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Sunday,
September 19, 2010
TOUR DAY, POOL DAY AND
ARRANGING QWINN'S MARRIAGE
Today started out with another great breakfast. Ben and I are
getting the hang of taking turns eating and entertaining a very
hungry, active and loud toddler. In the restaurant, we are
surrounded by many other families with their adopted kids,
mostly girls. Our 'happy boy' is by far the loudest in the
crowd. He squawks and opens his mouth like a little bird. He has
such unique sounds and noises to indicate his needs and
emotions. Mostly happy, but we get many screams, whines and
tantrums throughout the day. The throw back your body and scream
kind:). Its mostly when he doesn't get his way, or when we take
something from him he shouldn't have. We used to be able to
trick him, but he is pretty smart and observant. As far as we
can see, he has acquired all these toddler traits much faster
than the other children in our group. And he is a boy, so he
really does stand out.
With our group of 20 today, we went to the Chen Family Temple.
More great history. Our guide Veronica always throws in even
more history on the bus. She gave us a very detailed history of
the reasons behind abandonment, and the laws and policies. The
laws are not equal for all people, and it isn't as cut and dry
as we originally thought. For instance, if your a minority (not
from the Hun descent, which is 90% of China), if your trade
workers, if you and your husband are only children, or if your
first child has special needs you are allowed 2 children. When
China first decided they would begin their population control
laws in 1979, they vowed it would be a 30 year period. This
year, they have stated that beginning in 2011, they will begin
lifting the 1 child policy in 5 provinces, and continue with
more in the year after that. China has already seen less and
less abandonment because of many reasons, and this new law will
lead to even less. As is stands, about 95% of the children in
orphanages have a special need. It will be interesting if China
begins to see, accept and help these children and their families
in the future. As for the Chen Temple history, it was equally
interesting, but I won't go into detail:). It was outdoors, so
we were soaking wet from sweat when we were done. Luckily, we
have an air conditioned bus waiting for us at all times. Later,
we went to a government store that sells souveniers for prices
you don't barter for. We got Qwinn a few things that he may
cherish someday. And then lunch! Oh my was it good. Traditional
Cantonese food is my favorite so far. The flavors are to die
for, and Qwinn loved it too. This boy can eat!
When we got back to the hotel, our little boy was not even close
to being ready for nap. He had gotten in a few cap naps along
the way, so we decided to take him to the swimming pool for his
first dip. He loves bathtime, so we figured he would love this
too, and he did. He splashed and floated, and laughed and
screamed. He was definitely a show off for the many girls that
were not having so much fun. We have met so many neat families
from all over the world. Something that stands out to us, is the
many US military families that are adopting. About 50% of the
families in our group are in the military. They are all so very
kind hearted Christians, and share the same feelings we have
about adoption. We will definitely be keeping in touch with this
very supportive community. Besides, we have already gotten 2
propositions for an arranged marriage. hee, hee! Qwinn is going
to be quite the chick magnet it seems:)
Overall, another great day. Qwinn slept pretty good last night.
He has a ritual it seems he has to go through every night, which
consists of lots of talking to himself, playing and sucking on
his feet, clapping and slapping his cheeks and sucking his
fingers. We can't help but think this is how he entertained
himself while he was in his crib all alone. We also know why the
night caregiver would put him in her bed. He is very loud, and I
am sure he would wake the other kids. We also know why he is so
healthy, he squacks very loudly until you put food in his mouth.
Survival of the fittest I guess:).
Tomorrow, our guide will be completing our consulate visit, and
arranging Qwinn's visa. We just hang out in our room just in
case she has questions. We will be doing family photos later
this morning, where all the children dress in traditional
Chinese outfits, very cute! Later, we go shopping for squeaky
shoes! And then maybe more swimming, and meet new girlfriends:).
Just so you know, I have been late with posts, so you may not
have seen all of them. Go back through just in case:). Today
(which is actually tomorrow) Qwinn and Ben are taking a morning
nap, so you got a long post.....no distractions.....what a
blessing:). Ben had a fever last night, and is not feeling well
today. He usually has tummy issues when he travels, so we are
praying it doesn't get worse or spread to us.
Thank you again for all the prayers and fun messages for us to
read while we are far from home! We are counting down the days
to come home. We miss you all, and our precious doggies!
Love,
Shawna, Ben and Qwinn
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