Wednesday, August 4

It is Wednesday morning and time is moving slowly. We have to be in our room this morning because our Consulate appointment is taking place right now and we have to be available in case there are any questions. Our guides actually go to the appointment for us which is great. We will go tomorrow for the oath ceremony.

Levi found his play dough a couple of days ago and he is enjoying playing with it. We were trying to save it for the plane ride, but I think he will still enjoy playing with it then, too. A group of us are meeting tonight to try to make it to an Italian restaurant for supper. Folks are beginning to head home today, so we were trying to get together one last time. The trick is catching a cab to get there. The hotel concierge will write down where we are going in Chinese for the driver, but we have to get a cab to startout with. Last time we tried to go out at dinner, we gave up and ate at the hotel. I think I have had enough noodles and rice for a while. No Hibachi buffet in Greenville for a while. Mr. Linwood will have to eat my share!!

We are taking it easy today because of the heat. There are no heat advisories here, but I believe 115 heat index is enough to take caution. We may hit the pool one last time before getting ready to head home (which cant come quickly enough for me). I am thankful for the opportunity to travel to China, and grateful to the people for hosting us, but I am a Mama and I want my family all together again.

Hope is enjoying another week of day camp. This week she is learning about the circus. I thought that was pretty appropriate since next week our home will probably be a circus!