Hi everyone! We are back home as of Friday night around 7:30 pm. We had a long and tiring trip home from Hong Kong, including missing our flight from Chicago to Charlotte. The kids were troupers on the 14 hour flight to the States and then as we waited in Chicago for a later plane.
We were greeted at the airport by my folks, sister and nieces, and many of Ting Ting's grown brothers and sisters. It was so, so good to see and hug everyone after 2 weeks away. TT suffered from motion sickness as we landed in Chicago and on the last flight, but it wasn't as bad for her as we had feared it night be. She was cautiously enthusiastic about meeting the extended family and we had a lot of fun watching her explore her new home once we made it to our house.
However, TingTing has had a REALLY hard time since we have been home. She is extremely homesick for her ayi (nanny), friends, and home in China. We knew it could be a hard transition for her despite the good times and attachment we had while in China. It has been very very rough for the entire family, and even though we thought we were prepared it has been even tougher dealing with the grief and rage than we thought. The culture shock, the changes in her life, and jet lag have all contributed. The first two nights we were up until 6 am with her as she screamed and cried for home. Last night she had a shorter bout of grief in the nighttime, which is progress in its own way.
Mark and I see small victories here and there which is encouraging. She is often very sad but we see glimmers of the happy, funny, spunky girl we met just 2 weeks ago. We are clinging to the Word, each other, and the knowledge that things will get better for her in time. We are taking things day by day and trying to establish a simple and predictable routine. My folks are staying with us and are able to help and provide support for Mark and me as we try to get over the jst lag and meet the needs of both the girls. I am struggling with some anxiety about all these changes and also how it is affecting AK, but it is getting better day by day. All of your prayers are felt and so appreciated!
Prayers are with you, sweet friend and colleague. Good things often begin as struggles.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are home and so sorry to hear that TT is having such a hard time. It's good to know that she has such strong bonds to the nanny and her friends. It shows that she was well loved and cared for. I am sure we are in for the same ride as we are getting closer to ZeRu. I know they knew each other as ZeRu is in TT b'day picture that you posted to the blog. I feel bad that TT is hurting though. Stay strong and know she will come around soon enough. Did you get to go to the orphanage? I hope when you are feeling up to it you will email and let me know. Enjoy being home with your family.
ReplyDeleteLisa (lisa11756@yahoo.com)
Dear Ones,
ReplyDeleteYou are all in our thoughts and prayers here. I can only imagine the anxiety and stress you and the rest of the household are experiencing, but know that each day is truly a step forward. I hope that you have more days off to help recover from jet lag and establishing that routine.
Love Aunt C
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that it's been a rough re-entry for you all. But I love that you are clinging to each other and clinging to the Word. She has a good anchor in you all. Will continue to pray and trust that the Lord has forward motion in mind for you all. Hugs and prayers now...
ReplyDeleteWe have been following your updates and are praying for you. Remember..."God is good--His mercies are new every morning." Praying for good days and that God would pour out His peace and blessings on you all.
ReplyDeleteAllison Matthews and Family
My prayers for you as well.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and thinking about you a ton. I am hear if you need me! (((((HUGS))))
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that she's grieving so much, but I love that you are seeing glimpses of the spunky girl you just met. Keep on clinging to each other and the Lord. (((hugs)))
ReplyDelete