Well - so much for a post a week - maybe a post a month is more realistic -
Amy is doing great. We had a few battles revolving around going to bed, eating and wearing appropriate shoes - sounds like normal preschooler stuff, huh? So, Mark, like a saint, calmy took her on (and it took hours for some) but she got the messages: We do go to bed after stories are read, we do sit at the table when we eat dinner and you cannot wear flip flops to go feed the chickens! All the essentials were covered.
In the past month, Amy has swam in swimming pools - thanks to the Reisbigs, lakes (thanks to Camp Spalding and Sonnelands) and jet skiied/tubed at Priest Lake (thanks to Zieglers)! She has jumped on water trampolines, ridden on four wheelers, played ping pong, picked apricots, apples, and cherries. She has gone on the carrousel, played dress up, gone to a movie theatre, done lots of puzzles, coloring, and story reading. She has made cookies, play dough, fingerpainted, and stamped cards. Whew! I am exhausted recalling everything!
Anyway, her life has been very fun-filled and the language is coming more and more each day. She loves to tease and is not at all shy with our friends and family. She clearly prefers her siblings to Mark and I, but we have managed to weasel into her life with much intentionality. She does look to me for food and bathroom and toher "needs" and knows that we have a different role in the family than the kids. We have been very grateful to the Lim family at our church who speak Mandarin and have translated for us on two occasions which really helped us explain the difference between nutritious foods and ice cream. Amy is NOT at all interested in communicating with anyone who speaks Mandarin, it was surprising to us -but has been consistent. She did not want to speak even with the 16 year old girl we met in China at her orphanage - that had volunteered in Amy's class. We called her to give Amy an opportunity to talk with a familiar voice and say anything she would like to share or whatever, and she would have nothing to do with it! She did tell our friends here that she likes it here in America and she is happy.
I am waist high in ordering school materials and very excited to start school! Amy will do great I am certain as she is eager already to read wanting to point to every word on a page and repeating us when we say them.
We will post more soon - I hope.
Love,
The Everetts
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Our Table is Finally Full
About ten years ago we bought a new dining room table - a nice table, but so big even without the leaves that I was sad how empty it felt when just our family of 5 was dining! In fact, we couldn't even close the circle holding hands for grace before our meals as the two kids at the end could not reach across. I have complained periodically that our family was incomplete and so loved it when cousins and grandparents joined us so our table was full! Well, Saturday morning finally fulfilled this silly desire of mine to fill our table and close the circle of hands as we pray together!! After 22 hours of flight and layovers, and only 3 hours of sleep in some 30+ hours, Amy joined our family of now 6 Everetts and enjoyed pancakes and sausages with chopsticks!
It was a delightful first day home and Amy is a bundle of curiosity and awe and smiles! Lucy (jhe jhe), Matthew (gu gu) and Jack (dei dei) have shown a capacity for giving love that I wouldn't have guessed kids were capable of and we are all enjoying this adventue tremendously. She loves our dogs, especially Maggie, which she calls "Maunkey" - this cracks us all up and I'm sure will do the same for those of you who know our Maggie.
Amy is selectively enjoying American cuisine, and has slowed down her eating to 1/4 of what she consumed in China -she especially likes KFC.
We spent Mark's bday at Camp Spalding today and Amy loved the water, trampoline, water slide
(if we caught her at the bottom) and wanted to try the blob! (We did not let her - thank goodness it was against Camp rules).
She has now decided her new siblings are far more interesting than either of her parents but she has warmed up to me some especially from 12:00am - to 4:00am each morning for storytime!!! Yes, we are all quite jet lagged and Dr. Suess in the wee hours will hopefully switch to a reasonable hour!
Thank you again for all of your comments, prayers, encouragements and interest! We are so blessed to call you our friends! (and family).
Sadly, although we wil try to combat the cultural norm, the pace of life has already changed and the luxury of time that we had in China to linger and reflect on our time with Amy and then blog about it has become scarce. However, for any of you that did request and are interested, we will try to post blogs periodically on Amy's transition to America, and life with the Everett family.
With much love and gratitude for you and God's faithfulness,
teri
It was a delightful first day home and Amy is a bundle of curiosity and awe and smiles! Lucy (jhe jhe), Matthew (gu gu) and Jack (dei dei) have shown a capacity for giving love that I wouldn't have guessed kids were capable of and we are all enjoying this adventue tremendously. She loves our dogs, especially Maggie, which she calls "Maunkey" - this cracks us all up and I'm sure will do the same for those of you who know our Maggie.
