Ni Hao to our Peeps! Today was another warm day in Guangzhou. I have heard a vicious rumor that we will be coming home to cold weather in Chicagoland this weekend. As humid as it has been here, I am enjoying it and I am going to miss it, especially if we are giving it up for snow. Our morning started off early with Arisson crying. I have no idea what time it was because it is pitch black in our rooms at night. I am almost thinking I need blackout curtains put up when we get home since Arisson seems to like it dark. Anyway, our alarm hadn't gone off so I knew it was probably pretty early. I just brought her into bed with us and she went right back to sleep. I am wondering if it was a bad dream or something. We had to wake her up around 7:30 this morning to give her a bottle, a bath, and get her dressed. We had breakfast and then got ready for today's field trip. We went to the Zoo in Guangzhou.
The Zoo was pretty nice as far as zoos go. It was a pretty good size, and hardly any people were there. We had about 90 minutes to spend there. We walked around and looked at the animals. The first animals we saw were the baboons. We were all looking at them and one stood up to show us the red behind, and we all decided that it was time to move on. We saw elephants, a tiger, da Bears, a "giant" panda - I am still curious as to why it was called a giant panda, some swans (making me thankful that I chose not to eat swan meat last night) and other animals. Arisson was very content to walk around in the Snugli without any fussing. We sat down and we gave the babies their bottles, changed some diapers, and had some ice cream again. For those of you who really don't know us, the Lodwigs are a big ice cream eating family. Jason is more of an ice cream eater than I am. I told Jason to grab me the same thing that we had yesterday, and he chose something different for himself. While I was happy eating mine, Jason realizes that he had chosen rum raisin ice cream. I felt sad for him, but chose not to share mine nor did I choose to switch with him. Sorry, Babe. Maybe next time.
During our little break we were snapping pictures, laughing, and having fun. I asked Bob if all adoptive families have this much fun on their trip. He simply said no. This really has been kind of a vacation for us. It definitely wasn't at first when Arisson was sick, but now we are getting her figured out and we are having so much fun. It has been wonderful getting to know these families better. And to see the progress that these children have made so far, it is just unbelievable the changes - and all for good, that have happened in such a short amount of time. Out of the 8 families, three are first time parents, and you really wouldn't know it by looking at them. We have been talking about how perfectly each child fits into their family. God's hand is evident!
We walked around a little more and saw Hippos. Arisson fell asleep. Today, I was trying very hard to get her back on a schedule since yesterday there wasn't anything remotely close to a schedule. We got back to the hotel, and I put Arisson down on the bed and she went right back to sleep. We were going to the Jade and Pearl Market later in the afternoon, so I asked Jason to go get some money exchanged and to grab himself some lunch while I stuck around here while Arisson took her nap. I didn't expect to see Jason for hours, but thankfully he was only at the bank for 20 minutes today. I guess Mondays are the worst days to go to the Bank in China. I was here reading a book. I am trying to finish this book so I won't have to pack it...I am telling you, I don't know how we are going to get home under or at weight. Jason took a quick nap. Arisson probably took about a 3 hour nap.
At 3:00 we all headed to the Jade and Pearl Market. We walked. We had to leave Shamian Island and cross over to Guangzhou. Bob lead us down all these streets where people are selling their goods. There was quite a few pet stores down this one area. And the animals were definitely for pets, not for eating. I had to ask that. We saw puppies, and turtles, and hamsters, and kittens, and lots of fish. We got into the one area, and Bob said,"now this is China". I would describe it as Times Square China style. Lisa said it best - Shopping in China appeals to all of our 5 senses. It is just a shopping experience that you all need to have! Jason the photographer forgot to recharge the camera, so I am not sure what all he got. We went shopping in the Jade market first. I got a jade bracelet. I don't know if it is great quality, but I love it, so I guess that is what matters. We got an excellent price, so I guess the quality doesn't really matter. Of course, now I am feeling a little guilty for not sharing my ice cream with Jason.
We also went into a Buddhist Temple. Jason and I looked around a little. When we came out, we ran into Greg and Lisa. Lisa was feeding Angelina so I sat down with her to feed Arisson and Jason and Greg went to look around some more. Lisa and I were sitting there feeding the girls and a woman came up and was just staring at us. It is strange, but many people don't understand why these white people are walking around with babies from China. She finally just walked off.
Our next stop was the Pearl Market. This mall was huge I don't know what the square footage was of the building, but there were seven floors, and most every store was a jewelry store. The Mall was packed. We got some shopping done. That is where the third part of my journal title comes in. Poverty. It isn't about conditions in China. It is about our own wallet! I guess I have this mentality that I am not coming back to China any time soon, so I want to get as many souvenirs as possible. The Chinese money makes me think of Monopoly money, so it is so much easier to spend. We are nearly broke, so I guess we will have to come home on Friday! I can't believe we only have 3 nights left. The time has flown! I think everyone is ready to go home. Our conversation today got on things like Portillo's and chocolate cake...comforts from home.
Three things Jason misses the most:
1. Smoke Free Air (about 95% of the men smoke in China, and there isn't many areas that they don't smoke)
2. Real napkins (they give us kleenex packs to use)
3. Drinkable water
Three changes in Arisson from one week ago:
1. She doesn't rock to soothe herself
2. She doesn't hold her hand under her chin to soothe herself
3. She lets us kiss her now
Tomorrow is an important day. Bob and Bill take all our paperwork to the US Consulate for processing. Please be in prayer for one of our families. There is a possible issue that may cause problems with their daughter getting her Visa, which means they won't be able to leave the country as scheduled. One parent from each family needs to stay in the room from 9am until 11am in case there is any problems and Bill and Bob need to get a hold of us. Specifically pray that the one family doesn't get a phone call! In fact, please pray that nobody receives a phone call and everything is processed without a hitch!
Love to all our family and friends! |
