Congratulations and Welcome to the United States of America

Those were some incredible words to hear, as Lyla and I met with Customs and Border Control before we could go get our luggage and run out to meet family.

The US Embassy in India gave me a sealed packet and told me I could not open it, and I was to deliver it to the Immigration agents when we arrived in Atlanta.  

They went through our packet and gave me some great information about some future paperwork involving her status as a US Citizen.  They also informed me that she would become a US Citizen that at mid night.

Then they the extended their hand to me, and Lyla was on my hip…

The lady in Uniform said… “Congratulations, and welcome to the United States of America.”

I almost broke into tears again, thinking of how far we, especially Lyla has come…  From a little village outside of Ahmedabad; Being shuffled to two orphanages; Being chosen at the age of two; Meeting your parents two years later; Having a heart surgery; Hanging out in India for a little while; And now, a US Citizen!

But we quickly gathered our luggage and tried to get out to see our family as soon as we could.

It was kind of funny, when we first came out I could not see anyone…then I saw Scott waving his hands, and we ran out to see everyone.  My kids weren’t standing with him, and I was so ready to see them.

Then I saw my two boys running towards me.  We hugged and I did not want to let them go.

We had several friends come from church: Vickie Giel, Stacey Poe, Kelsey Walker, Shelby Trout, Herb Crowder, and Peggy Ruhl.

Grammy, Pops, and Mimi were also there, along with my dear friend Amanda (Ajay and Smita’s Mom)

Life is Good!