Feb 6 Last Day in China

Last night Olivia had another breakthrough. She went into the bathroom and sat on the side of the tub. She was jabbering on and on and then decided to get in the tub (there was no water in it). She got in and walked around it and bent down and looked at the drain, tocuhed the spout and touched the sides. She was really checking it out. Then she got out and took her socks off and got back in. She really liked it. I decided not to ruin a good thing by trying to actually bathe her. I just let her play for a while. I think we are on the road to a bath yet!!
I also finally got her to let me paint her nails. She tried wiping it off and couldn't understand why it stayedBen, Jackson, Joe, here's a shot for you. We were walking down the street and some soldiers came marching by. It was pretty cool.This morning after breakfast we went to Starbucks. This tree is outside the door. There are lots of these tangerine trees here for the New Year. Tangerines are the "lucky" fruit. The trees are decorated for Chinese New Year with the lucky money envelopes. They are supposed to be red but the Starbucks ones are pink.In front of the Victory Hotel, as we are leaving the island.
I've read on other blogs about how parents felt sad when leaving China. After I'd been here for a few days I felt kind of guilty because I knew that I would not be sad. I couldn't wait to get home! Now that our last day in China has arrived I'm filled with all sorts of emotions. After the bellboy took our luggage downstairs at the Victory, I sat in the floor with Olivia and just cried. I was overcome with sadness as well as relief that the trip is nearly over. I felt heartache as well as excitment for Olivia because of the adventure she is about to embark upon. I realize that I am taking her from her country of birth and her people. The place that God originally placed her in order for her to be the person she is, but not the place He intended for her to grow up in. Not the place where her family is.Olivia eating her lucky tangerines that were in our room when we arrived at the NovotelThe lucky envelopes had a fake gold coin in themLook who decided to take a bath tonight! She wants to look good for her daddy! She kept going into the tub and touching the faucet. So I turned it on for a second and she got real excited. I undressed her and started running the water and she was fine. She had so much fun with her stacking cups! She even poured water on her head several times. I'm so proud of her!
I can't believe I will see my boys in a little over 24 hours. It seems like it's been SO long! I know they are excited about seeing Olivia too. Jackson has been counting the hours for several days now. Tomorrow we will say goodbye to China and begin a new journey together as a family. This trip has been life changing not only for Olivia, but for me as well. I've learned alot about myself. I've learned that when I'm very tired I shouldn't trust my feelings!! I've also learned I can do some very difficult things. I may not always like it and I may not always have the best attitude, but I can do what I need to do. Olivia, my love, let's go home!