Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Final Thoughts

All NINE of our pieces of luggage are now packed and weighed (packing light is not one of my gifts). The bell boy will be at our door at 5:00 a.m. to pick them all up. We depart for the airport at 5:30 a.m. and about 24 hours later (we gain 13 hours, so it'll be a little after 5 p.m. on Thursday), WE WILL BE HOME!

Miss Brielle ~ WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR SWEET FACE!! We can't wait to hold and kiss you. We can't wait to introduce you to your new brother. We think you are going to have sooooo much fun playing with him.

Mom, Cindy, Megan, Miyah, and Mei Lin ~ THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for taking care of our little one. We know what a complete sacrifice it was for all of you. Everytime we talked to Brielle, we could see that this whole thing was so much easier on her than we could have ever imagined. We are blessed beyond words to have you! Thanks to you, too, Dad and Pat, for giving up your families! I know you were both lonely, and we appreciate your sacrifice as well :o)!

To everyone who followed our journey and prayed for us ~ Your prayers were heard! I am overwhelmed when I think about how perfectly well this entire journey has gone. We all have been completely healthy. Brock Ji Hao was well prepared for his forever family and has adjusted beautifully. We have a one and a half page letter from his birthmother, and we found the person who found him eight years ago. He hears and talks much better than we ever imagined he would. We've enjoyed the food so much more this time and have not even craved Macaroni Grill :o). The five of us have had so many laughs and made so new many memories together. Praise God!!!

Brittany posted her final thoughts in the entry below. As you'll see in her words, China's grip on our hearts has tightened. She said it so well -- each of our trips to China has left us with a longing to know and understand more. China is complex. Both times we've been here, we seem to leave with more questions than answers. These questions, and our heart for our children's homeland, will likely beckon us to return.

Farewell for now, China. We will be back!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tracy and family, thank you SO much for sharing your trip and experience through this blog. My husband and I will be returning to China next winter to get our son who's also in Wuxi. We will also be leaving a little one home with family. Following your blog (and Brittany is a FABULOUS writer by the way) has been educational and I feel like part of your family. Your stories have made my both laugh and cry! Congratulations on adopting Brock and have a wonderful time with him when you get home.

Melissa Toni

Anonymous said...

What a blessed trip!!! Next time, we'll go back together :) Gina

Our Family! said...

We are thinking of you and wishing you safe travels home. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences wiht us. It makes my heart long for another trip to China. Angela/Robb Lyon

Jean said...

My husband and I have really enjoyed following you on your journey to bring your handsome son home. We leave for China in 3 1/2 weeks to bring home our Lilymei and we have learned so much from your trip to help us on our journey. We look forward to more updates now that you are home!

Thank you!!
Jean