Monday, July 9

Today we started with something really fun. Madi's medical examination. It was so minimal, listen to chest, look in ears, throat, weigh and measure. But she threw and absolute fit at each of the 3 stations. Poor Dr. McDowell when we bring Madi home for immunizations. That will be fun. Dylan was invited to stay in the hotel and play with Adam. He is a boy about 2 years younger than Dylan put has provided him with some companionship and friendship on the trip.

After that we shopped a little with families from our group on the way back to the hotel and then in the afternoon we went to the temple. The babies who went were given a blessing wishing them safe travel home and happiness in their new homes. The blessings were given by a Buddhist monk. Elvin stressed that this was not us practicing the Buddhist religion. It was to honor the traditions of our babies homeland and to experience some Chinese culture. We are strong enough in our faith to know that any good wishes put upon us are gifts from our God who we know holds all the power and strength. Tomorrow is red couch pictures, shopping and group dinner. We board our first plan for home in 72 hours from the time I am posting this. We miss everyone and everything so much ! Everyone go right now and drink some water straight from the tap and then thank God for where you are at. China is wonderful, I respect Madi's homeland so much, but it is very different. We are so blessed at home with little things like brushing your teeth and rinsing your toothbrush off straight in the tap. Okay - I'm homesick and we will see you guys soon.