Digging deep for good things about the wait

First some background: Our dossier went to China in February of 2006. At that time, we really thought that it would only be a matter of months before we received our referral and went to China to bring Meili home. With that timeframe in mind (and because I'm nuts), as soon as our dossier was mailed, I started preparing for a new baby. This is all humorous now that so much time has passed but I actually have had Meili's little ladybug suitcase (that happens to match my big ladybug suitcase-go ahead and barf...) completely packed and ready to go for 2 years. I've even purchased the requisite gifts for the orphanage workers and director and government employees that we will meet on our trip minus some candy/chocolate, etc. that I will throw in just before we leave.


So, my point is that for the last two years I have had some time to think about travel details. My parents and youngest brother have been to China and I've seen more than a few blog accounts of other's travel experiences. Often, Americans travelling in China draw attention. In some provinces, people just haven't seen foreigners (I can't wait to be one!) and haven't had the opportunity to travel outside of their own country, maybe not even out of their own province. Sometimes adoptive families have the opportunity to visit a kindergarten or school and while there or out on the streets children will engage in conversation to practice their English.


My hokey idea way back when was to take commemorative quarters from our state to China with us to give to the children that we meet. My kids collect coins and love to see what the money from other countries looks like. (BTW-Thanks Rob and Lisa for the coins from the middle east. Taylor was so excited to add those to his collection!) So, I thought it might be fun to give those to kids in China and show them where we are from.


The problem: When I checked the chart back in '06 and found that AZ state quarters would be issued in May of 2008, I figured that we would have traveled and been home for over a year by that time. But oh no-here we are! I can't believe that so much time has passed and that we still don't have our little girl but I'm so excited that I'll get to take AZ state quarters to China!


Stupid, I know. But like I said before, we're diggin' deep for good things about the the wait...

***I just checked here and according to the US mint, the AZ quarters were actually already released on April 7th. I'm off to the bank!