As far as I can see, this is the only attitude that can get you through an international trip. 🙂
We would appreciate your prayers for our grand adventure!
As far as I can see, this is the only attitude that can get you through an international trip. 🙂
We would appreciate your prayers for our grand adventure!
I’m crazy.
I’ve often thought so, but This?
This proves it.
It’s been snowing all morning–big, fluffy, beautiful flakes–and I went out for a few minutes earlier and did archery in it.
I can now say I have done target practice in the rain and the snow. Granted, I didn’t stay out very long this morning due to cold and frost-covered arrows that make your fingers feel like they’re about to fall off; but I’ve done it.
There has to be a story where someone shoots arrows in the snow, right? Or do I have to write that one too?
Anyway, enjoy the snow, if you have it, and if not, then enjoy whatever weather you’re having!
Happy Monday!
Sorry I didn’t get around to posting yesterday. This post will cover the second and third of December–our last few days in China!
It was rather rainy for a day at the zoo, but we stayed pretty dry in this little vehicle they drove us around in. Our driver even stopped by all the cages so we could get pictures!
The elephant came out of his house just in time for us to see him.
You can buy leaves and feed the giraffes.
Mom was right up there, feeding this guy, but Lucy and I were a little unsure.
Okay, I’ll try it. . .
Lucy wasn’t convinced and gave me her leaves. Did you all know that giraffes are kind-of big? And kind-of scary when you have your hands up close to their mouth?
Well, at least now I can say I’ve fed a giraffe!
Unfortunately the pandas weren’t feeling social, and wouldn’t come out of their house. So our pictures aren’t very good.
The only other time I’ve seen a panda was at a zoo in Virginia, when I was seven. If you had told me that day that the next time I saw a panda I would be in China, on an international adoption trip, not the youngest but a big sister times two–I don’t think I would have believed you!
This was also the day of our consulate appointment (the American side of the adoption). We couldn’t bring any cameras in, but our guide told everyone in our travel group to bring their cell phone to take a picture of the sign outside, and she would hold all the phones during the appointment.
The next day (the day before we started the long trek home), the breakfast buffet was so crowded that they took us less-than-early risers up to the revolving restaurant on the top floor! Did I mention our hotel was fancy?
The view. I can’t even begin.
Did I mention that I love China?
Skyping with Becca and Spencer. Yes, they are playing the piano. Lucy loves music, and she was very excited to see she would have a piano at home! 🙂
And our visit to Shamian Island! It is such a neat place!
There were mini Terracotta Warriors everywhere!
Lots of photo shoots–mostly in wedding dresses.
I could not get over this girl’s hair:
And some photo shoots of this. I don’t know.
And I don’t remember how exactly I got this. I just remember Dad saying “Take a picture of her shoes,” and trying to. It turned out surprisingly good. They’re pretty shoes–though I would twist an ankle in them, most likely! 🙂
Not sure where this guy was headed. He didn’t appear to have an owner.
Blondies get lots of stares in China–and an occasional request for a picture together!
P.S. Did I mention that they celebrate Christmas in China?
Happy December!
The Pearl and Jade Market.
It was good and all, but big. And overwhelming.
Levels and levels. . .
. . . of this.
But there were some really pretty things, and I got great pictures, so let’s look on the bright side!
I loved this model dragon boat!
All. blue. (That was for you, Savannah!)
A lot of you probably saw this on the family blog already, but this was also the day we saw these guys on display at a restaurant we walked by.
Appetizing, huh?
China’s quite the adventure, even if you don’t try the authentic foods like this, but there’s nothing wrong with a little adventure now and then, is there?
Happy Monday! 🙂
Made it to Guangzhou!
Just look at those fountains! The hotel there was huge–and fancy! These pictures of the lobby might give you the feel:
And there was a waterfall outside, with a pond, and goldfish! That may have been very exciting for one of us, who is really too old to get excited about feeding fish. . . No, I don’t plan to grow up any time soon. 🙂
And this was also the day of Lucy’s medical appointment, but. . .
. . . since this was all I did at it, and you all probably don’t want to hear me going on and on about how boring and agonizing it was for all of us, I’ll move on to some happier subjects!
Like Lucy’s first time swimming!
This is right after I jumped in for the first time, and you might not be able to tell in the picture, but I’m actually moaning with shock because the water was so cold! Bear in mind that this was, after all, November, and the pool was not heated. But we didn’t learn our lesson, because we still swam like three times that week! #CrazyPeople
(You can read more about our swimming adventure on the family blog here.)
This last picture is after the medical appointment, waiting for the other families to get done. And this is actually how little sis and I spent most of our China-trip-time! Those cameras. 🙂
Happy Sunday!
Painting Chinese characters–with water. They’ll evaporate in a matter of hours, but he still does it.
This lady was a waitress at our hotel’s breakfast buffet and was incredibly sweet! She helped us figure out what to feed our girl, told us what Chinese kids often eat, and brought our breakfast up to our room our first morning with Lucy!
An in-country plane-ride to Guangzhou! Our sparrow had never flown before, and she was giddy with excitement! That girl is so brave!
I actually thought the food on the in-country flight was better than the American food! 🙂
Distinct. Something lost in translation, maybe?
P.S. They celebrate Christmas in China–big time.
“Little Bear,” said Mother Bear. “Yes, Mother,” said Little Bear. “You are not asleep,” said Mother Bear. “No, Mother,” said Little Bear. “I can’t sleep.” “Why not?” said Mother Bear. “I’m wishing,” said Little Bear. “What are you wishing for?” said Mother Bear. “I wish that I could sit on a cloud and fly all around,” said Little Bear. “You can’t have that wish, my Little Bear,” said Mother Bear. (51, 52)
–Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik
This story continues, with Little Bear wishing for all kinds of things, from a tunnel to China, to a Viking boat; with Mother Bear patiently answering, “you can’t have that wish, my Little Bear.” It goes on, until Little Bear’s last wish is something his Mother can finally give:
“Then I wish,” said Little Bear, “a Mother Bear would come to me and say, ‘Would you like to hear a story?'” “Well,” said Mother Bear, “maybe you can have that wish. That is just a little wish.” (57)
Oh, but you are mistaken, Mother Bear.
That is no small wish.
Just one year ago today, I stood under the same roof with three-hundred children who have no mother to tell them stories at night.
Today I’m thankful for a family, a home, and that God has given us this ability to open the doors of our home!
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took me in.”
-Matthew 25:35