Well, this is it - our last journal entry before heading home!

Yesterday ended with a SCREAMING Libby refusing to go to bed. She didn't go down until 11pm. We're still trying to figure out how she went to sleep in the orphanage because nothing we have done so far has made her happy at bedtime. Guess we just need a little more time. In the mean time - even her fits are precious.

This morning Billy and I took a walk with Libby and an adoptive mom named Danielle. We journeyed through the "real China" and saw the street side markets, the laundry drying outside the high-rise apartment windows, the old people sitting and talking. It was a lot of fun seeing the real thing.

At 3:00pm we boarded the bus and headed for the American Consulate where we had our swearing in. We had to swear that we told the truth in all our documents throughout the adoption process - right hand raised and all.

We are now back at the hotel getting ready to order dinner and finish packing. Packing with a crawling 9 month old who wants my attention may be challenging. I better get used to it real fast.

We're ready to come home, but we will miss Libby's home country. The people have been entirely warm and welcoming. The smiles and grace of the women here are impressive. The country is beautiful. We will also miss all the friends we've made over the last 2 weeks. To all the adoptive parents in our travel group - we enjoyed each and every one of you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace - especially on the plane ride home!! AMEN!

Now - to all our friends and family who have joined our journey daily on this site - we are so thankful for all your support, prayers and words of encouragement. This journey would not have been the same without you. We hope you keep coming back to Libby's site to see her grow throughout the years. She is blessed - we are blessed - to have you all in our lives. I pray that our journey has blessed you. And even more - I pray that it has marked your heart with the beautiful spirit of adoption.

We'll post again once we're home and settled in.

San Antonio friends and family - we'll see you at the airport tomorrow afternoon!!!

Lord, give us safe and on-time travel. And may our luggage arrive safely and on time as well. You have been faithful in every small and great detail and we acknowledge Your goodness. We expect nothing less than your perfect plan. Thank you for our beautiful daughter. She's better than we could have hoped for, asked or imagined. Every babble, every tear, every wisp of hair - every detail of her is perfection! Thank you Father!

Signing off from China,

The Footes