Strolling around Shamian Island with red threads

OK, some updates to earlier posts and other assorted tidbits---

** Yes, she did get in trouble for that, I am certainly not hot (see prior photo evidence) but the wife sure is... check her out here:

** I seriously don't know what most of that food from 6/2 and 6/3 was, just that it was indeed tasty.  I think the big round things are called green tea cakes;  there were lots of mushrooms -- big, fleshy, meaty mushrooms, and some thin crispy fried mushrooms; a beef stew soup; fried oysters; there was some cabbage and some bean curd (not yummy); some tofu and some sprouts; some sort of root w/ a jelly sauce; some pumpkin thing in there; there was some rice of course, and yes, we were drinking mango juice.

** They are pronounced "Shay-yahn" and "Guahn-joh" and "Guy-ess-kee"

** Some in our tour group have wondered how this blog has gotten along almost two weeks without one mention of the ever-present "squatty potties."  Well, this is a family blog, and some things are better left to the imagination.  I will say they are real, and they are very common, in almost every public place.  But no need to explain in detail what an a Squatty Potty is now, is there?  

** Yes, Skype is free to download safely, easy to use anywhere, and all you need is a computer w/ camera, mic & speakers, or purchase an accessory camera with microphone built-in to do video calls.  (I think we bought ours at CompUSA).  International phone calls, with video, for free.  

Monday, June 7:  Today, we visited Shamian Island in Guangzhou, and our first stop: we verified the excellent results of yesterday's medical clinic tests!   This tourist area on the Pearl River is normally very busy, but it is all under extreme reconstruction now in preparation for the 2010 Asian Games later this year-- so we had most of the downtown area to ourselves for a nice, carefree stroll (with a "friend" you see).  I think the lack of customers also made for some good bargains/negotiating with the local merchants.  Of course, we all visited the famous White Swan Hotel, and somehow managed to get all the adopted children in our group to pose for a special picture on "the red couch."   

The hotel is immaculate, and certainly lives up to it's well-known reputation... it is right next to the American consulate office, and I can imagine a time when these rooms were filled with families from all over the world, finalizing their China adoptions and creating wonderful families for so many orphans in this country.  Sadly, the number of orphans in China has not decreased, but the number of international adoptions has dipped dramatically.  Much research, debate, speculation, and investigation has been done in the last few years as to why this program is shrinking so noticeably-- all I want to comment is that there are so many children, in every single country, that just want someone to love them.   When I saw all these kids together today on the couch, just themselves with none of the parents or siblings... it's hard not to be moved.  Such beautiful baby girls and boys.  And the older children who certainly over the years watched as their friends left the orphanages for good, and they may have wondered how many times "when is it my turn?  Is someone ever coming for me?"   Our sweet Betty is so kind, affectionate, smart, and generous... I am sure her classmates miss her terribly.  

I wish I had more eloquent words to describe what it is like to be here, with these families, and these children, and hearing their stories...  And knowing that while we cannot understand, or even have to like, all that happens in this world, and why certain things happen, and situations arise... it is just overwhelming to know that God-- in His indescribable wisdom-- has mapped out specific plans for each of these children, and those plans are converging right before my eyes on a daily basis here in China.   There is an ancient Chinese proverb (popular among adoptive families) that proclaims there is an invisible red thread of destiny that connects one person to another, regardless of time, place, or circumstances; this cord may tangle or stretch, but will never break.  I will admit that years ago I was not completely convinced about the meaning of this legend.

However...

As our journey has unfolded in this long process to bring Cui Yue home, I have come to believe in this invisible red thread.  It is like we have known each other from the beginning, and it has just taken a long time to meld our physical presence with that feeling out there for each other all along.  

And I can see it with our friends from Iowa; with the family from Texas; in the families from Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, and all over the world that are here in China now, just like us, connecting the thread.  To Him be the glory.

"Be glad for all God is planning for you.  Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.  When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out."  Romans 12:12-13

My Man

I wanted to post at least one time while we are on our wonderful journey.  For those of you that know me well, you know why Greg is doing all the posting.  I just have one thing to say... Greg is probably going to get mad at me but...










Isn't my man HOT in China?!!!!

