LAST DAY

Yesterday was a big day for us. We arrived at the U.S. Consulate around 8AM. At 9AM, along with 20 other families, we were asked to swear in our children by asking us to stand, raise our right arm, repeat after them, and have our paperwork reviewed. We were the first couple to be called to the window and 15 minutes later, Joshua and MaeLynn were legally our children and U.S. Citizens, though it becomes official the moment we land on U.S. soil. Mr. Li has done an amazing job at getting us in and out of each and every appointment in a very timely manner. For the most part, we were always the first couple to be seen.   Afterward he dropped us off at Beijing Road which is at the very heart of the city and the oldest part of the city. This area has a lot of shopping and the Grandview Shopping Mall. However, what was fascinating is that they unearthed part of the original road dated back to 2000 years ago and placed glass over these portions for viewing. I will add a few pictures, but it just fascinates me that we were looking at manmade roads built before and around Christ's birth. All in all, shopping is okay but we feel you really don't find too many great deals in China. We also do not suggest going to the Grandview Mall as we wasted more time getting on and off the elevator than anything else. They only have two elevators for the entire mall and 11 floors, so the wait can be lengthy. Though, we did browse the outside vendors and did buy some watches.   Unfortunately, the early to late evening brought us quite a scare. As soon as we arrived home to get ready to go out to eat, Phil picked up Joshua and noticed he was quite hot. He immediately started to act lethargic and Phil took his pulse…150 beats per minute. Of course we gave him his medication in hopes to lower his pulse, but his temperature and struggling for breath got us very concerned. We called the hotel desk for a thermometer and Phil went out to see what he could find that may be able to help him. His temperature was 101 and while Phil was gone, he started to gag over and over and couldn't catch his breath. All I could do was hold him, try to help him, and cried between prayers. Eventually he finally coughed up a bunch of mucus. Phil arrived home and another adopting family gave him some children's Tylenol (you can only purchase medication at a pharmacy in China). Phil gave him a blessing and he quieted down a little. We had pizza delivered and he seemed to get his appetite back, but unfortunately, it all came back up. Nonetheless, after about 4 hours, his temp started to decrease and they both went down for bedtime just fine.   This morning his temperature seemed fine and he has been acting okay so we continue to monitor his pulse and pray he will do fine for our flight home tomorrow. We recognize that this is just the first of many rodeos that we will have with Joshua and we have to remember how fragile he truly is and make sure we bundle him up and not over exert this little guy.   Today we are just waiting for Mr. Li to arrive with the children's Visas. This morning we walked Shamien Island again and did some more shopping. I was finally able to find a tailor that will make me an authentic, Chinese dress and have it completed this evening. They are even making Phil a matching tie. We bought all the girls Chinese dresses so we plan to wear our outfits at church the following Sunday after Christmas. Hank and Michaele will be joining us again this evening and we plan to take them to the French restaurant we ate at when we first arrived. All in all, we have had an amazing time in China but it is time to head home and we cannot wait to be on US soil. God bless all of you for following our adventure. God bless our children and God bless the United States of America.   I will try to post those things that I have learned most from this trip for those of you that are preparing in order to give you some advice and tips for your travels. Take care everyone and the next time you read our Blog, we will be HOME. Have a Very Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year!!