China - Day Seven - Meeting Lucy's Foster Mother and Visiting the Xi'an S.W.I.

As I mentioned in earlier posts, "people" days are my very favorite days here!  While all five of my senses have been engaged in the sights, foods and rich culture here in China, the days that I get to talk to and spend time with people are/have been my very favorite days!  These days have proven to be much more physically tiring to me because of the deep emotions they have involved but still the best days!

Today was the day that we would get to chat with Qu Yan's foster mother and see the "social welfare institute" (as orphanages are referred to here in China) and I knew that this was going to be an emotional day for this 'ole Mama......but little did I know how much emotion this day would evoke!

Like yesterday, we were told to meet our translator/facilitator, Sherry at 8:30 a.m. in the hotel lobby.  The Xi'an orphanage is about a 40 minute van ride from our hotel.

If you're new to this beatuiful, unfolding story that God is weaving together in our family tapestry, you will want to note that part of our adoption journey is being chronicled on film!  Qu Yan's adoption will be part of a film/documentary that is being produced by Dave and Kathi Peters, called FIND ME.
Dave and Kathi have become more then the producers of this very, very special documentary that is being put together, they have become great friends!  It's been a pleasure to walk this first part of our adoption travel with this very dear brother and sister in Christ!   A lot of what I'm about to write was captured on film and perhaps someday you'll get to see for yourself some of the events of this very special day.

When we entered through the gate, we saw sweet statues of Chinese children on either side of a Chinese woman, and the name of the orphange in Chinese characters is inscripted in gold lettering on the small wall in front of the statues.  Funny how this sight was already familiar to us thanks to Dave having filmed this on the original trailer that led us to Lucy Kim!

The orphange's adoption director, is a very, very special lady.  Her love for the children at this orphanage is easily seen as is her desire to see the children find families of their very own.  I'll refer to her as "Miss R".

Miss R met us at the van (which was parked next to a very nice outdoor playground).  She then proceeded to take us on a tour of a portion of the orphanage.  One of the many questions that I asked Miss R as we walked into the building was "how many children are at this particular orphange?"  She replied 800!!!

We entered into what appeared to be the "pre-school" wing.  Upon entering the first classroom, we were greeted by many happy little faces that would grab around our legs for a hug and banter to us in baby voices something in Chinese.
The second room we went into was Lucy Kim's classroom!  I immediately recognized the one Nanny as the sweet woman who brought Lucy to the Civil Affairs Office to meet us only three days prior.  Here was the first place that I was washed over with emotion.  The place was not gross or terribly smelly.  It had what appeared to be a fair teacher to student ratio and the children seemed content.  But sadness still washed over me as I looked at all of these little faces and kept thinking -- none of them has a family of their own!!  Our little girl spent many hours of her day here in this very room waiting for a Mommy and Daddy to come and find her just as each of these precious souls are waiting.

Next we went into another building right next door and saw a classroom "in session."  The teacher was so very kind to her students.   A sense of order was also quickly noted in the classroom.  After observing just a few minutes, I saw that she was teaching them to count, then find the cardinal number that matched the number of items they had counted.  As a student came up and successfully completed on the board the task given - she directed the other students to clap!  (it was fun to particpate with them in clapping!)

The next and final room we visited was the Music Room.  In here too, a kind female teacher was teaching the young students a simple child's song while accompanying them on the piano.  Outside a male teacher was waiting to go into the music room.  It appeared to me that he was going to teach or give a drum illustration to the children.

Next was our visit with Lucy's foster Mom!  (Side note - Lucy lived in the orphange until December of 2012.  She was then moved into a foster family that is on the same compound - just a building over from the classrooms.)  We got into an elevator and went to the 4th floor.  The elevator doors opened and we were in a small hallway where immediately to my left was an open apartment door and there stood Lucy's foster mama!  (sometimes people will refer to them as their "China Mom").  I recognized her immediately (again thanks to having seen her in the video clip that led us to Lucy).  I immediately felt a connection with this woman whom I never met!  You see, we had a very special common denominator - a deep love for a beautiful three year old girl!  She immediately began speaking to me intently in Chinese -- never have I been soo grateful for a translator. (Miss R was tremendous in listening and translating both sides of the conversation the entire time!!!)  I wanted to know everything she wanted to tell me in the most urgent and intense way.  I knew we'd only have a short period of time to "chat" about "our" little gem!   After inviting us into her modest apartment, she began to make tea.  (as I think is Chinese custom) all the while talking.  She invited us to see Lucy's bedroom (again we already "knew" this room as a lot of the video clip was captured in the bedroom she shared with two other littles.)  Mama was intent on letting me know how sensitive Lucy is and how she took care of her and what foods she likes.  It blessed me to have this time with her.

