Thursday, March 31, 2011

Leaving Guangzhou

We are ready to come home. A small part of us would love to continue this "fantasy life" of a buffet breakfast every morning and a leisurely schedule, but it is definitely time to get home and get back to reality!

We have met some incredible and inspiring families on our journey, as we have in our adoptions before. I love how each journey is so unique and how we "collect" new friends with every adoption journey we've experienced. They almost become family. One thing we noticed this time is that there were no first-time parents in our group of nine families. Every adopted child was coming into a family with other children, some biological, some adopted. These families will always have a special place in our hearts and in our memories of bringing Charlie home.

Yesterday we went to the U.S. Consulate for our oath taking ceremony. We repeated the oath, with tears of joy, for the third time. It is a moving moment, to say the least. We were happy to hear that special needs adoptions were up to 64% in 2010 and to 73% in the first few months of 2011. Adoptions, in general, were up last year on the whole, Americans are still answering the call to help the orphans here despite political, cultural and economic differences.

We are picking our visas up at 5:00 today and we are free and clear with Charlie. The next step is when he becomes a U.S. citizen when we reach our port of entry in Newark, NJ and that is obviously a major milestone that we look forward to.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. We are so blessed to be surrounded by the love and support that you give us. We thank you all for being a part of our special journey, one which doesn't end now--but only begins. It is simply amazing to think that less than two weeks ago, we only knew this child through a few pictures and updates, and now he is in our arms and we have fallen in love with him. He has fallen in love with us too. Praise the Lord.

9 comments:

Carrie said...

It has been a blessing to me reading this journey.
Can't wait to see you all again!
XXOO Carrie

Carmen said...

Oh tears of joy here. How could he not fall in love with you guys.

Anonymous said...

I love following your story! Charlie is a sweetie! Can't wait to meet him in person!

Kristen, David and Amelie

allie said...

I have really enjoyed following your journey! It brought back great memories as well as allowed me to be a part of your China experience. Charlie is so lucky to be a Murphy!
Safe travels,
Allison

Anonymous said...

We can't wait to welcome the newest US citizen and his family home!
Love,
Caroline

Anonymous said...

ahhh remembering when kai became a citizen in newark.. it really is a milestone.. chris and i sighed a sigh of relief.. since i am from nj we are chris daddy's new jersey girls!

be safe, much love to you all.. the greatest gift - beautiful charle.. i am so happy for you guys.. nicki :-)

Ana said...

Smooth sailing, Murphys! We look forward to your return. Hugs and kisses. 3Ds

Anonymous said...

Praying for your family's intentions at mass on April first. Can't wait to see your beautiful family.
Amy Sexton

Jennifer said...

We are so happy for you! The group shot in the White Swan brings back good memories.
Congratulations on your new son. He sure is adorable and you are so blessed to have Madi. She is a great big sister.

Thanks for letting us follow along. Checking your blog has been the first thing I do every morning.

Safe travels!

Jennifer