Today is our last day in beautiful Guangzhou! We started out the day with a big breakfast at in the hotel Foshan! Catherine is a pretty good eater at this point. As is our James! We continue to dislike the fact that our hotel is so far away from Shamian Island. I am just going to have to pout about this for awhile! I forgot to mention that yesterday we went to a "flea Market" of sorts. We got a knock off Rolex for my father in law. If nothing else, he will get a good laugh about it. James got an Ipod that I hope works when he gets home. If not, it is his $30 that he wasted. We tried to explain to him that it might not work in the U.S. but hey, what do we know?! He is 12 years old and all knowledgeable of course! James also had a lovely foot massage by some very attentive Chinese young ladies. See picture below. Talk about being pampered like a king! He was eating it up! they were feeding him during his "session".
We also went into Guangzhou proper and did one of the more important aspects of this journey. We went to the consulate and took the oath on behalf of our daughter. It just happened to be Take Your Child to Work Day and there were several children of American's that I suppose are employed at the Consulate. They shared with us that over 7900 Visa's were issued last year for American's adopting children from China. That is more than we originally thought! It was such a welcome sight seeing that American Flag standing tall. I always get emotional when I see our flag or hear our anthem. It is amazing that this oath took about 2-3 minutes, if that. I guess we thought here would be more to it.
This journey to Catherine has been such an eye opener for all of us. My family has truly lived a sheltered life. We hope that James will process the aspects of this trip and use it to better himself as a student, as a Christian, as a young man. His heart is still so pure. He says that someday when he grows up he plans to adopt as well. And that he will not marry anyone that is not willing to adopt. Remember, he too, is adopted. Our family is getting closer as the days pass. Catherine continues to open up and be more expressive. She loves her Daddy and her big brother. She smiles all the time even when it is so hot and humid here. She loves riding in her stroller and checking out her world. She "talks" all the time. What a blessing that God has bestowed upon us. Surely my Mom is looking down from heaven in awe at this little girl that has changed me, HER daughters, life forever. I only hope I can love, support, nurture and guide our daughter as my mother did me.
We are looking forward to heading to Beijing tomorrow. We will spend the next 2 days there doing so touring and chilling before we head back to Jacksonville. We can't wait to begin our journey home with Catherine in tow. Please enjoy the pictures. Keep us in your prayers for safe travels home.
