East Meets West

It is our last day in China. It is hard to believe. It seems we have been here a lifetime, and then again, not much time at all. It is a good day for farewell, the kind that leaves a feeling of bittersweet, of leaving a place just a little too soon, and hoping someday to return. The sun is shining bright, it is about 80 degrees, Alex and Hazel have spent the day together, laughing and playing, at the playground, in the pool. They have had such fun and it is all so beautiful here, so while our thoughts our turned toward home, we grasp at every last second we have in China.

In about a half an hour, we will meet our group for the famous "Red Couch Photo." This picture is taken of every group of adopted children who stay at the White Swan on their journey to America. Today is the day when the six beautiful children of our group will sit in Chinese costume and have their photo taken. I expect some tears will be shed - by babies, by parents, by grandparents and family - by all. Then we are off to the consulate for the swearing in ceremony.

This will probably be my last post from China, and I am too emotional to write more now as this trip I have dreamed of for so long come to its end. We are to have our luggage in the hall tomorrow at 6 a.m., and catch the bus to the airport at 6:30 a.m., so tonight will be busy with packing and preparing.

See you back on the other side of the world!