Day Nine - Arrived in Guangzhou

 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of Christ Jesus for you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Giving thanks that we have arrived safely in the city of Guangzhou.  If you have ever seen the show the Amazing Race that was the kind of day we had getting here to Guangzhou.  It started out fast paced and we didn’t get to our hotel room and unpacked until 11:30pm.  Our daughter is such a trooper!!  In one day she went to the Civil Affairs office and had her name changed.  She understands that her new name is Mia Qing.  She left the only province she has ever known.  She was very quiet in the van as we were leaving.  I think that in some small way she knew she was leaving for good.  We travelled through crazy traffic to sit in a smokey airport for about 3 hours after a plane delay.  Before you board the aircraft you have to load up in a shuttle bus.  Packed in like sardines and then to load the plane it is a free for all.  Literally.  Mia did so good!  Endured this entire day without complaining once!!  I was unsure how she would react to the plane ride, but she did fantastic.  Was excited to go on the plane and went to sleep after takeoff.  She has been such a good traveller.  Hope the plane ride home goes as well.  14 hours is going to be hard for anyone. 

It was so good to see our American friends today.  All the families are here together in Guangzhou.  Today we went to the medical examination part of our trip.  Pretty much a run through of basic looking the children over.  She passed and all went well.  I was afraid she was going to complain when the gave her the TB test, but she didn’t.  Just scrunched up her nose like “why did you let them do that?”  She has the funniest expressions.

We will be glad to get her home.  Guangzhou is very nice with lots of American families here and stuff to keep her busy.  Mostly we miss the kids back home.  The Christmas season is not the same without your family.  Today is Christmas Eve and we will make the best of it because it really doesn’t matter where you celebrate Christ’s birthday.  The best news is that we get to go to church tomorrow.  I didn’t know that we were going to but we will be in church for Christmas!!  Praise God.  

I must say our hotel room is fabulous and the food has been really good.  Have not had American food and don't really miss it.  Still don't know if our princess can use chopsticks because every place has had regular silverware.  

Better get this posted.  Love to all!! Thanks again for the comments.   Love reading them.

Gingerbread house in hotel

Mama's Baby Girl

Giving Mama sugar

Baba's Girl