-- Lauren

Touring Guangzhou and posing with Po

Let me first catch up on yesterday, our first full day in Guangzhou... we did mostly nothing.  Seriously.

We all hit the hotel's mega-breakfast buffet (tried some congee), then Betty and Lauren headed out for the mandatory medical evals... she was such a trooper, and everything went smoothly. Meanwhile, Dan and Adam walked in the nearby park w/ Big Bob while I hung out at the Starbucks capitalizing on free WiFi, and AJ chilled on his iPod.  But then I realized I spent just as much on coffee and lattes as I would for 24 hrs of hotel LAN, so may as well just buy in now.  (Besides, it's much more better to use the computer in my own room with a cold 20oz Tsingtao!)

Wanted to try something "different" for dinner last night, so we taxi'd to the pedestrian zone (i.e. super-crowded outdoor shopping plaza) and paid a visit to, of all places, a Pizza Hut.  I forgot the camera, so I don't have visual proof (yet) but it turns out that the PH in China is very fine dining... I guess that is where to take your date when you want to impress, 'cuz most of the tables were "two-tops" and we had to wait to be seated for about 30 minutes.  Sure they had familiar pizza, but they also served pseudo-Italian cuisine (think Carrabbas w/ an Asian seafood flare) with romantic lighting, fancy porcelain plates, linen napkins, and even a visit from the restaurant manager to make sure our meal experience was good... it sure was, especially since Adam was still able to order his special "just sauce & no-cheese" pizza!

June 2010 AWAA China group 

Today was another tourism day -- we walked around scenic Yuntai Gardens at the base of Baiyun Mountian, then toured the Chen Family Museum in Guangdong, then had the rest of the afternoon free.  So while the boys got out some energy at the hotel pool, Betty and I figured out how to forward some pictures to her friends via e-mail here in China...and we shared some laughing at the various fragment-sentences we struggled to put together using our electronic E900 Global Translator! (plus, I think she has figured out that I melt when she calls me "dad").

*** As we were looking through today's pictures, we reviewed several nice mother-daughter photos, but I think one shot in particular sums up what it is like to have little brothers:  notice the sign says "No Picking."

Yuntai Park is a large beautiful walking park that combines both eastern and western style characteristics with many different flowers and trees.  It is apparently a hot-spot for bride/groom photo shoots, and even has a little sprayground area... it was VERY hot and humid today, and our big group of Americans was definitely feeling it (of course those of us living in FLA felt right at home).  One highlight for the kids was the section with many of their favorite Disney and Mario game characters... even Betty got excited when she recognized Duo La A Meng (aka Doraemon the cat!)

Betty and Doraemon

Adam and Koopa

A.J. and Luigi

                                                                                                                                                                           

Daniel and Mario

Po and the karate kids

Next, it was on to the Chen Family Ancestry/ Folk Art Museum in Guangdong. Built in the late 1890's as a wealthy family's memorial temple, today it houses many ancient carvings with exquisite details; antique furniture, fine stitching fabrics, ivory and jade carvings, and things like olive pits and small tree nuts carved into intricate designs.  Can't say the kids completely enjoyed it, but it was an interesting glimpse into Chinese history, and truly gave us an appreciation for the simplicity and sturdiness of their intricate workmanship, most of which still carries on today.

It's funny how there is still so much work to do prior to our interview and oath before the consulate this week; we've already been in China nine days and still have much paperwork to straighten out -- honestly, Lauren is the detail-oriented and organized one here (all the moms are) and has handled that mental burden flawlessly... I have often felt like I am on a sweet family vacation with one unique twist!  But this week we start winding it all down and get into the home stretch... China is wonderful, I highly recommend an extended visit, but we can't wait to see our family, friends, co-workers, and prayer warriors in the USA again later this month.  The more we talk with other adoptive families and the consider the series of events over the past several years, leading to this week, the more we realize that our family was chosen for this blessing, and that God has prepared us for these things in His way.

Thank you again for all your prayers, kind thoughts, Skypes, home-checks, and well-wishes.  We'll be back soon.

"And who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this."  Esther 4:14b

Goodbye Shenyang, thanks for the memories...

