Sunday, March 13, 2005

Home, safe and sound

After a long and arduous flight, Amy and I landed safely yesterday afternoon. There was quite a crowd waiting at the airport for us when we got through Customs. I didn't take any pictures of the homecoming but I know there were a lot of flashes going off and at least two video cameras running, so I am sure we will receive some photographic evidence before long.

We made it all the way home about an hour later, and managed to keep Sydney going until about 6:45pm and ourselves until around 10pm. All three of us slept soundly and woke up this morning in time for church. Actually, Sydney had to be awakened, as 14 hours was apparently not going to be enough. We are all tired today and are trying to make it to the end of the day again before collapsing. Hopefully things will stabilize tomorrow or the next day.

I can't express how wonderful it is to be home, in every sense of that word. Of course it is exquisite to be back in our house and have comfortable beds, quiet surroundings, and the ability to unpack and get rid of the suitcases. It is also a delight to be back in our church home this morning, worshipping with so many that have been following our trip and praying with us for the last year. Finally, it is a relief to be back in the U.S with safe drinking water and a notable increase in air quality (no more clouds of cigarette smoke in every room and every public place! It seemed that half the population smoked, and it really got to be a bit much). Amy and I both love travel, but after a trip like this, we cherish the familiar and safe.

On request from a family member, I have decided to take all 45 of the photos that we posted to the website during our journey and re-post them in their original high-resolution state. You can click on the thumbnail of each to get a larger copy, and one more click after that will get the full resolution file. If everyone downloads all of them in full resolution, it will strain my connection, but you are welcome to browse and save whatever you would like. In addition, the software used for this part of the site allows you to order prints directly from any of four different online services (note: the Fotokasten service is based in Germany!), in case you would like to have hard copies. In the very near future, I will post the other 220 pictures we took but did not post to the site, though I think you'll find we posted the best of them.

9 comments:

Aunt Lori said...

Rollin, Amy and Sydney,
So pleased that you are home and well. Relax and allow yourselves jet lag adjustment time. We've enjoyed the photos very much and look forward to more. "There's no place like home."
Love The Gorcenskis'

Patty Bell said...

I am so delighted for you. I was also surprised that you were able to make it to Church today after your trip. Thank you.

I understand that Sidney is happy and loves people. There is so much I do not understand about how children from another nation can adjust to new faces, looks and change. This is even after I have been with my two children 30 plus years.

I am so greatful to God for this wonderful gift for you two whom I love so much.

If I can be of assistance in anyway, please call on me.

May God continue you Bless you and your famly.

Love In Christ.

Patty

Scott and Diana said...

Dear Rollin and Amy,

We are so glad that you and Sydney are finally home. It has been a joy and delight to read the details of your journey. We are praying for you and Sydney during this wonderful time of adjustment and newness. We really are just so thrilled for you!!!! We miss you and think of you often.
Much love,
Scott and Diana Karafin

Julie Joe said...

Home is a wonderful place! No matter where in the world it is, it is theplace where your children are safe and happy! I am so glad that Sydney is home with her mommy and daddy and loving family, church family and friends. We can't wait to see her. We love watching her grow in these pictures. By the way, my girls have been a "he" there whole lives. G-ma Joe never says she. Love, Julie Joe

Ruth and Mitchell said...

So glad you're home safe and sound. Praising God for this wonderful time in your life. Will talk to you later this week after you're back in the zone (time zone that is). :) Can't wait for you three to come to dinner! Love, R&M

Mona Leo said...

WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!!!! It must be wonderful to be back in familiar surroundings. Sydney will have a wonderful time exploring her new home. I can't wait to hear about her reaction to the dogs and horse. Please bring her by when you visit the office. Everyone would love to see her!

Carla Raley said...

Welcome Home!!! So glad to hear the trip when well for you, and I know how wonderful it must feel to be back on familiar territory. What a blessed experience you both have had, and thank you so much for sharing it with each of us. The stories and pictures have been such a delight, and for me personally, have really brought me close to the experience and I feel so blessed to be part of it. Following your journey, and hearing the joy and grace in your stories/pictures has shown first hand what miracles God brings to our lives each and every day. I love you all, and hope to see you soon!

Carla

Lisa and Jim S said...

It's so great to know the three of you are home safe and sound in Texas. I thought about all of you a hundred times on Sunday. Seeing that precious baby asleep in her own room has to be just priceless. Can't wait to hear all the details and meet Miss Sydney.
Take care, Lisa

Minh Han said...

Glad to hear y'all are back at home safe and sound. Time to get some rest! Pretty soon, you'll be able to get back into a routine. Except now, Sydney will be an integral part.

And by the way, Happy Birthday Rollin. (At least I seem to recall it's your birthday today.)