It's great to be an American....and Goodbye to Guangzhou

We have our travel visa for Levi, so we are all set to head back to the States tomorrow!
It's been a great trip and we are so happy to have our family complete with our newest son.  He's an amazing young man who is full of courage, curiosity, fun and love.

The day we went to the U.S. Consulate, because we are American citizens, we queued in a different line than foreigners (Chinese citizens) seeking U.S. visas.   I'll attach a photo of the long line people stood in to apply.  I heard there were at least 1,000 applicants per day, every day...M-F.   And, only about 1/3 of those who apply are granted visas.  En route to China, I met a Chinese man who's pregnant wife was in Los Angeles with friends waiting to deliver his first child....a girl.   Why? I ask.  "So she can be an American," he says with broken English.  "If she is an American citizen, she can become anything she wants."

After spending 2 weeks in China -- a wonderful country with very kind people, I did get to see what the absence of infrastructure (heat, water, sanitation, etc.) can mean for those living in this country.   Though, honestly, the thought did cross my mind...."have you seen what's been happening in America lately?"  While it may not be the place it use to be, it certainly can be the place where freedom rings.  Is it always?  No.  Not for many...but the ideals are right and the hope is right.....life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...the freedom to worship without government persecution (though there are many instances where the Government's support of religious institutions has faded,) we can still worship and congregate freely.

I was encouraged by other's view of America and it reinvigorated my view and perspective of America and our responsibility to keep our country great, kind and just.

                                             Line queueing for U.S. visa application.

                                             Our wonderful guide while in China, Jocelyn

                                             Watching a late night movie on the laptop

                                 Levi's choice for breakfast.  (Honey, I don't think a poptart or bowl of cereal is going to cut it.)

                                                        Fun in the lobby.

                                           All of our travel group & kids with new families!