Amy is selectively enjoying American cuisine, and has slowed down her eating to 1/4 of what she consumed in China -she especially likes KFC.
We spent Mark's bday at Camp Spalding today and Amy loved the water, trampoline, water slide
(if we caught her at the bottom) and wanted to try the blob! (We did not let her - thank goodness it was against Camp rules).
She has now decided her new siblings are far more interesting than either of her parents but she has warmed up to me some especially from 12:00am - to 4:00am each morning for storytime!!! Yes, we are all quite jet lagged and Dr. Suess in the wee hours will hopefully switch to a reasonable hour!
Thank you again for all of your comments, prayers, encouragements and interest! We are so blessed to call you our friends! (and family).
Sadly, although we wil try to combat the cultural norm, the pace of life has already changed and the luxury of time that we had in China to linger and reflect on our time with Amy and then blog about it has become scarce. However, for any of you that did request and are interested, we will try to post blogs periodically on Amy's transition to America, and life with the Everett family.
With much love and gratitude for you and God's faithfulness,
teri
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Great Day Yesterday
We had a great day yesterday starting out at the pool at 7 AM. I went to the gym at 6:15 and came back around 7 so Teri could go swim laps. Amy was awake and knew it was pool time. We haven't figured out how to say "Sorry Amy, this is not your swim time but mommy's exercise time. We will all go to the pool in the afternoon" in Chinese. So Amy and Teri went to the pool at 7 AM it was already 80 degrees so it felt like a good time to jump in.
Teri and Amy had two good pool/fun/bonding times together yesterday and we had no other issues. I have decided that pool time is one of the best places to bond. It is fun, but there is the aspect of their need for you to support and protect as without you they would sink or fall through the inner tube. As trust is gained they start jumping to you etc.
Daddy continues to be the pack mule in Amy's eyes. She now says "up please" as the signal. I do love carrying her. The Chinese don't like it though as a 6 yr old should be walking on their own.
We saw our Maryland friends for the last time last night. We got some pictures with the girls in some traditional style garb - much to Amy's shagrin. She looks darn cute in it but we may never get it back on her. (End of Mark's entry)
(Teri writing now)
Had great conversations with our kids today - and told them that would be our last until we get HOME! - We leave tomorrow at 5:00 am and we would covet your prayers for that journey! Remember she hates the seat belt. We don't have seats together on our first leg and since she likes Mark so much I think its only right that he should sit with her and wrestle with the seat belt since she'll feel much happier with him - don't you think so? tee hee - just kidding - we will try to switch wth someone.
For our last day, we went to the zoo, finished buying souvenirs and then a suitcase to bring them all home in! AND our last official hoop - the swearing in at the US Consulate along with 42 other families - and it is official, the minute she walks on US soil, she is an American citizen! Amy Qi Everett. She calls herself Amy consistently now - but here's a warning: if yu ask her what is your name she'll reply, "what is your name?" We haven't figured out how to have her NOT repeat our questions.
Another interesting battle at the zoo. Our guide said, "Let me handle this." I was a little nervous, he kept saying, "Trust me." I was shocked when he said just walk away from her, and wanted all of us to continue doing so past my comfort zone - he said don;t worry - and sure enough she finally came to her senses. Thank goodness for David - he never knew his child psychology class would come in so handy as a tour guide!
Anyhoo - see many of you back in the US of A - home sweet home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks SOO much for all your thoughtful comments - we have the best family and friends I'm sure!
Teri and Amy had two good pool/fun/bonding times together yesterday and we had no other issues. I have decided that pool time is one of the best places to bond. It is fun, but there is the aspect of their need for you to support and protect as without you they would sink or fall through the inner tube. As trust is gained they start jumping to you etc.
Daddy continues to be the pack mule in Amy's eyes. She now says "up please" as the signal. I do love carrying her. The Chinese don't like it though as a 6 yr old should be walking on their own.
We saw our Maryland friends for the last time last night. We got some pictures with the girls in some traditional style garb - much to Amy's shagrin. She looks darn cute in it but we may never get it back on her. (End of Mark's entry)
(Teri writing now)
Had great conversations with our kids today - and told them that would be our last until we get HOME! - We leave tomorrow at 5:00 am and we would covet your prayers for that journey! Remember she hates the seat belt. We don't have seats together on our first leg and since she likes Mark so much I think its only right that he should sit with her and wrestle with the seat belt since she'll feel much happier with him - don't you think so? tee hee - just kidding - we will try to switch wth someone.
