We leave tomorrow to go to the U.S. Consulate's Office for some final paperwork and Hadley's visa for the U.S. We will then literally run to try to catch an early train so that we don't have a two hour wait. If we miss it, we will find some nice air conditioned restaurant to hang out in until the next one. We will spend one night in Hong Kong and then catch an early morning flight to Newark, NJ and then Newark to Atlanta and Atlanta to Birmingham. If all flights are on time we should arrive at home at 8:35 pm.
Many have mentioned a desire to meet us at the airport and we would love to see you. Please do not feel pressured to come, as it is late for kids, but we would love to hug you and thank you for supporting us during our journey and show you our China doll. We know you will understand that we won't be passing her around for hugs quite yet, as the long trip and another new place will be unsettling for her.
Thank you for the kind words, laughing and crying with us along the way. This has been unforgettable. We hope you can forgive our indulgence in sharing such details of this experience. Our hope has been that in experiencing these ups and downs with us, someone may be motivated to adopt another child waiting for her family. If anyone does, please let us know so we can cheer you on from home, as you have done for us.
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13 comments:
We have loved the pics and stories and can't wait until you are back in the States and your family is together!
Shea Patrick
we can't wait to see you land in the 'ham with that gorgeous girl. it is so great that she has taken to the two of you so easily.
here's an update from the three amigos. Gracie spent the night with Harper last night. They had so much fun.
We just got home from an outing to Oak Mountain Park with Sugar, Papa Jim (aka Jacques Cousteau sp?) and the Eddins loveys. We all took a ride on Papa Jim's canoe/catamaran that he created with custom seats for his first (Gracie) and second (Cole)mate. They are wonderful paddlers.
Man, when our Dad does something, he does it up right!
Anyway, the kids had a blast, no one was in danger of tipping over and we had a great swim on the Oak Mountain Beach after the paddling.
The kids were so fun to be with and Sam is officially, "the funniest child on earth."
They are so excited about seeing you soon. We all miss you much and we will be praying that every leg of your flight is smooth sailing!
P.S. If there is anything you are now realizing you will need at home that you don't have already set, I would be more than happy to get things and drop them by so your first night at home is smooth.
Love, Amy and Harper
Please don't ever apologize for this blog. This has been one of the most exciting weeks for me!( I got in on it one week late) I can't wait to meet Hadley and please call me if I can do ANYTHING for your family. As for Sam, I agree with Amy, I have told Pat before he cracks me up!! I will be praying for you all during your flights and when you get home for sleeping with the time difference.
Tracy Bradford
Took the three amegos canoeing in a homemade (very stable,cannot turn over) catamaran at Oak Mt. State Park. Every one wore their lifejacket the entire time they were in the boat. No one got wet except Papa Jim and Sugar. We were siting in back and Cole and Gracie, in the front, got carried away with paddling when they wanted to see how fast they could go! These two can stab and beat the water. I am sure they will be very good at this after I get them some padles that are the correct size for them.
Every one did get wet when we went swimming in the swim area. All had a good time and cannot wait to see Hadley.
Love,
Papa Jim and Sugar
The picture of her walking in the white sundress is just STUNNING! She is so beautiful. It really is amazing how well she has done. God has answered so many prayers is so many neat ways and this is just the beginning!!
I can't wait until she is settled in and hanging out with my girls is just part of her normal life. See you at the airport!!!
Will pray for your travels to be safe and comfortable for precious Hadley Eddins =) I love that!!
Will continue to think of a time to come visit...thanks for your email....would love to see you before school is back in!
Hadley is beautiful in her white dress! I can't wait to see her in the halls at church smiling and laughing - perfectly at home. I pray your trip home is smooth and easy. It is amazing how God has already answered so many prayers - we serve an awesome God! Thanks for sharing your experience through this blog.
Terri Cox
Karen & Pat, thank you for sharing your heart.What blessings flow graciously from our Lord! Can't wait to look out my kitchen window and see Gracie, Cole, Sam and Hadley jumping & playing! I'm praying for your flight home! Love, Karen Register
We have loved each blog entry and sit with mouth open of how awesome God has been and is to bring you to this point! She seems to be adjusting so well to your family, and really, who wouldn't? What a blessing awaits as you reunite just hours from now in the airport...Many prayers for your safe, uneventful return...and that the joy of the Lord would multiply your strength at this point. We love you all and can't wait to see this miracle...Hadley Lu Eddins!
Pat and Karen,
I just wanted to say "Congratulations!!!" We are so excited that this part of your journey is over, and the real adventure is beginning. We wanted to be there at the airport, but Lily is in ballet camp at Briarwood and mornings are coming early this week! We can't wait to meet your little princess. We've loved keeping up with the blog. Love you guys and look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Ande and Paula
Just wanted to say,
WELCOME HOME!!!
Sonya
Karen and Pat, what a wonderful treat it has been for me to read through your entire blog this afternoon! I just found out about it and have smiled and cried as I have watched you love your sweet new baby girl. Dave & I are thrilled for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We will continue to pray for your family and for Hadley!
Teresa & Dave Eyrich
Karen....
many requests have been made to have some Hadley updates....my parents, sister and friends are all wanting to know how the adjustments are coming along.....
We are all so thankful that the Lord laid such a big job on your hearts and is working in your family in such a wonderful way. I hope Hadley knows that you have been her Mom all along, she just didn't meet you right away....
Love
Lauren
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