Monday, April 7, 2014

Home at Last!

After missing a connecting flight in Hong Kong we finally arrived home on Friday. Instead of Guangzhou, China to Hong Kong to Chicago then Cincinnati, it was Guangzhou to Hong Kong to Taipei, Taiwan to Los Angeles to Nashville to Cincinnati. Whew! What a trip! Our anticipated twenty-three hours stretched suddenly to thirty-seven. And then I thought for sure we would miss the flight to Nashville! We had a lot of assistance with the wheelchair and the airline people speeding us through immigration and security checks in order to avoid missing any more connecting flights.

Isaac did great on the grueling trip home and kept on smiling in spite of having tummy problems from the start of the trip. Not sure if it was nerves or eating different food, or likely a combination of both, but he didn't complain AT ALL. I can't make that claim about myself... I took missing the connecting flight pretty hard, primarily because of disappointing the Little Princesses. They were counting down the days and KNEW we were supposed to be home on Thursday. I've worked so, so hard to build their trust and really hope this won't set us back.

As the plane landed in Los Angeles, America gained a new citizen!
Our time spent IN China was really good. I posted daily updates with photos on Facebook, but I know some of you weren't able to follow it there. I do plan to backtrack and fill in some of those travel days.  We had a fun travel group and made sweet memories with our sweet boy.

For those who are still in the adoption process and wondering about the differences between the airlines, I intend to write up our experience with the various planes we've flown on our trips to China. I'll give you a hint: the favorite of many – Cathay Pacific – scored the lowest in both comfort and service.

But for now, we are HOME and happy to be here! We were met by family and friends at the airport. Unfortunately, several who had planned to be there were bumped out by the change of the time and date due to the missed plane, but there were plenty of people there to let Isaac know that people were anticipating his arrival.  

Friends and family awaited us with a party at the airport.
The Little Princesses LOVE their big brother!
Isaac with sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

US Consulate appointment






Today we had our final legal appointment in China.  We applied for Isaac's immigrant visa.  They told us our paperwork was all in order, and his visa will be ready to pick up tomorrow afternoon.  Our flight leaves early on Thursday morning, so we'll be on our way home soon! 



Sunday, March 30, 2014

We're still here!

My apologies to those following via the blog.  Our days have been busy, and we're falling into bed most nights exhausted.  I've been posting many photos and small updates on Facebook, but I've neglected you here.  I do hope to catch up here soon, but for now know that we are well, Isaac is a WONDERFUL KID, and we love him to pieces!  He's only been with us a week, but already I wonder how we lived without him.


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Adoption is Official!


I am thankful to report that our courageous young man took that leap of faith today and told the judge, "I want to be adopted."  So happy to officially welcome Isaac into our family today!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Introducing Isaac!


Introducing our Prince!  Isaac is such a charming young man, and we are blessed to have him as part of our family.  Can't wait for you all to meet him!


Sunday, March 23, 2014

We're here! We meet Isaac today!

Our travel schedule combined with spotty internet has made it difficult to blog.  If you're a friend on Facebook you've gotten slightly better reports, but I figured out this morning that those following our journey ONLY through our blog must think our plane crashed :)

For those in our travel group who have yet to travel, I have a post in the works about the trip itself, but for now know that we are here and well and super excited.  We meet Isaac at 3pm today, Monday, China time which converted into our time at home is 3AM EST.  Stay tuned, and keep praying!

Thursday, March 20, 2014





 Tomorrow is a big day for us.  We leave to bring Isaac home!  We would greatly appreciate your prayers.  These trips are so hard.  Hard on the parents, hard on the kids who go, and hard on the kids who stay at home and wait.

Jennifer is especially having a hard time with our leaving.  Please pray for Jen and Abigail and those who will be staying at the house to care for them.

And please keep Isaac in your prayers.  So many changes are about to happen in his life.  Although most of them will be best in the long haul, leaving everything familiar is HARD.  Pray for him to have peace and to quickly feel like he is a part of the family.

In the meantime, our house is hopping with activity.  A work crew showed up this morning, and building has really begun on Isaac's ramp!  Our house will have a different look to it when we return.