Day 36 - Finally Home
by Andrew JohnsonWe have to reroute our flights through Chicago. They tell us that our flight into Syracuse will probably be cancelled due to snow. We tell them that they don’t understand - we know how to handle snow: Book us. And of course, everthing was just fine (except a minor mechanical delay leaving Chicago). Alex was once again great on the planes - the attendants told us she was their youngest passenger. More oohs and aahs and congratulations from strangers. We fly into Syracuse during the snowstorm - no problems at all. Nineteen inches on the ground, but like we said, the airport was open. We get off the plane and not a single soul was waiting for us at the gate. At first, a bit of panic and disappointment as we think our ride didn’t even show up. Then we remember that security closes the gates to onlookers after a certain time. Sure enough, we round the corner to go up to the lobby and there’s a crowd waiting for us. Flashbulbs, video cameras and cheers greet us! Very, very heartwarming! About 25 of our friends, family and neighbors are waiting for their first glimpse of Alex. It was such a fitting end to a long journey. 36 days earlier we walked down this ramp to the plane with anxiety and apprehension in our stomachs - now we walk up the other way with relief and joy in our hearts as we are now parents. It is so good to be home, to see Jersey and to finally start our new life. In addition to the ton of mail waiting for us, several people went grocery shopping for us - there is no shortage of food! We came home to cake, chilled champagne and a decorated house (“It’s a Girl!”). The last guest left around 2am, just in time for Alex to blow her first diaper in her new home!
Of course, we can’t end this travelogue without thanking everyone who
supported us in this in many ways - whether it was a reassuring phone
call or email, or taking care of something for us back in Syracuse, or
taking care of us in Siloam Springs - or simply praying for us. It has
meant everything to us - now it’s Party Time! OH HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!!!