Yesterday (June 4th) was our final day in Shenyang, and it was a day of mixed emotions upon leaving the city:  the hotel treated us wonderfully, the people (especially George, our allergy-aware friend & personal chef) and events were enjoyable, the food was great, but as the week ends, it was time to move on.  It was one of those days where we had to check out of the hotel by 2pm, and catch a plane at 6pm, so we really couldn't DO anything outside of just wait for the evening to arrive.  We killed some time in the morning and strolled the local shops (again).  Betty stocked up on her favorite music (Farenheit, of course; she's partial to the "autumn personality" boy Wu Chun -- and I'll admit he is pretty handsome) and some new reading material: Chinese cookbooks of the Liaoning cuisine, and a few Chinese to English phrase books, and a dictionary.  She is working so hard on using more English to communicate, and she does really well.  And we have been trying to use more Chinese to communicate w/ the locals-- I may even string together a full sentence by next week!

After lunch and a celebrity goodbye from the staff at our favorite McD, we hurriedly packed up our final things for the bus to the airport.  We had two adjoining rooms, and upon doing the final visual sweep and under-bed check, Lauren noticed a pile of Betty's things on the desk: old clothes, a sweatshirt & pants, her backpack, some small empty boxes.  She went to grab them, and Betty -- my quiet, reserved, sweet girl -- shouted "No Mama!" and brushed her hand away from them.  We tried to explain that we are not coming back to the hotel room anymore; we are leaving for good, so she should take her things... I tried to gather them up for her, and she pushed them back down on the desk, pointed to the full garbage can under the desk, and said "No Papa, stay!" and walked out of the room with her brothers.  Maybe she did not like those clothes; they had probably been worn hundreds of times by many children over the years.  Or, maybe she was just... moving on.  I don’t know for sure.

Eventually our buses came, and our two families and flock of children headed to the airport.  Beautiful countryside along the way, reminds me of northern California with flat farm land and mountains in the distance.  I tried to explain to Betty that Florida is pretty flat, but I am sure she will figure that out fairly easily once we arrive.  Betty was about to take her first-ever airplane flight; the rest of us were embarking on our fifth flight of just this week!  And we still have two more before getting home for good (very very late on the 11th, I think).

She had no problem at all with her first airplane adventure; I think having three didi (younger brothers) -- plus the other family's children - probably gave her confidence that this was all no big deal.  Besides, we had PLENTY of snacks. LOTS of snacks... and we devoured them all on this short flight.  My daughter, somewhat surprisingly, just LOVES to snack.  The previously-mentioned meat Pringles (which the guys love, and the wives do not) disappeared in line at the gate.  The shortcakes, cream bread, milky chews, and even those tomato ketchup stix all were devoured quickly.   I had decided (and I am apparently the only one to do so) that I was going to eat whatever unique delicacies my daughter ate.  I don't think she has noticed, but whatever she orders for lunch, I will get the same.  I observe her dinner choices, and will at least sample the same.  Whatever snacks she eats, I would give it a try.  So far, so good.  Hooray for big brave me.

The standard pre-flight snacks most of are accustomed to are __XXXXXX__?

... yes, that is correct, peanuts.  The pre-flight snack on China Southern Airlines is some kind of dry fish.  A little pack of scaly, crispy, fish body.  My sons quickly determined they were not hungry for in-flight snacks.  Betty and the other Asian children dove into their packs like they were holiday candy.  I was going to eat whatever my daughter ate, so I opened my pack, convinced myself that smell was perfectly normal, and ate a piece.  Actually, I ate two.  Not bad.  Certainly not good, but not bad.  I had held strong in my determination.  I did not, however, get a chance to sample the other snack food we picked up at the airport convenience store... she and Gabe devoured them all before I could ask for a bite, unfortunately. I am going to assume they tasted "just like chicken."  I won't explain what they were, but I imagine we'll have a challenge finding them in northern Florida. 

Enough about the food.  The in-flight movie started.  I think it was an Asian drama/comedy made about 20 years ago, but it was a movie, it was the only thing to do (since we couldn't read the magazines) so we put on our headsets and watched -- it had the subtitles in Chinese and in English, so we could read and follow along.  

