Day 14

Thursday started like most any other day here in Guangzhou with our usual late morning breakfast, but after breakfast was going to be a little different. Now that the paperwork all seems to be cleared up, it was time to do a little gift shopping for the family back home. Our morning started off with a trip to Jordan's. Most of those who have adopted in the US have frequented this shop tucked down one of the side streets not far from the hotel. This neat shop has lots of gifts, but most people visit because Jordan will do your child's name in calligraphy with the meaning of the letters on a paper print. It is very well done and best of all, it is free. This place was full of toys which really put Eddie in a frantic mood. We left with the prints, scrolls and of course a yo yo and a Chinese hackey sack. This kept Eddie busy for most of the afternoon. From there, we went to another popular place for adopters/adoptees-"A Gift from China." This store donates part of their proceeds to the promotion of adoption. Also, they give a free refrigerator magnet to the child with the province that they are from. Eddie and Anna Li had a special time this morning when Anna Li showed Eddie her magnet that she received last year when she spent the week in Guangzhou with Mom and Mrs. Kyra. Our last stop was a shop across the street from our hotel where we picked up a couple traditional outfits. The experience was fun because everyone had a "very good price" and "a good discount for you." :)

Everything seems almost ready to make our final preparations for returning to the US and coming home for the first time for one of the members of our party. We would not be packing tonight, but at least the thoughts of packing are very close. I think that Eddie is excited about coming home; we have had a lot of fun bonding here in the last week. I really wish that I knew what was going on in his mind as he leaves the world that he has always known and moves to a world that he has never known.

Friday is our last full day in Guanghzou. Most of the day will be spent in getting a couple more gifts and then making the final plans for leaving. News is probably getting a little short now and I hope to make one more short final post before leaving. If all goes well, our flight will leave around noon on Saturday our time (around 11pm Friday night your time EST). Please be in prayer for us as we head to our final destination. Thank you again for the prayers and support for us who are here and our family who are there. We love you all.

Eddie and Jimmie