Thursday, March 10, 2005

Paperwork complete- let’s go home!

Our CCAI representative took our paperwork to the US Consulate here in Guangzhou this morning, and we have officially met the requirements for bringing Sydney home ... we do a small "giving of oaths" ceremony tomorrow, and then we're on the plane! Rollin continues to feel low, Sydney coughed LITERALLY for 20 minutes solid this afternoon and tossed her cookies (all over me - but hey, I don't really mind when it's my daughter :)), and I have developed pink eye. But, WE'RE COMING HOME!

I was talking with my mom this afternoon about this adoption as we spent most of the day shopping and carrying little Sydney around in the Snugli. I really would do this again in a heartbeat - not because it was "fun" or "vacation" or "thrilling" or "rewarding," but because the Gotcha Day experience is so fantastic that it makes the whole thing irresistable. To have prayed for this child even before she was conceived half way around the world; to have asked the Lord to protect and nuture her in her birth mother's womb; to have thought of her daily as she was born and very quickly abandoned; to ponder her adjustments with dozens of other infants in a room seeking attention and touch; to have conquered paperwork mountains and hurdled government obstacles; to have received her 6 months picture when she was already 9 months and put a name and face to a dream; to have prepared suitcases full of baby things and medicines and stuff for a 2 week vacation in what could seem to some like TimBuckToo; to have met 9 other families on the SAME road with the same burning desire; and THEN, to have this child, on a Tuesday afternoon at dinner time, put in your arms for EVER, never to be taken away, and never to be abandoned again, and to find that she is SO FULL OF LIFE already.... yes, I'll do this again and again because the Lord compels me to do this for His little children who will be my children, too. This little girl is just so fixed in my heart after all this time, and there are times these last few days when I think she knows it.

So, we will bring her home to you, her family and friends, as well. I have been buoyed up during these last few days by the vision of you all typing such great encouragement to us in the comments, knowing you are reading our adventure and praying for the Lord to guide and direct us. We can get caught up in the minute to minute bustle of life in a hotel in China with an 11 month old and meetings to go to and forms to sign and bags to pack and loved ones to nurse back to health ... this week I have really paused to think of you all and smile with a new spring to my step. I am so thankful that Sydney and this whole adoption process have meant so much to you all - I love knowing that the Lord is working out His purposes for all of us through her adoption.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, and have a safe trip home. We are all praying for all of you and can not wait to meet Miss Sydney. I have her picture on my computer screen at work and everytime some one asks who the beautiful little girl is, I get a huge smile and say my new niece. I am so ecstatic for you and Rollin. See you all soon.
Love, Kim

Melissa said...

Oh, Amy! What a beautiful picture you have painted. To read it all laid out like that...well, you guessed it, I'm crying all over again! Ha! :) I know this last leg of your journey has not gone as smoothly as you would wish. Illness is never fun, but at this time when all you want to do is enjoy Sydney and your last few days in China, it must be a bit disheartening. Please know we're praying and are all so incredibly anxious for your arrival back home. We love you!

Aunt Fly said...

What a beautiful letter to us! Take care of yourselves, and get well.

Love,

Fly

Teri said...

I have so enjoyed living this moment with you all. Your love for Sydney pours through your words! What a blessing for you all and what a blessing that we have been able to share in it with you. Can't wait to see you all and Sydney! We will continue to pray for good health and traveling mercies. Love, Teri

Bill Peck said...

WELCOME HOME PARTY @ DFW airport!!! Any of you who see this comment, please email to me (deleted) or call my cell phone (deleted) if you can join us to meet American Airlines flight 60 (currently scheduled to arrive at 3:35PM) on Saturday, March 12. I will send email to all respondents on Saturday morning when I get an update on the estimated time of arrival (ETA) and the arrival gate.

Ruth said...

Hi, Amy, Rollin and Sydney. To Sydney: Nei hau (sp?) This is "Aunt" Ruthie. I am so looking forward to meeting you very soon. I have stuffy ears so I may not make it to the airport as planned, but know that I'm thinking about you and praying for your safe arrival. Hugs!

The VanDurens said...

I was just getting into the groove of following your journey and loving it! We will be waiting to meet Miss Sydney and seeing your happy faces, so plan a trip to Colorado and start showing little Sydney the beautiful country she lives in! We love you all!!!

Joan said...

Oh my, what a beautiful letter! I just wish I could be there when you arrive but we will be driving down through Florida, towards the keys, when you land. That won't stop me thinking about you, however- that brings a smile to my face and a wonderful feeling of peace to my soul. All is right with the world now that you are all together. Can't wait to see you all when I get back. Hope you are all feeling better.-joan