December 12, 2008

“To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without root."--Chinese Proverb

 

We were up early and left our hotel at 6:30am for the airport.  I am not sure what I was thinking, but for a weeks stay we had four pieces of checked luggage and five little carry-on bags to keep track of.  Add that to Grandma’s suitcase, and we could hardly fit it into Fion’s car.  I am usually a light packer, so not sure what got into me on this trip.

We made it to the airport in plenty of time to board our first plane to Tokyo.  That flight was about 2.5 hours, and the kids did great.  It was in December of 2006 that we last passed though this same airport on our journey to Amelia.  I remembered it had a nice little play area, and the girls were able to occupy themselves on the two hour lay over.  One more flight to go; we left Tokyo for the 12 hour flight home.  Alayna and Amelia both did pretty well given the circumstances:  this is a long day for an adult, let alone a child.  We did have bulkhead seating with a bassinette for Alayna which was helpful.  Once we arrived at Detroit Metro we made our way though customs and immigration where Alayna was declared a US citizen.  Yeah!

Once we made our way out of the immigration area with two carts full of luggage, we waited less than 5 minutes and in came Grandpa and Nick.  Amelia immediately ran to her brother and gave him a big hug; it was so sweet.  Nick was excited to meet Alayna, but I think he REALLY missed his Amelia. 

Alayna did great in the car.  She didn’t seem to mind the Michigan cold (26 degrees, not Taipei’s 75) and didn’t fuss in the car seat.  She’s such an easy baby!  This precious child smiles easy and often, loves to snuggle and be kissed on.  We just love her to pieces!

We will now begin to settle into life as a family of five.  There is a ton of laundry to be done. Amelia came home with a fever, and Alayna has the sniffles.  I opened the mail and there is a packet with the required post placement paperwork (yuck) from Journeys of the Heart.  Christmas shopping and cards need to be done.  All this is just fine because we have Alayna home with us!

Although this trip was challenging with a child in tow, it was worth it.  Amelia may have been overwhelmed and over tired most of the time, but it was such a blessing having her there at the moment we met Alayna.  I will never forget approaching her foster mother’s house and being greeted by Mrs. Lu holding Alayna.  That moment I will remember always and the look on Amelia’s face let me know it was special to her too.  (My only regret is that Nick wasn’t there to share it with us.)

Taipei is a large city but what struck me was the people.  They were gracious, friendly and accommodating.  I can’t wait to tell Alayna all about her birth country; its beauty and the beauty of the people.  I so look forward to the day when the girls are older and we can travel back to both mainland China and Taiwan.  I so appreciate and love their culture and heritage--it is a part of them and our family!  Asia will forever be in our hearts.

I will be doing updates on Alayna Pei-Shan at the end of each month for the next year.  Please visit us often!

Christmas Blessings to all…..

 

Homeward Bound

Amelia pointing her finger and telling me "no" while playing in the Tapei airport. (I included this picture for future use!)

Squatty potty at airport for those of you who wonder....

Sisters in Play Area in Tokyo

Concentrating Hard

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