Last Day in China

Hi Everyone ~

Well, our journey to China is coming to an end. But, in a brand-new way, the journey is just beginning. A new person to love, Kaelie, a life to watch grow and blossom, to nurture a human being and teach her all the new things she needs to know. A new beginning in my family, as adding a child through adoption is certainly a most joyful occasion, it is sure to bring its challenges.

How I love China! I love the people here, the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city, Guangzhou! The traffic, the smells, even the smog. The mixture of the old and the new, the ancient and the modern. I'm sad to leave this place, the country of my daughter's birth....the wisdom that so many here seem to have and be willing to share. The joy in people's faces, the more relaxed way of life. It's amazing, that even in the hurry and rush of this gigantic city, people practice the ancient art of tai-chi, friends and couples gather in the parks to play badminton, even without a net! Or a group of people smiling and laughing through a round of hacky-sack! Oh, this wonderful place so far, far away from home! I only hope that I can teach and show Kaelie how thrilling and facinating her birth country is.

And, how eager I am to go home! To see the three loves of my life, David, Shelby, and Jeremy, to hold them in warm embraces and see how much taller they will have seem to have grown. To sleep in my own bed, to watch American TV, and to have a taste of the familiar. They say that "Home is where the heart is" and I believe that is true. While in China, I've tried so hard to embrace the culture and way of life, and now to look forward to going home...my family is where my heart is and I can't wait to be reunited with them.

So long from China! Please send prayers this way for good travels...we have a tight connection in Tokyo (only 50 minutes!) and also for good weather in Detroit so that Kaelie and I can fly straight to Jacksonville. Also, Kaelie and I see to be quite under the weather, I have a chest cold and Kaelie has the sniffles.

Love, Karen

Group Photo in the White Swan Hotel...Alison said that we've been the biggest group on Shamian Island during our stay!

May from Sherry's Place holding Kaelie. Everyone commented that Kaelie is a "lovely girl." Travel tip: Sherry's Place has the best selection and highest quality of squeaky shoes on the island!

Brightly-colored lanterns have greeted us everywhere. The excitement and anticipation of the New Year keeps building every day! I've never really understood until now how important Chinese New Year is.

Kaelie's last sleep in China. She is dressed for an early day tomorrow (we are meeting downstairs at 5:15 for the bus to the airport). All I have to do is put on her shoes and give her a bottle and she will be good to go!