"First(s)" week home!

Sleeping in my very own bed...

First softball game (Alaina's).. helping daddy with the bats.

Playing in my very own backyard.

I've got this figured out- smile a lot and they'll push me for hours and hours. Yes, he's man enough to ride on a pink car!

Everyone gets a turn... really!

Playing in the front yard with mommy.. but she stops for lots of pictures.

Swinging on my new swing (thank you Ms. Rachel Johnston)!

Daddy giving horseback rides before bed.

Grocery shopping with mom (no tears, just lots of loud singing).

Helping dad put together the jogging stroller (thank you Futrell/Wysor bft)!

"Homeschooling" with the sisters...

Leaving to go to church for worship, for the very first time!

Maddie and snacks helped us make it halfway through, hooray!!

First family picture... sleepy and all..

As today began the month of Orphan Awareness, I cannot help but reflect on the past 2 years of pursuing this journey called adoption- to bring home our son.  It was exactly two years ago today that we clearly received clarity from The Lord that this would be a calling on our family.  

Never would I have imagined the ups and downs, paperwork, fundraisers, excitement, sleepless summer nights of anticipation to travel, the emotions of his gotcha day (fear, happiness, and shock all mixed together).  

Today, Hallelujah~Praise be to God, I was able worship with my faith family, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords- holding our son.  Today I reflect on the joy and uncertainties of what God has planned for this amazing little guy with such HUGE personality and energy... 

Being confident of this He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

       So bLeSsEd he calls me momma!

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.