I was able to give this precious woman a small gift as a token of my deep, deep appreciation for her love and care for Lucy Kim.  I also took the necklace off that I had been wearing (made by another adoptive Mama as a fundraiser) and I put it on her neck.  It had on it an outline of China with a red heart in the middle and an outline of the United States with a red heart in Pennsylvania) and a RED THREAD connecting the two!  I wanted her to have this as our hearts will forever be connected.  I had purchased two of these necklaces and I will keep the other one!
I don't remember who but someone asked her how she felt about having Lucy leave her nest.  Ok -here is where another flood of emotions swept over me as I could  feel her love and emotions.  No language barrier here!  She couldn't answer because she was trying to hold in the deep emotions and intensity that answer held!
We promised her we would love and take good care of Qu Yan FOREVER and also make sure she knows about her Chinese heritage.  I will also remind her often that her "China Mom" loved her so very much!

We know that we know this visit was a pure GIFT.  Not many adoptive parents have the opportunity  to see and/or visit their child's foster parent(s).

(Part one of  three - China - Day Seven)

China - Day Six - Lucy's Homeland ...... Day of Touring

Xi'an China - Home of the Terra Cotta Warriors!

On Tuesday, September 3, 2013 was our sixth day in China.  Today, we were scheduled (by our adoption agency) to go see the remarkable landmark that Xi'an is known for -- the Terra Cotta Warriors.  I love history and it has even more interest to me because of being my little girl's home for three years.  If you have not heard or read about this incredible part of Chinese history - you really ought to look it up!  

Qu Yan (we have NOT yet started calling her Lucy as I don't want to take everything familiar to her away all at once.  We will "ease into" using her English name) was very content to be in her stroller the entire time except to peer in at some of the exhibits or have a picture taken.  It was another pleasant day to be outdoors and do a lot of walking and seeing the marvelous Chinese incredible art.

The one thing that saddens me about the rich history of China that I'm learning about is how much superstition and pagan rituals/beliefs that everything seems to be immersed in.  Suicide, being buried alive, making sacrifices all because of their belief in the "after life"  were a common practice in Chinese history.  Like Americans, the Chinese need Jesus!  The privilege we have to introduce Qu Yan to our precious Jesus is not lost on us!  It is our prayer that she will grow up to know Him and be a woman in love with and serving the One True Jehovah!

We left around 8:30 a.m. and returned back to the hotel early afternoon.  After resting up a wee bit in our room, we decided that we need to check out "Muslim Street".  This is another well known area here in Xi'an.  This outdoor shopping disrict is within walking distance of our hotel, and the streets are just lined with vendors and incrediblie Chinese foods.  Many, many Chinese Muslims can be seen in their religious(?) attire.  Here, you can find anything from chopsticks, watches, luggage,  knockoff purses, noodles, dried fruit, walnuts galore, scarfs - just about whatever and the prices are incredibly low!  Very cool place with tree lined streets.

Shopping on Muslim Street (Xi'an)

While we could maneuver a stroller on the streets and sidewalks, one must ALWAYS be aware of his/her surroundings using our peripheral vision A LOT.  It's common to be walking down a pedestrian laden street and hear a honk of a horn as an electric scooter (or two, or three) come within inches of your body.  Crossing streets is tricky business here.  While there are some traffic lights, scotters don't need to pay attention to them.

