From June 30, 2014:
Our flight last night from Chengdu to Guilin was delayed until 9 pm. When we were probably 2/3 of the way, we had to turn around due to severe weather and land at another airport. Most of the announcements were in Chinese so we weren't sure what was happening. We sat on the plane for awhile, refueled, and finally reached Guilin around 1 am, arriving at our hotel a little after 1:30. Fortunately, we had a free morning and were able to sleep in.
After breakfast, we got on skype with Amanda just as severe thunderstorms were hitting southern Wisconsin. As we were talking, the tornado siren went off and then the severe weather radio, telling everyone in the area to seek immediate shelter. Amanda went down to the basement, and we texted Jamie who was at a bowling alley. After an hour of prayer and lots of texting, Jamie told us that he was home and Amanda told us the storms had passed. It sure is hard to be far from family.
The girls had a blast swimming in the hotel pool today. We did visit a really beautiful local park but spent most of the day washing our clothes in the bathtub, straightening out our suitcases, and relaxing with our new friends.
Today was a reminder for me to never take things for granted and to be thankful for little and big things every day.
I'm sure we'll sleep well tonight.:)
Our flight last night from Chengdu to Guilin was delayed until 9 pm. When we were probably 2/3 of the way, we had to turn around due to severe weather and land at another airport. Most of the announcements were in Chinese so we weren't sure what was happening. We sat on the plane for awhile, refueled, and finally reached Guilin around 1 am, arriving at our hotel a little after 1:30. Fortunately, we had a free morning and were able to sleep in.
After breakfast, we got on skype with Amanda just as severe thunderstorms were hitting southern Wisconsin. As we were talking, the tornado siren went off and then the severe weather radio, telling everyone in the area to seek immediate shelter. Amanda went down to the basement, and we texted Jamie who was at a bowling alley. After an hour of prayer and lots of texting, Jamie told us that he was home and Amanda told us the storms had passed. It sure is hard to be far from family.
The girls had a blast swimming in the hotel pool today. We did visit a really beautiful local park but spent most of the day washing our clothes in the bathtub, straightening out our suitcases, and relaxing with our new friends.
I'm sure we'll sleep well tonight.:)
We wondered why you had a gap in your posts. Why a harrowing plane flight. The journey up that narrow, winding road in the mountains must have been traumatic. We are glad that you are all fine and that Amanda and Jamie had no problems with the storm. We all have so much to be thankful for. Anyway, as I commented before, we feel like we are experiencing Chinese history with a cast of familiar characters. You have created a remarkable blog for all of us to keep us current on your daily experiences. Julie seems to have made some fast friendships. Love, Mom and Dad
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