The US Says He's Ours Too!

Big Day!  We cleared our consulate appointment.  The US agrees with China that this little fellow is a Meadors.

A visit to Shamian Island was so nice.  They have little shops with traditional Chinese wares.  So many less shops than 8 years ago.  Made us kind of sad that so many have gone out of business.

 Statues on Shamian are so fun.

 Lucy's Restaurant serves American food!  We all enjoyed. 

 Samuel has a hilarious imitation of Cassidy.  You'll just have to see it to appreciate it :)

 The evening held a river boat cruise on the Pearl River.  It was a wonderful change of pace.  Isn't Courtney pretty?

 Out on the deck looking out on the lights.  Beautiful.

 Entertainment inside - no, it wasn't Matt, but Samuel thought his balloon on Dad's head was funny.

The family on the river boat.

The Canton Tower view from the boat. 

 

 

The adoption is DONE!!!  So glad to have the U.S. consulate appointment behind us!  I was kind of surprised at how nice it was to see a full sized U.S. flag upstairs in the consulate.  Guess when you're this far from home anything from there is nice.  After the consulate appointment we enjoined a visit to Shamian Island, where the U.S. consulate used to be, and where we stayed when we got Cassidy.  It was nice to be someplace where there was less hustle and bustle.  The Island is like a peaceful retreat for us Okies who aren't used to a city of 15 million.  Martha and the girls enjoyed their shopping.  The riverboat cruise was nice.  I wouldn't recommend it for the cuisine alone, but we thoroughly enjoyed the sights.

 

The family dynamic is still developing.  Samuel is so smart, he's learning quickly.  He can identify your nose, ears, mouth - becareful with the eyes!  It's remarkable to think that when we pass through customs in San Francisco he will become a citizen of the USA.

 

One day left in China.  All we're doing tomorrow is to visit the Guangzhou zoo.  Once that's done we'll be preparing for our very early departure Wednesday morning.

 

I would like to thank, again, everyone who has prayed for us and helped us in any way.  I can never thank you enough!  It's amazing to think back to 17 years ago when we were doubting we'd ever have a child and now look at us.  We've got a Courtney, Cassidy, and Samuel!

 

Thank you Lord for your goodness!

 

~ Martha and Matthew

 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17