa use to make), pancit and mangos and pineapples. You would have been proud of me Bob - they kept putting stuff on my plate and I kept smiling and trying to eat.
The best part of the day was the drive where I was able to go through the various barangays - small units. They each had a different speciality - furniture making, plants/flowers, pineapples/mangos/coconuts. There were rice paddy's, pineapple fields. All very close to the street and very simple. I also took a picture with a tiger cub - strong - about bowled me over.
We finished by going up to Peoples Park - at the very top was a residence that was built by Imelda Marcos that they found after Ferdinand was deposed and Imelda exiled. They are now refurbishing it and making it a tourist attraction. You can see the whole valley - the beautiful new vacation homes and the golf courses that they are erecting. Definitely for the wealthy and foreigners.
The kids just left to go to ICAB with Katrina to receive the official papers from the Philippines that will enable them to take Katrina home. I am going to meet with our nephews sister, Pamela Reyes for lunch and then go on to the Ayala Museum.
The days here have flown. I definitely would love to come back here. Right now I have two people working on hunting down information on my father. Maybe we will have something before I leave.
We are good - can't wait to get home and have all of you meet Katrina. Bob, she is like our little Ava.
PS - Jeanine - shoes galore, prices are great. Elle - you would love seeing all the activities that they cram into the malls - they are a destination. Robin & Smitty - I see lots of people that look like you guys so I am feeling right at home.
Love to all of you - Lola Mareta
Pictures as soon as I can get them up.

Daddy's thoughts

What can I say about my little angel that has not already been said by her mother or grandma? I am certain my writing will not be as poetic as theirs, but I wanted to take a moment to share some of my thoughts from these amazing last few days. The flight over was definitely long to say the least, but it went by as quickly as possible with our anticipation on finally meeting our daughter. When Alicia, in one of her first posts, said the flight on the 747 from Minneapolis to Tokyo and from Tokyo to Manila was a "cattle car" in coach, she meant it. The airport in Manila was pretty chaotic, about what you picture or expect if you have ever flow into a major airport in a developing country. The city itself is beautiful as you can see from some of the pictures. It reminds me a lot of the Santo Domingo. They drive a lot like the D.R. as well, there is not even a posted speed limit in the city limits! However, with traffic at most times they don't really need one because you can't go too fast in gridlock. My favorite sites are looking down the side roads, from the main roads we are driving on, and into the neighborhoods and seeing the people on the narrow streets. The city offers everything you would expect from a metro area of over 18 million. Areas like where our hotel is located, Makati City - the center of their financial district, are a bustle with business people and shoppers. It is not uncommon to see BMW's Mercedes, Land Rovers, etc. Then there is the other side, ranging from shanty town like dwellings along one of the rivers not to far from Katrina's hometown of Cavite, to the high rise low income housing projects lining the city streets and railroad tracks in some areas. Seeing "street children" barely clothed breaks your heart.
Now to my little girl... I really didn't feel that nervous on our way to meet her. I guess 25+ months of preparation will do that. We had to wait in this little office for like 10 minutes, although it seemed a lot longer as you can imagine, for them to go get "Kat Kat." When they brought her in she looked just like the first pictures we got of her, only a few months older. I didn't want to scare her, but after a moment of looking at her in awe I grabbed her and sat her on my leg, the first picture posted with her on my leg was taken by Alicia's mother within a minute of us meeting our angel. After a few moments she recognized Alicia's face and put her arms out for her mother to grab her and hold her. It was truly amazing. For the first few minutes she was pretty calm, but then her personality slowly came out more and more. She is a very active little girl and will squirm and squiggle if she is not comfortable or doesn't want to be held. She loves to look at herself in the mirror. She also likes to be tickled and she laughs as she runs back in forth between mommy and daddy in the room and grabs onto our legs. I was worried when she woke up this morning, her first night away from the Hospicio, that she would be scared and not remember where she was. However, as I heard her wake up, at 4:17am for good, she sat up in her crib and just gazed at her mother and I with a peaceful grin on her face. She was a bit of a handful during parts of the ceremony today as she would have rather climbed a jungle gym then sat in a pew, but we managed. She is just so beautiful with her curly hair, long eye lashes, and full lips. We both feel just so lucky that god chose us to be her parents. It has been a whirlwind and a tiring couple days, no doubt due to the 13 hour time difference and the 21 1/2 hours of flying, but we are looking forward to enjoying the next couple of days and then bringing our beautiful daughter home to meet all of you, her new family and friends!

