Heading Home

There are fast days in the adoption process and there are slow days.  Today was a slow day.  Our paperwork is in hand, passports and visas are secured, bags are packed, and the Grubbs are ready to head home.  Today has been filled with saying our goodbyes to several adoptive families that have become friends over the past two weeks.  Many of them are taking a train to Hong Kong and flying out to the states from there tomorrow morning.  We pray for traveling mercies for each our friends.

As we say these goodbyes we notice several families just now entering into Guangzhou.  Husbands and wives step out of taxis and there is a look in their eyes - a look of anticipation.  They flew into China occupying two seats and they will fly out using three.  Natalie and I watch with excitement for them, often times looking down at our Ruthie in amazement.  Just two weeks ago we were in their shoes and we too were filled with anticipation, questions, and our share of nervousness.    Now there's sheer gratitude.  In those two weeks, Ruthie has grown ever more trusting of us as her parents and we have grown in unimaginable love for her.  Come Thursday evening (US Eastern time) little Ruthie Noel Grubbs' feet will touch down on American soil, she will become a US citizen, meet her brothers for the first time, and will begin the wonderful journey of learning that is "Good to be a Grubbs".    

Much has happened since our last post so here is a rushed attempt to catch you up:

• Saturday (June 2) -  Ruthie had her medical exam here in China and had her picture taken for her visa.  Her exam went well but we have established that Ruthie does not like people in white coats.
• Monday (June 4) - we received Ruthie's Chinese passport and spent a few hours at the Guangzhou zoo.
• Tuesday (June 5) - The Grubbs visited the US Consulate here in Guangzhou, took our oath before a room crowded with other adopted families, and Ruthie legally became part of our family according to US law (the Chinese government legally declared her part of our family the previous Tuesday)
• Wednesday (June 6) - The Grubbs visit Shamian Island and received Ruthie's visa.  The Chinese government requires individuals to be in country at least 24 hours after receiving visa - which puts our departure date for Thursday June 7 (12:40pm).  We'll fly from Guangzhou to Seoul then on to Atlanta.  

The Grubbs girls take China by storm - beginning with a stroll through the park of Guangzhou.  These two command an audience wherever they go.   

Dinner with fellow Lifeline friends - a group of adoptive families from various parts of the country.

Law and Fletch - the wildlife pics are for you guys.  

Ruthie was born in 2010 - the year of the TIGER

Just loved this picture of Nat - there will be repercussions for this posting later I'm sure.  "Love you Beautiful!" 

Pandas in China

This is a Jaguar.  Ever since watching his first Diego episode, Fletcher has been fascinated with jaguars.

First time at the pool.  Before this outing bath time was a wrestling match in the Grubbs family.  The visit to the pool really opened Ruthie up to the water.  We've come a long way with bath time (i.e., no more wrestling matches!).

The next few are some of the many expressions of Ruthie

Dolled up for our group photo

Lifeline group

This was a common sight during our visit to China.  Natalie and Ruthie surrounded by inquisitive locals.  They were always mesmerized by a beautiful red head with gorgeous China daughter in tow.  The majority of them always wanted to know if Ruthie was from China - which made us laugh hysterically.

Waiting to board our dinner boat tour on Shamian Island

Shamian Island has several dinner boats that run along the Pearl river giving evening tours of the city.

The Grubbs with the world's second largest tower in the background.

Long morning of sightseeing.

Nat made a great friend in Angie from Missouri.  She was a part of the same group adopting through Lifeline.

Three passports packed and ready to go.  Atlanta here we come!