A quiet evening in Guangzhou

Three of the families in our travel group left today after picking up the visas.  We each got the child's Chinese passport and this sealed brown envelope from the US consulate.  I just love how they give this package to you with a warning on the front to not open it.  Kind of like giving someone a present they can't open.  I think it's basically all the paperwork we've filed over the past two years to get to this point and we're bringing it back to US immigration when we land.

I can't really describe it, but it's kind of a strange mixed feeling kind of like after a final exam.  I guess it's sort of like this feeling of relief that we are finally done with this part of the process and we've made it.  But it's not like celebration time because everyone is exhausted from everything and the kids are all starting to test the parents.

After months of paperwork, outrageous amounts of money, thousands of miles traveled and endless bureaucracy, we are at the end of our trip here in China and heading home with Noah.  But just like school, you know that another semester is going to start up soon except in this scenario we've got many more years and miles to travel with this little guy.  The real adventure is just beginning!

So our suitcases are now packed, Noah and Nancy are asleep, and I'm taking a last look at the skyline.  Who know when we'll be back in China again, but one thing is for sure.  We won't be able to recognize anything given the amount of construction and development happening everywhere.

So I bid you goodnight and see everyone soon at home!