Riverboat Cruise on the Pearl River

Last night we joined our guide, David, for a riverboat cruise on the Pearl River. The Pearl River is the third largest river in China. The legend is that when it flows past Guangzhou city, it encounters a big stone island in the river, which is as smooth and round as a pearl. Hence, the name the Pearl River. It was a wonderful way to see Guanghzou's city skyline and Oakley thoroughly enjoyed going under the many bridges. David offered to order us a pizza to take aboard, but we decided to try the Chinese fare buffet and we all found something on there we could eat. Oakley was a happy camper because they had watermelon!!

We completed our final adoption business this afternoon when we travelled by bus to the US consulate to take the oath. We were there with 35 other families. I had heard that the oath is just a formality and so I wasn't expecting to get emotional, but I think Michael and I both felt such a sense of "family" -- it's really difficult to describe the wave of emotions that has overcome us these last two weeks. We received her visa following the oath, clearing her to travel home. Once she goes through immigration in Newark, Oakley is officially a US citizen!!

Tonight we are packing; our bags have to be ready and outside our door at 5:30 am. Our flight from Guangzhou departs at 8:30 and we travel to Hong Kong where we only have one hour to make our connection to Newark. We are SO READY to come home and begin our life as a family of six!! We've had a wonderful time here in China and are so thankful for our many blessings and for this precious gift that this country has bestowed upon us. But we are ready to reunite with family and friends, enjoy the comforts of western civilization and have a bowl of cereal in the morning with COLD milk.

Many thanks to all of you who have followed our journey, left comments and sent emails with words of congratulations and encouragement.

We love you all!

Farewell from China. A new journey awaits us at home!

Sullivan and Hagan:

We cannot wait to see you tomorrow night!! We love you both so very much and we hope you are waiting at the airport to greet us. Please remember that although Oakley looks really happy and well adjusted in the photos we've posted, it still takes her a long time to warm up to people and she still gets scared easily. She'll recognize you from the pictures and she will know that you are her brothers, but you're going to have to be patient and give her time to get to know and love you. Also, because we haven't yet started to call her Oakley, you might want to address her as Xinxiang (pronounced Shin- Shee-yong).

We'll call you when we get to Newark! Please pray that all of our flights are on time and that Oakley travels well. She's going to be exhausted when we get home.

LOVE YOU!!

Mom