Thursday, December 4, 2008

12.4.08 Home at last!

After 20ish hours of traveling (back in time), from Guangzhou to Beijing and Beijing to Chicago, we finally arrived! And thanks to strong tailwinds, we got back earlier than planned.

We all made it through customs without a hitch! And started the green card process for our daughters, who are now official U.S. citizens.

Liana was an angel throughout the entire trip home - really hard to imagine a sweeter, more playful, more joyful child.

Once we finally ran the customs gauntlet, we were greeted by Pappa Fred, Grandma Pat and our 3 wonderful boys, Trev, Ben and Zach. It was so great to finally hug them again, and even better to see the unabashed excitement and joy they expressed when finally meeting Liana. As Trevor said, ‘I finally have my Christmas present!’
(Sorry, I was so overwhelmed that I didn't shoot any photos - hoping Pappa Fred has some for us).

We’re all exhausted from this experience. Our lives have been changed forever. And yet we have a strong sense of calm and peace, and joy knowing that our 3 years of ‘labor’, and 2 and half week in China ‘delivery’, was so worth it!

We can’t wait for all of you to finally meet Liana Grace Shun Fuhrman…

Time to start the paperwork for our return trip, Liana needs a sister after all…just kidding…I think...

Much love to all of you, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Chanukah and Joy to all of you this extraordinary season.
(Photo of our Hotel on Shamian Island)

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Dear Marc and Laura,
Just a minute, I have to wipe the tears of joy from my eyes. Congratulations on the "birth" of your daughter, Liana. She is beautiful. Pappa Fred and Grandma Pat shared this site with some of us from choir at Sacred Heart. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us. How inspiring it was and how very blessed your family is.

Merry Christmas and God Bless!!

Denise
Moline, IL