Disneyland, the longest day & two weeks home

Hong Kong Disneyland:  So we are Disney people, and when my kids found out there was a Disneyland in Hong Kong, the begging ensued.  A little bit of research revealed that it is a pretty good deal (about half the cost of going here) and we told them if time allowed we would go.  

One of the only parks with a public train that is Micky themed

Well, time allowed and we spent our last day at Hong Kong Disneyland :)  Everyone loved the park! The Jungle Cruise had fire...need I say more?  We also really liked the specific-to-

Hong Kong rides, Mystic Manor--think Haunted Mansion premise but amped up with new tech and magnets instead of a track--and Grizzly Gulch, is by far one of the most fun roller coasters we have ridden.  It was a lot of fun introducing Emme Lu to the "wonderful world" on her own turf.

We were told she wouldn't be a US citizen until we landed in Dallas, but I think she become one when we took the obligatory on vacation kids in jail pic :)

The Plane Ride Home:  Suffice it to say, it was LONG!  We were all exhausted at this point,  I think the 2 1/2 weeks hit us all at once.  Raegan wasn't feeling well and I think she slept the entire time. We have all decided we really do not like airline food! (at least not in coach)

The last two weeks:  So, jet lag pretty much kicked our butts, I think it took me almost 6 days to begin feeling like myself again.  So those first few days were a little rough.  Sleep deprivation, new schedules, new surroundings,  Google translate fail (we can talk to her, but it doesn't discern her dialect very well, and a friend pointed out, it might even be the pitch of her voice) and a little heart that is grieving what she left behind.  Thankfully, things began evening out towards the end of the week.  Oh, and a note, if Dave were writing this, he would say everything has been smooth.  She loves her Dad and everything is always happier when Dad is around :).  Mom gets all the angst and anger and frustration.  But we are working through it!  I am glad she feels secure enough to express herself (although there are times I REALLY wish I knew what she was saying!)

Emme Lu has already picked up some English, and definitely understands more than she can express at the moment. It is exciting to see how quickly she is adapting.  She is already asking to go to school, so that will probably be the next thing we tackle.

The second week has brought a leveling of sorts.  There are still the daily ups and downs, but rest and a slow acclimation to her new surroundings has brought down the intensity a notch. It is so much fun to watch her as she discovers new things and learns new words.  She has such a zest for life you can't help but share in her enthusiasm.

One of the greatest things (but also the most heartbreaking) has been the evidence that she was clearly loved by her foster family.  We see it in how she interacts with us, and in the level of confidence she has.  But this also brings her the greatest amount of sadness as she continues to process that she no longer has that family. 

Reflecting back on our trip, it was definitely one of the most difficult yet rewarding experiences we have had.  We are glad we made the trip as a family, (oh, and Colin did amazing with his Type 1 while we were traveling) it was an experience we wouldn't trade! 

We met some incredible (Peoples and Williams, you know who you are) families along the way, and ask your prayers for them also as they adjust to their new lives.  The power of prayer has been so evident throughout this journey!  Please continue also to pray for us as we begin to introduce her to Jesus.  Mostly she just thinks we are hilarious right now when we pray, but we know God is working on her little heart. We are continually grateful for the all the love and support that has been show to us throughout this process, thank all of you so much!

(And a couple of pics from home!)

Thumbs up, it was a good day!

Discovering power rangers thanks to our awesome neighbors!