Hospicio Bids Farewell to their Angel

What an absolutely beautiful day. I continue to be amazed at what has come out of this experience--mainly the little wonder that is now, as I am more than honored to say, my daughter. Hospicio has proven to be a wonderful home for her. She has been more than loved and they have been providing for her basic needs-- yet, as the Executive Director stated in her speech, "We know in our hearts that Katrina deserves a family who will love and accept her unconditionally. Now, God has looked with favor on Katrina and surely even the angels in heaven are rejoicing because Katrina has finally acquired a mom and a dad." As I sat in the chapel, I turned to see all of Katrina's Hospicio friends smiling and nodding. I had felt so lucky to know that they were all saying, "We believe in you and trust you with our darling angel Katrina." Why did they choose us? She says, "we precisely chose you to be Katrina's parents because of your educational background, your happy childhood environment both of you grew up in, you are young, full of energy, enthusiasm and vigor for your parenting role..." Perhaps the most moving part of the ceremony was when Sr. Ma. Socorro Evidente made the point to share this: "It is noble of you to start your family with adoption even if there is still a possibility that you would have kids of your own biologically." A view that many have challenged throughout this process--so many often asked, "Why?" In my heart, she is meant to be. Period. She is an absolute blessing and joy. How lucky am I? As we plan for our late Welcome Home party--perhaps a few weeks after Easter, you can look forward to sharing more of this wonderful moment in time with us. There, you will get a chance to see and read Katrina's Lifebook. It will absolutely fill your heart! I took my time--minutes staring at each picture--reading each caption--or note. When I came to the picture of Katrina's mother, I could barely breathe. I touched her face and looked at tiny little Katrina in her birthmother's arms. How special that Hospicio pushed to get this picture for Katrina. How special to have this all for her. Her mother is beautiful too. She has her mother's eyes.
Hospicio has also given Dustin and I a copy of the slideshow. We cannot wait to share more with you. What will we all do with our time when this blog comes to conclusion? Well, I'm sure just enjoy in the moment with this little one...However, the Executive Director shared wonderful news stating that the InterCountryAdoptionBoard finally approved a reduction of wait time for adoption, allowing children w/no records to be placed immediately (rather than having to wait until actual surrender papers are signed and approved)--6 months now for the Philippines...

ENTRUSTMENT MASS

The Entrustment Ceremony took place at the church on the grounds of the Hospicio. All the elders, Katrina's toddler dormitory and sisters and caretakers attended. It was beautiful. They started with a history of Katrina's life at the Hospicio, including pictures of her baptism, 1st birthday, 1st outing, her playmates and all her caretakers. The administrator, Sr. Ma. Socorro G. Evidente spoke of why Dustin and Alicia were selected to be Katrina's adoptive parents. When the father entrusted Katrina into the hands of Dustin and Alicia they also had to respond to the congregation as to what they would do for their daughter. Closing they signed the papers of "A Promise of Unselfish Love" - through most of this Lola was crying. Before leaving the church there was pictures, with the priest, with the nuns, with the nurses, with her godparents. The best photo - when they lined up all 17 of the toddler dormitory for a photo - imagine that. We then retired to the Social Services party room for rice cake and pancit. Yes, all those care givers each had a baby and they all took part in the party. Then it was a kissing frenzy as they all said goodbye to their little angel, Katrina.
I sat there realizing that this was indeed a big thing for the orphanage and for all of them. They were entrusting the child that they had had in their care for almost a year to another family and I am sure they are trusting that they have chosen well.
I had a chance to speak with Sr. Socorro. She sits on the ICAB Board and will be visiting ICAB in Illinois in May. Those of you that know me, now know that I have adopted another program and friend. If she truly makes it to Illinois she has taken our phone number and we will welcome her to the USA and be as gratious of a host as she was today to all of us.
Katrina returned to a long nap and awoke happy and chattering. It is good to see both of the new parents adjust little by little - what a surprise they are in for - this little one is life changing.

