DAY 14 - China Adventure

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 14

Realizing that we only have a few more days left, we are packing as much activity into the day as possible. Today we started at the Xiangjiang Safari Park to view pandas, but found so much more. We were able to explore two halves of the park by train and by foot, viewing not only pandas, but lions, white tigers, bears, giraffe, koala, rhinos, etc. in their natural environment.

 

Richard then picked us up and shuttled us to the American Consulate in downtown Guangzhou for our final act to complete the adoption; the Oath. We, along with about 20 other adopting families (following a brief meeting with a consulate official), stood and pledged our commitment to raise our adoptive children in a loving and healthy environment. Certificates were passed out, and it was done! Now, the only thing left, is to receive Lexi's Visa and travel papers, which should arrive tomorrow, and then we are able to travel home with her this Friday!

 

To celebrate tonight, Lexi first posed with her new friends on the traditional "red sofa" at the White Swan Hotel, and then we all took a dinner cruise on the Pearl River. A terrific finale to our two week odyssey.

 

One final note. . .as we celebrate one of the most memorable events in our immediate family history, our hearts ache for all those affected by the earthquake(s) in Haiti as we have been keeping up with the disaster in the news. Our thoughts and support go out to all those affected by this disaster as we now prepare to leave for home.