Ode to China -- Farewell !!

It's hard to believe that we are leaving in a few hours for Hong Kong.  To say we are happy about departing is an understatement but we will never forget our experiences here.  We have learned so much and grown in many ways.  As we say goodbye to China I have an excerpt from what my dear friend Merri wrote to me in an e-mail. (She has been so loyal -- e-mailing twice a day and texting often to check in --- she has been a wonderful "KEEP THE SPIRITS UP" friend and we are so thankful).  We have laughed many times over her messages.  Thanks for keeping us on track Merri! 

From Merri's E-Mail ~~~~~

"I have never seen a child adjust this fast.  It is like she was born to you and so sweet.  She is the sweetest munchkin.  After not having so much love at the orphanage she is really embracing and returning it.  Amazing.  I think you got the best child China had to offer, your gain, their loss.  Too late and too bad for them". 

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She is right we do have the best child in China (Alice is a VERY CLOSE 2nd).  We still think about the little boy in the orphanage and have been unable to get him out of our thoughts.  I dreamed last night it was Thanksgiving and he was sitting at our table with our entire family.  It was such a perfect picture.  He is not available though and I need to realize that. I just can't understand how someone can just leave their child and never come back for them so therefore the child grows up in an orphanage. (Meaning leave them in an orphanage and not allow them to be adopted).  There is so much wrong with the world.  I don't get it... I never will.... those who are anti-adoption people who probably had a family and home of their own but are against orphans being allowed to have it... OK I WILL STOP NOW.... no soap box for today (well maybe just a little).

OUR ODE TO CHIINA

• 16 days in China
• 4 planes
• 17 hours of flight delays
• One incredibly nice man from Tokyo who will always be remembered
• 14 breakfast buffets
• 53 bottles of water
• 18 bottles of water for brushing our teeth
• 12 Coke Zeros
• 2 Coke Lights (remember they ran out?)
• Many random pictures taken of us
• 100 plus rubs on our Daughters face & head
• Countless weird looks
• Many smiles
• Many super weird skanky smells (including me almost wiping out avoiding stepping on the worlds largest rat)... sorry but I had to say that.
• Some good Chinese food
• A few good glasses of wine (VERY MINIMAL but that's OK.. I DO LOVE MY VINO!)

ONE INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL CHILD who has given us many hugs, kisses, potato chips, smiles & giggles which makes this all PRICELESS!

The families that we met were incredible and they were such fun.  The Jenson's are traveling back today to Utah and we pray for their safe return home and a flight that is as peaceful as it can be. 

To the people who gave us the looks that said "Thank you so much for taking this child to a place that she will be able to grow up in and have opportunities" we thank you.  So China we are leaving with one little beautiful girl who has already shown us so much love.  Again we are blessed with two of the most beautiful children whom are both adopted. (Snickerdoodle Luke is from Guatemala). They could not be any more a part of us than they are.  We could not love them any more and we could not be happier that God has allowed them to be in our lives.  We are truly honored to be parents but most of all their parents.