For our last day, we went to the zoo, finished buying souvenirs and then a suitcase to bring them all home in! AND our last official hoop - the swearing in at the US Consulate along with 42 other families - and it is official, the minute she walks on US soil, she is an American citizen! Amy Qi Everett. She calls herself Amy consistently now - but here's a warning: if yu ask her what is your name she'll reply, "what is your name?" We haven't figured out how to have her NOT repeat our questions.
Another interesting battle at the zoo. Our guide said, "Let me handle this." I was a little nervous, he kept saying, "Trust me." I was shocked when he said just walk away from her, and wanted all of us to continue doing so past my comfort zone - he said don;t worry - and sure enough she finally came to her senses. Thank goodness for David - he never knew his child psychology class would come in so handy as a tour guide!
Anyhoo - see many of you back in the US of A - home sweet home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks SOO much for all your thoughtful comments - we have the best family and friends I'm sure!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Typical 6 and Miscellaneous
Mark Writing, Tuesday Noon, Monday evening Spokane:
Amy is becoming more comfortable with us which means a greater ability to express affection, pleasure and displeasure. This was the case yesterday when the time came for either her to win or me to win. It was a "yes I love you, and no you can't have your own way" moment or should I say hour and a half!. She knew what she had to do and did not want to do it. Both of us expressed our will and daddy won. When it was all over, it was over and today is a new day and things are fine. I do think it was an important event. I am glad it happened here without the distraction of home and other kids. For me it was an expected and important event. I do feel that Amy was the princess of the orphanage from what we saw and heard at the orphanage.
We've had some interesting times with our wonderful and wise guide David. Discussions have included the cultural revolution in China, the great famines during the Mao era, minimum wage, health care, Mao's wife who was a real tyrant and lots of other stuff. We have been the only group here and we have had him all to ourselves.
Teri writing now - Mark is tired
Amy is enjoying the pool, a puzzle of China, bacon, french toast, orange juice and has a Matthew like aversion to most things fruit-like. Except for the Litche fruit which apparent is slightly toxic. She loves her "adoption "Barbie doll which is gift to all adoptive families from the White Swan Hotel- a very classic blonde Barbie with a Chinese baby in her arms - Mark says I am not quite living up to the standard. She will fit in with those of you who like to window shop and has a broad appetite for most any goods. Mark's favorite clothing store is the "Mexican" shop. It sells casual sportswear typical of polo or the like. The names for stores are to funny to the westerner.
We went on a dinner cruise on the Pearl river and sat in the VIP Dining Room. we were entertained by a tenor sax and violin player. The Pearl is beautiful at night with the shore line and trees a lit up with colorful lights and there is a light show with music accompaniment. We had a bottle of wine and it was a great end to a very hard day, frankly. Amy had three tough temper tantrums and decided yesterday morning, after her first one that was precipitated by a language breakdown with me, that Mark is her favorite. Our guide even tried to intervene and help understand what she wanted but at that point she was beyond rationalizing with or even consoling - Our guide said she just was mad. Fortunately, Mark handled the long second one to try and let her know I wasn't the bad guy - I was grateful - but it didn't change much. She is fine with me know but has pegged me as the caretaker, teacher, reader and dad is the fun playmate and "carry me whenever I want" guy. (Not too different from the perception of young biological children - yes?) Its and injustice I tell you, but I am sure when we get home things will settle in just fine. Anyway - While we still miss our kids terribly, it is definitely good for us to be able to work through some of this with her on our own .
Today we walked to the local open market - whewy - that was an experience!!!!! The pictures will tell all.
we miss you all
Teri
Amy is becoming more comfortable with us which means a greater ability to express affection, pleasure and displeasure. This was the case yesterday when the time came for either her to win or me to win. It was a "yes I love you, and no you can't have your own way" moment or should I say hour and a half!. She knew what she had to do and did not want to do it. Both of us expressed our will and daddy won. When it was all over, it was over and today is a new day and things are fine. I do think it was an important event. I am glad it happened here without the distraction of home and other kids. For me it was an expected and important event. I do feel that Amy was the princess of the orphanage from what we saw and heard at the orphanage.
We've had some interesting times with our wonderful and wise guide David. Discussions have included the cultural revolution in China, the great famines during the Mao era, minimum wage, health care, Mao's wife who was a real tyrant and lots of other stuff. We have been the only group here and we have had him all to ourselves.
Teri writing now - Mark is tired
Amy is enjoying the pool, a puzzle of China, bacon, french toast, orange juice and has a Matthew like aversion to most things fruit-like. Except for the Litche fruit which apparent is slightly toxic. She loves her "adoption "Barbie doll which is gift to all adoptive families from the White Swan Hotel- a very classic blonde Barbie with a Chinese baby in her arms - Mark says I am not quite living up to the standard. She will fit in with those of you who like to window shop and has a broad appetite for most any goods. Mark's favorite clothing store is the "Mexican" shop. It sells casual sportswear typical of polo or the like. The names for stores are to funny to the westerner.
We went on a dinner cruise on the Pearl river and sat in the VIP Dining Room. we were entertained by a tenor sax and violin player. The Pearl is beautiful at night with the shore line and trees a lit up with colorful lights and there is a light show with music accompaniment. We had a bottle of wine and it was a great end to a very hard day, frankly. Amy had three tough temper tantrums and decided yesterday morning, after her first one that was precipitated by a language breakdown with me, that Mark is her favorite. Our guide even tried to intervene and help understand what she wanted but at that point she was beyond rationalizing with or even consoling - Our guide said she just was mad. Fortunately, Mark handled the long second one to try and let her know I wasn't the bad guy - I was grateful - but it didn't change much. She is fine with me know but has pegged me as the caretaker, teacher, reader and dad is the fun playmate and "carry me whenever I want" guy. (Not too different from the perception of young biological children - yes?) Its and injustice I tell you, but I am sure when we get home things will settle in just fine. Anyway - While we still miss our kids terribly, it is definitely good for us to be able to work through some of this with her on our own .
Today we walked to the local open market - whewy - that was an experience!!!!! The pictures will tell all.
we miss you all
Teri
Saturday, July 19, 2008
We'll go the 11:00 service...
Well it's 12:50 pm on Sunday here and we just returned from church - yes, in China - a government sanctioned Protestant church called Christ church! The service started at 11:00 - we were told to get there at least at 10:45 so we could get a seat inside! This was the third service today and sure enough it was packed and they broadcasted the service outside for those who could not fit. We prayed, read scripture, (John 4:23) and the sang 4 songs - 2 in Chinese and 2 in English - How Beautiful, and I Will Give Thanks To Thee. It was very moving and everyone sang so loud the piano could not be heard at all. Then the sermon was preached in Chinese and translated after every sentence by a woman standing right next to the pastor. The theme of the sermon was: We go to church to worship and for no other reason - not for the music, the atmosphere, the fellowship, the people - and we do not select a service based on style of worship! Wow - that could have been something right from an American Christian pulpit - no?
Then a testimony - that was incredible but we finally had to leave after 1 and 1/2 hours even though it was still going on. My friend Julie and I were both moved to tears by the whole body of Christ and how amazing it was to be worshipping with believers across the world!
After church - we went to 7-11 to get a snack for our little ones and Amy debated between spicy cuttlefish and tomato flavored seaweed! Meanwhile I bought a bag of Lays potato chips - typical American. Although - they may be a thing of the past when we return as I am reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver - excellent book - Thanks Dani - although I am not sure my kids will receive it quite as well as I! Tee Hee
Okay last comment - where the heck are all of you!!!!!! We got no comments on our last blog - I know its the weekend and all - and some of you are camping, or pony showing - but did everyone drop off the face of the Earth? Mark did the last blog and is having a bit of a complex - anyway - love to all - 4 more days!
Teri
Then a testimony - that was incredible but we finally had to leave after 1 and 1/2 hours even though it was still going on. My friend Julie and I were both moved to tears by the whole body of Christ and how amazing it was to be worshipping with believers across the world!
After church - we went to 7-11 to get a snack for our little ones and Amy debated between spicy cuttlefish and tomato flavored seaweed! Meanwhile I bought a bag of Lays potato chips - typical American. Although - they may be a thing of the past when we return as I am reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver - excellent book - Thanks Dani - although I am not sure my kids will receive it quite as well as I! Tee Hee
Okay last comment - where the heck are all of you!!!!!! We got no comments on our last blog - I know its the weekend and all - and some of you are camping, or pony showing - but did everyone drop off the face of the Earth? Mark did the last blog and is having a bit of a complex - anyway - love to all - 4 more days!
