In Case You Were Wondering

We are HOME!!! Thank you for praying for our flights back! They went very well and Hudson did great! We figured out that our travel day was about 27 hours!!! And it was our anniversary so we joked it was the longest celebration of our 11 years and we just hoped we were still talking to each other by the time we got off the last plane:) 

We were welcomed at the airport by Ava and Cooper and my parents! It was so so good to see them and hug them and kiss them and introduce them to their brother! They had been working so hard to make our return so special...there was a sign, balloons, cards and presents!!

We have had a rough start to our week home....just in the sense of getting little sleep due to jet lag and Hudson crying at night time. So if you read this before bed tonight...please pray we would turn a corner soon! We are a needy bunch right now!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for being on this journey with us! We have sensed your prayers and have experienced God's faithfulness and grace for each moment! We are excited to introduce Hudson to each of you very soon!

Consulate Appointment - Check!

 

Here is the view out of our window...I have been overwhelmed at how big each city has been we've been in and how many people, markets, restaurants, vendors and stores there are here! It really seems the city never sleeps. The people have been very friendly and very curious as we are out as to why and how we have a Chinese son. There have been lots of pictures taken from the curious onlookers. 

We had our Consulate Appointment this morning and everything went well. The appointment was basically a group of about 15 adoptive families taking an oath saying we have been honest about all the information we have given and then giving our paperwork over to be checked and stamped which then allows Hudson his visa which we should get tomorrow afternoon. 

We had a low key day after that because Matt woke up feeling sick to his stomach which he still has. Prayers appreciated that in the morning he will feel much better. 

Tomorrow night will be our last evening here. The hotel lobby has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland and there will be caroling, the lighting of the tree, food, and even a Santa appearance tomorrow evening. It should be a good send off! 

We are hearing rumors of snow and ice heading our way back home?? Is that true?? How much and when?? We really really really do not want any delays in our return home Saturday evening!!!

Waiting

So if you are like me you may be wondering why do we have to stay around so long this week?? It is mostly a week of waiting. We are waiting a couple of things...waiting on Hudson medical evaluation which we received today and waiting on our consulate appointment which is tomorrow and then finally waiting on Hudson's visa which allows him to come home!! It certainly feels like lots of waiting which can be hard at times but we are trying to enjoy these moment with him here! We certainly are feeling ready to be home and to give hugs and kisses to Ava and Cooper though too!
In our waiting we have gotten to do a bit of sightseeing. We've gone to a couple of different parks, to the zoo, on a river boat cruise and most recently to the circus!

This wasn't just your regular old circus let me tell you...it was more like cirque de solei...not sure if I'm spelling that right. There were certainly all the circus animals and clowns but so much acrobatics and an amazing show with snow, rain, fire, lights...an amazing production. I looked at Matt and said "I wonder if Hudson will have nightmares?" His eyes took it all in, pointing at everything...it may have been a bit of overstimulation after spending most of his little life in his stark white walled home. Thankfully he slept great!!

It has been so hard getting him to take naps but I'm thrilled right now that I'm sitting in a cute little cafe writing this while he and Matt are upstairs...Hudson is napping and I think Matt is enjoying catching up on some sports scores. Please pray we would wait well these next few days. 

Hudson's home for the last 18 months of his life

Here is the entrance gate to the orphanage where Hudson was abandoned and left wrapped in a blanket with a note from his parents.

We asked if we could visit where the kids played and this is where we were taken. My eyes filled with tears as I entered. No toys to speak of, a TV blaring with non-kid friendly shows and this sweet girl who has down syndrome. She was precious. As I reached for her hand she took it and just begin to swing it back and forth with a wonderful smile. My heart aches.

The foremost crib was Hudson's. And these are 4 out of the 8 children besides Hudson that were in the same room together. They lit up as we came into the room to talk with them and play with them for a bit. There is no heat in the building which is common in this region so that is why they are bundled up. The boy with the red, black and teddy bear jacket and the boy in the brown coat are set to be adopted in the next couple of months!!!

We are now in Guangzhou where the US Consulate is and where we will receive Hudson's visa to come home! We have done more paperwork as well as his medical exam. He was a rock star during that!! Today we went to a park and a shopping market area and then had the afternoon and evening to relax! It was so fun just to hang around our room and see Hudson in his element. He loves to walk all over freely and explore what he can find. It's really as if he is in love with the freedom to roam and be curious! He has definitely been wanting me mostly to hold him but today he warmed up even more to his dada. Would you pray for Matt...he has a cold/sinus infection and hasn't had great energy. Thanks!!