Tonight is our last night in China. Tomorrow afternoon we will pick up Iris's visa and catch a train to Hong Kong. This afternoon we traveled via bus to the US Immigration office and finalized the adoption. There were 21 families there today and we all had to take an oath on behalf of the kids. It was symbolic in that is seems so official now.
Throughout the day we said goodbye to a lot of families we had met this week. There have been so many families with so many stories and each one will remain in our memories. We tried to share emails and blogs with some so we can hopefully keep in touch. It seems like there was a bond with each family, even the ones we did not spend a lot of time with. We were all here for the same reason and there is a common thread with all of us.
Tomorrow will be the start of testing our patience for the trip home. We have a 45 minute bus ride back to the immigration office to pick up the visa and then a short trip to the train station. The train ride is about 2 hours Once we arrive in Hong Kong it will just me the three of us. We will have to carry all of our luggage and Iris through the train station (which we have been told is not set up for lugging a lot of things around as there are many stairs). We have to change some money to Hong Kong dollars for the taxi ride and then catch a taxi to the hotel at the airport. The taxi ride will be about 45 minutes. I think it will be later in the evening before we finally get to the hotel so Iris should be worn out (and challenging).
Today we also tried to get a few more photos of Iris on the Red Couch with the family from Dodge City. Iris was wearing another new outfit and we had plans of these beautiful photos. However, Iris was not cooperating. We took some of Iris and she fought it the entire time. The family from Dodge City came down and their little girl Lindsey posed wonderfully. What we have learned is each child has their moments and you never know when it will hit. Melissa and I just laughed as there was nothing else to do.
Ir is been wearing big girl panties the past few days whenever we are in the room. She is doing a good job now that she is used to them. The first day she was constantly taking them off and on. She is finally ok with them and wears them as if she has always worn them.
The bed here at the White Swan is like a brick so we are ready to move on.
Melissa and I are so ready to arrive in Kansas City on Friday. We can not wait to see Ansley and Elliot. Talking to them on Skype each day is great but we both agree that Elliot looks like has grown since we left two weeks ago. Just a few more days!
Time to come home where you belong and where Iris belongs! We can't wait to hear ALL the stories you didn't write on the blog. It is a time of praise and thanksgiving to Him for all the many blessings he has bestowed upon this family. Many blessings we have yet to see! I pray for Him to give you patience, strength for the journey, and safety as you make the long trip home. Philip 4:13....You have strength for all things, Christ, for He has empowered you. You are ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who has infused inner strength in you. You are now self-sufficient in His sufficiency. Amen.
ReplyDeleteOur love goes out to the three of you!
I will continue to pray that your flights home are uneventful. I know you'll be tired once you arrive home. But I sure hope you'll continue to blog as best as you can. I just enjoy seeing Iris' photos so much. Caleb affectionly knows her as Madeline's friend.
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed following your blog and have read each post each day. I'm friends with the Hosterts and was happy to see a picture of Parker and Iris on their blog post today from the playroom. Have a safe and uneventful journey home. May He continue to give you patience and perseverance and abundant blessings as you settle in at home.
ReplyDeleteKelly