We're leaving a day early!

Well folks, I can't believe we are typing this but ...its FINALLY time to go home! We were told today that us and another family are actually checking out of the hotel tomorrow night. We have a mid day flight from Beijing on Wednesday so have to fly out from Guangzhou tomorrow and we'll spend a very short night at a Beijing airport tomorrow night. We are going to do a group picture with the babies at 2:00, go to our swearing in ceremony at 3:00 and then we leave from there to go to the airport. Crazy!! But I'm so ready...ready to see my children at home, ready for this one and the others to finally meet each other face to face. Ready to sleep in my own bed!! Our flight is at 8:30pm so it will be pretty late but it gets us one step closer to home. Today was good. Everything went well at the consulate appointment so that means its all done! We pick up Adiah's visa tomorrow at our swearing ceremony(ha! It still makes me laugh to say that!). Tonight we went to a restaurant called the Banana Leaf. I can honestly say it was the best meal we've had the entire time! And Brian and the other dad's got up and danced with the show which made it even better. I think we all have a very relieved attitude now that its winding down. Its bitter sweet though. As much as I am excited to get home to life I will miss these friends I have made here. We have bonded over this process of getting our daughters and I will never forget them. We have been here for each other through some sad and good times these past few weeks. We have prayed together, laughed together, cried together and worshiped together. I look forward to keeping up with these new friends and watching their daughters grow up. Some I know we will see each other again...some maybe just through pictures...but I love them. I also have mixed feeling about leaving China..the country of my daughter's birth. This is something I have prayed for and looked forward to for 2 years now. And now its done. But now life begins. New life. And I'm so happy. I can't help but cry thinking of all that is waiting at home for us and Adiah. What she is going to discover. I've said it before but I'll say it again....I am SO blessed. So I guess I'll see all you local folks soon. And I'll make sure I post from home as soon as I can. Thank you so much for all who have been praying for us. It is through those prayers that we have made it. And thank you for all the comments from you guys. It has helped us feel more connected to home. And even though they won't read this...Thank you to Rosa, Maggie, and Jane our awesome guides. I will NEVER forget this trip or you! So if you could continue to pray us home we would appreciate it. Pray for the plane trip for Adiah. That's a long time in a big metal tube for a 20 month old. And pray for the jet lag. Lets just pray we don't even have it! Emily, Natalie, and Ridge....We can't wait to put our arms around you! We love you so much!! So...signing off from China!! See you in Texas!!



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