Last Day in Guangzhou

Our last day here. In a way it seems like we've been here forever, and yet it all seems like a blur. It's almost too hot to do anything outside today, so we're just taking our time packing and letting Gracie play. She loves her toys, but will have nothing to do with any stuffed animals or dolls.

I cannot begin to tell you how much we love this baby girl. She is just a part of who we are now, no looking back. After the first three very difficult days, we are given new glimpses daily of the little girl God has created her to be. She is very shy of strangers, and now very trusting of all five of us. She can put down some fried rice and scrambled eggs, but we're still struggling to get milk and/or formula in her. She can be pretty stubborn and picky!

Brian and I have never been more proud of our other three children than we have been on this trip. Alison and Erin have stepped out of their comfort zones with such grace and have been such huge helpers. Even other families have commented on their attitudes and helpful behavior. Erin, our "people watcher" has been in heaven here. We're being stared at & pointed at constantly, so I don't have to get on to Erin for staring while we're here! She and Ali both love caring for Gracie and she is equally comfortable with each sister.

I am so thrilled at how well Quinn has done. We have been on the go almost non stop and he has been such a trooper. He's getting used to going with Daddy in the morning to the exercise room and sauna. He also loves Gracie and has been so good with her. Brian has been amazing on this trip. He has fought some congestion here (the air quality is, um, not so great) & hasn't complained once. He has been such a rock for me through some scary moments and through my emotional melt downs. I'm such a homebody, and I know he is too, but he has been so strong for all of us. I love him so much!

We are all so ready to be in our own home.The kids will miss the huge breakfast buffet every morning - Back to the reality of cereal and juice! I actually can't wait to cook and have the use of a dishwasher myself. I'm proud of how well we have all done being cooped up in two adjoining hotel rooms for 15 days. God is good!

I do have mixed emotions about saying goodbye to the country of Gracie's birth. I know she must have a beautiful birth mother because she sure is a beautiful girl herself. We did find out that she was abandoned at the orphanage gate and found by the local police when she was just one day old. We're so grateful that God had chosen her to be part of our family even when she was being formed in her mother's womb. Our prayer has always been that her birth mother would be a Believer - What a reunion in eternity that will be! We are grateful to her for her sacrifice, whether or not we will ever know her reasons. We are anxious to get Gracie home and begin the medical care and surgeries she needs.

We leave for the Guangzhou airport at 6am. As you prepare for bed (Thursday evening in the states!). Would you please pray for us as we travel? We're asking God for safety and His favor everywhere we go, as well as for a calm Gracie on the flights! When we go through immigration in Chicago she will officially be a US citizen - Praise God!

Thank you for sharing our journey and praying us through the last 2 1/2 weeks. We love everyone and can't wait to be home!