Our last night in Guangzhou!

I cannot believe I am typing that this is our last night in Guangzhou. This has been an incredible trip. One that we'll never forget. It hasn't been an easy one, though. We started off with Doug having surgery right before we left. He has been a trooper, but I know he has endured A LOT of pain and really tried to be strong for me. This is an emotional ride in itself, and with the added stress, pain, and worry for doug, shew, it's just been challenging to say the least. Leaving behind our other three children has ripped our hearts in two. We know how important the time we've spent with Lily has been, but it hasn't made missing our children and our heartaches for them go away by any means. Skyping was wonderful, but so difficult to hold back the tears..especially when one of them was crying. Bryson was the one that had the hardest time this time. Bren did when we went to Ethiopia. Lola Joy has started some temper tantrums we hear, so we're thinking this is her way of expressing that she misses us as well. The past few days, Doug and I had some kind of stomach issues. We were visiting the restrooms frequently to say the least, smells made us even sicker, and seeing the foods here just made us want to throw up..so it's been ONE CRAZY RIDE!! We are dreading the 23 hours of travels home, but cannot wait to get home. Doug asked me to click my ruby slippers cause there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!! Lily is doing well. The only struggle we have with her is bedtime at night. She just falls asleep so easily in the daytime, but tonight she SCREAMED! Finally she fell asleep on my chest. I held her until she was really good and asleep and laid her in bed with us (where she has slept each night with us). We know there will be many challenges when we get home. The challenges of giving attention to all four of our children and making all of them feel treasured and special. Going ANYWHERE with the little girls will be a challenge.ha. School, homework, work, ballgames. Laundry.Surgeries. and more. Yep, it will all be there waiting for us. But God has called us to this place and He will equip us and see us through. Please keep us in your prayers as we fly...and return home.
I have to say a HUGE thank you to our "VILLAGE" back home that helped keep our kids going through all of this. Words cannot express our gratitude. We know we are so blessed and have shared that with everyone here. You are priceless and we thank God for the BEST FAMILY and Friends ever!
And to our 3 babies at home...WE'LL be home soon! We're are so proud of you! Can't wait to snuggle and catch up on everything. You're the best little ones a Momma could ever have. LOVE YOU!!!!!

Thanks for the love and prayers,
Doug, Julie and Lily

We fly out at 9:50 a.m. tomorrow morning for Hong Kong. We spend the night there and hop on our flight to Michigan. It's at 9 something a.m. We aren't sure if we'll post in hong kong, but if not, hope to see you in Louisville on the 17th at 4:39 p.m.
pray for lily and mommy and daddy on the looong flight:-)