Friday, September 26, 2008

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!

20 comments:

Aus said...

Well you made it! And through it all you brought a sense of love, joy, Faith, and HUMOR! We couldn't be happier for you guys - and I hope that the Father grants us some day (in this life - and then again in the after!) an opportunity to meet you in the 'real world'. Prayers for a safe journey - looking forward to hearing that ya'll are home safe and sound -

aus and family

Mrs. C said...

So amazing!

Thank you for all that you have shared through this journey. I think many of us feel connected to Aiden and your family as a result.

Praying for a smooth, uncomplicated flight for you!

Mariann said...

Can't wait to hear about your 2pm reunion...I have my China bracelet on - remembering to pray for your trip and reunion...how sweet it will be. You have to have gram&gramp take pics that would be so awesome! heck, I'll come and take pics so G&G can hug and cuddle too...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the newest official member of your family! Hope you have a wonderful and safe trip home; I'm sure it will be an awesome reunion. :)

Mariann said...

I got the priviledge of being in the judge's chambers in the early spring when my nephew was "officially" adopted by my brother. It was very informal and short. We drove through a blizzard in Syracuse - no joke. All the schools were closed - downtown Syracuse was quiet, except for the cars headed to the court house for adoption ceremonies. It was awesome. It is very emotional...I can relate somewhat...Congratulations. It's official. The Lil' Empress is now one of the gang!

Norma said...

God speed and welcome home!!!!!!!Look forward to reading more once jet lag passes.

Becki said...

Have a safe travel home! What an amazing journey. I have so enjoyed to hear of your journey and can't wait to see your daughter at home!

BuzzKnitter said...

as i have read your posts over the last days, i've been constantly reminded of how amazing life can be when we completely and totally trust in God to lead us along the paths He has for us... and as i see you and the Boss, traveling all the way around the world to rescue one little (beautiful) baby from what might have been a suppressed and sad life, i can't help but believe that your life and testimony is one of the greatest examples of this.

i want to thank you for sharing your journey with us, and can't wait to keep following the antics of Aiden and the Gang through the years (hopefully).

may God continue to bless you on your long trip home, and once you finally have your whole 'Gang' together under one roof!

hugs to you all, holly

Carol said...

See I told you, it's hard to leave.........

Have a safe journey home....we walked the isles and walked the isles with Emily, hubby and I took turns sleeping.....she only slept when meals were being served!!

See you in the USA!!!

VikingClanEnMass said...

Safe travel to ya! Sorry we can't make the airport trip! We'll see you in Oct.
~Q

heidi @ ggip said...

May you have a safe journey!

Mike and Barb said...

What a beautiful post!!
Welcome home!!
Barb

Joyful Days said...

Prayers for your safe return and much joy in the days to come. Congratulations for your family.

Amelia Antwiler said...

Can't wait to see the new family pictures. ;-)

Ron Smith said...

Hi Gang,

It's almost 4 pm on Saturday and I was thinking that you're probably still doing the immigration check in stuff at the airport, but also feeling that sense of relief that comes with being back home. We hope the travel was as smooth as possible, and we wish you lots of rest and family times in the days to come. I'll bet Aidan is being smothered in kisses by all her siblings.

Welcome Home.


Take care,
Brittany and Bayley and Addie

JMCS said...

You are probably already home now, but we hope you had a safe trip home. We have been out of town for a few days, so I am just checking in.

hugs,
Jonni

Anonymous said...

Hey Girl!

Praise God for the treasure that is finally in your arms!

Praying for a smooth transport home.

Much Love,
AMS

Amanda said...

I'm sure your home and enjoying your entire family together once again....and coffee! Congratulations!!!

Elissa said...

Ok, I need to stop checking in a hundred times a day to see if you've made a "we're home" post, but I just can't help myself! I'm sure you're home safe and sound, and enjoying seeing the kids get to know Aidan. Enjoy this precious time! And yes, the jet lag does get better!

Debbie said...

I am also standing by looking forward to your next entry! No pressure..just want to know how your trip was and that you are safe and sound. Looking forward to hearing how the new way of life is going! Im sure she is doing great!