LOLA ON THE SIDELINE

Yesterday - what can I tell you. So many emotions to contend with as we made the 90 degree turn to enter the Hospicio - I am telling you, on a span bridge all of a sudden you make a right hand turn, with little room to spare, to turn onto the island where the orphanage is located. The lane that led to the entrance was lined with trees and beautiful. Waiting to have Katrina brought to us seemed like forever and then all of a sudden she was there. I am watching Dusting and Alicia to see their faces as they see their daughter for the first time. That is what was overwhelming - I started to cry. Katrina seemed at ease with them and went to them immediately. Then it was off to visit the different dormitories within the complex. That was my favorite picture - little one in between mommy & daddy walking to her dormitory.
We arrived at feeding time - a line of highchairs set up and all the caregivers delivering the cereals to their charges. The toddler room had 17 cribs, all with names of them. 16 little faces looking at you and wondering - "what the heck are these people doing - didn't know we were on tourist stop." It was the faces that got to me - again the tears, knowing that our little Katrina would now have another life with another group of people that truly were in her corner to give her the life that each child should experience. The infant room - I can definitely say that all of you would have snatched them up to give them love. You can imagine, it would be impossible to hold, cuddle, give attention and soothe all of them. It broke my heart.
The grinning parents left the Hospicio with their daughter. Lola so proud to watch both them embrace the task before them. Eager to do the right thing, but also aware that they now have an awesome responsibility to rear her. Upon arriving at the hotel I immediately left them to get acquainted with their daughter. They needed this time alone.
Guess what I did? I walked over to shopping to look for a battery and cartridge for their video camera which they needed. The place was a madhouse - nothing could have prepared me for a mall that connected with a mall that connected with a mall and another mall and then outside stores. They had me going all over and even though they sell Panasonic they didn't have the batteries - does that make sense? Anyhow, sidelined at the bookstore to get her a cache of Filipino folk lore books, I am asking the cashier for another suggestion and a young lady next in line offers to take me to find the store. She proceeds to cart me all over - truly, over a half hour we trod around - this young lady had a full day at work at Citibank, started at 3:30am and just got off (she is working US hours) and yet she wanted to help me. She wouldn't take a meal or a drink just a hug. Finally I told her she needed to get home to her family, we parted at the Filipino Cultural store and I was amazed at her generosity. Gave me such a warm feeling about my father's people - which I could catch glimpses of as I roamed the city. To put this at an end, I got lost in the maze of malls - panicking I wouldn't find my way out - I wanted to get back to the hotel. Finally made it back - adopted the NYC attitude when crossing the streets - and arrived home to see Katrina running back and forth between our rooms and the parents 'HAPPY".
To my gramma friends - you want to sit back and let the child warm up to you - so hard when you want to establish a bond - but that bond, even for Katrina, seemed immediate - it will be for all of you too - just knowing that the biggest thing you can give their little angel is love and security. Just now they gave her a bath in the sink - they did a good job - you know what I shared, towel in the bottom of the sink, elbow tests the water.....are you laughing now????
Today I will accompany them to the entrustment mass - then I will be off to explore and give them their alone time. Ayala Museum and perhaps another venue. To my family - I think of all of you and know you are with me as I experience all these wonderful sights, sounds, the people, the chaos, the country. To realize that my father came from this place at a time when it wasn't a tenth of what it is today is awe inspiring and I have a new appreciation of what the immigrants have experienced. Love to all of you - the stories are building up.

More pictures from Daddy's camera...

