WE LOVE MOLLY

One of the most anticipated experiences in coming back to China has been seeing Molly. She has been our guide while in Gunagzhou and does a remarkable job, going above and beyond for all the families she helps. Three and a half years ago we met Molly, she was just learning english and was a student working in a shop here in Guangzhou. She came to the city from a rural farm area in another Province to make her way and help support her family. We were thrilled when our agency connected with Molly and hired her to work with adoptive families here. We consider her family, she is my Chinese sister and my parents have also fallen love with her, calling her a daughter. Molly can anticipate the needs of families before they even know what it is they want. She is wonderful with children, knows how to get you in and out of appointments fast as lightening, even though the lines all around you are long...she is a dream come true for families coming here and we are so proud of all she's acomplished, most especially the sincerity and kindness which is her nature.

Last night Molly treated us to the best dinner we've had in China, taking us to a 5th floor restaraunt where Westerners are uncommon customers. (Keith and Leslie, we thought of you the whole time and savored bites in your honor!) We had pickles in a vinager sauce that was tangy, sweet and refreshing, carrots with pork, chicken and vegatables, cooked bones and all that had an intense flavor of fresh spices with just the right amount of heat, green beans with garlic, scallions and who knows what else...and best of all, an eggplant dish that I'll dream of for the rest of my life. Imagine a soft center with a gooey, crunchy sweet exterior, melt in your mouth style. For anyone coming here and working with Molly, ask her to bring you to this place, it will no doubt be one of the best meals you'll ever have.

We are down to one more full day here, tomorrow we'll go to the US consulate where we have a short, but very official swearing in and with that, Lu is legally our adopted son and also as US citizen the minute we touch down back home. Getting this all accomplished in China is beyond a relief, believe me, after all the paperwork you do to get to this point, the idea of more legal work, appointments and paperwork back home would literally push me over the edge.

All in all, we are holding up well. Lu had his first night of real grief and cried that sad, deep sob that is instantly recognizable to me. He allows us to comfort him a little but I know as he pushes us away, he's really wanting the familiar touch, smell and sound of his beloved Auntie. I know many more days and nights of this are ahead of us, and I'm grateful for the guidance and education Children's Home Society (our agency) has provided us. We have the empathy and understanding to help Lu through this phase and I can tell Lu has the capacity to accept love and comfort, so we have a good foundation to build on.

This will likely be our last post from China, thanks to all for checking in on us, reading our stories, sending such great emails and being a part of our trip. We look forward to seeing you all once we're back! Next up, the 24 hr plane ride home, lord help us : ) Love to you all. Mel, Pete, Clara, Lu, Fran and Wayne

p.s. the photo of Clara shows her fall in a dept. store, she's much better now and please cross your fingers for us that we avoid anymore bumps and bruises before we leave.