Home Again, Home Again

We are so incredibly happy to be home!!  I was dreading the trip home, but overall, it went well. 

We rode to Hong Kong in a van with a driver. This made going through customs at the Chinese border SO much easier than being on a bus like last time. We didn't even have to get out of the van!  

The hotel was attached to the airport. So, we checked in, had supper, a little play time at the hotel, and then off to bed. 

Play room at the hotel in Hong Kong. 

We were at the airport a little after 7:00 am to get checked in for the flight to Tokyo. 

Hanging out in Hong Kong!

The Tokyo airport had a sweet little play area right near our gate. 

I don't want to do the long stretch from Tokyo to Los Angeles again any time soon!  Not so fun with a squirmy toddler. 

We have never been so happy to see the smiling faces of Sarah, Shealee, and Auntie Linda waiting for us as we walked away from customs.

The sign says, "little sisters home."

Sarah made sweet decorations to welcome us.  So happy to hug our big kids and grandma, grandpa, and nana.

Even Jessi seemed happy to sleep in her new bed!  

Thanks so much for praying for us along the way. God is so faithful. And we are filled with joy!  Tired -- but very joyful!

Our Last Night In Guangzhou

Today was our last full day in Guangzhou. This morning we went to the U.S. Consulate to finish the paperwork for Jessica's visa. Security was much stricter than last time we were there. We couldn't bring cell phones, cameras, umbrellas, or even musical baby toys!  Thankfully our guide was on hand to hold onto everything for us. The oath ceremony was even done with the official behind glass. 

The girls in their usa apparel. 

We had time for more outside playtime this afternoon. 

And then the traditional photo on the hotel staircase. 

All six families that we have been traveling with. Such a wonderful bunch of people. 

Tomorrow afternoon we drive to Hong Kong. We spend one night right next to the airport and then fly home. 

Wish we could just click our heels and be done. Praying we have an uneventful travel day!  Can't wait to be back in Thousand Oaks, California. 

Up and down the ramp after supper. 

Before bedtime antics. 

Safari Park

Three of the six families that we are traveling with decided to travel about an hour away from Guanzhou to an amazing safari park. 

We were up close and personal with so many amazing animals. Part of the way we were on a tram (mimicking a train) and then there was a ton to see walking around. 

On the tram. 

There was a walk thru Jurassic area with life size robotic dinosaurs. 

Scary!!

This guy was hanging out where we are lunch!  

The Big Sisters. 

Quiet time after a long day. 

Nite nite!!

Shopping, Shopping, And A Little More Shopping

After breakfast this morning, we went to a beautiful embroidery shop. 

Then we stopped at a few places in this six story wholesale market. 

After that we went to Shamein Island for some more shopping and lunch. The island used to be a hub for adoptive families. The famous White Swan Hotel has been closed for remodeling the last three years and many of the shops have closed. 

The island was colonized by the British. So, the architecture reflects that. 

And, of course, it's always nice to see that little green sign when you're far from home. 

Playing on the sculptures!

We finished the day with a little play time at the hotel. 

The girls are doing great together. It's so nice to have a little time to run and play at the end of the afternoon. Then, it's supper, bath, and bedtime for us all!!

Sightseeing And Playing In Guangzhou

Sugar cane juiced right in the spot. 

Entering the Folk Art Museum. 

Beautiful carved doors. 

Listening to the "story teller."

We got lunch to take back to the hotel from the little neighborhood noodle shop. They were the best noodles we have ever had!  

Looking down the street. 

Love the mix of old and new. 

Playing peekaboo back at the hotel. 

Such a sweet little pair. 

In Guanzhou!

We left Guiyang on Friday evening. We really enjoyed our time in Jessica's beautiful birth province. 

Saying goodbye to our guide, Vickie. 

First airplane ride!  

Now, for a week in the Guangdong province where Olivia was born. And, where we will finalize the US side of the adoption. 

It's fun to be back at the China Hotel Marriott. It's a great place to stay!  We got here late last night and before our luggage even got to the room we ordered hamburgers!  We got the girls to sleep, ate our late supper, and got things organized for our early morning medical appointment. 

Sisters riding on the bus together!

Not liking the medical appointment so much. 

A little grocery shopping!

Hanging out in the hotel playroom. 

Nite nite from Guangzhou!

 

Jessica's Finding Spot

We had no idea what we would see. But, OH MY, we are still amazed at what happened. 

Our guide offered to take us to where Jessica was found just a few hours after she was born. Our laundry had just been delivered to the hotel and the gal and the man she was with were going the same direction, so we all piled in their little car and off we went. 

Twenty minutes later we were in a very busy, crowded resiential area. The report didn't mention exactly where Jessi was found just the apartment complex. Turns out there are several ways in and out of this particular complex. 

We stopped here and walked toward the little office next to the gate. Our guide explained to the man operating the gate that we had just adopted a baby that had been found somewhere in this area and we wanted to walk around inside for a few minutes. She said, he seemed confused and wasn't sure what we wanted. But, there was a woman in the office with him who asked if the baby had a cleft lip. 

This woman was there the morning Jessica was found!  The early morning security guard found her first. He called the police and after doing a bit of searching and asking about the baby, the police officer took her to the hospital. The woman didn't know if Jessica was a girl or a boy, but said she was in a large box wrapped in a red blanket. She said that the box was put in a spot where it would be found very early.

Here we are right where our precious girl was found with the woman who was there on that very early July morning in 2013. The guard that found her doesn't work there anymore. We are so thankful that we came upon this dear woman. So incredibly fortunate to have a first hand account of what happened. 

This is a view from the spot where she was placed. 

During the few minutes we spent at the finding spot, many other people gathered to find out what was happening. We were a bit of an oddity.  Lots of inquisitive looks. But, also lots of smiles and nods of approval. 

We are so very thankful for this encounter that the Lord allowed us to have. Thankful for Vickie, our guide, and her willingness to help us. So grateful for the woman's first hand account and showing us the actual spot. And, thankful for the person that placed her in a spot where she was certain to be found. Our hearts ache for Jessica's birth mother and the circumstances that led to such a painful loss for her.  We wish there was some way to let her know that her baby is healthy. And, that we love her dearly and promise to take good care of her as she grows. 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end

Lamentations 3:22