Last Night In China

As I sit here, open luggage all around me and Aidan playing rambunctiously in her crib, I am feeling humbled and amazed. While the swearing ceremony was indeed quite informal, I found myself strangely emotional and exultant. The diplomat that led us in our pledge (that all the information provided to the US gov't during the entirety of our adoption process is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge) was very kind and touching in her opening remarks. That started the water works, and by the time we were done and everyone around me was cheering, I was working really hard to gain some composure.

I am humbled, as I said in today's earlier post, at the tremendous honor and privilege that the US gov't, the Chinese republic, and ultimately my Father has given our family. One of my fellow bloggers called these children "China's national treasures," and I couldn't agree more. As the saying among adoptive parents goes, though she was not formed and knit together under my heart she surely grew in my heart over the course of these two and a half years of the journey.

I'm amazed at the ferocity of my love for her.

Sitting in that nondescript American consulate office, I'm amazed at the emotion and joy that flooded my heart just at the sight of the American flag. No breeze waving it majestically in the air, no trumpets blaring or fanfare at all. Just the beautiful red, white and blue standing like a sentry at the door to the consulate's office.

I am humbled and amazed.

This is my last post from China. The next time I check in with you all, its will to be from the comfort of my own living room, as I sit cradling a hot coffee with sugar-free hazelnut creamer in my Tigger mug. But not until I've got all the hugs and kisses that the rest of the Gang can stand from me.

Until then, thanks for the support and encouragement in the form of comments, emails and prayers. The Boss and I both have felt carried and covered for the entirety of the journey.

Just one more prayer request?

Please pray for safe travel and a sleepy, happy baby. The other passengers will thank you!