Wednesday, August
29, 2007
OUR LAST FULL DAY IN GUANGZHOU
Yesterday I mentioned that one of our travel companions, Ed, has
under
the weather for a few days. We found out this morning at
breakfast that
our guide, Der, has given him “the cure”. The cure came in a
vial
with
mysterious brown liquid in it. He was instructed to drink it
with hot
liquid and then only hot liquids additionally for 24 hours. He
happily
reported that he is feeling chipper and spry as a result. As we
were
speaking, another family in our group joined the conversation.
This
family was making a return trip with their daughter. She
reported that
the mysterious fluid was actually snake bile, as it was given to
her
last time for the same ailment. Ed paused a moment looking
rather
surprised; and told us that he may have waited out the illness
had he
known what cure really was! I share this because it is proof of
the
faith and trust we have all placed in our facilitator Der, and
his wife
Helen. I just don’t know what we would do without them.
Today we decided do a little more touring around Guangzhou on
foot
along with some (more) shopping. Shopping here is not at all
like home.
It is common practice to have the shop keeper follow you around
the
store. All the while telling you the virtues of the item you are
looking at. Then when you choose the item, one should never
pay “sticker” price. Bargaining is expected. It takes some
getting
used
to but we finally have gotten it down.
We began our preliminary packing today, estimating the weight of
each
bag. Once finished we realized, we can buy more “stuff”. So we
did!
By
evening though, we clearly had more than our fill of shopping.
That was
our final trip.
Our boat cruise on the river was interesting. I can’t report
that the
food was good but the scenery was very nice. The lights along
the river
are spectacular when seen from the river. There were also
dancers
onboard who were very talented and performed beautifully. The
babies
all did very well except for the last half hour. Then it became
a
crying room on the upper floor. That is one sure way to be sure
you
have a seat as all the other tourists clear out quite quickly! I
must
say Ju-lie’s last twelve days have been very rich in experience.
She’s
had her first plane ride, first boat ride, first meal in a
restaurant,
first shopping trip, first sightseeing tour, and so much more. I
surely
hope this little one doesn’t think that this is life in the
Turiel
family all the time!!
Our paperwork was submitted to the US Consulate today, applying
for Ju-
lie’s US citizenship. We had to remain in our room while all
families
files were reviewed. As of 10:30 am we are happy to report that
all
went well and tomorrow our babies become proud US citizens.
Today we celebrated 20 years of marriage. As we each reflected
back in
time, we truly do not know where the time has gone. But we are
certain
of one thing, that God has held us in His loving care all along.
We are
richly blessed with good health, family to love us, three
children, and
certainly each other. We have a lot to be thankful for. Praise
be our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
PRAYERS: That our sons
Matthew and Mitchell and Dad are safe, healthy
and content during our absence. That their needs are being met
until we
return. For safe travel tomorrow on the 4 hour bus ride to Hong
Kong.
PRAISES: That Ed is feeling better, that we have a
wonderful guide,
Der. For family and friends who are taking care of Dad and our
sons
while we are away, and that all is going well. For the Newhall
family,
who has opened their hearts and home for five days to our son
Mitchell. We are eternally grateful! For all the loving comments
and
prayers posted in our guestbook. They keep us feeling connected
while
we are so far away. Keep them coming! |
|
Family photo
Ju-lie shows off her new dress
The Red Couch
Finally real coffee
Hotels along the Pearl River
The White Swan Hotel at night |
