Consulate Day - December 27

Today we had the last official visit here in China.  We were met by Connie at 7:30 this morning to head over to the US Consulate.  We brought all our official papers from the medical visit as well as papers we filled out and haven't seen since we sent them off to China months ago.  When at the consulate we gave an oath on behalf of Elsa that all the information we provided was accurate, had an interview with a consulate official and signed more official papers.  With this last visit completed, we now only have to wait for Connie to pick up Elsa's passport tomorrow afternoon which will have a US immigrant visa inside. It was amazing to be in the same room we were in five years ago with Annika.  She took it all in.  So amazing!

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and shopping.  Connie took us to a pearl and jade market where we saw amazing amounts of precious gems.  We also found an amazing within walking distance of the Victory Hotel.  We walked through the "pharmacy" market first with all of its herbs and dried things.  Next was the pet market with fish, turtles, snakes, rabbits, dogs and cats.  Last was the merchandise markets with purses, clothes, watches and the like. Everywhere we went we did not see one other foreigner!  It was such fun shopping and bargaining.

We ended the day with a short dinner at our new favorite restaurant which is actually Thai.  After all that walking we had definitely worked up an appetite!  God continues to guide us as we blend our family together.  We are so grateful to Him that we have had this chance to all be together here.  It truly is amazing how Elsa loves her brothers and sisters.  As we walk down the street she yells to her "ge ge" or "jie jie" to hold her or to show them something.  All I can do is praise the One who has put all this together and smile.

I can't believe that tomorrow is our last full day in Guangzhou.  Our time here in China is quickly drawing to a close.  We are happy for our time here, but really ready to go home too.  We continue to ask for your prayers as we end our time here.  We know that so many of you are lifting us up and for that we are grateful to you and the Lord.

 Street market in Guangzhou. 

 We bought Elsa her first pets!