I'm Home!

"So, is it just you and the baby travelling today?"
- The airline representative who checked my itinerary and assumed Lottie was accompanying me back to Canada. (Emma wouldn't let me take her.)

My alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. and I left for the airport with Ian and Rachel at 8:30 a.m. In spite of some detours to avoid heavy highway traffic due to an earlier accident, we made good time and met Matthew, Emma and the girls at the airport. I was delighted to see that Emma was wearing the outfit she bought when I was shopping with her, and Hannah was wearing a Peppa Pig shirt! (I borrowed a DVD from her so I could show my family the adorable cartoon pig family. I also purchased a Peppa Pig book and had their family put their handprints on the inside of the cover for me. The giggles and snorting crack me up!)

We hoped to have a chance to sit down in a coffee shop for a visit before I went through security, but by the time I checked in for my flight, paid the expected excess baggage fees (£230 but the total cost was still cheaper than any other airline so I didn't mind), and dropped my bags off, it was almost time to go through security. Our little group gathered to take a few photos and my tears started falling as we walked toward the security gate. It was tough to walk away from my life in England - the comfort of close friends and a church family I love - toward a life in Canada with family and friends, yet plenty of uncertainty and change. After hugs all around, including a long snuggle from Lottie (she melted into me - a first so I think she knew I was leaving), we gathered in a huddle to pray, and then I walked through security as my little entourage went off to the coffee shop.

Me and my girls, Lottie and Hannah.
I love Lottie's smirk behind her thumb-sucking.

Me and Emma.

Me and Rachel.

Hannah spinning for me.

Hannah and her Peppa Pig shirt!

My flight ended up being delayed by almost three hours so I technically could have had time to go for coffee with everyone. Instead, I ate lunch alone and napped on a bench. The ten-hour flight went fine and I sat next to a friendly couple, but the individual televisions weren't working very well so the flight seemed to take extra-long. I brought along my Paddington Bear book and enjoyed it during the flight. Such a cute story!

Mom, Dad, and Jonathan were going to meet me at the airport, but only Mom stayed behind when they realized the flight was delayed by almost three hours. It was so good to see family again! Everybody except Adam was at home for supper and some of my favourite foods were served - marinated, barbequed pork tenderloin; Canlis salad; and Clamato. My sister-in-law Keri made whoopie pies for dessert - a first for the family and they were delicious!

. . . . . . . . .

(Click here to listen to O Canada.)

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.

Refrain:
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow.
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow.
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western sea.
Thou land of hope for all who toil!
Thou True North, strong and free!

Refrain

O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies
May stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise,
To keep thee steadfast through the years
From East to Western sea.
Our own beloved native land!
Our True North, strong and free!

Refrain

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our Dominion in thy loving care;
Help us to find, O God, in thee
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the better Day,
We ever stand on guard.

Refrain