Travel Approval

On our way...May 6th
April 14, 2010

We received our referral for Benjamin on my birthday, February 12th. Then another surprise came Monday on Grandma's birthday, April 12th. We received a call from our agency telling us that our travel approval had arrived.

We'll leave for China on May 6th. We plan to first visit Hangzhou, Olivia's birthplace and Minqi's hometown. We'll meet Minqi's parents and visit Lin'An Social Welfare Institute where Olivia spent her first 13 months. Some ladies in our church have been making quilts for us to carry with us to the SWI and we're hoping to forge a relationship between the SWI and Minqi's family's church, the largest Christian church in all of China. I'm thinking there are plenty of retirees attending who can likely spare some time between MahJong and Tai Chi to hold, feed, bathe, clothe sweet babes and lighten an overloaded burden for the staff at the SWI.

We found out from Minqi today that her mother's company has a relationship with Lin'An SWI and that they give a monetary gift to the SWI each year in June. Furthermore, she discovered from her mother that the SWI is being moved to Hangzhou in the fall. This will make it even more likely that members of the Church will possibly volunteer, a concept that is pretty much foreign in China.

After several days in Hangzhou we will continue to Beijing where we will meet up with our travel group members. After several days of tours and sightseeing we'll make our way to Zhengzhou in Henan Province on Sunday (the 16th) where we'll finally meet Benjamin for the first time.

Comments From Friends and Family:

I am happy for you. He is really cute. I hope everything goes well and stay safe. CONGRATS!
Posted by: Stephanie Green on May 4, 2010 at 12:45 P.M.

Abigail and Olivia- you have to give Benjamin lots of kisses until we can get there to kiss him ourselves! Tell him how much we love him and how much fun we will have at Disney together:-) Love to you both- Ms. Teresa
Posted by: Teresa on May 4, 2010 at 06:24 P.M.

Have you made it to China yet? Let me know if you see some DVDs.
Posted by: Jason W. on May 5, 2010 at 08:51 A.M.

Croy Family,
We hope that you have a safe and wonderful trip! Take lots of pictures and bring back exciting stories of your adventures. I have three little boys waiting to hear from you all. Most of all give that little boy tons of love!!!!
Posted by: Dawn Pirke on May 6, 2010 at 05:25 A.M.

I am posting a comment!!!!!!!!!! Perhaps this might inspire you to post a blog :-) Get going, Hot Stuff. We have waited long enough to live vicariously through you. Your audience awaits...Prayers winging your way as you travel to bring home our boy. Love to Abigail and Olivia and big smooches to that handsome Dale Croy.
Posted by: Teresa on May 6, 2010 at 12:36 P.M.

I am so sorry I didn't get to say goodbye before you left! I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip. I am so looking forward to meeting Benjamin. Tell Abigail and Frankie that I hope they have a great trip too!! I am so excited for all of you!!! Hugs to you all.
Posted by: Jennifer Jorgenson on May 6, 2010 at 04:52 P.M.

Hoping you landed in the windy city without incident! Sleep well and enjoy sleeping in.
Posted by: Cynthia Kuhlman on May 6, 2010 at 06:03 P.M.

When I read your letter to angelmom, I guess you are Christians. Now I confirmed that. Thank God.
Posted by: Jacob on June 14, 2010 at 02:28 A.M.