While most shops we all entered and browsed there were some where you just couldn't fit a stroller comfortably - so little lambie and Daddy would wait patiently for Em and I to finish browsing :)

One fun thing to note about this trip was the one purchase I made.  I saw a Bible verse references written in English and then the text written vertically in Chinese.  And on the sign in English it said will print your name in Chinese on any purchase.  The verse was Jeremiah 29:11 -

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Ok - now imagine how perfect of a verse this is to find written in Chinese in my daughter's home district!!!  The Lord has plans to prosper Lucy Kim and not to harm her, plans to give her a hope an a future!"  We had the shop keeper write her Chinese name on the verse and this will be hung in her bedroom as a very special keepsake.

While the woman (who spoke fairly good English) was trying to understand which pinyin characters to use for Qu Yan's name, I explained the meaning that I had gotten from the adoption worker at the orphanage, etc.  I then brought Qu Yan over to her and she fell in love with our girl!  She spoke in Chinese and had Qu Yan repeat back -- fussing and fussing how she was such a smart child (she's a teacher).  I'm assuming Qu Yan was using correct tones, etc. in repeating back.

Here's a sweet picture of the two.....

Shop keeper who sold us the Jeremiah 29:11 scrip. picture written in Chinese
with Qu Yan's name!

I'm pretty sure we walked many, many miles over the course of the day - we were exhausted tonight and all fell asleep by 8:45 p.m.!!

Thanking our Father God for another precious day in China!

China - Day 5 - Making Things Official

Today is the day that we "officially" adopted our little An, Qu Yan.  When you "receive" your child in China (or at least here in the Shaanxi Province) you have your child for 24 hours and then the following day proceed to officially adopt your child.  This is apparantly in case you were misinformed about your child or for some reason you did not want to proceed with adoption?!
So today we knew we would be signing, signing, signing paperwork in front of a notary.  We were picked up by our facilitator (translator/guide) at 8:30 a.m. and then went to the Civil Affairs Office (where we first met our girl yesterday afternoon).  We were told that our little Lucy was very intelligent.  Even in the less than 24 hours we have had her, we knew it to be true.  We had some concern about what she would think about re-entering the same building where all that hard/emotional stuff took place yesterday.

When we got into the van, it was obvious she was nervous and wondering what was happening.  Our translator was telling her but I'm not sure she still understood what exactly was going on.  She quietly wimpered a little.

Again we entered the building where the civil affairs office is and found the elevator and pushed the button to the 20th floor.  We then proceeded to go into the notary's office where exchanging of  money happened (the orphanage adoption worker is given the orphanage "donation" that is part of the adoption costs), and we signed many papers as well as had our right thumb print put over top of each of our signatures on each document.  At the end of the session we were given a copy of our adoption decree!  An, Qu Yan is officially Lucy Kim Zimmerman, daughter of Merle and Kimberly Zimmerman!

Officially a Zimmerman!

After the paperwork was completed, we headed to the police station to have Lucy's picture taken for her passport (that will be completed and we will receive on Friday).

While waiting, I noted another caucasian person there and he was studying Chinese or reading Chinese.  (kinda funny - not only do the Chinese people stare, stare, stare at us causcasians but I find US staring also at any caucasian person we see-- simply because there aren't many ;0)  He went up to the counter and when he turned around to head back to his seat to wait awhile longer, he spied us and sat close by.  Obviously I'm not going to "wonder" about him being here in China, I'm going to strike up a conversation!  Guess what...... when I asked him where he was from, he of course said "United States" and then proceeded to say "Pennsylvania."  WOW!  Later I asked where in PA he was from and he told us Souderton.  Talk about "small world!"  Our friends, the Peters are from the Souderton area!    He told us he was a believer also and grew up in the Mennonite faith!
We promised to pray for he and his family.  He is married to a Chinese woman and they have an 8 month old son.  Presently China is refusing to give his son a visa to the United States.  His personal visa has been renewed several times but he was told they would not renew it again and it expires in 2 weeks!  I invite you to pray with us for this young couple, Caleb and Summer  - that they would not have to be separated and God will move the hearts and hands of those in authority to grant their little guy's visa.

