April writes:

It’s our last night in China!  And today was such a great day.  We woke up this morning to gorgeous weather…sunny skies and fair temperatures.  The weather was so beautiful that we decided to venture out to Shamian Island.  Many adoptive families remember this place fondly as it is where they stayed in years past while their adoptions were in the final phases.  It is home to the famous White Swan Hotel, which has been undergoing reconstruction for a couple of years now.  Our guide told us that it is set to reopen in a year or so, but that when it does, it will be very expensive and primarily for businessmen.

We have to agree that the island is a lovely place…very quaint and full of whimsy and charm.  A few shops are still open there, so we travelled by taxi to see if we couldn’t find a couple of souvenirs to bring back to our kiddos.  We were successful and also found a few “squeaky shoes” for the girls to wear.  They were still sporting their “orphanage sneakers”.  🙂  We very much enjoyed our day and we often quipped, “We *finally* like something about China…AND, we’re leaving tomorrow.”

Tomorrow….it is full of so much promise, excitement, and misery.  We leave at 4 p.m. EST to begin the long trek back to America.  We will be traveling for 30 hours with two toddlers in tow.  I’m sure you understand why our most pressing need is for prayer.  I have been both looking forward to and dreading this day ever since our plane took off from Louisville.  Please pray for patience, sanity, and peace for us…we cannot wait to be home, see everyone that we love….and especially our children.  And do please pray for Graceann as she faces another anxiety-filled plane ride.  Anxiety is a cruel taskmaster…it is not partial and it takes many captive, but we trust and know that our God can calm even the worst of fears.  We’re hoping the Tylenol P.M. will help for the 14 hour flight too.  😉

Much love to all back home.  Our plane is scheduled to land in Louisville on Friday at 9:22 p.m.  So, Lord willing, we will see you SOON!!  😀

How we’re hoping the kids sleep on the airplane tomorrow.