No, we are not near the Typhoon. Yes, we have been watching CNN and are watching the international travel hassles around the world… “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me…” We aren’t yet sure how the increased security will affect us yet. We hope we will be allowed some carry on items for our many hours of travel. We’ve bought another suitcase so that we can check through the girls’ backpacks. I’m not sure if we will be able to bring Anna’s milk with us. She drinks this milk that is sold by the case in packets similar to Capri Sun. I doubt I’ll be able to bring them on. We’ll see. When we flew out of Beijing a week and a half ago, we had to open all of our water bottles for them to smell, so security in China is pretty good already. I’m hoping that a family leaving tonight will send me an email when they get home to let us know what to expect at the airport. Our flight leaves at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, so I don’t even want to think about what time we will be getting up Sunday morning. Hopefully, we’ll sleep on the flight and be better prepared for our Sunday morning arrival in Portland. We arrive at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning, assuming we aren’t delayed.
Yesterday, we decided to take Sarah Tucker back to the little shopping area and McDonald’s we had found the night before. Since she has stayed safely close to the hotel during her stay in China, we thought she needed at least one adventure to talk about when she gets home! The alley way wasn’t quite as scary looking in the daylight, but all of the shops were open so there were a lot more sights and smells to experience on the way! We took taxis back to the hotel (it only costs about a dollar).
We went back to the pool when we got back. Anna was so excited, she didn’t mind that I didn’t get in with them at first and I got to close my eyes for a few minutes in a lounge chair. What a treat! She seems more secure all of the time. The last two mornings, I’ve been able to go to the breakfast buffet to fill my plate without carrying her with me. Right now, she is taking a nap with Pete. Last night, we ate at a Viet-Thai restaurant. I thought it was very good. Pete thought it was too spicy. Rachel and Sarah ordered fried eggs with bacon and French fries. They must be trying to attract Americans with their music – John Denver, Simon and Garfunkel, Kenny Rogers…
We’ve been surprised that we haven’t seen more Americans here. We’ve probably seen a dozen families or less. Many went home yesterday. The shop owners are noticing it too. Some of them find us blocks away and try to get us to follow them to their shops. It sounds like the Americans get here in waves. Jordan says the flow used to be more steady, but now there are either swarms of people or very few like right now. This is probably because referrals and travel approvals for regular China adoptions happen monthly. Almost everyone we’ve met here has been a special needs adoption and we haven’t seen any large groups.
I’m also wondering if some Americans are choosing to stay elsewhere. The U.S. Consulate used to be next to the White Swan Hotel, but sometime in the past year, it moved to the other side of town. It is about a 45 minute drive from here. The medical exam facility is still here, but I’m wondering if there isn’t one near the consulate as well. I’m not sure what all of these vendors will do if the American adopting families don’t come here anymore. I guess they’ll move to where the Americans are staying.
No signs of the Typhoon here. It is still very hot and humid. It is a bit overcast and there was some light rain earlier. In an hour or so, we’ll be off to the Consulate for our swearing in ceremony. Thank you for all of your prayers. We’re doing well and feeling blessed. Love from the Aldrich Family.
