The Home Stretch

Today was the last full day here in Guangzhou. We were sad that we had to leave and at the same time anxious to come back home. I hope I remember how to drive. We saw horrible driving all over China. The rules of driving are the following: Any street can go any direction, especially on a one way street. 1 big car will force 1 smaller car to drive backwards. 2 smallers cars though, can make a bigger car retreat!

This afternoon two bus load of adoption families went to the US consulate for the swearing in of the oath. Everyone was really nervous and made the humid weather even stinkier. The actual event was quite boring and we weren't allow to take pictures mainly because of security or because it was so anti-climatic.

Well we are rounding 3rd base and now heading home. Wow we purchased a travel case for rue and it's already full. Time for me to sign out to pack and sit on some cases to make it fill. Hmm this may be a all nighter. See you all soon.

Loy and Arlene.

Packing for a trip to China

The joys of packing continue to be a challenge. You can find the perfect adoption checklist if you spend 6 months searching the web. The perfect list will require 4 check in bags weighing over 100 lbs each and a personal doctor who understands Chinese (jk). They can recommend packing a car seat, umbrella stroller, and a inflatable bathtub. Older checklist tell you to pack 50 rolls of film ( I'm glad we're in the digital age ), a VHS camcorder, and a fat money belt to hold a ton of crisp money and 12 changes of clothes for the child!

I'm still working on packing the first bag and I'm on my third attempt already. Almost everything is in ziplock bags and exasperated that I don't have enough space. On top of that, we have a weight limit of 44 lbs. This duffel bag is comprise of diapers, over the counter meds, gifts to the orphanage and helpers (They like gifts, not made in China! Aagh). Maybe I can pack bags of rice grown from Sacramento (NOT!). We plan to bring in 2 check in bags and 2 carry ons.
Hey!, where do I pack my camera and camcorder?

I thought of a great / cool idea of giving them new US minted Gold color one dollar coins. I later decided against it because they may think it's real gold and get upset when they become tarnish. Oh well, back to packing.