Last Day in Guangzhou!

One week ago, Kevin and I met Ava in a freezing cold orphanage with no heat. She came to us wearing a pair of pajamas, a red sweater, red socks, red shoes and a big pink puffy fleece coat (top and bottom). She was scared. Confused. Sad.

Today, Ava is a different child. Such a personality! Shy around new people, but not for long. Our little girl has experienced so many firsts this past week; probably even some that we aren't aware of. She is still a Mama's girl, but has started asking for Baba and letting him hold her. And she has started playing flying saucers at the breakfast table, but that's another story.

This morning, we visited the US Consulate and took an oath. When we land in Chicago on Wednesday, Ava will become an American citizen. After our appointment today, our group went back to Shamian Island for lunch at Lucy's, then we took a nice walk. Ava put on a show for the shopkeepers; blowing kisses, talking and giggling. She couldn't be more perfect for our family.

Tomorrow afternoon, we take the bullet train to Hong Kong. We'll stay the night there and fly out Wednesay morning. While we have come to understand and appreciate Chinese culture, we're ready to go home. Kevin and I miss Jackson and Molly so much - leaving them has been the most difficult part of this trip. Soon, we'll all be together. And we can't wait.