Like a library book, we're way overdue

Saying the past few days have been easy would be the lie of the century. We're all tired. Last night was REALLY hard on all of us. Emme screamed on and off from 2am-8:30am. It doesn't help when the neighbors bang on the walls. She is actually attaching to me in early stages and today gave me some unsolicited kisses. She prefers me and wants to be carried everywhere. She is going through the various baby stages (crawling, feet to mouth on her back) wanting to be fed and the next minute she is showing her independence by feeding herself, dusting the furniture (cleaning I've been told can be an orphanage behavior) and unpacking all the suitcases. It astounds me how bright she is and how quickly she learns. Today she said her first English word; banana. She is a bottomless pit and eats just about anything but has a love for bananas. It's a good thing we bought a bunch at the grocery store. Tomorrow we leave for Guangzhou and we arrive home on 7/2. I know tomorrow will probably set us back but I hope some fresh air and change of scenery will do us all some good. I couldn't have asked for a better agency who is doing what they can to take care of us across the miles. Our local guide this week is without words, one of the most amazing young women I've ever met. There is so much to Emme's story and so many people whose lives she has touched. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we depart Chongqing tomorrow; the capital of Emme's birthplace. I would have loved to have seen where her life began but I already know we'll be back. We have way too much time to make up for and many special people to share it with.