Last day in China

It is our last day in China. We all took a bus to the pearl market. Prices are not nearly as good as three years ago and very little room to bargain. Jeannie we got you a string of pearls that I hope you will like. We found some knock off crocks for $2 for Luke, he does not like to wear shoes period and frequently kicks them off. These looked comfortable for the long journey ahead. We found a candy store, kind of a Mr. Bulky's kind of place and I bought a wide assortment of candy for the trip home. Nothing like a bit of sugar to add life to a plane ride. We had lunch at KFC, the name is really about the only thing in common with the states KFC. This afternoon we head to the American consulate to swear in and get Luke's visa so he can legally leave China. Tonight is the big farewell dinner with 25 families that are here with Children's Hope. It is not the same place we ate at last trip but our guide promises it will be even better.
Last night we took a dinner cruise on the Pearl River. The buffet dinner was, well, interesting. I could not identify most of the food and stuck with the rice and what vegetables I could find. There were many meat dishes and I could not tell you what animal they came from. One person in our group said the only thing she could find to eat were the store bought looking cookies. The trip on the river however was very beautiful and the shoreline was all lit up with neon. I took some video footage and I promise to post photos and video once we are home so you can enjoy them too. Please pray that the journey home goes fast! I have some benadryl just in case. Luke had to take it one morning because he broke out in a rash and welts and it made him very sleepy, so as a last resort we can get him to sleep. Miss Lily is another story all together. They have had some very fun times playing together and are warming up to each other quite well. Lily told us Luke was her boyfriend, so maybe they are warming up too well! John got Luke to count to 30 in Chinese and he is singing several Chinese songs. Everyday a little more information comes out of him and we see a little more of his personality. He is good at sports. We played a game of soccer in the play room this morning before anyone else arrived and he did pretty good kicking the ball. He is also a very fast runner as John and I can testify having to chase him down several times.
Ok, time to go pack and get ready to head out. Steven, it sounds like things are going well at home. Lisa, Lily and Luke would love to come to Jada's party on the 19th (that is actually Luke's b-day) I think his birthday will be low key this year and party time next year.
See everyone soon. We are flying in from Chicago on United and will arrive in Springfield (hopefully) at 8:07pm.