Tuesday in Guangzhou

We've had a 'free" day today to relax, shop, etc. I went with Wanda and Megan shopping while Lori stayed in the hotel with her "girls". The high temperature today was in the 50's again and Lori didn't want to get them outside. We did venture up to Lucy's for lunch....it's much cheaper and more American style food than the hotel. Lili is now mimicking a lot of our words....she is great with the vowel sounds but doesn't get many of the consonants. We're not sure how much of this is her age, the language being so new...or if it is complicated by her cleft palate. But her smiles are wonderful and non-stop. I've never heard a 2 yr. old that giggles any more than she does. Last night she didn't cry at all....Lori is reading books to her at bedtime and tonight when she told Lili it was time to go night-night Lili climbed up in the bed and sat down in front of the pillow...ready for her bedtime story. We are amazed at how much she already understands. Wanda was saying today that she didn't think our trip could have gone any better....We agree.

Thank all of you again for your prayers and kind thoughts....We are certainly blessed. Lauren is pretty much on her best behaviour...as you might expect she feels a little left out of the spotlight occasionally and hasn't shared everything perfectly...but all in all she has been very good about Lili. And it is very apparent that she already loves her a lot....Lauren gets a little upset when we have to correct Lili on anything. Megan and Wanda have had a blast shopping...and so far we've only had to buy one extra suitcase...not two like our last trip.

Tomorrow will be a busy day...we pack in the morning and then go to the consulate in the afternoon for Lili's visa...then we leave the hotel for the airport and start our long trip home. Please continue to keep us on your prayer list...that the flight will go well... we can't wait to get home to see all of you. I'm not sure if I'll have time to post tomorrow or not....but I'll try. Rick.