So today was a transition day. We were flying out of Xian in the evening so we had the morning free. We chose to go back to Starfish. It was just too wonderful to not go one more time. We got to love on the babies and play with the toddlers. We left our hotel in plenty of time to go to Anna's hometown. Well, we thought we did. Unfortunately, we didn't make it because it seems no one really knows where that village is. Several people we asked just didn't know. Others gave us directions but they weren't accurate. So, we didn't make it out there but we have some idea what it might be like. I would say very rural. Most likely her family was a farming family and didn't have very much. We are so very, very thankful that they loved Anna enough to give her life and then find her a place where she would be cared for until we could come get her. So many people have already worked together to get Anna where she is today. God is good! We left Xian at 5pm for a 2 1/2 hour flight. Anna did pretty well. She had a few moments of fussing but no real melt downs. But let me tell you, 12 hours on Wednesday is going to be a LOOOONG time with that girl. She is a mover and a shaker and she is not going to sit still for that long. Today Shawn was entertaining her by making funny faces at her. She ended up entertaining us because she would imitate them and was absolutely hysterical! I was laughing so hard I was crying. She is a really funny little girl. I can't wait to see what else we have in store with her. She is going to fit right in with our wild and crazy family. We arrived in Guangzhou at 7:30. It is warm and somehow seems more like home. We met another Lifeline family at the airport and rode to the White Swan with them. It was so wonderful to have another family to talk to, compare weeks with, etc... Their little girl is 19 months and has a cleft palate, so we have much in common. The White Swan is beautiful. It was very surreal walking into the lobby. For so long I have seen pictures of the White Swan. To actually be here is amazing. I didn't get any pictures because it was already an hour past Anna's bedtime. Children from orphanages are VERY scheduled....Mansfield babies NEVER are! So we are adjusting to this. Anna really does best when we follow the schedule she is used to. When you are already an hour past bedtime you don't take pictures. You go to your room and get the baby into bed as quickly as possible. So she is sleeping peacefully as I type. Tomorrow is the medical exam and then paperwork. After that we will explore the island. We are really looking forward to that. It is beautiful here. Sorry we don't have many pictures. We will have more tomorrow, I promise!! Love~Shelley
