Home at last

We are home at last! And up early with jetlag. The flights were all uneventful, but somewhat delayed so we had several rushing transfers, just barely making our San Fran transfer to Denver. I think that made for an especially tiring journey. Running through airports alone is one thing, with 7 of us, rushing through security--it was quite a scene. As we came through customs we congratulated FuMei on her new citizenship, telling her she was an American now. She just giggled and looked incredulous. I think she thought we were saying she was now somehow a caucasean. She saw what we think was her first black person in the Guangzhou airport, and was quite curious. So we had a little talk about how people from different places and backgrounds often have different skin color.

We were welcomed by quite a loving crew of freinds which was so encouraging. Thanks to all who came out to give us and FuMei such a welcome. Signs, flowers, smiles, hugs--really a nice homecoming and welcome for FuMei. We are humbled and wish we would have been taking pictures as we came out--such a support you all have been. Our dear friends the McHughs brought our car to the airport so all we had to do was load up and head home. We arrived to a crockpot full of soup and homemade bread, welcome signs, flowers, cards and food for this morning! Thanks to all who helped with this! FuMei was excited to get here and after arrival and a tour, just kept walking around the house, going downstairs then coming back up and in and out of rooms. She got really chatty which was really cute--can't remember her talking so much. She was interested about sleeping arrangements and to our surprise was quite happy and insistent that she sleep in her bed in her and Amy's room alone. Amy was not feeling well and wanted to bunk with Mary. So FuMei happily jumped into her bed and fell quickly asleep. We had a restless night. I don't remember feeling jetlag so much before. We were all out by 7pm, unable to go any longer. By 12 Amy and FuMei were up playing. They went back down at some point and I have been up since 3.

Anyway, just wanted to send a note to all who have been so faithfully following and praying for us. We are amazed at how smoothly things have gone and though we know the coming adjustment is going to be a day by day one, we know God is with us and feel so upheld by the prayers and concern of you all. We are so eager to get back to "normalcy" but wonder what the new normalcy will look like. Pray for strength and health as we face the challenges of jumping back into a full program next week. We love you.

The Sorteberg Seven