Shenyang Day Four -- a "free day" and more food updates

So today and Friday are called "free days" for us since we have nothing official to do regarding the adoption process -- just two extra days built into the trip in case they are needed (i.e. passport delays, paperwork mistakes, and so on).  Thus far, none of that has befallen our situation, and a free day was highly anticipated.

My in-laws and I started the day (w/ no kids) quite early on a private business tour -- via a friend -- of a large Chinese publishing company.  Got to learn how architecture/design show-books come to fruition; from idea (ex: luxury hotels of Western Europe) to gathering photos and designer stories; to layout, copy-writing, editing, marketing, printing, shipping, and finally, the end result available at the local store/trade show/expo.  No pictures to post from this tour, obviously, but we got a fascinating insight into a booming industry that has tremendous potential for developing countries.  (Any graphic designers, interior designers, or architects that would like to get their portfolio and/or ideas possibly published overseas-- this may be your big break!)

Meanwhile, Daniel somehow managed to play checkers via Skype video conferencing with a friend back in America. Says he won too.  So, maybe this Internet thing Al Gore invented may catch on after all?

We spent the afternoon in the pedestrian area, an outdoor shopping complex and business area, stocking up on necessities for our kids that we likely cannot get in the USA.  Things any teen boy/girl needs: music CD's, videos, and books in Chinese.  We stopped in for lunch at McD's -- again.  Though I am not a fan of indulging the family in fast food, it sure is nice to feed an army of 8 children (the 2 families) for around $50.  They take our order right at the tables and amazingly all the food is out faster than you can say "Hamburgler."

The McD is "unique" here in that most of the menu is very similar to what we would eat back home: nuggets, chix sandwich, burgers, fries, soda, etc.  The main difference is that the spicy menu items are REALLY spicy and the ligher items are surprisingly sweet.  Most other chains we have visited here (Subway, Pizza Hut, KFC) have more localized flavors and menu choices.

Even shopping for basic quickie snacks presents some good laughs...

Imagine diving into a can of Sour Cream & Onion Pringles, only to discover they are actually Cucumber Flavor.   Or munching on some surprisingly strong Pork-Flavored Cheetos.   Care for some Hot Fries?.. Nope, they are spicy Tomato Stix.  There seems to be no middle ground here-- very hot and spicy, or exceedingly sweet (re: Oreos).  Again, these are around 20 to 60 cents each, so of course we do have quite a stock!


After lunch, we enjoyed some time in a beautiful park down the street from our hotel, and let the kids burn some energy running and jumping and climbing rocks.  Boys will be boys all right, no matter where you grew up or who you are with.  Betty is definitely not a tomboy, she prefers to watch out for the younger kids much like a mama bear watches over her cubs as they wrestle and tangle and bite and play.  She is already such a wonderful jiejie (older sister) to her boys... especially little you-know-who (the one making the silly face in this could-have-been-nice picture).

After the park-- and a good quick scrubbin' -- we had dinner with two wonderful friends of Betty's:  the former director and deputy of the Fushun children's home where she lived for the last several years.  Up until this week, they were her family.  Such kind and loving people; if only there were more people like them, this world would be much more better.  Betty held herself together very well -- much better than I did -- and we feel so blessed to have had an opportunity to dine and fellowship with two people who cared for my daughter, educated her, fed her, clothed her, hugged her, and made her feel loved -- unconditionally loved-- for so long. I can't even imagine the tangle of emotions she must be feeling now after that final goodbye embrace.

And what a dinner tonight!  I don't remember the names for most of the food we have enjoyed the last two days, but what an array of options that I probably would never discover back home.  AJ actually learned tonight -- finally-- that although some new foods may look, uhh, peculiar... they may taste completely delicious!  We had an authentic sit-down w/out shoes South Korean BBQ.  (Who woulda guessed there is a large Korean populace in this part of China?) Two fire pits, with various meats and fish grilled right in the table.  And just when we are done... out comes another round.  Soups, salads, rice, and more.  And no emergency silverware at this restaurant-- gotta admit, my sons have gotten very proficient at using chopsticks now.  Lauren, ahhh, still needs some practice.  (Also take note, where a certain someone is situated at the table: right between his mama, and his jeijei).

We ended our final full day in Shenyang the same way we did last night... strolled around Zhongshan Square, under the monument to Chairman Mao.  Every night, the locals gather to dance, do aerobics, paint calligraphy, play badminton, hacky sack, and jump rope.  It's a casual, festive atmosphere where everyone is extremely friendly, and eager to practice their English listening skills.  Interestingly, I have found that most Chinese people feel very content with their life here in the mainland.  I can, at times, see why.  But I also got the sense that that many of the new friends I spoke to (since they were practicing their English-listening skills) know that Betty's future-- her life-- in America will definitely be much more better.  Definitely.  Let God be praised for His wonderful work in our lives!

And tomorrow night we fly to Guangzhou for our final week of this overseas adventure.  It's been wonderful, better than I could have imagined.  Continue to lift us up, as there are many hurdles still ahead.

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy... The Lord has done great things for them.  The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy."  
Psalm 126:2-3