Almost home...

Last night we made it back to Hong Kong via train.

Our time in China has come to an end.

While it's exciting, it's also very sad. We feel for Ella. The emotions she must be feeling, even at 14 months, has got to be difficult.

While we are proud Americans, it is also hard to know she will not grow up in the Chinese culture for which she was born into. We have learned so much about China and Hong Kong, and, in some respects, have fallen in love with it. It's been an amazing trip and a trip of a lifetime.

We are so saddened it's come to an end, but are so grateful at the same time. We are ready to come home. We are ready to drink tap water and not boil it first. We are ready for a dishwasher. We are ready for a washer and dryer. We are ready to not live out of suitcases. We are ready to see our stuff. Our home. Our other clothes. Our friends. We are ready for Ella to see her room. Her house. Her toys. Her yard. We are just ready to begin our lives as a family.

Jennifer and I are deeply indebted to Ella's birth parents. We feel for the loss they have. The emptiness they must feel. The toughest decision they have probably ever had to make. At the same time, we are filled with so much joy it's very difficult to describe.

Now the toughest job begins for us... raising our daughter. Teaching her right from wrong. Making sure she understands values, principles and respecting others. Being courageous. She needs to understand the value of a good education -- school is important. Remaining healthy and making the right choices for exercise and nutrition. Giving her all sorts of opportunities, whether it's swimming, music, or underwater basketweaving. We will support her in whatever decision(s) she makes.

I leave with one quote:

"All of our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney