Guangzhou is just strikingly beautiful. Today, our anniversary, started out pretty normal here. We had breakfast downstairs; the hotel knows how to do coffee well and the stuff we’ve been having for breakfast has been stunning.

Brendan came with a camera; when we sent our care package for him, one of the items we sent was a disposable camera with 35 mm film. The problem is that 35 mm film is really hard to get developed in the US now; as I recall, Walgreens doesn’t do it anymore so I set out in search of a photo lab which took me on about a mile walk through the city and its just stunning; I’ve got a number of photos to upload of the walk.

Around mid-morning, we set out for Shamian island. It was built up primarily by westerners so that buildings have a distinctive look in the city. The consulate, and the white swan hotel are on the island as well and there are a number of shops in the area that cater to western couples adopting; the primary reason many of these shops exist is that market. We got a number of gifts for family and friends and rounded out our shopping.

Tonight we’re headed to a steak house with Brendan to celebrate our anniversary; I’ve said this a few times today, but it’s interesting the path God had us on that led us to this anniversary and what our family would look like and we’re thankful to be here.

Tomorrow is our consulate appointment and group picture and then we get our visas on Wednesday. Once tomorrow comes the babies will start to travel back. Thursday a.m. we’re going to be headed for our fourth city – Hong Kong and then Friday we will start our long journey back home.

See you all soon!