Saturday,
December 8, 2007
Today was a crazy day. (Well, first Macy had a wonderful night-
she seems to be feeling much better and as a result is sleeping
better). After that we checked out of our hotel and started off
to the Li River Cruise. The river is so low from no rain that
the cruise was much shortened. However, since Jeff was the
5,000,000 (we mistakenly thought 500,000) visitor to Yangshuo
and the river cruise there was much fanfare. Jeff lived his 15
minutes of fame plus some. He was interviewed and photographed
with the mayor, the tourism director, and multitudes of other
people. At the end of the cruise, they gave him a sash and had
him march out. On the boat dock there was a lion dance, a
marching band, and local dancers and Jeff and the government
officials led the parade. He was then escorted in a Mercedes to
a local park with the officials (while his common-folk wife and
child carried all the bags).
After that we went to a park which showcases the cultures of
many of the ethnic groups of this region. We were treated as
VIP’s and could skip the lines. It really is very beautiful
here. Jeff was showered with gifts and ceremonial dance- more
lion dancers and folk dancing. He was interviewed by the
television stations and newspapers and we will try to get copies
to commemorate his big day (he will be signing autographs when
we get home if anyone is interested).
We were supposed to go to a local lights show in the mountains
today but instead the city is providing us with a banquet in our
honor. We are somewhat concerned about the foods because they
may not be appealing to our American palates.
Yangshuo is a city on the Li River; it has become a favorite
with backpackers and tourists. Many presidents have travelled
here and stayed at our hotel. It is really beautiful. There is
so much culture to China and we cannot wait to tell Macy about
all our adventures when she gets older. We will definitely
return to her homeland when she is older so she can experience
it all as well.
On the river cruise, Kathleen was approached by a Taiwanese
couple who asked about Macy. After Kathleen explained the
adoption, the gentleman told Kathleen how the Americans have a
good spirit and will find paradise (a Buddhist reference). We
feel as if we already have; God has blessed us with our two
wonderful children at home and our newest daughter Macy as well
as our extended family and friends. Our cup really does run
over.
We love you all,
Kathleen and Jeff
A Special Note to
Kayleigh and Brayden
Your daddy was famous today. We so wish you two could have
been here. We love you more than words can say. Take care;
our reunion is getting closer everyday and it will be a
great day. We’re lovin’ you both.
Mom and Dad |
|
The beauty of the Li River and surrounding
mountains.
Jeff, Kathleen, and Macy on the cruise.
Adorable Macy in her adorable hat.
A local couple fishing in the Li River.
The food from the fishermen-
not much to our liking. |
