Today is our last day in China. The White Swan, our hotel, sits on the edge of Shamian Island. Originally a beach on the Pearl River, Shamian was separated from the mainland in the Qing Dynasty and turned into an island which overlooks the river on one side and the city at its back on the other side.
We had to perform the White Swan ritual today -- the Red Velvet Couch photo in which all adoptees in a particular group set side by side on the above-mentioned couch. Sophie is pictured with Elle, a 9-month-old fellow Fengcheng foster baby. Elle is the daughter of DeeDee and Scott. Their older son, Chance, came along on the trip too. It was his first time on an airplane, so the trip for him was exciting. He is one of the nicest and most well-mannered teenagers that Mary & I have had the pleasure to be around.
Sophie is wearing one of the 15 or outfits we purchased for her here. Mary & I can't control ourselves when it comes to shopping for Sophie, to which my mom can attest.
Our flight takes off at 9:00 p.m. Ladies and Gentlemen, Sophie has left China airspace, bound for her home in America. At 6:50 p.m., we land in the U.S.A., or at least Los Angeles which is close enough for now. Baby steps and all!