After talking awhile with Caleb,  Lucy started to get very sad and softly cry.  All of a sudden I just knew  - "she needs to use the bathroom."  I quickly found our translator and asked where the nearest public bathroom was.   We headed into the restroom where there was one solitary stall with a squatty potty and a woman waiting in front of us.  Lucy was really crying by now and I was still assuming she really, really needed to urinate.  Well poor baby girl just couldn't wait and peed over herself and Mama while crying.  I felt soo bad for her.  We went into the squatty potty stall and this Mama doesn't quite have enough experience with holding a toddler on a squatty potty so, my shoesproceeded to get wet too.  Poor baby.  Since then we have a code SHE devised so that we know when she needs to use the toilet!  She's a smart cookie and there have been no more accidents because of the language barrier.

The love we already have for this little one, is unbelievable!  What a little gem was waiting to be found on the other side of the world!!

REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE!

China.....day four --- Lucy Kim day!!!!!!

Oh how much excitement and emotions this day promised to hold!  Thanks to small pills known as sleeping aids - I was able to get a good 6 hours of sleep! (otherwise like a child the night before Christmas, I'm pretty sure my excitement would have not allowed me a wink of sleep)

We started our day joining up with our sweet friends, Dave and Kathi and enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast (it's part of our hotel plan so we'll enjoy this the entire time while in Xi'an!). While I was slurping on some delicious noodles,  Dave chatted about some of the film footage he was thinking, dreaming and scheming in his head about over breakfast.

After breakfast, we did some interviewing for the film and then took a stroll through downtown Xi'an.  All the while looking at our watches and doing the "hour countdown!"  I was filled with such excitement BUT at the same time having been a foster Mama myself, thinking about how the "hourly countdown" must be completely opposite for Lucy's foster Mommy and some of that excitement was tainted as I could in a very small way "imagine" those feelings she must be experiencing at the very same time.

**Side note - since December 2012, Lucy was chosen to live with a foster family that lives on the same compound as the orphanage.  From what we understand this was Lucy's first exposure to what "living in a family" is like.  She would attend daycare at the orphanage during the day time areas but then go "home" to foster Mom and Dad at supper.

At 1:30 Dave was scheduled to take a taxi to the orphanage.  There is no doubt that God had granted Dave  favor as Dave expressed to us later in the day the amazing footage he was able to obtain from "the other side" of this adoption (meaning not our side but Lucy's side!!!).

We were scheduled to leave at 3:10 to head to the Civil Affairs Office.  Our wonderful facilitator, Sherry has been a sweet and helpful guide and she met us in the hotel lobby with a driver waiting outside!  We were told it would be about a 20 minute drive.

I wish I cold put into words the feelings I felt while getting into the van knowing I was headed to get our daughter!   I simply don't know how to express what all was circulating through my mind and heart at that time..........

We arrived and took the elevator to the 20th floor where the Civil Affair office is.  Sherry made a phone call and let us know that "they" were enroute!  I think we had some nervous silly conversation as we waited, I  don't remember.

I do remember Sherry telling us "someon'es coming up the elevator" and I saw the button numbers light up!  I think I held my breath wondering if it was Lucy or not.  Then out  the elevator doors came this most precious, beautiful little girl being carried in the arms of a dear Chinese nanny!

I can't remember the exact order of events (but not to worry, Dave captured EVERYTHING ON FILM!!) but such a rush of emotion flooded over me.  I softly walked over to her and touched her little hand.  She was not too sure she liked that though.  My heart was just ripped open because I felt this incredible love and sadness FOR HER at the same time.  While I was overwhelmed with just seeing and touching her it was very apparent to me that this 3 year old little girl was about to lose everything and everyone she knew!  As I type this I am overcome with tears and emotion. I just wanted to wash away her fear and sadness but was powerless to.  You see....... There is always a great loss that is enveloped in the beauty of adoption!!

As the nanny handed Qu Yan(prounounced "chew yen") to me, I just sobbed with her. Deep and painful heart wrenching sobs.   I sooo wanted to take away her fear and just simply "make everything alright for her" but I couldn't/can't!  THAT IS PAINFUL STUFF!!!!  I kept kissing her, telling her I loved her in Chinese and what a brave, brave girl she was!
My love for her was immediate.  And that is a gift!  It's not always that way in adoption but I along with many, many others were praying this would be so.

