Day 12 - So Long, China & What to Expect When We Return

Ni Hao!  Today was our last day in China.  It's hard to believe that we've been here 2 weeks.  We normally would be SOOO ready to come home from a trip this long, but as Philip and I were discussing this morning, it's been such a great trip that we are ready to come home, but not just miserable.  We had a very leisurely day today at the hotel packing.  We start our L-O-N-G airplane ride home early in the morning.  We will take a van to Hong Kong (about 90 miles from here) and fly out from there.  I believe the flight is 14 hours.

We would love to see as many of you as possible at the Nashville Airport on 5/1, but we understand if you can't make it.  Our flight is scheduled to arrive from Chicago around 6pm.

Many of you have asked what the protocol will be when meeting Olivia.  I don't think that she will cry, but more than likely, she will just have a blank stare on her face…..taking it all in….she isn't used to a lot of people.  So far when we've been in a crowd, she has just observed everything and has been very slow to enter in.  She doesn't like for people to get right in her face, so please give her "personal space."  I'm sure that you'll understand this, but more than likely, I'll hold her the whole time.  I know you are dying to get your hands on her, but I want to make sure that she continues to know that Philip and I are her primary caregivers, her parents.  Also, please let Philip and I give her food, gifts, toys, etc. at first.    Imagine how confusing it might be to her if all of a sudden a whole lot of people are giving her things.  We've really bonded well thus far, and we don't want to confuse things at this point.  Please don't' take take this the wrong way…..we are just looking out for what's best for Olivia at this point.  We went through several hours of online training around bonding/attachment, and we trust what they stressed in the training.  Thank you for your understanding.

Also, please be sure to give Ansley some extra love and attention.  She kind of had a rough day today.  I want her to feel that the homecoming is for her as much as anyone, because everyone missed her so much.

Also, I'm not sure how quickly we will be "entering society."  I hope to be able to get out and about very soon, but again, we need to make sure that Olivia is comfortable in her surroundings.  Pretty soon, she will see her new home, her room, her toys, etc.  All of this will be new to her and overwhelming, I'm sure.  We hope to come back to church soon, and eventually, we will come to Camden to introduce her to all of our wonderful friends and family there.  I can't wait to see what our "new normal" looks like.

Thanks be to God for His guidance.  Even though it has taken a while for this chapter of our lives to end and begin a new one, Ephesians 3:20 tells us, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”  God is good, and we are blessed.  He knew all along what was best, and this all happened in His timing.  We want to thank each and every one of you who have followed us on this journey.  We couldn't have done it alone; that's for sure.

We covet your prayers for a safe and "happy" flight for everyone.  We can't wait to see all of you very soon!

Take care,
Jill