Teri
The Rest of The Story and The Five Star Filly
Mark Writing:
I miss my Kids !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and here's the rest of the update for today.
You have all heard of Amy's wonderful transition into our family thus far but our story is not typical. Amy was not in foster care and was programmed by the orphanage over the years, I think literally, that a mama and babba were coming for her. At six we really feel she knew we were coming and was waiting for us, wondering when we would arrive. For younger children in foster care, it seems to be much harder. We met one family in the airport yesterday with a toddler who cried for 5 days straight while awake. The parents only relief was that the child would sleep through the night. Anyone in that situation would have reason to be an emotional wreck. They were and the baby as well. It was getting better yesterday but my heart just ached for them. Pray that all the kids and parents of these adopted ones that these difficult transitions will pass quickly. No doubt all these kids will be better off in the US. Pray also for the foster families who have cared for these kids as their hearts ache as well.
Amy (chi chia) as she was called, continues to do well. I am trying to get her to teach me Chinese. I so wish I could understand what she says. She continues to speak to us in Chinese and regardless of how clueless we are, amazingly it doesn't lead to tantrums etc. We have been learning words from our guides and even Amy has helped with pronunciation. Often we will try to communicate and she doesn't get it and literally tilts her head and does the hand motions for "I don't know" . I am convinced that after these episodes of communication breakdown she says "you big funny white Guy" in Chinese.
She really does loves to color and is also using water color paints that Teri threw in her suitcase at the last minute. Teri must have been divinely inspired in the way of packing activites for Amy. I am sure that all 64 of the 64 pack of colored pencils from Jack's desk has been used repeatedly.
I am beginning to worry that our Five Star Filly, ie. Amy, staying at 5 star hotels, will have issues once back in Spokane. I haven't laid an eyes on a cow, chicken (except for their feet in the buffet line that our dear daughter can't pass up), dog or cat and not seen a single bale to buck. The breakfast buffets are huge in size and selection unlike the choice between oatmeal or grapenuts that she'll find at Highline Ranch. Of course, she might get lucky and get to have huckleberry pancakes at the Zieglers or crepes at Aunt Krisi's.
Thank goodness for five star western toilets. This kid has more leaks than all of my farm hoses combined. We think she either has prostate issues or diabetes. We feel better now that we have talked to another family here (the Sharun's - a family that we knew from our church in Baltimore, MD and haven't seen for 15 years) that found us at breakfast and told us their 5 year old girl has prostate issues or diabetes as well! Tee Hee. Anyway - back to that little aside - yes, we totally unexpectedly ran into friends of ours from 15 years ago and they homeschool 13 and an 8 year old boys in MD and have just adopted this 5 year old girl! That was amazing - we will be attending church with them tomorrow morning (yes, a Christian church - here) and had fun catching up with them at the pool today.
What's a guy need to do to get a pot of tea in China?? I don't know but we sure have tried. We've decided you only get one with a guide. Having had our fill of fried leek cakes, fried yuba, dim son, fried rice, fried noodles, fried pumpkin, fried eggs, fried bok choy, deep fried gluten balls, fried chicken feet, steamed buns, beef balls and somehow - fried soup, we are going to find some western food tonight.
Over and Out,
Mark
P.S. as I write - Teri is giddy as she watches Amy fold every piece of her clothing and organizes her dresser drawer. Watch out Lucy! or better yet - lucky you - she'll be cleaning your room for you!
I miss my Kids !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and here's the rest of the update for today.
You have all heard of Amy's wonderful transition into our family thus far but our story is not typical. Amy was not in foster care and was programmed by the orphanage over the years, I think literally, that a mama and babba were coming for her. At six we really feel she knew we were coming and was waiting for us, wondering when we would arrive. For younger children in foster care, it seems to be much harder. We met one family in the airport yesterday with a toddler who cried for 5 days straight while awake. The parents only relief was that the child would sleep through the night. Anyone in that situation would have reason to be an emotional wreck. They were and the baby as well. It was getting better yesterday but my heart just ached for them. Pray that all the kids and parents of these adopted ones that these difficult transitions will pass quickly. No doubt all these kids will be better off in the US. Pray also for the foster families who have cared for these kids as their hearts ache as well.