I was asked to sign some papers and then the three of us needed to go to the room next door and have our pictures taken.  Each of us individually and then the three of us as a family.  I can only imagine what those pictures look like.  Unbeknownest to me at the time, my mascara had run and I'm sure the extra "puff" around my eyes was another lovely touch.  And poor Qu Yan she just couldn't stop crying - picture or no picture.  And Daddy too was a blubbering mess!  YES WELL --- we were together!!!!!

We weren't sure if Qu Yan would be ok with Daddy holding her or not and were a little leery about "rocking the boat" when she finally seemed ok in my arms.  However, when I needed to have my individual picture taken I needed to pass her off and she didn't seem to mind a bit that Daddy was holding her!!!  Oh PRAISE GOD - I was sooo happy for Merle and he was over the moon elated to hold his little girl atlas!

In fact, Daddy carried her out of the building and into the van.  She seemed to be "ok".  Not having car seat rules in China, he continued to love on her on the van ride back to the hotel.  Sherry needed a bunch of paperwork to be signed by one of us - so Daddy and Emily took Qu Yan up to our hotel room, while Sherry and I completed the necessary paperwork.

Then Sherry and I joined them on the 10th floor (in room 1003) where they were all sitting on the bed playing with some of the toys Mama had packed.  There were no smiles but also NO tears  Ok.  We'll take it!
Merle told me she drank and drank water when they got her cup out.  Poor baby was apparently sooo thirsty.  I'm not sure any A/C was on in the Civil Affairs office and it was soooo hot.

I was told she drinks milk (powdered milk here in China) in the morning and at night.  Plus she was sent with some "drinkable" yougurt.  I wanted to purchase those two things if that was what she was familiar with.

Sherry guided us to the store that carries such items and I was elated that Qu Yan allowed me to carry her in my Ergo.  (a child carrier where I can carry her comfortably in a front pouch and my back is supported well)

We got the mentioned items then stopped for supper at one of the mall restaurants.  Since I was told she loves noodles --of course we got noodles.  And she was a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e slurping her noodles as her Daddy fed them to her from chopsticks.  In fact we saw a flash of a smile :)

After arriving back at the hotel, we played stacking cups with her for a long time.  Then I turned on the tv just for a diversion and she and I layed side by side. To my total surprise, my little Asian beauty fell asleep!!   I know it was such an emotional day and I was exhausted and of course it must have been the same if not more so for her!

As I type this, it's 7:00 a.m. and she's still sleeping!!!!  Not a peep through the night (although this Mama and Daddy checked her about 10x).

TO GOD BE THE GLORY - MARVELOUS THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!!!  Today there is ONE LESS ORPHAN!!

China....day three

When I awoke on day three - I was really, really excited!  We planned to travel to Living Hope International (Angel Training Center/orphanage), visit the International School that my friend Ev teaches at as well as end our day with stopping at Roundabout, a place that Emily will serve at the end of our trip and then head to the airport for our plane ride to Xi'an!

Another most beautiful day -- full sun, low humidity and clear skies!  We all did the happy dance when a nine passenger mini-van pulled up to chaeuffer us to the Angel Training School.  **Note - last summer, 8 of the children at this orphanage blessed our family by staying with us for several days while they toured north eastern Pennsylvania**

The 1.5 hour drive through the country side (our driver took us out around downtown Beijing) was beautiful, filled with such deep and meaningful conversation with our friends, Ev MuCulloch and Dave & Kathi Peters (producer; co-producer of  Find Me).  The bond between brothers and sisters in Christ is one of the most beautiful things to be a part of for sure!

When we arrived, we were greeted with big smiles from the Orphanage caretakers!  Felt right from the moment we pulled in!  Some of the older children were at school (all 8 of the ones we knew from last summer).  While waiting for them to arrive back on the bus from their 1/2 day of lessons, we toured the beautiful facility and played with the children.  Oh how fun it was to greet the bus and see some familiar faces look out the window and grin when they realized they knew some of these caucasian people standing there waving like fanatics!

As they got off the bus, I was sure to squeeze each one I knew and whisper "I love you" in Chinese.  We enjoyed a most delicious lunch with everyone before needing to leave to go to the International School.  Felt so blessed to be there!