The first five minutes of this movie had enough cuss words -- spelled out in all their English glory – to make Richard Pryor blush.  Of course, the rest of the passengers are all silently enjoying the movie, ignoring two rows of American children reading the subtitles then screaming "Ohhhh!" and "WHOOOAAAA!" -- we were actually cracking up, just praying there wasn't a nude scene coming up.  (Thankfully, they all fell asleep about 20 minutes into it.)

We arrived in Guangzhou LATE last night (hence the delay on updates from yesterday) and checked into a 5 star luxury hotel designed for business travelers-- so we have had to make some room "modifications" to accommodate 4 children, ha!   Not a bad place to spend the final week of our trip-- Guangzhou is where everything official is confirmed; we do the final medical check-ups, and lots more paperwork.  And, I would guess, probably plenty of time for more sightseeing and shopping too...

We are loving our time in China, loving our time with Betty, loving the other families we are grouped with, and loving your encouraging emails and Comments on the blog – please keep them coming.  Note: the Internet service is much more expensive in this hotel, so we will probably not be on Skype much this week; sorry… (I am at the Starbucks now, enjoying a sesame green tea latte and some free Wi-Fi).


"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel."  Proverbs 27:9

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

Shenyang Day Three -- Imperial Palace & Incredible Dinner

First of all, happy birthday to my little brother John, was great to visit with you just a few weeks ago.

June 2 we are still in Shenyang, and easily the nicest hotel I ever stayed in. Our hotel in Beijing was great, but this one in Shenyang is obviously a businessperson's hotel, and is, as some of our Chinese guides would say-- much more better.  That has become my new favorite phrase here; "this thing is very very good, but this one is much more better."

We spent the early morning touring the Imperial Palace (aka Mukden Palace) in Shenyang.  It is not as well-known as the Forbidden City, and thankfully not as crowded.  Heard and saw all about the history of the first royal palace of the Qing Dynasty, before relocating to the capital city of Beijing.  Our tour guides were very patient with our rather large group of inquisitive, fun-loving, energetic children.  Never a dull moment when we are all together, that's for sure.


I have to mention again how increasingly apparent it is that God's hand is with us in every moment of this trip and this whole experience.  We hear about the power of prayer all this time; we talk about the power of a praying father/mother/spouse/etc; we say we believe in the power of prayer; we long to feel the power of prayer... And yet, it is almost indescribable when you can actually see, feel, and just be consumed in the awesome power of God's presence in our lives.  Please continue to pray for us all daily, and know we are benefiting from your intercession to Him on our behalf.

We were hesitant, even unsure about bringing the boys on this long overseas trip; anyone who knows us - or has children, or has just kept up with this blog-- can probably debate that one themselves.  A once-in-a-lifetime experience; new adventure; culture; family; time apart; time together; fear; unknowns; expenses; time changes;  group size; other families; and so on... so much to consider, and I spent many mornings agonizing about what to do, as the travel booking date drew closer.  Lord, please, guide me, show me, help me to know Your will; lead me to make the right decision, not my will but Yours be done.  I decided the boys were coming with us.

He has answered, and has been proving to me daily that ALL OF THIS was indeed His plan all along.  I find so many daily affirmations of His intent and our response:

you were worried the boys would be bored, or the only young kids there -- I will put you in a large group of adoptive families who also brought along their many young children.


you were worried about separating from that large group to your specific province -- I will see to it a wonderful large family with relatable children will be with you on this part of your adventure.  your kids will adore each other, and laugh and play and swim, and do all the things that boys and girls do.  they will become good friends.


you were worried about foods -- I will make sure there are some familiar franchises in your specific area.


you were worried about too many familiar franchises in your area -- I will provide hosts who will treat you to the most delicious new foods and meals that you cannot pronounce but your children will actually eat and mostly enjoy.


your were worried about so many insignificant things, what to eat, to drink, to wear, but what good is worry, which cannot add a single hour to your life?  Isn't life more important than these?  

It's been a good week.

It's been a good trip so far, right from the start.  And keeps getting better.

Betty and Adam are inseparable.  She just fits in with us so well and is so very sweet, so exactly like the daughter we wanted.  And she has been so patient in answering the constant barrage of "what is your favorite food?  your favorite band? do you like rock music?  who is Fahrenheit?   do you play sports?  do you like the Yankees?  can I get on your back (again)?  what does that sign say?"   She is such a good sport, and I hope she knows that someday she'll be just a sister, and not a contestant on "20 Questions from 3 Little Boys."

