Last post from China

internet was down last night so i could not get on to write any significant last words.  we leave this morning to the airport to head to tokyo, then Minneapolis, then back home to Denver.  we went to the consulate to "swear the oath" yesterday, which means that 30 adoptive families all gathered together in one big room with their new kids to raise their right hands and swear that all the information they had given was true.  that was it.  we all said, "yes" and then it was over.  kind of anticlimatic for all the work it has been.  very cool though to be in that room with all those families and kids.  kind of like a picture of redemption.  since coming to Guangzhou, we have gotten to meet many  adoptive families here and have learned we have even more to be thankful for than we realized.  some families got their kids from orphanages that were in pretty tough conditions, so just because ours was in pretty good shape, does not mean the whole system is doing fine just yet... it is better, but not all what it needs to be.   we are so thankful for Lizzie and all that has prepared her for being part of our family (or may i should say the center of our family just now).

There is much more than can be said about our last 2 days here, and we will hopefully have time to do so soon.  We know our journey is just beginning, but we are grateful that this first phase is over and we are coming home.  thank you all again for all your prayers and support.   We are so looking forward to introducing Lizzie to all of you in person.  see you soon.

The Kedls