Farewell from Fuzhou

Keep in mind that these photos were taken while strolling the park, after breakfast, but before a shower, and BEFORE make-up!! Oakley was still in her pajamas. There is a beautiful park across the street from our hotel -- it's huge, peaceful and serene with waterfalls, bonsai trees and trails lined with bamboo. I'd love to post pictures for you but I've been threatened with my life if I post photos of scenery instead of Oakley:)! We intended to take a short walk, but ending up touring the park for hours!

In the morning, the park is full of people exercising, dancing, and singing. The locals are very curious and some will approach us and try to ask us questions. The children seem to love trying their English out and most will greet us with a "hello".

We are packing this morning to head to Guangzhou. We are excited to be preparing for the last leg of our journey, but it's bittersweet. We'll be taking Oakley from her province, from the only home she's ever known, and from the land of her birth mother. We vow to love and cherish this little girl forever -- she is our own.

Please keep us in your prayers as we travel by plane with Oakley. We have no idea what to expect for this two-hour flight and we hope it goes well.

Sullivan and Hagan:

Hey guys, Oakley let me give her a bath today. A huge step toward her and I bonding. Oh...did I mention that I fed her Smarties through the process? We must do what we must to make things work. I am really missing both of you very much and I can not wait to get home to see you. Maybe we can head to the lake next weekend if the weather permits. Sawyer sends his hello as well. I think he is getting anxious to get back home and we are tired of eating mystery meals. I also think he is missing his late night conversations with Molly. We do know that our dinner last night included frog and probably the entire frog. Sawyer and I know that we will be stronger through all of this. Sullivan, the next time you are offered an opportunity to send us a message you better take advantage of it. We need to hear from you like we are hearing from Hagan. See you guys soon.

Love, Dad