Homeward Bound

Marin's long, full journey from Huazhou to Holladay is nearing its end -- our eyes are peeled for the peaks of the Wasatch Mountains. Unfortunately we have several ranges to cross first, and this final leg is laden with its share of obstacles. Our yearning for full sunny days has been somewhat satisfied, with the weather fairly pleasant the last couple of days. But we still ache for home and we are resolute on maintaining our focus until we land safely in SLC. We have done the math, so to speak, and unfortunately we anticipate a new level of sleep deprivation since the best case transit scenario is a well-rested kid with red-eyed parents.

We posted a little deja vu picture from our lunch yesterday and a very similar lunch three years ago. In some ways this trip has been similar to our last, but in two ways very different. Our Marin has helped open our eyes to the amazing generosity of people living and working quietly in some of the most unexpected places of this world. Secondly, this trip has reinforced to us how difficult it is to be separated from our daughter --if only for a short time. We have both felt the pain of her absence. We can't wait to give her real, warm hugs instead of our clumsy virtual ones. Lena's little sister is going to be so excited to have her. Marin has such enthusiasm when interacting with other kiddos, even the bronze sculpture variety!

We will miss our travel companions but we are aware of everyone's longing for their respective homes, husbands, children, and lives. We are now counting down to our Pizza party in Room 1036 tonight before we all board a plane at 10PM to head for Hong Kong. Then, it is farewell, as we all go our separate ways and the three Archies board our overnight flight to San Fransisco, then Salt Lake City Saturday morning... Ahhh, that will be wonderful.