Monday, October 23, 2006

Aside from an unexpected pre-visit to the U.S. Consulate this morning – we have kept a fairly low profile today! I think I finally just hit the wall- with Dee and Malia not too far behind me. We did have a great walk by the river – all within about 200 ft. radius we saw a group of folks enjoying singing lessons; several folks deeply engaged in their Tai Chi, and perhaps the more amusing and entertaining were folks practicing different Ball Room Dancing steps to very loud music!

We made an appearance at one of the sister’s birthday party this evening – probably Malia’s first Birthday party! Now, we are in awe of all that we have been accumulating over the course of the last two weeks that will need to be packed! I guess we could stay in China and open up our own shop!?

Please note that I bought squeaky shoes in DIFFERENT sizes for the rest of her life…but she could come by her love for shoes naturally.

I’m trying to figure out this child’s clock – she seems to come alive about 7:00 p.m. and seems to have more energy during the evening hours than all day put together. Needless to say, winding down doesn’t translate very well! When she first started exhibiting this behavior – I really thought Nana was the culprit – Nana is now off the hook!. As Dee and I were both literally falling over ourselves by 10 and it was as though Malia was looking at us and saying – Come on Gals…Let’s Party! Malia just seems to be a night and she definitely has a mind of her own – absolutely no doubt about that!

We have one more official stop tomorrow at the U.S. Consulate where I get to take an oath and then receive Malia’s passport(Chinese) and visa to enter the U.S. ( Malia officially becomes a U.S. Citizen when she puts her little feet on U.S. soil – so watch out Detroit!) We then embark on a trek that closely resembles The Long March via air. We depart Guangzhou about 5:30 p.m. – and once we arrive Shanghi we must get from the domestic airport to the international airport; from there we catch a shuttle with all our luggage and go to the hotel. We have to leave the hotel by 7 a.m. with breakfast completed on the 25th and with our flight leaving at 10 a.m. – we fly to Tokyo, Detroit and then on to Indy. So if you have any spare thoughts and prayers for the next 24 – 48 hours…may they be that we have a “fun” trip home (can’t hurt to be hopeful)!

I suspect this will probably be the last entry from China as I anticipate a short night in Shanghi and we will all need every ounce of rest for this Long March home!

Angel for today – Shiyan who has worked for Bethany since the inception of their China Adoption program – For 14 years she has assisted families through this incredible process both before we arrive and after we arrive! She is a very remarkable woman who cares so much for the families – but she genuinely loves these babies and strongly emphasizes the importance of keeping the children’s cultural ties to China strong!

What can I say – that I haven’t already tried to say – This has been the adventure of a life time and to have the opportunity to share it with so many has been a gift! And the love and support from so many has truly meant the world to me! I suspect the transitions have already begun and we will just keep moving forward into our new life.

I am eager for you to continue to follow the journey as I am confident we will continue to use this website for many moons to come! And please know you are welcome to visit as you can – What great news to hear that Becky Taylor will be arriving this weekend for a short stay from Italy – thought all our old TCU folks might enjoy that news! She is not really coming to see Malia but her wonderful parents - Ed and Margaret!

Will close for now – and will look forward to connecting with you next – from our little home on the hill in Irvington!

Mabuhay!

Barb, Dee…and our little wonder - Malia

I can't help myself - he is so cute!


Singing . . . A uniting force in every country


1, 2, 3 - Cha, Cha, Cha


Hmm...could I be related to a famous Filipina?
(Hope Not)


I can do without the hat - but the cake is great!


Ms. Quality Control - checking out our purchases