Here are the descriptors for the pictures:

*My former home, Hospicio de San Jose. Right off the Ayala bridge. It is an island 4 hectors long. It is a beautiful place with many children, all the way up to adults w/special needs. Hospicio has a "turn cradle" where mothers can surrender their babies. Mothers leave their babies in the square opening in the wall. Right now, the turn cradle is "Closed" for Hospicio is full. They can only take on 25 children per unit. My unit had 16 toddlers. The mayor of Manila also came from Hospicio.

*Mommy and Daddy got to feed me during feeding time w/all of my friends. I ate a rice mix w/chicken broth and ripped off my bib and stood up when I was done.

*Lola Mareta got to visit w/me too. The workers loved her and took her all over and into the premi room. They commented saying, "She has skin like Grandma--light filipina."

*I fell asleep in my ina's arms (mommy) on the ride to the shopping center. I slept the whole time they shopped and bought me outfits, formula, and water.

*I found the mirror hidden inside the tv stand. I laughed so hard at myself and climbed all the way inside. I screamed "DA-DA" when he played w/me. I have dimples when I smile!

*I love the tv and wanted to touch! As soon as I saw daddy playing w/the remote control, I grabbed it and did it too.

I am sleeping right now still. I woke up around 11pm crying and fussing a bit and itching my skin. It definitely needs some loving care in USA. Mommy can tell that I just want to crawl out of it, so she keeps me lotioned up as much as she can. Mommy rocked me to sleep w/my blankie. I got my bottle and went right back to sleep, snoring. Mommy is having a hard time sleeping...Daddy is snoring too. I love you my new family. Thank you for thinking of me. Love, Katrina (KAT-KAT)

MEETING KATRINA

8:02 on Monday night...She is finally down to bed. What an angel! Our day at Hospicio is indescribable. We sat and waited in the office...and in walks this tiny little girl--even more tiny than I had imagined her. Daddy grabbed her right away and sat her on his lap. As we toured her home, she reached out for myself and Dustin. We fed her, met her friends, and her caregivers. I remain speechless and my thoughts are lost in just watching her sleep. What a wonderful feeling this is. Dustin and I have not stopped smiling. We watch her every move and marvel at the little curly-haired wonder. She noticed herself in the mirror and loved what she saw. She giggled for hours and chittered "da-da-da-daddy!" She would clap when music caught her ear and when cartoons caught her eye. Hannah Montana left her speechless. She squiggled and squirmed her little body during diaper change time--it took 3 to get it done right! She spent her day running back and forth to mommy and daddy--always making sure to look across to the other to make sure they were still there and watching. She loved the phonebooks, the lipstick, and the pictures of her doggies. She kissed their faces and walked around with the corner of the picture in her mouth. She rode in the stroller for her first night out to dinner and kicked her right foot and waved her hands in excitement at everyone walking by. She already learned the sign language for "more" and "all gone!" When she got fussy, I would just stop to sing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Twinkle Twinkle"--it caught her attention everytime--she would just stare and watch her mommy's lips.

Tomorrow there will be an entrustment ceremony back at Hospicio...there is the reading of her history, a mass, a promise speech from Dustin and I, and a blessing. What a special day...Enjoy the photos of our newest addition. Thank you for all of your prayers, thoughts, and support. We feel so lucky to share this journey with you! Love you, Alicia and Dustin

DAY 2 Alicia's thoughts...

It is day 2...after a long rest, I am finally feeling rejuvenated. It is 8:43, Sunday night. The city of Manila was absolutely breathtaking--all of it. I sat quietly in the back of the van--no words...I just took it all in. The monuments, the memorials, the markets, the children and the people. I found myself in absolute awe of this beautiful piece of the country. The history here is like no other. The politics, the family bonds, and the reclamation. The churches and cathedrals are massive--artistic. The streets on a Sunday are alive with food, busy vendors, and playing children. A Lent tradition finds families following down the streets to 7 churches. Even a live crucifiction takes place in many areas.

