Tuesday, July 1, 2008
LAST DAY IN CHINA

Today is our last day in the land of Philip’s birth. It will be a bittersweet day because even though we are more than ready to be home, it will be sad knowing that Philip is leaving his homeland. But boy does he have a great life awaiting him, full of a big brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends! Can’t forget our pets, too! We told our dogs as we were putting up the new reinforced baby gate that it was more for their protection than Philip’s. We didn’t know at the time how right we were! We are sure he will take over our home in no time!!

I am back in the land of the living after suffering with a bout of what appears to have been food poisoning. Not fun anytime, but especially when you are so far from home. I can already tell that today will be much better.

Even though this trip has been exhausting at times and highly emotional, we would not trade any of it (except for the food poisoning episode). Throughout our time here, we have gotten a real sense of what China is about and how wonderful the Chinese people are. As Philip grows, this story will become a part of who he is. It will be a link to his past, to his beginning. China provided his beginning. We all can provide the rest of his story.

Today we will take the famous “Red Couch” picture at 11:00 A.M. , and then our Consulate appointment where the children are sworn in and receive their US visas will be around 3:00 P.M. After that, we will eat a quick dinner, pack, and try to go to bed early. We need to be down in the lobby, packed and ready to go, by 5:30 A.M. tomorrow morning to begin the long journey home.

Again, we cannot begin to tell you all what your posts and e-mails of support and encouragement have meant to us. Each and every one of your notes brought tears to our eyes. At times, this trip has been overwhelming, but your words and prayers have encouraged and sustained us. Please pray for a safe and uneventful trip home. Upon touchdown in Detroit, Philip will be a new US citizen, and upon touchdown in Indianapolis, he will be welcomed into a big, big network of family and friends. We love you all.

Our next post will be an update from home in a few days. Good-bye from China. Hello USA!