Saturday, August
25, 2007
FLIGHT TO GUANGZHOU AND THE FABULOUS WHITE SWAN HOTEL
We left Hefei behind today and set off on yet another adventure
with
our babies during this journey of a lifetime. We said a sad
good-bye to
Cindy, our Hefei translator. She was so helpful and so sweet.
Cindy you
will ALWAYS have a special place in our hearts. Our guide Rose
has
continued with us. Now her brother Der and his wife Helen will
join our
group and the larger group too. The flight to Guangzhou was 2
hours
long and the babies did well. Ju-lie slept for most of it and
woke up
just after we landed. The bus ride to our hotel was about 45
minutes.
Our first impression of the White Swan is that it is very
elegant and
richly decorated. There are many families here with adopted
children as
the US Consulate is very close. All adoptive families must pass
through
Guangzhou before leaving the country with their daughter or son.
Naturally, many choose to stay here. Our agency described it as
the
reward for our labor pains in Hefei. I like that sentiment. When
we
arrived it was raining so we quickly took care of some business
but
have stayed inside most of the day and evening. We did try to
visit the
White Swan Room, which is a playroom for babies and toddlers.
But I
think it was just too much for our little one. When I tried to
set her
down to see the toys, she screamed in fear. Life at this time is
better
seen from our arms. When she is ready she will tell us.
Tomorrow is another day. Our guide has made plans to visit the
Temple
where the babies will get a blessing. We see this as a special
gesture
of well wishes. After that its free time and shopping time. I am
looking forward to getting Ju-lie some squeaky shoes that I’ve
heard
so
much about. In China, children wear shoes with squeakers in the
sole of
the shoe. When they walk or dance, the shoe squeaks. At Ju-lie’s
orphanage they had special music time. All the babies would put
on
these shoes and dance. Now she will have a pair (or 20 pairs!)
and can
dance at home all she wants, whenever she wants. We have already
seen
her try to do this, it is very cute.
Since Ju-lie is teething, we have decided to turn in early and
be ready
for the big shopping day tomorrow. We can’t wait to see what
treasures
are out there! This is where some empty space in those suitcases
will
come in handy.
PRAYERS: For Ju-lie’s
teething pain and apparent fear of the toy
room.
We want her to have fun and feel safe doing so. For Matthew,
Mitchell
and Dad’s good health and safety while we are away.
PRAISES: For a safe flight from Hefei to Guangzhou, for
our capable
guides and translators. Where would we be without them? For
family and
friends who are taking care of Dad, Matthew and Mitchell in our
absence. You mean the world to us! For Joe and Jennifer who
provide
this invaluable link for our family and all who are sharing this
journey with us. |
|
Most of our travel group
Rose & Cindy
Ju-lie's first plane ride
Entrance to White Swan Hotel
|
