Wednesday, February 14, 2007

“We love because He first loved us”
-1 John 4:19

Happy Valentine’s Day from China!!!

Yes, we are reminded today not only of our love for each other and that of our friends and family but we are reminded of a love even greater. A love that is sacrificial and unconditional and timeless – the love of our Lord, Jesus Himself!!! Because of His great love for us we can pour out our love on those closest to us as well as those we don’t even know. That is evident here in China. We have grown to love the Chinese people. We are so thankful for the time we have had to spend here getting to know these precious people. They are warm and friendly with ready smiles and a fondness for us as Americans. We are a little sad as we think of leaving and taking Lottie away from the land of her birth. It is bittersweet as we think about the rich heritage she has here but know in our hearts all that the future holds for her in America, where she will have a forever home and love without end as well as all the freedoms enjoyed by the American people.

We enjoyed celebrating Valentine’s with Lottie for the first time. Mommy dressed her in a My First Valentine’s Day outfit this morning and she posed for several pictures. We stayed close to the room this morning to be on hand if any questions were to arise with our paper work. It appears that everything is fine and we will go to the American Consulate tomorrow afternoon for the oath of citizenship. Lottie will become an American Citizen as soon as she crosses customs in Chicago on our way home!!! We should also be able to obtain her Visa tomorrow for her travel home. It seems to all be falling into place – Thank You Lord!!!

This afternoon we went back to Shaman Island to make our last purchases before leaving China. Shannon does not shop that much at home but she has made up for lost time here in China. She has enjoyed bartering with the Chinese people and has learned how to strike quite a deal. We’re just not sure how it is all going to get back home with us.

Tonight we went on the Pearl River Boat Cruise. This was a dinner boat that rides up and down the Pearl River for about 1 and ½ hours while you eat a nice meal and then go up on top of the boat and enjoy the light show of all the lights of the buildings of the city lining the banks of the Pearl River. It was quite pretty. They had even more lights this time of year than usual because of it being Chinese New Year. The lights were beautiful themselves and the reflection on the water was nice as well. There was a nice breeze too which felt good after a rather warm day here in Guangzhou.

It’s hard to believe we have only one more full day here in China. It has gone by fast as our schedule has been full, but we are ready to see all of those we love!!! We want to thank all of you for loving us and supporting us with your prayers, encouragement and making it possible for us to even be here in China adopting our precious little Lottie. She has won our hearts and we know she will steal yours as well as soon as you meet her!!!

Goodnight from China!! We are off to put this packing puzzle together. Tomorrow holds a birthday party for these little ones as most have just turned one or are soon turning one. We thought it would be fun to celebrate together.

Pray for our rest as Shannon is fighting a cough even after taking an antibiotic and decongestants around the clock. We are so thankful that we have felt as good as we have on this trip and have been able to enjoy ourselves and the newest member of our family. Enjoy the pictures from today. We hope to have one more post tomorrow before we leave and then stay tuned for a We’re Home update – WooHoo!!!! Can’t wait!!!!!