Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Welcome to the USA












One Year Ago Today...

We finally landed after a long and tiring flight. Even though the kids were fantastic, there's just something about crossing a bunch of time zones, sitting on an aircraft for hours, and walking up and down airports for a grand total of 21 hours that can tire one out. We were so excited to be home, so excited to show Ben his new home and room, and excited to get back to normalacy...whatever that was to be.

We had a layover at LAX which is where we first entered into the United States which means that is also where we went through customs. They were so nice, opened a line special just for us, and processed everything very quickly. We made it to our next gate with a 4 month old, a 22 month old, a stroller, a diaper bag...no, make that 2 diaper bags, a purse, a computer bag, a carry on, and our sanity.

Once we touched down in Minneapolis, we were so thrilled. It had actually happened...we had picked up our son and were now about to begin life with a new family dynamic. I remember having a rush of emotions...glad to be home, and sad to have left Korea...glad to be back where English is the primary language, and sad to not be hearing the beauty of the korean language spoken...glad to be able to introduce family and friends to our sweet boy, and sad that Ben had to leave the only family he had known. It was such a mixed bag; relieved to be back where everything was familiar and yet disappointed that our travels were coming to an end.

Nana was waiting at baggage claim when we arrived. She was so excited to see Ben as well as Ella. We picked up our oodles of bags and made our way to the parking lot. The van was such a sight to behold. There is sat with not one, but two little car seats beckoning us to come home. I had dreamt of this day...the day that I would be able to actually fill both those car seats with my own sweet dear children. How blessed I was!!

Once we arrived home, we were greeted by a quiet house that boasted lovely signs welcoming us back. It was dark outside, everyone was asleep...except us as we were still on Korea time and it was about time for lunch. It was a lovely first night home introducing Ben to his new life and new surroundings. We had so much to show him, so much love to start giving, and so many new things to experience with him. We were so excited to start our life with two of the most precious children. God blessed us when He gave us Ella and Ben.

One year ago today, Ben landed on US soil. It was a moment I will never forget.

2 comments:

Kari said...

Just beautiful----what a wonderful day for all of you!

Anonymous said...

Look at your beautiful family! Can you believe its been a year?