I kept thinking I LOVE the beauty of this country and I like "sightseeing" but what I love even more is being with her PEOPLE!!!

About 1.5 hours after leaving, we arrived at a most beautiful and prestigious school compound!!  Ev, was so kind to give us a real quick tour (time was ticking when we needed to be at the airport) of where she spends 5 days each week teaching children from around the globe.  I loved getting a peek at where she works.  She's got to be one of the most amazing and fun teachers out there!!

Our third and final destination was within walking distance of the school.  Roundabout is an incredible organization that "cares for the least of these!"  We were very blessed to be able to meet the lovely owner and hear from her mouth some of the amazing things that have been done with the aid of this group!  I think Emily will love serving/volunteering here!

Since we had re-packed our bags before starting our day, we just needed to swing by Ev's house and gather them before heading to the airport (10 min. away) to catch our flight to Lucy's city.....Xi'an!!!

Another blessed day indeed!

China... day two

Day two of our journey found us excited and anxious to see the homeland of our daughter!  It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day -- little to no humidity, low 80's and clear blue sky with a few billowing clouds.  Understand that this is apparently NOT the norm for China.  Our friends tell us most days are "gray" because of the pollution and there's a "haze".  If you remember I had "sunny weather" on my prayer request  God was soo kind to bless us with such a gorgeous day!!!!!

We decided that today would be the best day to go to the Great Wall and also the Pearl Market.  Oh what a day (insert big 'ole grin here)!!  Our dear friend arranged for a driver for us and explained to him about our plans.  She always repeats it back and has them(driver) repeat.   Hoping the expectation is clear on both ends.  When our driver arrived in a 5 passenger Chevy we were a bit confused?  Atlas we decided to "go with it" and make the best of it.  You know.....while in China....  So we SIX adults piled in for the 1.5 hour journey to the Great Wall.  The drive to the Wall was soooo cool.  I was just soaking in the beauty of China and some of it's culture (despite sitting with one shoulder forward and the other back).  When we arrived, it's then that I learned that cable car was the method of transportation up to the Wall!  Ok -- for those of you that know me well know that I have a fear of heights and the thought of being suspended by a cable while going up, up, up?!!  NO!!

My dear hubby just about couldn't stand the thought of me "staying down" on ground level but I wasn't to be talked into that cable car riding experience (and I know my son and girlfriend are laughing loud as they read this b/c recently they were stuck at the very top of a roller coaster for 15 min. -- the thought of it makes me jittery!!).

I love to "people watch" so I was fine and didn't wander too far from the beaten path as I awaited for them to return.  "It was breathtaking", "most beautiful day ever to be on the wall", "an incredible experience" were some of the dialog I heard when we met up again!  (They have some fabulous pictures that my friend who lives in China reported in the 10x she's been at the wall, she doesn't have such photos).  Again, a blessing from the hand of God!

The ride home for some reason seemed more cramped and uncomfortable (and we had a very light lunch!).  It took 2 hours to get to the Pearl Market.  Only to discover once there, our driver needed to be at a certain destination in an hour (and it was another hour trip back "home" to Dave and Ev's place.  So.... while we got to "sit in the parking lot of the Pearl Mkt.", we were not able to shop or browse.

In reality having a Duck Dinner with our friends promised much mor fun anyway!!  We safely got home and rolled out of the compact car and decided the best option was to WALK to dinner.  We had a most delicious Duck dinner with many different side dishes we shared from a lazy susan that sat int he middle of our table.  Such a FUN and DELICIOUS experience.  (thanks Ed and Carol for suggesting!!!)

We enjoyed the beautiful evening stroll back to the house where we made plans for our last day in Beijing (a very short 2.5 days).

All day I felt like I was walking and living in a dream.  I was walking around and drinking in the culture, smells, sounds of my little girl's country!!  A great day despite some logistical "oops".

