Good evening!  (A note to Brandon - I have learned that in Chinese!)

Hope you all are doing well back home!  We are all tucked in the hotel room, bunking down for the night as you begin your day there.  I thought I'd fill you in on the events of the day before I turn in.  I certainly am not used to going to bed early.  At home, I'm always up late - but after a while, there's not much to do in the hotel room but go to bed! 

This morning started off for our group with an optional trip to the zoo here in Guanghzou (I think I spell that differently every time!)  Our family along with 2 others headed out, hoping to see some animals.  I'm like a kid when I go into a zoo, so I was very excited!  It was very hot, and oh so humid!  If I close my eyes, it feels like I'm standing in NC on a hot, summer day!  We saw monkeys, tigers, giraffes, elephants, zebras, a rhino, hippo, bears, and most exciting for me - panda bears!  I haven't seen a panda since I was a kid, so I was looking forward to that.  Despite a little rain shower at the beginning of the trip, all went well and we had a very nice time. 

This afternoon was filling out and getting paperwork ready for the US Consulate in a couple of days.  Last week was taking care of adoption deatils on China's end, this week is taking care of the details for the US.  We go back to the clinic tomorrow morning to check the results of Joshua's tb test, which I'm expecting to be all clear. 

Earlier today I was looking through some of the papers that have been given to us since we've been here.  We were given a photocopy of the newspaper ad that was run to look for the parents of ZanBo. There is also a "certificate of abandonment," saying that he was left, adequate measures were taken to look for parents or family, but none came forward.  I can't imagine being abandoned, left helpless and alone with no one to care for me.  Thankfully because of Jesus, I won't ever know what that's like.  "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you."

Thank you to everyone that has cared to read what are sometimes rambled up thoughts in my crazy mind.  I'm humbled by the love and prayers that have held us up through this.  Thank you for bringing a smile to my face and tears to my eyes through your comments.  Makes me feel closer to home as I read them.  We miss you and are looking forward to seeing you again soon!    

Enjoy some of the variety of God's creation...

Notice all the animals in the water - trying to stay cool!

Brown bear taking a swim.

A white tiger

Wiped out from all the riding!