Last Post from Guangzhou

This morning after breakfast we took a walk through the park next to our hotel. We hadn't been out there early in the morning and were surprised to see so many people gathered doing various forms of exercise. They were so beautiful and graceful.We originally planned to go to the Pearl Market with two other families today. We all left the hotel at the same time. They got in one taxi and we got in another but we were each apparently dropped off at two different locations because we never saw one another after that.

.

It's quite hard to describe shopping here in China. The malls are multi-storied, they go on forever, and weave through back areas like alleyways. The stores are more like stalls and there is just one after another. They are crowded, loud and over stimulating but we had a good time walking around for a few hours. The picture below is just of the pearl market, attached to this were two more identical buildings. One was the jade market and the other was a general shopping mall with electronics.No trip to the mall would be complete without a visit to the arcade, andand a snack! Can anyone say "Scorpion on a Stick"??!!
Notice only the boys tried this one!!

.

Back at the hotel, our travel group got together and took the traditional red couch photos. I'm honestly not sure how this started, but it is customary to dress the kids in traditional Asian attire and take their photo on the red couch. I always assumed that there was just one red couch and was surprised to find out that there are actually several of them.That's our little Asian Princess behind the sofa...David is actually hiding and holding her up. She would have nothing to do with sitting by the rest of the kids. She was very happy when it was over and literally ran out of the room!Tomorrow I will spend the morning packing. I'm hoping that since I have planned to leave the boys clothes behind that there will be plenty of room in our suitcase for all of the treasures I have bought. Otherwise, I'll have to be like Dawn and buy another one. Fortunately they are pretty cheap around here.

.

In order to save the hassle at the border crossing when traveling to Hong Kong by train, we have hired a car service to drive us. They will be picking us up here at the hotel at 1:50pm. We will then go by the Consulate office to pickup Eva's visa and then travel on to Hong Kong. Our flight leaves Saturday morning (Friday evening Lake Charles time) at 9:15am. Please keep us in your prayers as we begin this long return home and for the storm in the Gulf not to delay our return!

.

If we don't miss any of our connections we should arrive back in Lake Charles at 7:58pm on Saturday night (July 24th). Several of you have asked if it would be okay to come to the airport and the answer is a definite "Yes"! I would just say to check the blog before you leave for the airport. I will post if we missed a connection and will not arrive on time.

.

It is with mixed emotions that I say Good-Bye to China. This is, after all, our daughter's birthplace. We have had an incredible time in this beautiful country and I wouldn't trade the experience. At the same time though there is no place like home. I miss all of you, our family and friends, so much. Nicholas misses Cassie and we all want to sleep in our own beds!!

.

I thank God for blessing our family in such a way that not only did He complete us by adding Eva to our lives, but He allowed us to share the journey all here in China together. I thank all of you for following along with us. Your prayers, support and encouragement have meant more than I have words to express. We love you and can't wait to see you!!