Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

Would you like to guess how long a trip from Guangzhou, China to Maroa, Illinois could take? It took us exactly 31 hours and 15 minutes. Jack held up exceptionally well. Jack’s mild temperament and obsession with automobiles (Jack calls vehicles she shwahs - toddler talk for the Chinese word for car) kept him content for most of the journey. In the end, tiredness won out. Jack cried when we finally made it to Grandpa and Grandma Gentle’s for his homecoming welcome at 11pm March 12, 2010. However, the minute Rob and Charlie got in Mike’s car with Jack in the back seat and Dad and Mom in front, Jack’s tears turned into happy babble for the entire 2 minute ride home. All three boys seemed extremely pleased to be in one another’s company. Rob and Charlie’s cheerful introduction of our home to Jack was priceless. There is already no doubt that the three of them are brothers. With only a few tears shed, Jack peacefully drifted off to sleep for his first night in his long awaited bed.

As a side note, Mike and I cannot thank our family enough for the exceptional care given to Rob and Charlie while we were away. It was obvious upon returning just how loved and spoiled with affection these two were for those seventeen days. Upon witnessing their stories and seeing everything they had to show us when we returned to our house, I was moved to tears. Thank you.