As we drove through the different cities surrounding Metro Manila, reality set in. We approached the city of Cavite--where Katrina's birth family resides. The area is composed of many "homes"crammed on top of one another by an offshoot, polluted river. There, I thought of the rest of her 8 brothers/sisters and her mother. I thought of Katrina's former outlook on life. After witnessing her unavoidable future, I felt a bit of the sadness I had felt for her birthmother settle--for many days throughout this process, I felt myself crying for Katrina's birthmother, Evelyn. I cried for the pain she must have felt--first, losing her husband (the main provider for her and her family of 9) and then, the sadness of having to entrust Katrina to others. I cried for the fact that I had been chosen to take on this great responsibility. What an honor it is to know that I have been blessed to share my life with this beautiful little girl from Cavite, Philippines.

Not only did thoughts of Katrina's birth family set in, thoughts of my own family began to set in. Thoughts of my grandfather growing up in this beautiful culture and country. I found myself overwhelmed with emotion as a little souvenier caught my eye--a "shell person." I had many of these--my grandfather brought them back with him and would give them to me. They still looked the same--with the googley eyes glued to them. My favorite one when I was little was a dog. I thought of my grandfather in a way that I had never thought of him before. He had in some way, guided me back to his country to see, experience, and appreciate my small bit of heritage. He had pulled me here to take care of one of "his" children. Katrina is now here for us to share and carry on this wonderful culture that was once shared in our family.

The thought that I was really here to meet my little girl--to support this little life--to become a mother--It was startling. I had dreamt of it, thought it over a million times, and played the movie in my head endlessly. I have to tell you that the emotions are overwhelming--excitement, peace, and the panic comes and goes. In 12 hours, I will go to Hospicia, meet a little angel that I had only seen in a picture at 13 months old, and leave her home with her. Frightening, isn't it? I wonder if I will be strong enough during her grieving time. It will be traumatic for her and will hurt her so. I wonder if she will feel comfort and adapt as children are so resiliant. I wonder if she will accept us as her family and understand that we were brought to her by the pull of the universe rather than "want" or "need." I wonder if she will keep her country and her people close to her heart and never neglect her country and culture here in the Philippines.

My stomach hurts, my hands are shaking. It's like when you finally make it to the top of the very first drop of a rollercoaster. You realize the biggest drop is just a moment away. You have that pause as the coaster balances at the top of the slope. Nobdoy says a word--you grip tight onto the lapbar. You are excited, you know it will be so much fun, but you know that the drop is so steep that you doubt that your stomach will be able to handle it. This is how it feels...Alicia Rae
p.s. any questions or comments? Make sure to interact on the blog! I would love to hear from any of you!

RIZAL MEMORIAL, MANILA BAY, JEEPNEY, PULIS

Our driver Ramon picked us up at 10 this morning and took us on a tour of Manila. We went directly to Intramuros which is the walled city of Manila that was built by the Spaniards. It was old, interesting and beautiful. We were able to see a couple cathedrals, the Jose Rizal Memorial, (the guards stand guard 24 hrs a day) the horse drawn carts, the traditional dress of Manila "pulis", millions of jeepneys (the Filipinos converted the jeeps that the Americans left after the war into these), Manila Bay, bamboo organ (which was in the city that our little Katrina is from-Cavite), coconut palace, the street kids and the junks (temporary housing on the shore line), the Mall of Asia (the 3rd largest mall in the world) and we stopped to have lunch at a place on the bay. As the day progressed we kept losing steam and ended up returning to the hotel where we have been ensconced every since. We are now ordering in as it is 8pm and we are just waking up.

Lots of great stories already.

We are excited about tomorrow. Tonight I will do a video interview of the parents to be and ask them a bunch of dumb questions so that their daughter can be embarassed when she looks back on her parents.

THE SUN IS SHINING IN MANILA

We're here, we're excited and ready to start exploring. Our driver, Ramon, will pick us up at 10, but first, breakfast....we need food to get us through the day. We have been warned by all of our friends to watch the food - now they haven't been here so I don't know what they are thinking, but we will listen and see for ourselves. Off to Intramuros.

