What do you mean you don't want to go to China...really!!

Our biggest challenge is traveling to China.  Our son Nathaniel is not sure he wants to go.  What a great experience for a 13 year old.  However, I need to pause and walk a mile in his shoes.  His biggest concerns are missing 10-11 school days.  He's worried about all the school work that might be waiting for him.  I guess I can appreciate his concerns as I am always worried what will be waiting for me when I comeback from a week of vacation away from the job. However, I am sure we can work out some agreement with his teachers which would allow him to keep up with his studies while he is traveling. I wonder what others have done...I would be very interested in any advice others might have regarding this.... Also, we are assuming we will travel during his baseball season (spring/summer) and he just absolutely loves the game. He would miss a number of practices/games. I know he doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize his status on the team.  I don't blame him for that.  Finally, I am sure he has some apprehension going to a country where he is not familiar with the food, customs or the people.  He is beginning to go through that stage where it is not cool hanging with the parents so that might yet be another issue.  I think the more we talk to him the more open minded he becomes about the idea. I think down the road he will regret not going...but maybe I am wrong.  Ultimately we will let him choose whether he stays home or he decides to travel...I know he will make the best decision for him. I think we will still get him a Visa in case he decides last minute he wants to go.


Also, this weekend...we are going to a one class sponsored by Holt International which is for parents who have been matched with a child.  Although it is a requirement, I think both my wife and I are looking forward to it. The last class they offered really put international adoption into perspective and I hope this class will bring additional insight and continue to prepare as we open our hearts and home to a baby girl. We are getting closer but we still have some things that need to be done.  Crazy as ti sounds I am already thinking about what we will need on our trip, even though our trip may not be for 3-5 months.  I just want to make sure we are well prepared as I know there will be so many things to do and we will lose track of time....anyhow...that's all for now and thanks for reading our posts as we continue our progress towards bringing Zoe home.