Headed Home!!

Originally posted September 29, 2005

Our last few hours in China...we got up early this morning to head out. Our luggage had to be ready at 5:00 am and we left the hotel at 5:45 am. We headed to the Guangzhou airport and took a short 30 minute flight to Hong Kong. After an hour layover, we then boarded the big 747 and headed home. Emma Grace's 3rd flight in 1 week. We had a long flight to Chicago. She did pretty well, even though she didn't sleep much. We had purchased a seat for her and it was so worth the money. It gave her a place to sit and play and when she did sleep, we could lay her there and we could rest. I couldn't imagine a 13 hour flight having to hold her.

We arrived in Chicago at 1:30 pm and had a few hours to kill waiting for our flight home. It was so wonderful to be back on American soil. The minute Emma Grace got her passport stamped in Chicago, she became a United States citizen. Although she wasn't aware of what was taking place, we were and we were so happy.

Our flight from Chicago was so quick (an hour long) and she took a bottle and slept the whole way to Nashville.

We woke her up when we landed and changed her into a red, white and blue outfit. The walk from the gate to the waiting area seemed endless. It was so wonderful when we turned the corner and we had 52 friends and loved ones waiting to greet us....more like greet Emma Grace...we are secondary now. HaHa!!

We're Home

Emma Grace and Nana

Emma Grace and Nannie

She did amazingly well. She let everyone hold her and she never cried. Of course, she wouldn't stay with one person long and she always kept a close watch on Mommy and Daddy. She really loved the kids. Several of our Sunday School kids and Children's choir were there. They were all so sweet. We missed them so much. They have been so anxious for Emma Grace to come home.

Part of the Welcoming Party

Emma Grace and one of her new friends, Maya

The ride home was not so calm. Having never ridden in a car seat, she screamed all the way home. But quickly settled down once we got home. We had such a nice surprise when we got home. Jason's mom and dad had placed a Welcome Home sign in the front yard. And when we entered the kitchen, we had a welcome sign and a table full of necessities. Thanks Misti and Extreme Youth!!

Our house had been deep cleaned and the carpets were cleaned....and we had fresh Subway sandwiches in the fridge....yum!!!

Thanks Amanda and All Pro Cleaning!!

We just want to thank EVERYONE once again for everything!! Our journey to Emma Grace was wonderful, our experience in China was priceless and we are so blessed to have such a beautiful, precious girl. If you are considering adoption, I would tell you it is an amazing experience that we wouldn't trade for anything. God's hand has been in this since the beginning and we could never repay Him for all His wonderful blessings.

Love,

Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

So close to home...

Originally posted September 28, 2005

We are so close to home now, we can almost taste it. We have really enjoyed our journey in China and have valued the opportunity to experience Emma Grace's homeland, but we are ready to bring her home. It is not the easiest thing to do....living out of a suitcase. And eating out for every meal...as Emma Grace was throwing one of her fights last night at dinner, I told Jason I mow understand why people with children don't go out to eat much....too much work. Oh, to have an uninterrupted meal.

Today was a free day. She and I got up early this morning and went to Shamian Park to watch the locals do their morning Tai Chi. They are very into fitness and exercise here. I only had 1 Chinese grandma fuss at me for her arms not being covered up. They all want to love on her and give us the thumbs up. They really love their Chinese children and are so grateful for us to be adopting them. So many people tell us, "Lucky Baby".

New Friends

We had our group picture taken and the red couch pictures. I figured Emma Grace would scream, but she did beautifully. We had our visit at the US Consulate today. In a room with probably 75 new families, we took our oath to love and protect Emma Grace. It was very simple and informal. I didn't expect it to be so emotional, but it was. When they guy announced, "Congratulations, you are official", I started crying...big surprise, I know. They gave us her visa and passport and said that when she steps foot at the point of entry into the US (which for us will be Chicago), she will be a US citizen.

Red Couch Girls

It is so overwhelming.This has been an amazing journey we have been privileged to take. We are so amazed at how the 14 girls in our group have grown just in 2 weeks. 2 weeks ago, they were orphans and for the past 2 weeks, they have been living like princesses in 5 star hotels. We are so blessed that God had this plan for our life. The road hasn't always been easy, but it has been guided by God. It took us a long time to accept the plan that God had for us. But once we did, we never looked back and always had complete peace about it. I hope you have enjoyed reading our story. If you are considering adoption, I would tell you it is a wonderful experience. I didn't realize how much I could love this child until they placed her in my arms. We are absolutely in love with her. She is perfect for our family and an answer to many prayers.This will be the last posting until we return home. We leave in the morning.

Daddy and Emma Grace

Today has been a very bittersweet day. We are so ready to come home to our family and friends, but are very sad to be leaving the place of our daughter's birth. As we rode through town today, it was almost as if Emma Grace knew she was leaving. She sat on my lap and took everything in wide eyed. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. I know the next few weeks are going to be a big time of adjustment for her.

Thanks to everyone who helped us in anyway during this process. The bake sales, the yard sale donations and purchases, the prayers, etc.....We love you all and can't wait to see you!!

Love and hugs from China,
Jason, Denise and Emma Grace