Luke and his mama!

Have you ever seen such a cute smile on such a cute little boy in all your life?  That's my boy!

A Sweet Airport Reunion!

The girls waiting for baby brother!

Friends waiting with the girls...

Our first sighting of one another.. (notice the security guard).

Still running, almost there (look at the guard in the background now- pretty sweet). 

Finally!!!

Our sweet boy with his Grammy and Mimi- their first look at their sweet grandson.

Nothing like hugs ...

Proud Poppa seeing his grandson for the first time. 

Alaina with her baby brother!

Love, love

I love how Rachel's touching that sweet brother- looks like she's laying hands on him!

Our sweet little guy is finally home!

So blessed to be greeted by friends and family!

Our first picture of all "four" of our beautiful little blessings, ToGeThEr!

(Thanks to Edie for the matching big sisters, little bro shirts.. Notice the heart of China).

At last, asleep in my big boy bed... with an audience.

Playing with grandad... their first time together.

Loving on my Mimi.

Helping daddy at Alaina's softball game.

Now, it's time for a nap!

Day 14- We're Coming to America, Today!

Flights, flights, and more flights!

Cartoons helping time pass...

See the sign- Welcome home- back in the USA- hooray!!!

More flying....

Coming through customs, Luke is now a US citizen.

After 17 hours of flights, layovers, prayers, ritz crackers, airport food,  and more prayers, WE ARE HOME!!!!!!!!

The Perry's.... Party of 6!

Day 13- Luke's last day as a Chinese citizen in his homeland!

As we come to the end of our time in China.... and as I reflect on the past 13 days here we have experienced so many emotions- laughs, tears, joy, fear, and LOVE ..... Love from the Father like never before!  We pray as we close our time here that we will be able to articulate to our son clearly God's sovereignty in his life.  God took two pretty ordinary people, revealed a call on their lives to find our son, and over the course of 22 months prepared our hearts, our daughters, and Luke for the forming of our family, according to His plan. 

The famous "red couch" picture, isn't he handsome!

I can't help but parallel the grieving we have seen from a once orphan to the Israelites as they were leaving Egypt (Exodus 16).  They began complaining because of fear, the unknown, wanting more... they wished they were back in Egypt, enslaved because they couldn't see what was ahead, and that it was better!   As ridiculous as this sounds that's exactly what we do when we settle for temporal, earthly, easy things rather than stepping out in total faith (the unknown, lack of control).... Our once orphaned, now cherished, amazing son, is about to begin a new life with us in a new country, as a new citizen.... having full-rights from his parents, who have consistently pursued him for close to two years.  

God, the Father pursues us, and unconditionally lavishes love on us in our redemption, through Jesus.  I received my inheritance from the Father when He pursued me and I accepted!  My prayer is not only for our son's health, security, and comfort- but his soul... because this is his greatest need, your greatest need..a Savior! 

Below are pictures taken today at a local park.  We wanted to capture everyday living in his country.... nothing extravagant, but a sweet, peaceful glimpse of China!

He's helping his wife :)

Couldn't resist this sign...

Exercise is very important to all age groups in China.

Ping pong area in the park... we've seen lots of ping pong in China.

Father and son watching basketball.

Any of you that know Craig well know that he usually doesn't spectate too long- he joined right in... I love his spunk and enthusiasm to experience things.

We are so in love with this sweet, little fellow- sisters you are going to be in love with him toooo!

.... at the hotel play area enjoying an Oreo!

We've been so blessed to have other children and adoptive parents to share this week with- we've all definitely drawn strength from one another.

Day 12- Consulate Appointment

We headed out bright and early to Luke's Consulate Appointment. Craig and I are learning that the different appointments are extremely important to get from A to B.... but at the same time participating in the actual appt sometimes feels quite like a Seinfeld episode.

Cameras are not allowed inside and we had to go through another body scanner...pretty commonplace these days.. so we only have a few pictures today.     

Leaving our hotel for his big day.

The appt was the last appt needed for Luke's citizenship and visa paperwork to be complete for him to leave China. This gives him US citizenship upon entering the US on Thursday evening.  

A part of the appt was an oath-taking ceremony.  We expected it to be really formal where the two of us would stand before important officials and make promises as his parents and as US citizens.  It actually was a large room of about 15+ other adoptive families and children all sitting in seats facing a booth with a US official. We were to all simultaneously repeat after him with our right hands raised.  Well, by this point in the appt Luke and the other 15+ Kids and siblings were done being quiet. So, Craig decided to walk with Luke while I waited for whatever we needed to do... The highlight of the appointment was when we suddenly were to all rise, raise our right hands and repeat-- I looked to my left towards Craig, except there was no Craig or Luke. I ran into the hall where I found my two guys playing on the elevators. I told Craig the oath-taking ceremony was already going on and we were suppose to be in there oath-taking... we 3 rushed back in and followed the other families- I raised my right hand, and when I looked at Craig he was raising Luke's right hand, thinking Luke (the children) were suppose to be taking the oath!!! 😭 we have laughed the entire morning about this- because it's totally par for how our appts have gone in China!  

The countdown is on for travels home.  We leave tomorrow night 7:00 pm US time and arrive into Memphis Thursdsy evening 8:45!  

All prayers appreciated, not looking forward to more flying✈️ But ready to be back in the USA!!!!!!🇺🇸

posting this song because it has touched our hearts beyond words today

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your Name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine (Hillsong)

(A dear friend sent this- so, so timely).

❤️Hallelujah for His Majesty, Compassion, and Unwavering-Love!

Day 11- Shamian Island

He climbed up there and squatted down for the lady to hug him.

Famous statue many adoptive children pose with here on the island.

Luke preferred dancing!

Taking a break....

This is a school on the island. We saw children outside having P.E. Luke ran to join them (pictured below).

...and daddy chasing him.

The other family in our group, with AWAA. 

I took this picture because it reflects the daily life here- but yet this is right with the park!  People have to do their laundry- I just don't think I'd hang my undies where tourists visit ☺️

I just thought this was an interesting set of statues....

Our guide, Helen, showing us the exercise equipment the older people use everyday.  She's so warm with the kiddos, each morning she gives Luke and the other little girl, Serena, some kind of a snack from her purse.  Today she gave each of them Chinese coins from their birth year in a small gift bag. 

He wanted to give this a try- sit and spin... Looks pretty familiar, hey (my all time favorite toy as a child, my blue sit/spin)... Ok, confession time, and my rainbow bright/sprites!

Another fun morning of exploring... Today it was Shamian island.

Luke's tb skin test was fine, so our consulate appt is as scheduled for 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. His consulate appt is our whole reason for coming to Guangzhou.  We will participate in an oath-taking ceremony promising that all of our paperwork is accurate and true (aka... that we are Americans with no criminal records) and we will receive his visa to exit the country for America!!!🇺🇸