Amy (chi chia) as she was called, continues to do well. I am trying to get her to teach me Chinese. I so wish I could understand what she says. She continues to speak to us in Chinese and regardless of how clueless we are, amazingly it doesn't lead to tantrums etc. We have been learning words from our guides and even Amy has helped with pronunciation. Often we will try to communicate and she doesn't get it and literally tilts her head and does the hand motions for "I don't know" . I am convinced that after these episodes of communication breakdown she says "you big funny white Guy" in Chinese.
She really does loves to color and is also using water color paints that Teri threw in her suitcase at the last minute. Teri must have been divinely inspired in the way of packing activites for Amy. I am sure that all 64 of the 64 pack of colored pencils from Jack's desk has been used repeatedly.
I am beginning to worry that our Five Star Filly, ie. Amy, staying at 5 star hotels, will have issues once back in Spokane. I haven't laid an eyes on a cow, chicken (except for their feet in the buffet line that our dear daughter can't pass up), dog or cat and not seen a single bale to buck. The breakfast buffets are huge in size and selection unlike the choice between oatmeal or grapenuts that she'll find at Highline Ranch. Of course, she might get lucky and get to have huckleberry pancakes at the Zieglers or crepes at Aunt Krisi's.
Thank goodness for five star western toilets. This kid has more leaks than all of my farm hoses combined. We think she either has prostate issues or diabetes. We feel better now that we have talked to another family here (the Sharun's - a family that we knew from our church in Baltimore, MD and haven't seen for 15 years) that found us at breakfast and told us their 5 year old girl has prostate issues or diabetes as well! Tee Hee. Anyway - back to that little aside - yes, we totally unexpectedly ran into friends of ours from 15 years ago and they homeschool 13 and an 8 year old boys in MD and have just adopted this 5 year old girl! That was amazing - we will be attending church with them tomorrow morning (yes, a Christian church - here) and had fun catching up with them at the pool today.
What's a guy need to do to get a pot of tea in China?? I don't know but we sure have tried. We've decided you only get one with a guide. Having had our fill of fried leek cakes, fried yuba, dim son, fried rice, fried noodles, fried pumpkin, fried eggs, fried bok choy, deep fried gluten balls, fried chicken feet, steamed buns, beef balls and somehow - fried soup, we are going to find some western food tonight.
Over and Out,
Mark
P.S. as I write - Teri is giddy as she watches Amy fold every piece of her clothing and organizes her dresser drawer. Watch out Lucy! or better yet - lucky you - she'll be cleaning your room for you!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
things I'm pondering
Friday am - last day in Wuhan: With the exception of missing my kids, extended family and great friends, many aspects of this trip are growing on me. I have moved from, "get me home ASAP" to "hmm, there is a lot to learn here from these people, this type of a "vacation" and Amy herself, of course. I haven't had this much space in my brain, or time to think in maybe 20 years? Don't worry, there's still no place like home, but maybe a perspective check will improve home!
Sat. am first day in Guangzhou - Okay - I can't explain all that I was pondering now - our pace has changed dramatically and everything is different here! Wow - back to an American way it seems - for better or for worse. At lest a hundred Western families at breakfast in the hotel and much hustle and bustle even for the locals here. THis hotel is a 5 star on steriods!! I will tell all about it later - we have to get some laundry done -
Pictures coming later today. Medical exam for Amy and paperwrk to do now.
I saw the place Amy was left yesterday - I still am fighting back tears thinking about it and seeing the place only intensified my sadness - I cannot imagine. It was not a bus station but a bus stop - in a very poor area - I hurt for her and my love continues to grow simutaneously.
Okay - I really have to go!! Ugh
TEri
Sat. am first day in Guangzhou - Okay - I can't explain all that I was pondering now - our pace has changed dramatically and everything is different here! Wow - back to an American way it seems - for better or for worse. At lest a hundred Western families at breakfast in the hotel and much hustle and bustle even for the locals here. THis hotel is a 5 star on steriods!! I will tell all about it later - we have to get some laundry done -
Pictures coming later today. Medical exam for Amy and paperwrk to do now.
I saw the place Amy was left yesterday - I still am fighting back tears thinking about it and seeing the place only intensified my sadness - I cannot imagine. It was not a bus station but a bus stop - in a very poor area - I hurt for her and my love continues to grow simutaneously.
Okay - I really have to go!! Ugh
TEri
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