Day 12--Last Full Day in Guangzhou

Today was basically a free day for us. Alan had to be in the room between 10 and noon just in case there were questions about the paperwork that was submitted to the consulate--no problems. During that time Ruth gave Alan the gift of two hours to himself that were much needed and helped quite a bit. After lunch the family took a cab to the White Swan Hotel to meet up with Jadon's friend from the orphanage and his new family. It was great to meet the family with whom we had some contact by blogs and e-mail prior to this. It was fun to have the boys together for some time also. They seemed to really enjoy it. We returned to our hotel in time to say goodbye to three of the families with whom we have shared this adventure as they have adopted children of their own. We pray for them as they take their new family members home to their new lives. It was difficult to say goodbye since these families have been a great encouragement to us during this process.

Tomorrow we have the morning free and will spend part of the time packing. At 3 PM it is off to the consulate for a swearing-in ceremony stating that all we have said is true. Then it is back to the hotel to have our bags taken and prepare to get on a bus for Hong Kong. We will leave Guangzhou around 6:15 PM (5:15 AM in WI) and arrive in Hong Kong around 9:45, check-in to our hotel, sleep, eat breakfast and go to the airport (flight leaves at 12:45 Thursday afternoon--that is 11:45 PM Wednesday evening in WI). It will be a whirlwind. This may be the last blog entry from China (We will try to get one in tomorrow from Hong Kong, but it may not happen). Thanks so much for your support and especially your prayers. We know that it has made a tremendous difference.

Some urgent prayer requests for this day: 1. Ruth is not feeling well. We think that it is just being overly tired, but pray that she would be well tomorrow. 2. Jadon's passport was not completed earlier today. We absolutely need that tomorrow in order to leave. 3. Pray that travels will go well (see yesterday's entry) and that we would have a healthy perspective on the process.

Our journey has only just begun and we desperately need continued support in these days of transition. While it will be great for us to get back home, it will be quite the adjustment for Jadon. It will be a great adjustment for us as well since nothing can be as it used to be (in most ways anyway).

Thanks again for your support and interest. We can't wait to see you again. We arrive in Minneapolis on Thursday evening around 5:30 on United flight 7607 from Chicago.