Friday, November 6, 2009

Well, we have finally reached the last posting from our journey to China. Our next post will be from home!!! Tomorrow morning (China time) we will board our flight bound for the U.S. We had our Consulate appointment on Wednesday and took our oath on Thursday. I am not sure why, but I always cry when it is time for the oath ceremony. Maybe it is because this marks a culmination of many months of paperwork and anticipation. It was very lonely to be here without Terry this time.

Today we visited the Botanical Gardens in Guangzhou. This was a first for me - and it was beautiful. The temperatures were very warm, so it made the trip a little bit difficult with an active 16 month old, but worth it nonetheless. The gardens are beautifully manicured and I loved the roses. Tia was happy to sit in her stroller the majority of the time. We did learn one important fact about Miss Tia - she hates grass. Yep, we sat her down in the grass to play and she freaked out. She tried desperately not to step on the grass at all. It was hilarious to watch.

We took our last stroll around the island this evening and ate at our favorite local restaurant - Lucy's. I did a lot of reflecting this evening. I know - amazing that this can be accomplished with a toddler in tow - but I did get a few minutes of quiet time to myself. I realized that the adoption journey is over and the mommy journey is just beginning. I know this is my last adoption and she is my baby. I know - famous last words, but I truly do believe this will be OUR last journey to adopt. I will continue to be a tireless advocate for the children who are waiting to unite with their families. But for me, this will be the last time I experience many of these priceless moments. To those of you who wait - I eagerly anticipate reading your journals as you travel to bring your precious children home.

Signing off for now - and anxiously looking forward to uniting with our family in St Louis!!!!