In China
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Wednesday, March 16, 2016 This morning was our last day of testing! Miko explained to Nicole that this was the last one and she seemed relieved. After breakfast and some Consulate business with a couple of families, we boarded a bus and went to Shamian Island for shopping, sightseeing and lunch. We love Shamian Island! It's small and it's quiet. The architecture is reminiscent of the French Quarter of New Orleans. There are a few shops still on the island that cater to tourists and adoptive families. While out shopping, Nicole pulled out her wallet periodically. We had given her some change to put in it. Probably less than a dollar! We finally figured out that she wanted to buy something! So, we helped her pick out a pink tassel ornament. She proudly paid for it with her own money and carried it around for the rest of the day! Tomorrow is the big day! Consulate Appointment. Assuming the last 2 days of testing are negative, we will get Nicole's visa and other documents that allow her to travel to the U.S. Actually, we don't get the visa delivered to us until Friday afternoon. After the Consulate Appointment, things wind down quite a bit. It's just a waiting game at that point. Time seems to crawl by! So, we have been trying to find ways to fill the time. But the weather is not cooperating! It has been rainy or drizzly most of the time and it will likely continue. It looks like Allison and I will be sitting through Zootopia in Chinese. More about Nicole: She absolutely loves babies, and will share her toys, candy, and snacks with any baby she can find! Several of the other families in our travel group have commented on how sweet she is! She has also enjoyed playing with the other kids her age in our group who are also being adopted. I know she will love having Erica and Annie as playmates and sisters! She can count to 10 in English by herself! Her favorite colors are Blue and Yellow. She helped us figure out how much money a "Wu Jiao" is worth. And how many "Wu Jiao" make one Yuan. Chinese money is very confusing! She now uses mine and Allie's names when she needs us! Random thoughts from China: 1. I love China! Three of my greatest treasures are from China! However, I am so ready to go home! 2. When you see all these cars and buses, weaving in and out, you have to wonder how there are not more accidents. 3. You get to meet some wonderful families on this journey. As Anne Shirley (from Anne of Green Gables) would say, they are "kindred spirits." 4. One year ago, adopting again was not on our radar. Fortunately, the Lord doesn't use our radar! Thank you for your prayers! They really have meant the world to us!

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