Tuesday, August 16, 2011

We started our last full day in Guangzhou at the U.S. Consulate where Emme Jade was sworn in as a new U.S. Citizen!!!! We are very excited to bring our newest “American Girl” home!

The rest of our day was pretty low key! We attempted to do red couch photos of Emme Jade.. She was exhausted and needed a nap. Every time the camera came out, she turned her head! It was pretty clear I had lost my audience, so we opted for an early lunch at Lucy’s and a very long afternoon nap for Emme Jade!!

Ainsley and I took advantage of this time and went to the pool while Baba stayed back with Emme. The Garden Hotel has a beautiful outdoor pool. When the Little Cute Empress woke up, Jeff brought her up to join us. We spent that time getting to know some other adoptive families from the states that are staying here. Emme happily played with her stacking cups in the water for an hour. I borrowed one of the big sisters from the “M” family to come back to our room with us. She speaks Mandarin, and helped us get Emme to brush her teeth. It was amazing to watch Emme just open her mouth for Annie and let her do it! Thank you Annie!!

The rest of our night was a quick dinner, and down time in our room with Emme! This has pretty much been our routine! By 9pm everyone was asleep!

Today we start with the official “red couch” photos at the White Swan Hotel with our group. And, then a little last minute shopping, and back to the hotel to pack!! I can’t believe this is our last day in Guangzhou! It has been a great week here!

We continue to see Emme Jade get more comfortable and trusting with us. I think she is bonding beautifully and on her terms. Everyday for a long time we will continue to learn more about our precious girl! In two days she will be united with her other Jie Jie’s. I have so many prayers for these sisters! I know both Sienna and Ruby will establish their special role in Emme’s life. I pray that my four girls will love and protect each other forever! This Red Thread is complete.. Now we look forward to seeing what God will do in their lives!

A special thank you to Ainsley for showing Emme God’s love from day one! You have done an amazing jog on this trip! We are very proud of you!

To Lisa – Thank you for taking care of Piper. We know we will be negotiating getting her back from you!!!! You are the best!

And to Jill and Mary… There is truly no eloquent way to say thank you to you and your families for loving Sienna and Ruby unconditionally for two weeks! What a blessing you are to our families! We can’t wait to see you on Thursday!!

And to all of our family and friends who have traveled with us again to China… Thank you for your prayers for our family as we traveled different directions. God truly answered our prayers by preparing Emme Jade for this time. And, we look forward to teaching her more about her Heavenly Father who long ago chose her for our family! Please take the time to write a note to Emme Jade in our guest book here! I will post again when we are all together safely!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”
~Jeremiah 29:11

Goodbye from Guangzhou!
~Diana, Jeff, Ainsley and Emme Jade