Leaving the U.S.A. and arriving in China (our journey.. day 1)

As I type this, it is our third day in China already!  And I still am feeling like it's all a dream, simply surreal.  We departed on Wednesday late morning from Newark, NJ airport.  The trip to the airport, and getting through security went seamlessly!
Not long after leaving home, I remembered that I forgot to pack the snacks! Eeek!  I'm a snackin' kinda girl and wasn't sure how many meals would be served, etc. on the plane. Was I gonna make it with my sweets?   So I had Merle pull over at a little market that wasn't far from the airport.  It was a tiny little Mexican mart and they only spoke Spanish.!  So we started this whole language/culture thing early :)  We happily spotted oreos (thought of you Faith!) and I grabbed several packs along with some other junk food for our big journey ahead.
Our airline started boarding the plane about 50 min. before our scheduled departure.  With 90% of the plane having Chinese passengers, we were already the minority.   While it can feel uncomfortable (getting lots of stares, pointing and whispering) in situtations such as this, I  think it's a good when we  have those experiences.  Getting a mere glimpse at what it's like for others that live as a minority is a good thing.  My sons live this daily and soon my daughter too.  It's a good thing to "walk a bit in their shoes."  (I'm NOT saying it's the same but simply a tiny way of "how it might feel")  Ok - on with the journey.....
We situated ourselves in row 39 - all three of us together....with big 'ole bags resting at our feet in the stow away area in the seat in front of us.  About a half hour into flight, Emily said she was feeling "kinda dizzy".   Because Em and I often have low blood pressure that can sometimes cause side effects, I opened up my salt tablet bottle and handed Em 3tabs.  Hoping if her bp was low, getting some extra salt would raise it enough and take care of the dizziness.  Fast forward to about 10 hours into the plane ride.  I awaken from a very short nap and Emily says to me, "weirdest thing, I just fainted in my seat!"  I'm pretty sure my mouth was hanging open when it registered and I said, "why didn't you wake me?"  She replied, "I didn't want to bother you".  (YES, she's a sweetheart to not want to bother me but honestly, I would have rather had my zzz's interrupted).  I promptly asked the flight attendant for some ginger ale  and water.  She drank a bit but was feeling nauseous.   Not longer after, I saw her faint again (yes while sitting!) and when she became coherent, the poor girl vomitted all over herself.   I immediately dove into my Mama mode, flagged down the flight attendant again and told her what had happened.  She was visibly concerned.  Things then happened fairly quickly so I'm not sure I have the order of events quite right.  Being the world travler that I am (NOT) this Mom wasn't prepared with "extra clothes" in my carry on (thinking of you Carol ;0). We stratigically removed her gross t-shirt and threw it away and I gave her the lightweight sweater I was wearing.  While doing these antics, I hear over the loudspeaker, if there is a doctor or nurse on board please see a flight attendant.
A very kind Chinese/American doctor came forward.  She quickly heard our story and suggested that we have Emily  in a more of a recline position (as opposed to the whooping 5" seat back in the economy section of the plane).  SO......  we were escorted to 1st class (by the way Merle and I noted. these tickets were $5000 per ticket!!  The doctor thought she was most likely dehydrated - so she put in an IV (and she was fabulous - first stick and got the IV) and quickly got in 1 bag of saline water (squeezing the bag).  She then had a second and third bag.  Please note we WERE drinking and not just one or two little cups??!  Once we landed in Beijing it was protocol to call the medic team on board to "assess".  I asked the female doctor if she would please stay on board and explain the situation and tell them she was stable.  She gladly did that for us.  Em was escorted off the plane in a wheelchair and through the airport.  We breezed through customs and on out to where our friend, Dave McCulloch was waiting to take us to his home.
Emily seemed better and there were no more fainting episodes or nauseous feelings.  We were just VERY TIRED.  Through the whole ordeal - we had that "peace that passes understanding" feeling. Seriously, no panic feelings or "why me" feelings -- just very grateful for God's provision in a kind and caring flight attendant staff as well as a doctor who was knowledgeable and caring!
Needless to say we were EXHAUSTED but at the same time thankful to be in China and with dear friends/hosts, Dave & Evelyn McCulloch and ready to try on the China time difference.
We actually didn't crawl into bed unto about 10:32 p.m. (which is a good thing) and slep very well -- yes awakening often but able to go back to sleep until about 6:00.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow for HIS constant  provision and love!