zai jian China!

Well, we've checked all the blocks - we've been cleared by the U.S. Consulate, and we leave for home early tomorrow morning. As most of you in the U.S. are sitting down for your Christmas Eve dinner, we will probably be beginning our long journey home. We leave the hotel at 6:50 a.m., fly through Tokyo, and then land in Dulles around 2:30 p.m. We get an additional 12 hours to our Christmas - not sure if that will be a good thing or not?

We couldn't have asked for a better trip! Michelle is, of course, wonderful! She has done great with all of us, and she is more than we could have ever hoped for or imagined. The fact that we get go bring her home on Christmas is just icing on the cake. I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present.

But, even beyond Michelle, we've had such a great time. Having my older children share in this experience has been so great. It was so good for us to become a family from the very beginning. I think they have all had a great time. And having my mom-in-law along was an additional treat - I think she's had fun too, and she's been a huge help to all of us. China is a beautiful country with lovely people. The things we've experienced here will live in my heart always.

We have also had a super group of people to travel with - we have made friends that I hope will last for years to come. It has been a privilege to see them all become families, and we will continue to pray for them as they return home.

But as wonderful as our trip has been, we are ready to come home! A huge thanks to all my "Christmas angles" who will make Christmas possible for my family. Wendy, Laura, and Julie - you are all true friends.

We will post again tomorrow from Virginia, with the newest U.S. citizen! Love to you all, especially Mom & Dad, Benji and family, and Dad & Thayer. Can't wait to talk to you all tomorrow evening. Merry Christmas everyone!