We enjoyed our last yummy breakfast buffet this morning. Tomorrow morning we meet in the lobby at 5:45am, so there will be no leisurely breakfast. Our bags are packed and the bellboy just picked them all up to be downstairs and loaded on the bus for us in the morning. We managed to check-in three bags coming and only have four going back. Not bad for seven of us with all the souvenirs, and some extra things Elijah brought from PHF.
This morning we met for group photos in the lobby. There were twelve families, but almost every family had at least one extra person along, so we were quite a large group. All but one family adopted a special needs child and they ranged in age from 15 months to Elijah at almost ten. It has been neat to visit with these families and share this bond through adoption. There is an understanding that goes deep and a joy that we share.
We ventured to the zoo with three other families after the photo shoot. It was a very nice zoo and we took in another day of beautiful (although smoggy) Guangzhou weather. Then later in the afternoon we went to the US Consulate to receive Elijah’s Chinese passport with his US immigrant visa stamped inside. When we land at our port of entry in Chicago and pass through immigration he will become a US citizen!
We are almost done, just need to board that flight and arrive safely home. Then a whole new chapter will begin. Elijah sure has a whole new world awaiting him. We think he’s going to love it, yet we know there will surely be some grieving for all that he has known that has been left behind. New language, new food, new sights, new sounds, new customs, new manners, new house, new friends, new family, new clothes, new smells, the list just goes on and on.
We thank you again for all the support, prayers and encouragement we have received. It has been a blessing beyond what we know. It has surely sustained us throughout this journey, from the time we felt called to pursue Elijah’s adoption until now and for the days and months ahead. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God is good. We give Him all the praise and glory for making this miracle come to pass. He broke down so many barriers for Elijah to become a part of our family. Thank you Abba, our adopter!!
As you leave China, be assured that you are being prayed for. Elijah looks like such a fine, young man. He has such a sweet smile that could light up a whole room. May the blending of your family continue to go smoothly as it already seems to have. May God Bless your family with love, joy and peace. Your whole family is beautiful!
We are a fellow PHF family, returning home this past summer with our little son Philip, (Ollie from HOL), and we have eagerly awaited your updates each day. We know the absolute joys and challenges of this adventure first hand, and many days we have laughed with you and cried with you over various things you have experienced along the way. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. God bless you all as Elijah begins his transition to America and his new home. God bless Elijah, too! His beautiful spirit has touched us! God is so good!
I think this was my favorite post- you all just look SO ready to come home, but also just like you’ve been a family forever- it really is beautiful! Loved the pictures of the other families, and really loved the picture of Elijah with his visa. YEAH!!
By the time you read these comments, you will be home, so, WELCOME HOME Wolfe family of SEVEN. I have so enjoyed following your journey. It’s been a long one and can only imagine how glad everyone will be to get home. My prayer is that Elijah will have as smooth of an adjustment as possible. God speed and keep you safely in his arms on your flight home.
Marge (Laurie’s mom)
P.S. Sorry, I can’t seem to get the Elle’s sitter tomorrow night out of the box. She got sick and I didn’t get to keep her.
What a journey! We are covering you in prayer and can’t wait to hear the news that you are HOME, all 7 of you! I loved the pictures again, and was really touched by seeing all of the new families with their precious children. And the one of the boys at the zoo (with the older boys) is a great shot! They look so proud to be brothers. God has been good to you and I know He will continue to bless you in this journey as you have shared His heart with so many through this process. We love you, are proud of you and are proud to be part of Elijah’s new family!
love your phf t-shirt!! cool!! you’re on your way to KC right now . . . can’t wait to have you almost home. hope your long flight went well!!