Hi, everyone! Today Wendy took all of the families’ paperwork to the American Consulate. We had to stay in our room from 9 a.m. to noon in case they needed to call us with any questions/problems. All’s fine and that part is finished!
AnLi is doing much better today. Her cold is clearing up and no fever at all today. She was quite the little trooper today for a full day of shopping. We went back to Shamian Island with a couple of other families to check out the stores and spend a little Yuan. It is overwhelming, the wonderful things we could buy, but we tried to stick to some traditional gifts for AnLi. We got a nice chopstick set for later, a couple of traditional silk outfits, the most adorable silk winter jacket, some jade, a chop, and some folk art. Brian got her the most beautiful jewelry box and a tea set.
Shopping in China is so fun! They expect you to barter with them. After all bartering is finished and you’re still not happy with the price, they’ll keep coming after you with a lower and lower price. Usually it’s about 25% to 40% off what they started at. Oh, we also bought another piece of luggage to haul our wares home in. A huge Polo suitcase for $15! The shopkeepers love to see the babies, and are always giving them toys and bracelets. AnLi ended up with lots of gifts today.
Then all of the CHI families met at 5 p.m. for a farewell dinner, and CHI presented each of the girls with a pearl bracelet. We had a great meal, even with 50 families and 50 babies! We have met some wonderful people on this trip and some lifelong friends who are all bonded by one amazing experience.
All of the babies are transitioning quite well to their new families and settling in nicely. Everyone is anxious to get home. We can’t get there soon enough!! Tomorrow we’re setting off for another day of shopping, and at 2:30 we have the swearing in ceremony at the American Consulate, and then as soon as AnLi touches U.S. soil, the adoption is final.
