Leaving in the Morning

No pictures today because cameras aren't allowed at the consulate and not much time to write because I should be in bed right now. But all went well at the US Consulate for the oath taking today and we have now been sanctioned by both governments to take our babies and ourselves home. There was a bit of a scare since two babies in this giant group of Guangdong babies who have been traveling to each appointment en masse, contracted Chicken Pox over the last week. Those two families were being held up and their entire travel group was threatened with having to stay until February 9 to avoid bringing Chicken Pox into the US. Yeah, like we've never seen it there. Anyway, if it had shown up in our group, there was the threat of not being allowed to take the oath. But it didn't, we took the oath and we're cleared for travel VERY early tomorrow morning. Our bags have to be in the hall at 5 a.m. and we have to be on the bus to the airport at 5:50.

So this is my last post from China which is happy and sad. I can't wait to get home with Ailah so we can settle in and I'm SO anxious to see our other three girls again. But it is a bit sad saying goodbye to China for the last time. Or at least the last time for many years to come if we're able to someday bring the girls back to see the land of their birth. While I have many issues with the cultural ideals and politics of China, it holds a treasured place in my heart as the birth place of my two beautiful Chinese daughters.

I don't know when I'll be posting again. I expect to be very tired, jet-lagged and busy when I get home but I will do a few updates on Ailah's progress as soon as we get settled and rested up. Thanks for all your support and prayers during our very long journey to Ailah. We can't wait for everyone to meet her. Talk to you all soon!