Sorry it took so long for me to post the homecoming pictures. I've been so good up to this point, but hey, I was exhausted! It's about 5am Saturday morning as I write this entry. The trip home was exhausting, the homecoming at the airport was totally awesome, and just being in my own home is such a welcome relief. The 12 hour flight from China to LA was grueling. We expected it to be easy because it was Julan's normal sleeping time, and she loves to be held. But she tossed and turned and fought us all night long. We finally made it to the good ol' USA! She is now officially a US citizen! Hooray! Unfortunately that reality was followed by another, crueler one – service in the states. Getting thru customs was a long, arduous task, then we fought lines and people at the airport, then we sat for almost 45 minutes waiting for the hotel shuttle. But the next morning we had a perfect flight to Atlanta, Julan fell asleep during takeoff and woke up as we touched down. The flight home wasn't so enjoyable. Julan filled her diaper as soon as we pulled away from the gate. With ugly stares from those around us, we had to wait forever before the captain turned off the seatbelt sign and I could change her diaper at 30,000 feet.
*** Welcome Home Video ***
The reunion at the airport was awesome. At least 50 people – friends, family, church family – met us there to welcome us home with banners and applause! How humbling to think of all the people who have been a part of this journey, from family and friends who have counseled and prayed, to friends who have helped financially, to those of you who have faithfully followed along on this web page. Thank you all! Now we have the task of getting back to daily life. Julan is doing well in her new surroundings. Our toughest challenge so far is getting into a routine (especially one that is 12 hours off from our recent schedule) We've got a nice holiday weekend to work all that out, though. Then Sunday we go to church with our little blessing from God. I'm not sure what to do with the website after this. Like our new life with Julan – we'll just play it by ear and take it one day at time!