Thursday, August
23, 2007
REFLECTIONS ON HEFEI
(pronounced her-fay):
This is a city full of re-construction. I would love to re-visit
in 2-5
years from now and see the plan that is set in place unveiled.
Everywhere you go there are piles of bricks where a building has
been
demolished. Right behind or beside is a skeleton of a building
soon to
be. There are also still many bicycles being used as the main
form of
transportation. We were told that this practice is disappearing
and
being replaced by cars and trucks. I am very grateful to have a
glimpse
of life as it was before time and technology overcome the past.
Hefei
is also full of hard-working people. All around there are
persons on
the go with goods to deliver and jobs to complete. In the parks
there
are elderly folks playing games, playing with children or
enjoying a
mid-day nap. The view from our room provides a glimpse into
everyday
life in Hefei.. There are several apartment buildings about the
size of
a hotel we might know of at the Jersey shore. These units house
families, it is the
ir home. Every morning we watch their day begin. There is
washing,
cooking, children laughing, dogs barking and people hanging out
wash.
Our hotel rises high above their building so we enjoy the birds
eye
view. At first I was sad to see this disparity between front and
back.
As on the front side we see the beautiful park and busy street.
But now
I know there is a reason for this. In just a few days I have
gone from
feeling this is so foreign to genuine affection for our
daughters
province and the way of life here. Yes, it is just a glimpse;
but it is
wonderful. A treasure to store in my heart and mind forever. The
foundation of many stories to share with our precious Anhui
Princess.
What we know about
our daughter so far:
It is apparent that her nannies gave her much love and care. We
know
this as she gives so much to us already. She loves to hug, kiss
and
even feed us her food. She can walk fairly steadily with a bit
of a
staggering gait. She has an excellent pincer grasp, banana puffs
are
her favorite. She pops them right in her mouth, one after the
other. We
also know it only takes two days to create a habit in her world.
The
last two day of touring has had her falling asleep on one of us
in the
bus. As a result, she now wants to nap on us and go to bed
laying on
one of us. Today we are gently trying to change this. Not that
we
don’t
live to snuggle her, but…we need our sleep also. Sorry, Ju-lie.
We
know
her understanding of Chinese is extensive as when others speak
she is
very attentive. She tries to say Mama, I am SO flattered! She
also
loves to play this game where she throws things on the floor and
we
pick it up. Then we say “Uh-Oh!” Now she purses her little lips
in
the
cutest pucker
trying to say, “Uh-Oh!” It makes us all mushy every time she
does
it.
Our visit to the zoo today was very interesting. We saw tigers,
brown
bears, peacocks, lots of monkeys and even a sleeping panda bear.
There
was a sea lion show but the heat was so oppressive we decided to
pass
and head back to the bus. The babies enjoyed their visit and the
other
visitors at the zoo loved to see us. Once again, we all felt
like we
were one of the exhibits. One man even videotaped us! So much
for the
panda…
Tonight at 5:30 we are having a BYOT party in the lounge. Bring
your
own toy that is. The babies are all very close in age so it
should be
lots of fun. Tomorrow is Friday and the babies get their
passports.
Then on Saturday we can all make the flight to Guangzhou to meet
up
with the Guangdong families. YEAH!!
PRAYERS: that our travel
companion Debbie will heal from her twisted
ankle and bruised leg at the zoo today. Also, that all the
babies
continue in their bonding process with their new Mommies and
Daddies.
That our sons, Matthew and Mitchell will be safe while we are
away.
PRAISES: Ju-lie has recovered from her “diaper issue”,
thank you
for
your prayers. We all survived the heat at the zoo today. Ju-lie’s
cough
and stuffy nose is slowly improving. There are two Dads in our
group
who are first time parents. Today the babies grew to trust them
and
finally they were able to hold their babies. What a joy, praise
the
Lord!! |
|
Scenic Hefei
In Hefei Wildlife Park
Feed Me Please
Being Silly
Bridge Over Lake
I Love My Mama |
