zài jiàn (Goodbye)

Everyone is sound asleep and I haven't been able to fall asleep all night. My head is filled with both what I need (or think I need) to still do before we travel and what the future awaits. I checked the weather in Detroit (our first stop) and it is snowing -- I only pray it doesn't turn into a blizzard by the time we arrive. We added an extra day in the event there was incremental weather along the way, but of course any delay would just be tortuous at this point.

We will have to practice saying Xia (shyä) until Kylee gets accustomed to her new name -- maybe we can do a combination of Xia Kylee for a few days and see how she adjust to the change. I am curious how much she has changed since the photos we received last year. According to the updates we received in November she has grown quite a bit. I'm sure things will be easier since we are traveling with Mia and children seem to have a language of their own but my heart still breaks at the thought of how overwhelmed she is going to feel. I wonder how much the orphanage prepares these children for their new life, I guess we'll see in a few days.

I keep thinking about how we really have to let life lead us not only through the joyous moments but also through the difficult times. These moments and decisions both good and bad have lead me to this point in my life. I can't imagine my life without my husband, my wonderful daughter Mia and now our new addition Kylee.

It is almost 5:00 a.m. and Stephanie will be here at 6:30 to pick us up and take us to the Metro Station -- Mia is over the moon knowing not only does she get to travel on a plane but she has to take a "train" to get there. The innocence of children always amazes me!

For the families that have recently returned, I wish you a speedy recovery from jet lag, for those that are leaving this week, I wish you a safe and wonderful travel to your child. And for those still waiting I will continue to pray that you and your child are united soon.

màn zǒu (take care)