Dinner with Friends, Consulate Appointment

We had a wonderful time with old friends, Edward and Ashley Lim, and their beautiful daughter Breton.  Rachel and she met on our last trip and we were so happy to reunite with them at dinner last night.  Ashley is the ultimate hostess when we visit China, informing us of cultural norms, local customs, and showing us the beauty of China in hospitality.   I’m hoping to host her in Charleston during the Family Circle cup as she is an avid tennis fan! 

Both Edward and Ashley were forewarned of our girls’ behavior, and were so kind to both of them – offering suggestions at the table (manners) and their daughter Breton explained some games to them.  Breton speaks Chinese, Cantonese, French, and English – perfectly.  She is such a good role model for the girls – and they were happy to speak with her in their heart language.

Ashley ordered for us and the meal was delicious – much better than the greased fare I ordered a few nights before.  They are so kind to us when we visit and we’re so blessed to call them friends. 

Afterwards, we walked around the island for the girls to get their last wiggles out!

We’ve had a great time here and I wanted to post pics of some of the families we’ve met.  First are Patrick and Diane – adopting their 13^th and 14^th children – twins who were “labeled” mentally delayed.  Both girls are sharp and absolutely darling – hidden gems that no one would take a chance on.  I’m so glad they’re joining such a lovely family.

We also met a couple adopting an aging out girl who has adjusted easily and is a beauty inside and out.  We have enjoyed chatting with them.

Yesterday, I purchased Jenny a Bible with parallel Chinese/English!  It is beautiful, but heavy!  She loves reading it to Sarah – although we have yet to see any effects on Sarah’s behavior…

We had our consulate appointment this morning with a 7:30am departure.  If the smile looks fake, it is. We were out late, and it was difficult to get moving this morning.  But all paperwork is behind us now. The girls fought from the moment they woke up – irritating everyone on the bus including our poor guide.  They are loud, obnoxious, and sure I’m favoring one or the other.  Let me mention how much I love the two Heartsent families who are with us (again).  They have been patient and understanding with our girls - I am so thankful for them.  They are strong Christians and just lovely people!!

 I went to Starbucks for some high octane and when the salesman asked what the girls wanted I told them in Chinese they were bad, and in English that they would get nothing.  I was DONE with their whining, fighting, and ugliness.  He seemed offended and I DIDN’T CARE.  I enjoyed a lemon cake and latte while they ate crackers.  They got the point.  At least they realize I’m treating them exactly the same now….

The next event – departure in 2 days!!  We have beautiful weather and only need to enjoy ourselves today and tomorrow. J  Packing will be a chore – but hopefully we’ll get it all in our suitcases.   We’re headed to the park shortly where they love to run and play.  I enjoy sitting and watching, lol!

Katie, if you’re reading this, I bought you a beautiful dress in the bigger size – matching Rachel’s!  The girls chose other colors – we’ll get a pic when we get home!  It wouldn’t be the same without YOU!

I’m signing off on a beautiful day, picking up the last of the laundry, and rationing funds until we return home.  I’m so thankful for our new friends and can’t wait to see their children bloom over the next year.  Everyone is looking forward to seeing a Sarah who loves – instead of being unkind.  She has so much potential – but needs to be taught a better way.  Jenny needs to feel secure in her position as daughter – and receive the assurance that she is equally loved.  Rachel is just fabulous – a little tired – but just one incredible, graceful, lovely young woman – who is a model for her sisters.  She has behaved with a maturity beyond her years on this trip.

Please continue to pray – only 2 more days and we’ll be home with the support of our family.  I am getting tired and have somehow thrown out my back and knee.  I think a good night’s sleep will make a big difference and look forward to just resting along the river as the girls play.  Love you all!  Kim

Walking the Town

Today we started off by checking out our view from the balcony as the sun was finally shining!  The weather is mild and we have 70 degrees + today – and only a few short sleeve shirts for the girls – yikes! 

If you look at the photo below, you can see the top of Starbucks (the green unbrella is one of their tables)  It’s right below our room’s balcony.   The pedestrian area is also right in front of Starbucks where you see the old people in red playing badmitton to the right.  Our location is FABULOUS and so much better and quieter than the H.I. Shifu area.  THANK YOU HEARTSENT  for making me stay here!!!! I’m so thankful we ended up at the Victory! (West Wing) 

After breakfast, we got the TB tests checked – all was well.   Our guide was sick – so we ordered him home as no one wanted to catch whatever is going around! 

Our Heartsent group and another couple families headed over to the Pet Market Alley and got the obligatory pics of strange items - seahorses drying on the ground, some kind of lizard on a stick - and cute turtles and bunnies.

We found our way to the big outdoor Mall where we purchased DVD’s last time.  We bought some kiddie DVD’s – still no Karate Kid or other movies we were looking for – but lots of Barbie!  We also got a “Happy Goat Movie” for $2 – the girls love it.

After the DVD shop, we went to McD’s across the street – it was very clean and the McFlurry tasted good in the heat!  I’m wearing my underarmor meant for subzero temps – so I needed something cold.  I had my 20^th Happy Meal for the trip – which made me happy…haha.  McD’s is safe – and I’m all about not getting sick on this trip.

After we rest a bit, we’ll head to the playground – Sarah and Jenny LOVE it – and Rachel chases them around. 

Last night, a toddler followed Rachel around – asking her to hold her hand on the slide everytime.  It was so cute.  I got a pic of the two of them as Rachel thought she was adorable.

