1 August

8/1 M takes C with him to police bureau in Hangzhou to see if they can be convinced to expedite things and make H's passport today. He walks out of that office with her passport in hand!!! How can anyone deny there's a God? He is truly, phenomenally incredible! Now we have a bit of free time.

Tour a Buddhist temple--over 300 carvings made in 900AD in the stone in side of mountain. Unbelievable, it's so beautiful. Good time for reflexion and discussion with the kids about the differences b/t Buddhism and Christianity. Walked through several tiers of buildings in the mountain. Everytime we stopped, crowds (10-20 people) would gather around the kids taking their picture, each vying for their chance to be in picture with kids. Evidentally B's curly blonde hair draws quite a crowd! He put up with it while C and F posed for everyone. F felt like a model! Found an Indian restaurant for lunch and invited Leo to join us but he refused--said he didn't think he would like Indian food. Awesome food! C didn't think he'd like the spinach paneer, but asked us to order 2 more dishes of it. Some of the best Indian food we've had has been here in Asia.

Quick stop at the bazaar and bought the girls some silk matching pajamas, then to the airport to fly to Guangzhou.

Met up with another family who got their 3 1/2 year old son same time we got H. Really enjoyed talking with them. They have 5 kids--this is their 3rd Chinese adoption, so they had some good wisdom for us.

God is opening my eyes so much on this trip. I'm coming to realize in an even newer way that we all need so badly just to be loved. This daughter that He has placed in our lives needs love to flourish. Love is what will open her up and allow her to move forward. If God loves me enough to send His son to die for me, surely I can show some of that love to Hannah and help her heal her grief. I look forward to her being able to share the love of our family and friends, too, which we have been so exquisitely blessed with!

H had her first BM on the plane since she's been with us (day 5). She was miserable! Girl, wait until we get you home and introduce you to fiber!

Arrived in Guangzhou to a huge, beautiful hotel room. Another late night--kids in bed by 11pm, M & N by midnight.