LAST FULL DAY IN CHINA!!

We decided to adjust our attitudes and enjoy it.

In 24 hours, we will be on our way to Hong Kong! WHOOP.

We were sworn in at the Consulate this morning and officially applied for Roman's visa to enter the States! Our guide will pick it up tomorrow afternoon and we will immediately head out.

Kinda overwhelming actually.

No secret that I'm ready to be home, but so so sad for him to leave his. He clearly has mixed emotions as well. He keeps showing me pictures of his foster family and asking me to fly them to America with us. Then he asks when we will fly him back to China.  I know he was told he will have to wash all his own clothes and take care of himself completely and that we will hurt him if he is naughty. Ugh. He keeps asking me if that's true. He's afraid he's going to lose his Mandarin. (Local China moms- suggestions on how to keep that from happening?!).

But then he looks at pictures of the girls and gets SO excited. He is especially excited about "Mei Mei Annie". (Mei Mei = little sister) He tells everyone that his Mei Mei Annie is a fairy, haha... he means fair. He's asked how old she is, how much does she weigh? How old is Brynn? How old is Layla? How old is Daddy (Oh, my daddy is so young and handsome!)  He asks if Daddy and sisters will be there when we get off the plane. Will there be a swimming pool in America and can he take his backpack to school?!


At the pool today, he told anyone that would listen, "ZhengNing goes to America in two days!!".

Right after I took this, he turned around and said, "I love you, Cale" -- in English.

Just in case it wasn't clear... I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT THIS AMAZING BOY. Not a chance.

He has changed.
Without a doubt, he has changed.
I don't know if he will pass his makeup tests next week, but he has learned so much.
On the outside:  Cale has learned lots about the Chinese culture, speaking Mandarin phrases, reading/recognizing Chinese characters. He has learned about different foods and technology and geography. He has learned to navigate in a foreign country and communicate without language.

On the inside? Holy moly. He's learned the importance of unconditional love. He's learned he's grateful for his mama (his words!). He's happier. He's more positive. He's more mature. He's more accepting. He's proud of his family. He's helpful. He's more outgoing.

The bond the boys have had the chance to create as brothers- and the time for Cale and I together- I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I can't even describe it. And I hope it sticks. If this were a broadway musical (because in my mind, everything is...) this would be the perfect time for a pivotal song.


Speaking of change, tonight at dinner, Roman really attempted to chew with his mouth closed. He said "excuse me" when his body made loud noises, and when he started to run with his plate, his whispered "An tin (calm down). Good boy." haha. Progress! I don't know how he will do when he wakes up and there is not an entire buffet of food to choose from. Actually, wondering how I will handle that as well. I've really grown accustomed to my fancy morning salad! And my lounge AKA appetizer heaven. Apps are my fav.

The next couple of days will be a little tricky to navigate, considering how low I'm running on brain power. Mucho prayers appreciated. I changed our travel arrangements to make getting to HK easier on myself. We went to the store and got something we can eat for dinner and breakfast in our hotel room.  I only get a few minutes of wifi there, so the next time you hear from us will be from the States!!