We also enjoyed walking around last night before baths.  The weather is just beautiful and we really like the Island.  I still haven’t shopped (other than the DVD’s)  but plan on doing that tomorrow.  The girls are so much happier now that they’re getting outside to play!

I am feeling much better today after forcing myself to bed at 8pm and losing the queasy feeling of yesterday.  It’s tough when you’re not on your “A” Game when traveling and coping with 3 kiddo’s and various food and laundry needs!   We met another nice couple who adopted twin 7 year old girls.  They are precious – and had been labeled mentally retarded.  Not so!  They’ve been here two weeks – so know the place well. 

Thank you for the prayers – you all have been so faithful and we are the recipients of God’s mercy the entire trip.  I’m so thankful that everything has gone so well.  Sarah is really starting to slow a bit (from 200 to 100 mph!)  I bought Jenny more socks to alleviate morning whining (she loses them constantly)  She’s pretty easy to keep happy.  Sarah enjoys her saltine crackers – so as long as those are plentiful she’s ok.  Only 2 more full days – the most important with Consulate appointments. 

Love you all! Kim

Safari Park

 I’ve had an upset stomach most of the day – compounded by some dumplings with an unknown filling at the Safari Park.  So far, I haven’t gotten sick, but it will be back to plain foods tomorrow!  Too many croissants and greasy food doesn’t work for me. 

We danced around the room this morning and last night, and then headed out to the Safari Park around 10am.  The girls enjoyed it – but I’m completely wiped out!  We were there 4 hours – saw everything for the second time (Rachel and I) – but Jenny and Sarah really enjoyed themselves.  We’re resting in the room right now before I try to “finish them off” at the playground.  Everyone will be lights out at 8pm tonight – so don’t bother Skyping unless you’re up REALLY early!

 

Sarah continues to improve – and seems to be taking a liking to me – but still has a mean streak with other children and occasionally with me (hitting).  She laughs in a very sarcastic way and then does a straight face – it’s very ugly when she does it and it isn’t pleasant to be around.  We’re trying to SHOW her the way of kindness – and hoping she responds soon.  She loves to be held upside down and tossed on the bed – but that’s exhausting after a while.  I need Perry here for that. 

Jenny gets jealous and wants equal time piggy backing and at 11 years old, she’s a little hard to manage.  She needs that “babying time” that she missed out on – but I need the “49 year old time” to sit and rest!  I will be enforcing that today as a sick  mama won’t be good for anyone.

Right now, they’re writing in their journals.  It’s peaceful for a moment, but Sarah will be up and running shortly.  I will have to tell her “no” as I’m really wiped out .  (she just started marching in place next to me - I have her timing down pretty well, lol!)  Please pray for energy to keep up with her – she never stops.  Even the big girls are tired.

Have I mentioned how much I like my travel group?  The Holbrookes and Balls are such sweet people and have really made this trip enjoyable – even the trying moments.  They have gone out of their way to meet up with me and spend time with us and I appreciate their company so much!  My guide has been terrific also, and it’s made the trip fun and doable as one person with three kiddos!  I’ll be enforcing bedtime tonight as we stayed up a little too late last night – I really need the rest to be ready for each day’s hunt for food and things to do! 

Our schedule is full for the next 3 days, and then we have the very long flights.  I’m praying for Sarah to be able to cope with sitting still for so long.  She gets very loud when she’s unhappy – so we will really need the prayer!!  Missing home very much and can’t wait to see my hubby, college men, and Miss Katie!! I'll leave you with some parting pics of the Island.

Love you all,

Kim

Hello Guangzhou!!

What a breath of fresh air – literally!  I knew the air was bad in Taiyuan, but it was amazing to actually FEEL the difference as soon as we arrived at the airport.  After my shower this morning, I felt so CLEAN.  All our clothes smell like **something** in Taiyuan – and it’s not good.  The burning eyes, throats and lungs are gone – and we’re all feeling healthy again.   We even went for a quick walk at 11pm last night – it was so good to feel the fresh air – hallelujah!!

Our room is TERRIFIC!  Big, cheap, and two double beds!

This morning, we saw 10+ families at the Victory West Wing breakfast – awesome!  I could barely eat for all the homey conversation!!  I saw so many kiddos I recognized from various lists.  The breakfast was AWESOME and full of my favorites – croissants – every kind you can imagine.  To say I’m euphoric is an understatement after being closeted up in pollution and freezing weather for a week.  There’s a Starbucks next to our hotel, a 7-11, and lots of great restaurants – life is GOOD.

Today was the medical appointment.  The girls skipped along happily with no sense of what was before them….TB tests and 5 vaccinations for Jenny….poor baby.  And baby she was – crying for 20  min. before AND after – while Michael consoled her with various junkfoods – including seaweed which is making my room stink.  I’m going to lose it very quickly – sorry veg peeps.

We met the Holbrooks for a stroll around the Island and took lots of pics.  We had an awesome lunch at the White Swan Deli Shop – all for about $10.  Not to mention MORE CROISSANTS….yum! 

We headed over to the park and watched the girls run and play for about an hour – it was so nice to see them outside and having fun!  We’ll be outside a LOT here. 

We’re taking a break for a few cartoons and we’ll head back out to find a laundry shop after this.  LOVE the location – LOVE the hotel – and LOVE Shamian Island!!  We’re having a blast after being cooped up for weeks.  I’ll write more later – but enjoy the pics and Sarah’s smile for now!  Love, Kim