Church, Myah, Tea, school kids and American foodWe started the morning by having breakfast at the hotel. It was a "western" style breakfast but had authentic food as well. I couldn't put enough cream or suga r in my coffee to weaken it! Starbucks will be seeing a lot of me I think. After breakfast we attended a church service at the Shamian Christian Church. It was lead by a Chinese pastor and translated in English. Awesome service where we heard two local people give their witnesses. Rina and Hank and Myah attended with us and we were able to catch up a bit. We then sauntered around the island, checking out the locals and their stores. Came upon many groups of school aged Chinese children who wanted us to write in their books as they were learning English (see pic above). Had tea with a local store owner named Dong (Susan's Place)-very friendly and informative on the area. Most of the stores all have the same things (squeaky shoes, ornaments, silk clothing, jade jewelry, fans etc.) Dropped off some laundry at one store as that gave us a stoller to rent for free. Ate dinner at a place called Lucy's, another western restaurant. Doug got his hamburger he has been craving since we left home. They even let us pay in U.S. money. Tomorrow we have a meeting with our guide in a.m., then we go to the Civil Affairs Office to get Bree. Please say a prayer that the Lord has warmed her heart to us and the transition won't be very traumatic. Thank you to all that have posted comments, it means so much to us to hear your encouraging and loving words.
6 comments:
Have a safe journey home. I know Bree will feel safe with her new and loving family. I'm sure she will adjust quickly. Hope to see you soon. ASAL
Hi again Guys,
It was great to see you enjoying the area. I wanted to be sure to tell you about Danny's Bagels in GZ (in case no one has said anything yet). Danny's is an "American-Style" Italian carry-out/delivery eatery that caters to us Yanks. Has the best Chicken parm/spaggetti, esp if you get hungery for American food. All the second time adoptees would talk about getting to GZ so they could have Danny's, after a week solid of chinese food. Don't get me wrong, I love chinese food, but sometimes, you just need pasta!
You guys are lucky in that respect, as there are so many options for eating in GZ. Also, Mark and I had a wonderful meal on our last night in GZ and a restaurant in the White Swan called the Jade River (I think). It was on the second floor. They have a pond in the restaurant and a musician who played traditional music the whole time, really classy.
Well, I know you are sleeping right now (or at least trying to) so hopefully you will have Bree by the time you read this. If not, have fun, the long wait is almost over, If so, Yea! and congrats. Will keep in touch and can't wait for the pics, Love Wendy
We are so excited for you guys. We have been praying for you everyday (many times). Bree is so lucky to be joining such a wonderful christian family. When you hold her in your arms she will feel the love. Hope all is going well. I can't wait to see the picture when you finally have Bree in your arms. God Bless!
Tonya
We saw mid-week weddings at the very same church. The wedding couples stood outside of the church while a photographer took wedding pictures. It was beautiful! On a street or two behind the church, turning to the left, is a shop called A Gift From China. This is the shop that I spoke about earlier. The merchandise is very nice.The proceeds from the sales go toward educating the children in the orphanages so that when they are of an adult age, they have learned a trade (quilting, sewing etc) in order to support themselves in the real world. This is a nice place to purchase "heirloom" type of momentos. We purchased a beautiful quilted silk jacket for Lily. She will have it to wear for an upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. The merchandise is clean and fresh and of really great quality. I remember that the shop also had beautiful artwork and silk scarves....unique items that were not seen in every other shop. Tracy, you may want to purchase a few outfits, of various sizes, while in China, so that Bree will have them to wear for several years. Lily wore an adorable asian halter top with a coordinating tutu skirt for our "anniversary of becoming a family" celebration. She loved the outfit and it was nice to be able to include a few items that were purchased along our journey as a way to honor Lily's heritage. Make sure that you see a Buddist temple or two along the way. They are absolutely amazing. There is so much to learn while in China!!! We loved the culture and the people!!
Your friends Rina, Hank and Myah seem from the picture like they are doing well. Congratulations to them!!! I know that Bree will accept the love that you,Doug and family have to offer. Remember the Red Thread Theory? It seems as if it is very true. Your hearts were meant to meet! Hurry up August 18th!! I can see in my mind the radiant smiles that will be on all of your faces. What a euphoric experience. Enjoy your journey!!!
Love and prayers,
Donna, patrick and Lily
So glad to hear you guys made it to GZ safely; trials, tribulations and all. Just think of the trip as the final stages of your 'labor'. Soon you will receive the fruit of your long labor. I hope your first meeting with Bree is as wonderful as you dreamed it. I will keep you in my prayers. Take care. - Celeste
I'm checking and checking. Cannot wait to hear about your meeting.
Phooey. It's just not time yet in Guangzhou.
Maybe I better go to bed and get up in the a.m. HOW can you sleep? Oh my.
Sooo delighted for you to grab hold of your #3 darling girl. What a blessing!!
Hugs, Vicki in Mississippi
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