Almost home

Our 13 families with 14 children from Henan Province

Sorry we dropped out of sight for a while. Things are settling down now and I think we're starting to relax. Today was our LAST big get-together for group pictures and a travel briefing. Some families are already starting to head back to the states this evening.

The days are starting to run together. Though the schedule hasn't been hectic, it has been difficult as we are all learning new routines. Noelle is doing very well. Emma is the one having a difficult time with Ann being mostly dedicated to caring for Noelle the first week or so. Noelle clinged to Ann at first but is starting to loosen her grip as she feels more secure in our family. Paul has taken Noelle alone to the little shopping mall next door and to breakfast. Emma has been a bit aggressive toward Noelle at times and clearly feels a bit neglected by Ann. So we're trying to give Emma more time with Ann as Noelle accepts more care from Paul, but for Noelle there are still times when only Mama will do.

The view from our hotel

The first couple of days in Guangzhou were busy with medical clinic appointments and paperwork in the morning, then lunch and naps and a little playtime or shopping before dinner. We've also taken a sightseeing trip around the city and Ann visited the pearl market during nap time yesterday.

We had a couple rough days with Ann getting sick on the 17th at dinner time. We ordered pizza from Papa Johns with two other families and met at the hotel's outdoor playground. Papa John's pizza was by far the best food I've had in China! But Ann didn't feel well and had to rush back to the room. She was sick all night. Then Emma was sick all the next day.

By the evening of the 19th, both were well enough that we took a cab to Shaiman Island with three other families to go to "Lucy's" for American fare. Think of Shaiman Island as a sort of French Quarter. It's connected to the mainland by short bridges; mostly walking bridges. It's a safe place to walk about and go to small shops or the playground. The weather was perfect for dining outdoors.

We'll receive Noelle's visa on the evening of the 22nd and depart Guangzhou for Hong Kong on the 23rd. We shifted our plans slightly and will now have a van take us straight from hotel to hotel vice going by cab/train/cab.

Our flight home is on the 24th! YAY! We're all ready to be home.