Well, not really. But, in our mind it is.
I’m taking a pause in the packing to compose one last blog post while on Chinese soil! In less than 12 hours, we will leave our oasis of the White Swan hotel and head off with the other Living Hope families for the airport. We will fly into Beijing with China Air, wait a couple hours and then board our Continental flight for Newark! Door to door, we will be traveling for about 24 hours….with a baby. Pray for us! This is the day I have really been anxious about for literally years. Since we started this adoption process, both Mark and I would talk about this long trip home with a toddler and just stop talking about it because we would break a sweat.
Only 4 weeks ago, we got the news that China had granted us travel approval. Now, we have our daughter, and we are headed home. What a life-changing experience we have had. The wait is over, the journey to find her and meet her is over, all the paperwork is over, incessant calls to Sarah at Living Hope are over (well, officially they are. But, don’t worry, Sarah, I’m not going to let you off that easy). Now, the rest our journey begins. I can’t wait for Evan, Ash, and Drew to meet her. I can’t wait for the whole family to meet her. I can’t wait to see Lydia toddling around our house and sleeping in her crib.
God’s hands have been on this child from the first moments of her life, no doubt. He protected her and held her in His arms when she was held in no other arms. He set her apart for us and redeemed a sad thing into the most beautiful picture of His love for us. He prepared us and worked in us to open our hearts to her. He led us as we stepped out in faith to say yes to her when the doctors gave us much to be concerned about. We cannot leave this place without remembering what He has done–He has called, protected, prepared, provided, guided, redeemed, and sanctified us in all. We will not forget His work. The bag of stones given to us by her orphanage from the grounds of the orphanage will serve as our ebenezer, may they remind her of His goodness as well when she is grown.
I know I will cry as we leave this place. How do you not when they have just given us the gift of a daughter? And, we have such sweet memories from the last 16 days and have built relationships that will last a lifetime. The Vance family, the Corbeil family, the Woods family, and the Bisignano family are now dear friends. I so look forward to planning times together again and seeing how all their children grow. Each one of their children is amazing, all with their own stories of God’s hands on them. I’ve already proposed an arranged marriage perhaps for Lydia and Jake Woods.
Dear Evan, Ashlyn, and Drew–boy, are we excited to see you guys! Don’t be surprised if I’m crying when I see you. You know how I sometimes cry when I’m really super happy. We’ll have been on that plane for a very long time. Lydia may be fussy and tired. And, she might be a little scared of all the new faces. She’s used to hearing Chinese everywhere; this is going to be a big change for her! But, I know she will love you quickly as you love her. For the last time from China, we love you!
I’m including some random pictures here for the last post–a picture of cutie patootie Jake. He’s a handful now, but he’s the cutest little guy ever.
Here’s salesman Jack and me–we became friends over the week. He’s looking for an American girlfriend if anyone knows anyone interested. :)
Also included a picture of us in front of the Pleasant Goat characters. This cartoon is the most popular one in China. These characters are everywhere. I tried to get a DVD of the cartoon in English, but they didn’t have any.
And, last, there’s a picture of Mark and Lydi enjoying the birds in the hotel lobby.
A very special thank you to Ashley for posting all my blog entries and dealing with all those pictures I emailed to her to put on there. She’s been a real trooper–especially as she is preparing for her own trip to China! Next blog post will be posted by me from Phoenixville, PA!
Kelly I will be praying for your trip home. I am sure Lydia will do great and I got tears just thinking about you getting to see your kids and introduce their new sister! Wow.
The blog has been so much fun. Thank you for letting me help! Talk to you state side!
Hi Kelly:
It’s Sherry Crist again! OMG, I didn’t realize you lived in Phoenixville. We live in Collegeville, the next town over. I’m so excited for you all and what a wonderful journey you have embarked. Our trip home with Rachel was absolutely flawless, except when we didn’t have seats our our flight in Guangshou. But Rachel handled it wonderfully and even slept for 6 1/2 hours straight. She was such a ham and everyone just wanted to eat her up! You will be okay and you will survive. I will pray for you safe travel home and I do hope we can meet someday soon! Blessings.
Sherry Crist
http://www.rachellorraine.blogspot.com
Actually, I will probably be incessantly calling you for updates on Lydia, pictures, movies, first words, etc. Hahaha. Good luck on the flight home! You’ll be fine!
Best of luck on your long journey home. I can’t wait for your post with pictures of Lydia with her siblings!
HI Kelly,
Have a safe trip home. I am praying that it goes fast and smooth. Your trip from day one was beautiful. I am so happy for you and your family. Can’t wait to read your post when you get home.
Danielle
Thank you for allowing others to follow your amazing journey to Lydia. Is is so inspiring, especially to a family just starting the process.
Blessings for a great plane ride HOME!
Jennifer
Hi, Kelly! I stumbled on your blog and was enchanted by your post regarding the adoption of your new daughter.
Congratulations and God bless your family!
Kelly,
Have a safe trip home! I look forward to your first update from home as a family of six!!!
Tricia
Woo hoo!!! I have LOVED following along with your experience through your blog. What a lucky girl Lydia is and what a wonderful gift she is to you. Wishing you safe and easy travels! I am sure the other kids are dying to see you and welcome Lydia.
Hooray! You are coming home to be one, big, happy family! I understand your anxiety regarding the plane trip home. It comes up in conversation around here as well. I’ll pray for that specifically! Can’t wait to hear about your sweet reunion with all the folks at home.
Thank you for sharing this very special trip with us…I feel so blessed to know you and treasure the special bond we share.
I stressed over the trip home and Maggie slept for most of it, so I pray the same for you!
SO happy for you guys! :-)
Praying for a not-so-torturous trip home. I would be pulling my hair out if I had to sit that long on a plane, let alone with a baby. I can imagine you just cant wait to get home to Evan, Ash, and Drew. That is a long time to be away from them! Can’t wait to see the happy reunion with your new family of 6!
I am covering your trip and reunion with your fmaily in prayer. This post just made me cry…such a combo of emotions…so happy for her new life, so sad for all she’s had to endure…
This is just the beginning…looking forward to seeing your next post…from home!
I am so excited that you finally are bringing your daughter home from China. I remember when you asked to follow my blog almost three years ago for my daughter. I will be praying for your trip home.
Praying for an uneventful trip that made your nervousness about it seem very unfounded.
I was thinking of you tonight as I got a horrible-no-good-very-bad stomach virus. It was awful to be that sick- and I’m HOME. I was thinking about how terrible that day must have been for you! Here’s hoping THAT was the low-light of the trip for you both and not the flight home!
Were you really there 16 days????
What a great reflection for your final post from China. Thanks for allowing us all to be part of your journey. It was a blessing to witness. I still am amazed that you have your precious Lydia and will be HOME with her this weekend! God is GOOD!! And we will be praying for safe and uneventful travels. I know you are so excited to wrap your arms around the rest of your babies. Finally, your family will be together. Thank you Jesus!! <>< Blessings and Hugs,
~ Tanya
Praying for you, what a wonderful experience!!!!
Great post Kelly! I just want to thank you or allowing me to be a part of your journey which was amazing. I cannot wait to see your post from HOME with Lydia and the rest of the kids. You have waited so long for this moment, and I am praying you are halfway through your journey at this point and that things are going well! You have been such a support and inspiration to so many – and I am honored to be your friend. Congratulations, and can’t wait to read more!!!