Sunday, August
26, 2007
LIFE AT THE WHITE SWAN AND BEAUTIFUL GUANGZHOU
We started our day at 6:00 am when our little Empress awoke;
then went
downstairs for breakfast to the River Garden Restaurant. They
have a
sumptuous buffet every morning. It is nice to eat some American
food
for breakfast. It is also nice to be “just one of the crowd”.
What
I
mean by that is here at the White Swan, the hotel is filled with
Americans who have Chinese children. No big deal, its normal. In
Hefei,
we were literally always on display, like a celebrity must feel.
Only
on the last day did I sort of get used to it. Even today in the
city a
crowd gathered around us and just stared. As I sat at breakfast
today
I realized what a unique little period in our lives these five
days is.
As soon as we get home, we will become someone people do double
takes
at again. Though certainly not like in Hefei or the city here.
After breakfast we decided to explore the area around the hotel.
The
best way I can describe Guangzhou for locals in our area is that
it is
rather like the Stockade in Schenectady only much bigger. Or
perhaps
like Barbados, as I recall. One memory I will have for many
years is
seeing brides and grooms posing in the park near the chapel for
formal
portraits. Such beautiful dresses, all traditional Chinese
styles.
Brides are all stunning but this was a sight to behold. One
couple even
graciously allowed us to take a photo.
As we neared the Pearl River we could hear music and singing. In
a
gazebo there was a band and three woman singers. The men were
playing
instruments that I could not identify but have always heard in
Asian
music styles. It was a pleasure to see these instruments played
live
and so well. All around the performers were locals doing Tai Chi
and
various exercises. Many of them elderly folks who were very fit.
We
have learned a lot from observing Ju-lie’s culture. It would be
impossible to come home and feel we were not changed positively
for
this experience. The examples are simply too many to cite.
This afternoon we visited a museum that is housed in a 200 year
old
temple. Many of the artifacts there are carvings out of various
woods
and stone. But to me, the most remarkable were the embroidery
pieces.
The work is so fine, you would think that it is a painting. The
time
and effort required for this art is nothing short of
astonishing.
I feel honored that God has chosen me to be the parent of a
child from
China. I pray that I can live up to the high standards that her
culture
embodies. I am so thankful to have this time here to witness
first-hand
what a magnificent country this truly is. And we have only seen
a
glimpse! This will be my motivation to continue to learn more
about its
history, the language and the people. Typing this brings to mind
a
conversation that we had with a storeowner today. He asked where
our
daughter was from and we said the Anhui province. He explained
that
people from Anhui have certain physical characteristics that set
them
apart from other provinces. I sat astounded as he explained;
realizing
that in our country it would be silly to say such a thing. I
find it
mind-boggling that, still, her culture is so genetically
unsaturated
making this possible! This is only one of the many truly amazing
experiences we have had.
PRAYERS: That our little ones
will all do well during the medical exams
tomorrow, that our boys Matthew and Mitchell and Dad will
continue to
be safe and well during our absence.
PRAISES: That our babies are healthy and adjusting well
to their new
families, that we have the opportunity to learn about our
daughters
culture. For our family and friends who are so lovingly caring
for our
sons and Dad while we are away. For our church family at
Parkside
Covenant Church who are diligently praying for our safe journey.
We
feel your prayers way across the ocean, keep them coming. |
|
Sharing melon with Daddy
Shopping for Squeaky Shoes!!
Morning Exercises in the Park
Our guide Der and translator Laura
Lovely Guangzhou Skyline
|
