Ed, Emily, Hana and Zeke, we love you guys and really miss you. It sure would be fun to have a wireless setup so that we could carry our webcam around and send you a live feed of what we’re doing and where we are. It’s so strange not having all of you with us since we’ve never been apart like this. It sounds like you’re doing great and really helping Aunt Sue and Grandma out. We appreciate all you’re doing, especially since you’re in the midst of an unexpected snowstorm and really cold temperatures. And we know how hard it is to get out and feed the animals and keep the water thawed. What you’re doing at home makes it so much easier for us here, and we know Aunt Sue really appreciates all you’re doing.
As for our first full day in Guangzhou, we really did not do a whole lot. We wandered around, exchanged money, and prepared our paperwork in anticipation of Samuel joining our family. Our understanding is that we’ll meet Samuel for the first time at 2:30 pm Monday. We are wondering how this meeting will compare with when we first met Hana, and then Zeke? We’ll try to record the details for those left at home.
Ed, Emily, Hana and Zeke, do you remember the store where we bought you guys robes last year? It’s the same store where you purchased pajamas and we found Emily and Hana’s matching red dresses two years ago? Our hotel room in the Victory Hotel Annex, is right above that store. We’re also right across the street from the canal and one of the bridges leading off the island. We have found it fascinating to watch the people wandering by our corner and the men in their boats picking the trash out of the canal.
We did spend a little time exploring some of the market areas just across the canal that separates the island from the city. We found many merchants selling medicinal things like snake skins, sea horses, saffron, various roots and powders, star fish, and other things we still haven’t identified. Moving through the medicinal merchants we found the pet area. There were cats, puppies, fish, turtles, chickens, mice, and other critters for sale. More exploring will come later, along with many photos and a few purchases. We found something really cool for Zekey that we might have to go back and purchase later.
Well, we’d better run for now. Take care and keep holding down the fort for us at home. And for all of our friends and family, thank you for all your well-wishes and prayers. We really appreciate it.
Blessings from all the Allens,
Steve, Heather and Joe in China, and
Ed, Emily, Hana and Zeke at home with Grandma and Aunt Sue.