We took the afternoon off for some more pool time, and some nap time, some laundry, and catching up on emails, et al.  Dinner tonight was a real Chinese restaurant family-style dinner; not the westernized version, this was the real thing -- and much more better.  Lots of interesting foods with more interesting names.


The restaurant was so tickled to have a foreign family dining there that the manager asked to come and visit with us, and even had a photo-op with Big Bob.  I am guessing that as we naively walked right through the middle of a wedding reception party while the bride & groom were on the stage, that must have tipped them off to our presence.   They, of course, thought it was hilarious.

This is what we ate

And this is how we ate it.

Yep, chopsticks and everything... three of our kids had quite the good time.  So now, here is your mission, if you choose to accept it.  I have 5RMB (roughly 75 cents) prize for anyone who can tell me -- correctly, and specifically, based on these pictures -- anything we ate for dinner tonight.

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

Just sitting around (i.e. waiting) - June 1

That pretty much sums up our day...at least for me, Lauren, and Betty.  (The boys spent "International Children's Day" at McD's, the pedestrian shopping area, and a nice local park).  

We spent the morning at the Civil Affairs office where the adoption approval certificate was notarized (insert applause here) and thumb-stamped; then the rest of the day we spent at the China passport office in Fushun. A long, interesting drive to and fro, and then LOTS more waiting around... often asking questions.

Questions like: "What are they saying?  Does he look agitated or happy?  Why are they all shouting and pointing?  Are they looking at us again?  What are they laughing about?  Does he look stressed now?  Is her body language concern or relief?"  Hopefully that paints the picture.  Betty got her picture taken, and goes back early tomorrow morning for final approval (we hope).

Though we did spend many long hours just sitting and waiting on other people, my impression of the entire operation is that the Chinese government offices are a model of efficiency, patience, and good behavior.  It was pretty impressive to observe.  And, they did accept Betty's passport application.  One more step closer to coming home soon.

Getting back on the tangent about driving in China:  It seemed like driving in Beijing was -- for the most part-- much like driving in any other major metropolitan area I've visited.  Hectic, crowded, but workable.

Well, so far Shenyang and Fushun are a different story.  Here, the roads have no dedicated "lanes," just open asphalt where you squeeze in as many cars, buses, motorcycles, bikes, pedestrians, trucks, and miscellaneous animals across the roadway as possible.  Where travel lane markings do exist, they seem to be more of a suggestion, rather than a rule of law.  Buses run red lights without a touch of the brakes... bicyclists arrogantly zip in front of cars and trucks as if THEY would be the one to survive that meeting??!  Too much traffic in the roadways?  Then just drive up on the sidewalk and dodge pedestrians, trees, and parked cars.  The sidewalks are just as chopped up, bumpy, worn out and crowded as the main streets anyway.  Yet through it all, our driver is totally relaxed-- obviously he's been doing this all his life, and it just is what it is.  In the midst all this madness, we still managed to feel safe and secure; strangely relaxed, and even shrug-your-shoulders confident that we would make it.   (By the way, on the long bus rides, I found out Betty really likes tennis, running, hacky-sack, and snow-skiing!!  Yes, it sounds great, but in FL I don't think we'll do much of that last one... hope she likes the beach!)

Really nothing (else) exciting to tell today -- from 830am to 5pm it was just sitting around watching other people work, and work for us they did.  Thank you thank you thank you to our guides who did all the heavy negotiating and obvious pre-planning for today.

Got in some pool time in the evening, a traditional Chinese gourmet meal (well OK, OK, we really just ate at Subway, I know, that's so non-adventurous!!), more swimming pool and right to bed, out cold.

Thank you all for your emails, Skypes, prayers, notes of encouragement, and finally, your blog comments.  We read and definitely appreciate all your kind words and ceaseless support... There is still a lot of official business to do and much official paperwork to be processed, expedited, and completed-- then our visit to Guangzhou to make everything official and bring her home.

" Therefore, my dear brother, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that you labor in the Lord is not in vain."  1 Corinthians 15:58