Yep...you heard it right...We are going to China, again!!!  We are planning our trip for July 2018 and hope to be a part of a larger group of friends who are going back for fifteen to seventeen days to tour and visit China and the orphanages that our children are from.  Such a wonderful feeling to know that we are making solid plans to honour our promise to Mark, even when he was too young to know what we were saying to him.  He will see the land of his birth and be able to witness first hand the wonder and beauty of China.  We are hopeful that his Nanny will still be employed at the orphanage, or at least know ahead that we are coming and meet with us there.  It is also important for his sister to know that his story, although different from hers, is no less miraculous in the formation of this family.  When the decision was made to go and we told the two littles, Mark exploded with excitement.  Clearly it is very important to him.  This goes way beyond a Disney trip and will be two years in the planning.  We will fly into Shanghai, go by train to Shang Rao to return to the orphanage, visit Nanchang, fly to Beijing to see the Forbidden City, Tian'an Men Square and the Great Wall, followed by the Temple of Heaven, Imperial Gardens and the Summer Palace.  Later we will travel north by train to Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta Warriors and on to a river cruise.  There is so much more and we are thankful that our friends are very comfortable in making the arrangments and have invited us to go along with the group.   We are over the moon in this house.  I cannot believe it!  I feel so happy, I just want to sing!

Mark you are Chinese and should be very proud.  Canada has much to offer you but China was your first home.  It is the country of your birth and where your birth family reside. We are honoured to be able to bring you back to the country who so generously entrusted you into our care. Two years seems a very long time but we have learned that wonderful things come to those wait patiently.  I feel so happy I just want to sing!