LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB Fox 41)---Dozens of friends and family members of Aaron and Nichole Marshall spent the afternoon at the Louisville international Airport waiting for their arrival.
The couple has been trying to adopt internationally.
"They've been doing this process for 2 years," says Jennifer Thursby, the sister of Nichole Marshall.
It includes more than a year of paperwork, frustration, and tough times for the couple, including complications for Nichole, who was at one-time pregnant.
"In October they had a beautiful baby girl. Her name was Fiji, and she only lived for six hours," says Jennifer Thursby.
So when the chance arose to adopt in Ethiopia, the couple didn't hesitate.
"She packed her suitcase for 5 days. She's been there for 12 weeks," says Jennifer Thursby.
They adopted Zurich, who is now 16-months old. They say they have been fighting the U.S. Embassy to bring him home. They were approved in Ethiopian court to adopt in November, but say the U.S. Embassy delayed approving a VISA for Zurich until January 24th.
In the meantime, they've also been battling sickness, and victimization by local scam artists.
The wait to get home, is now over.
The couple arrived home to Louisville on Thursday afternoon.
"Very surreal. We're very excited for everybody to meet him," says Aaron Marshall.
"When I saw him I cried. You've been praying for this and praying for them," says Karen Cheong, a family friend.
It's an emotional welcome, to say the least and a day this couple has been hoping and praying for.
"It's been a long time coming. I've been away for over three months so it's good to be home," says Nichole Marshall.
"We were cheering every moment that the wheels touched down. We're excited to be home," says Aaron Marshall.
They're now hoping their story will now bring attention to the international adoption process and the delays they say they faced.
They're hoping this could hopefully lead to changes.
"So that more children can find loving homes like Zurich has," says Aaron Marshall.
For much more on the international adoption process this family says they went though, and to see their blog, click here.
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