Mixed feelings

Today was a good day. After a very rough evening where naughtiness and a lack of being able to communicate left us putting a sobbing girl to bed early. We woke in better moods, but I was unable to shake an anxious feeling. Everyone has said that leaving China is bittersweet and it really is. I am so ready to be back where people speak clear English on a regular basis. But that means for Grace, that all she knows will be different. In a way, this two weeks gives me a glimpse of what the rest of her life will be like, living in an area of the country where most folks will not look like her. Thankfully we have several Asian friends who are willing to connect with her, but it will never be the same for her.

We went shopping with Ann from Red Thread and were able to buy pearls for Grace's wedding as well as for each of the boys wives. They are beautiful. They were the best quality pearls bought wholesale because of Ann's connections. Shelley and Kevin and Hope Lilan were with us all day. It was awesome. The girls were so adorable together it was a fantasy. I am so sad we do not live closer. We had a disastrous taxi ride so we were very late arriving at Shelley's hotel. While waiting, Lilan told the guide (who speaks both Cantonese and Mandarin) that Grace was her Mei Mei (little sister) and she needed to take care of her. She became very concerned about why we were late ( as was everyone else!) The guides have told Shelley that Hope Lilan is extremely bright, with a very large vocabulary. She is doing much better for the Carson's. She is bossy and funny and quite the riot. We also got Grace an inexpensive pearl necklace and bracelet to wear now because she loves jewelry so much. Hope told the guide she was jealous of Grace's necklace and the dress that she was wearing and that her mother needed to buy her some dresses because the pants she was wearing were not cutting it! Too funny. Both girls left with one of the inexpensive necklaces as well as a bracelet. And then we went dress shopping!

We are now back at the hotel, packing all our belongings and preparing for the long day of travel ahead of us. We are so grateful to all our friends and family who are praying for us, following our journey and doing things to bless us back at home. I think the grandparents will be very excited to see the parents return. Maybe even more than our kids :) Seriously, though, it has been a blessing to know that the kids were well cared for while we were gone. And that we have been prayed for as well. We love you all and can't wait to see you all again soon!