Greetings!
Spring is here and Louie is busy preparing to meet families already arriving for spring break trips to China.
It seems as our kids grow, time is flying by. In this issue we have so much to share! We are trying something new and offering an online webinar to help families understand how to make a heritage trip plan that fits; a museum piece about the White Swan; a Fuzhou families reunion tour; a list of 10 orphanage visit questions; and some new functionality of our website with province specific travel info that is "clickable" from our online map.
I trust you will take a few moments to pick up cultural insights we also share, such as as how birthdays are celebrated in China. My kids love to have all the celebrations we can muster -- both in China and America. I think that maybe your kids do too! Write us anytime. We look forward to seeing your family once again in China when life allows.
Sincerely, Lea in Guangzhou
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Spotlight Tour:
Fuzhou / Linchuan, Jiangxi Reunion
 Lotus Travel and Director Zhou have created a special reunion trip for Fuzhou/Linchuan families this summer. This trip includes key sites of Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and then also allows for "reunion days" in Fuzhou where the director plans to have families review files; volunteer for a 1/2 day and visit the notary office where adoptions were finalized. If you are a Fuzhou family and have foster family or information regarding a special nanny, we will also work to reconnect your child with that person if contact information is available. Read Fuzhou Reunion to learn more about how this tour came together and details. See Fuzhou Families Trip to read the itinerary schedule. This tour offers everything a family could desire in a reunion trip. If you are a Fuzhou family, you will want to be there in summer 2012 with us! | |
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Orphanage Visits - 10 Questions
 As families begin to make plans for a future orphanage visit, there are some common questions that arise. Traveling families have given us feedback that this list of the 10 most common questions have been helpful as they prepare for a return visit. Whether you're planning one this year or sometime beyond, you can click: Top 10 Questions to read some insights collected over time from families and our own experiences in assisting.
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Birthday Celebrations in China
 Celebrating birthdays is one of those traditions American parents take great joy and pride in doing usually. Ever wonder what it's like to have a traditional birthday celebration in China? Click birthdays to read how different some traditions in Asia are from the typical celebrations here in North America and learn more about how a child might celebrate in China. | |
Language Camp Returns! June & July
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 Wanting to get more language "under your belt" this summer? And, looking to have a really fun trip as well? There is a great trip with both! We have put together exceptional and fun language learning experience for families. There is a trip that departs June 29th; and one departing July 27th. Check this out: Beijing Language Camp Trip . You can stay in college dorms or a hotel, as you prefer. You will come home with practical language skills, great memories of good fun and relationship connections from this unique experience. Joyce in our China office is our language camp expert who has designed this tour. Email her at joyce@lotustours.net with your questions or call 1-800-956-8873 and she will answer anything you want to know. Doing a language camp in combination with a culture trip all in one is a great way to make the most of your experience. You can visit other cities as an add-on to your schedule and experience even more!
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White Swan to have Museum Spot!
 The White Swan hotel is so integral to the history of Shamian Island that there is a section being created in the Guangzhou museum that will feature it! The GM of the White Swan has invited adoptive families to submit personal stories of adoption trip memories. We invite you to participate! You may submit stories (and photos) Lea at lea@lotustours.net. Please include valid phone number so we can call if required.) We will coordinate on behalf of adoptive families.
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Webinar:
"Make a Heritage Trip Plan!"
This is a great chance to learn what questions to ask; how to create your plan; the when, how, budget & more questions.
Learn about seasonal advantages; do a "readiness" check with your kids; if you fit best with a group, custom or combo tour; how to leverage the trip for greatest positive identity impact & more! It is offered twice: March 30th -11 am CST & April 10th - 1:30 pm. Email iris@lotustours.net to register!
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Quick LInks
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| June 7 & June 22
Christmas in China
December 15
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Family Invitations !
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A single mom and her 13 yr. old are looking for a family or two to join them for a July trip! They want to share the fun and journey Click Specialized for itinerary. 
There is another invite from a family (kids 11 & 13) doing a trip to: Shanghai, Suzhou, Guilin, Yangshou & Yunnan. Email joyce@lotustours.net to find out more!
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 Travel Guide
Want to know about the key sites to visit in your child's province? Or, want to read some cultural and travel pieces? Click Travel . When you see the China map, just click your province and you'll be taken to a province specific travel page. Enjoy!
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Workshop for Camps / FCC Groups
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Does your camp or FCC group have a need for an adult workshop speaker? Good news! Lotus Travel offers sponsored workshop on topics of interest to many adoptive parents. Click workshop to get more info or contact iris@lotustours.net to inquire.
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Come See us!
| | A Lotus rep will be conducting a workshop in Medford, NJ June 9th. Come join the fun. Click FCC NJ Camp for details to register. Space limited. |
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