Today was a wonderful last day in Guangzhou. I think our attitude is great since we see the light at the end of the tunnel, plus not much Whinese today as my friend Kate says:)
Our consulate appointment was at 10:00 and went so smoothly. Paperwork this time around has been a breeze compared to last time. Maybe 10 minutes per province was spent compared to hours in 2007.
looking for food before breakfast
Madeline’s faces today crack me up!
We are all in love with “baby baby” as she has been called until she was named Alyssa Gwendolyn on adoption day. We are traveling with her mother Michelle and Aunt Bridgette who have waited on baby baby for 6 long years. Needless to say, todays consulate appointment was a sweet tear jerker!
We went on to the Shifu area with Michelle and Bridgette for lunch and then on to Hank’s obsession which he has dragged Michelle into. We went with Ann AGAIN to look at pearls ect!!! Allie, Julianne and Kendyl this time Hank’s obsession will serve you well. We also got Madeline and Janie cute jade bracelets. They are so proud:)
After the consulate appointment
a little unsure….
squid on a stick anyone????
Chicken feet????
John David’s joy turned to hearbreak when we realized we were sold a fake….lesson learned in China, got our money back:)
the girls got into Daddy’s obsession…
John David, not so much…..
I am not exaggerating, He is TOTALLY into a deal!!!!!!
This picture is the sight of God’s work. All of my closest friends know how Hank has struggled to step out in faith for this special child that we did not have many answers for. He decided it was better to follow my lead and trust that God knew what He was doing…..yet he struggled. Here is his gift from God for being obedient. This child loves her Baba and gave him the first kiss today, yes I am a little jealous but I’m sure it will come for me as well. We are in awe of God’s goodness to us in giving us this precocious, sweet child. She is such a joy!! Of course I got a pic of the first kiss:)
So very sweet!!!!!
This trip has been much easier than our trip in 2007 mainly in how far China has come in these past years. It is much more comfortable to travel in this country now. The people have been so very sweet to us and smile and give us a thumbs up when they see the girls. Truly special!!
So many things to say!!! First of all, LOVE those sister dresses! Adorable!
Secondly, your words remind me so much of Jeff's hesitations for #4. And, you know how that turned out!!!! It is true.. When we step out in obedience, God blesses us!!! That a beautiful story you have to share with Janie one day!!! I am so thankful you have had a wonderful trip.. Even with a little "Whinise!" I will be borrowing that word!!! And, I will be praying for travel mercies HOME!!!!! Blessings "W" family!! You are special!!!
Love,
DIana
I am going to second what Di said! (she always says it much better!) lol… Madeline's faces cracked me up in these pics…so cute! You all look like you've had the best trip! So thankful for that.
PS…LOVE the obsession! So funny!!!
Once again it has been a joy viewing your journey each day! What a beautiful child who is so blessed to become part of such a wonderful family. Dogwood girls luncheon today…..you think Janie might be up for the third Wednesday in April for lunch? I don't know if I can wait that long to meet her!!! Safe travels home….Love, Sheryl
Aaahhh, gotta love that first kiss! Already a daddy's girl…and you can see he's totally wrapped!! So sweet.
And Love their dresses….again!! :))
Well you can just imagine I am a pool of tears!!! I just read this to Scott and he even got a little choked up. SO true sweet friend~ trusting God is huge in this big thing called adoption but OH the blessings that flow from obedience!!! Such a precious photo of your two loves!!! I am so happy for you all~ precious blessings surround you and I thankful you are allowing us to walk this journey with you. Praying for you as you get ready to travel this way! Blessings and love!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Love the picture with her kissing her daddy! She is so precious. Blessings
Found your blog from another blog. Congratulations! Have enjoyed your posts and wonderful photos! Janie always brings a smile to my face – she is so beautiful and smiley! Baby baby is so precious – do they have a blog?
Thanks for sharing your beautiful family's journey!
sweet sweet SWEET !!!!!
I have been waiting for this day as I know you have! You are on your way HOME!! I love you all so very much and am so anxious to hear from you when you arrive on USA soil. My prayers continue to be with you and all.
Love you,
Mom
Darn it, there I go crying again!!
JUST NOW READING THIS ONE!! 🙂 🙂 Yes, Hank has sucked me into his little world of pearl hunting (aka bargain hunting!) David's response to me when he saw all we bought was "are we going to have enough money for groceries this month?" 🙂 We had sooo much fun with you all.. Baby-Baby is doing well except for the sleep schedule!! She is still on China time and likes to party around 2:30 am. Talking, spitting rasberries… trying to wake her brother up! (who by the way she is fascinated with!) I think the feeling is mutual. When she cries he translates for her and tells me things like "mama, she wants me now." We are all so blessed!! Hugs to the family.