Last Days in China

Feb. 25 - Monday was a 'free' day for the families. Our agency planned a tour for those wanting to go. We took a bus to a Buddhist Temple and a Chinese Folk Art Museum. At the Buddhist Temple we participating in a 'blessing of the baby' ceremony. A Buddhist monk chanted a prayer while hitting a wooden block with a mallet. He then came to us and sprinkled water on all of our heads. Adelyn wasn't thrilled with this part of the ritual and immediately began screaming & crying. Still, we are glad we participated. Although we plan to raise her in the Catholic religion, we felt it was necessary to acknowledge her birth country religion & heritage.

After touring the Temple, we went to a folk art museum to view many different forms of ancient Chinese artifacts and architecture.

We wouldn't change the schedule of tours and sightseeing for anything, but we're looking forward to normal days at home without having to remember to pack enough 'baby things' for the day's events.

Feb. 26 - This morning we met up with the group to take the famous 'red couch' photo. Adoptive parents that stay at the White Swan Hotel have traditionally taken a group photo of the travel group babies on one of the many red couches that are located throughout the hotel lounge areas. As you can see from the photo, Adelyn was thrilled to be on the couch without Ma Ma holding her. After several minutes of wailing while several cameras flashed, we decided to end the torture. Immediately upon removing Adelyn from the red couch, she began smiling and running around in her traditional Chinese silk dress and matching shoes. She is very independent. While many of the other babies want to stay close to Ma Ma and Ba Ba, Adelyn is very comfortable roaming around and babbling to herself. After a few minutes, we all gathered to take one group photo of all the babies and families.

In the afternoon we traveled to the U.S. Consulate office where we took a group oath with approximately 55 families from other adoption agencies. We received Adelyn's travel Visa and Chinese passport. This documentation will be presented to Immigration officials in Detroit where we will return to the U.S. After we pass through Immigration, Adelyn will be officially a United States Citizen!!!

On the ride back to the hotel, we became a little sad realizing our trip was nearing its end. We've met so many wonderful people over the last 2 weeks and hope to keep in touch with them as our children grow. It's amazing to see how all of the little girls have grown over the last 2 weeks with their new families. We've always wondered how China matches each child with their new parents and have never quite understood any explanation we've received. Yet, as we look now at each family, it's amazing to see how each little girl seems to fit perfectly into the family that was chosen for her.

After spending a short time doing some last minute shopping, we decided to spend our last night on Shamian Island the same as our first night on the island . . . dining at Lucy's. The big difference being that we ordered an extra plate of rice and needed a high chair.

We leave the hotel at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow morning for the long trip back home. While we're not looking forward to putting Adelyn through the 24+ hours of travel, we can't wait to bring her to her "forever home"!