Dustin needs his pic on this blog too - you'll have to wait for our team photo until this afternoon.

WE ARE HERE!

1:43am...MABUHAY! Finally settled! 25 hours since our flight took off, 27 hours since we got to the airport, 6 movies, 7 meals, and lots of green tea, and here we are!...My oh my, what a trip! Now I know why locals come and stay for 5-6 weeks at a time!

The 747Boeing was a cattle car in economy--a full flight of 12 hours. The Tokyo airport was nice, clean, quiet, and had a lot of good shopping (we will hit that on our way back w/our 2 hour layover).

Upon landing in Manila, Mom and Dad got teary-eyed knowing they had finally made it to their daughter's city. So close...a world away--and now so close. Amazing! Grandma clapped and started to sweat as we waited in the 81 degree weather at 11:30pm. Off of the plane we headed straight to Immigration with lines snaking far into the terminal. On to the Baggage Claim...swarms of people crowded to gather their balakbayan boxes of goods for their family and the luggage kept on coming. Grandma pushed her way up front grabbing all of the luggage and shoving her people out of the way. Thank God for assertive moms like her--we just didn't have the energy. Amazingly, all of our luggage eventually made it around. Where is the stroller? We waited and waited...until...Dustin stood proud pointing across the carousel. The stroller had made it. The next scene was highly unexpected and chaotic. We exited the building to the taxi area...Mobs of people pushing, shouting, crowding with their luggage made it scary for us to make our way towards our driver, Ramon. We navigated our way through the tiny cracks and finally figured out we couldn't cross where we thought we could to get to the letter "I" for Ide. Just when we started to panic a bit... Ahhhhhh! Like the sun piercing through the dark clouds, a sign shown: DUSTIN AND ALICIA IDE! It was our driver, Ramon, with the biggest sign of all! Thank the Lord! We jumped up and down and waved! He came over and shook our hands and led us through to the back parking lot to his air-conditioned van. We were amazed to see the amount of people waiting on the streets and yelling for family and friends who had just arrived home. Ramon said that in the past, there used to be a charge for people to wait out by the street--seems like a good idea. It was absolutely chaotic!

The drive through Metro Manila was nice--jeepneys filled every lanes, cars seized to obey any order. Ramon is WONDERFUL! What an educated, informative, caring man. He will meet us at 10am TODAY for some sight-seeing to Intramuros (the walled city) and some local shopping. More later TODAY! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers!

THE EXCITEMENT IS MOUNTING

I am just about packed. My friend Sue Burch just came over and brought lots of little items that we could take with us - we have a scale to weigh our bags, clips to hang our water bottles, Tide soap, biodegradable urinary bags, a tape recorder, a international communication card, bags of all sizes, straps. You name it, she brought it. It was just fun laughing about all the things that she has for travel. Now to get it all in the suitcase.
Here is a picture of Alicia and I from the Filipino Independence Day Parade in NYC last May - just think, we are going to be able to see that flag waving all over the islands.
Alicia and Dustin seem ready. Went over to their house to see their packing. One bag is just for Katrina. She won't run out of clothes, snacks or toys. She is set. One bag is filled to the brim with things they are taking to the Hospicio. It will be good to know that their load will be less on the return - oh wait, they are bringing back the best present of all.
The excitement is mounting - even Bob is excited about our adventure.

Note from Lola.

Adoption is when a child grew in its mommy's heart instead of her tummy. ~ Unknown

How exciting this journey is going to be and how lucky am I to be able to accompany Alicia & Dustin.  Katrina is grandchild (apong babae) #8 for Bob and I.  Actually, she will fall in the 7th position - her older cousins are Kyle, Cal, Elle, Ava, Morgan, Malerie.  Her younger cousin is Melissa. Those boys are now truly outnumbered by the girls.  What fun this little one is going to have getting to know her family.  ~ Lola Prill

With Love We Begin....

You are the poem I dreamed of writing, the masterpiece I longed to paint. You are the shining star I reach for in my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled. You are my child. Now with all things I am blessed. ~ Unknown