Friday, July 28, 2006
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL?

Well…..we are almost afraid to whisper it, but we think we are seeing some light at the end of our tunnel with little Grace. She had a very hard time last night at dinner, lots of screaming, and for about an hour following dinner, lots and LOTS of screaming, but shortly after taking her out of her bath last night, she calmed down while being rubbed over with her rough white hotel towel and actually fell asleep as I got her ready for bed. We wondered if maybe the towel was similar to the one she slept with in the SWI, and it had brought her some comfort. They did not send her little “lovey” towel with her, and we had previously tried to get her to attach to one here, but she hadn’t seemed interested in it at the time. However, last night….a new story apparently! Of course, we have to leave today, so we are tempted to buy the yucky hotel towel just to have it in case. Anyhow, she slept allllllllllll night long peacefully in her crib and woke this morning a new baby. She has not been smiling or talking but has been pleasant and has entertained herself all morning inspecting our fridge and cupboards and moving things around, snacking on certain treats as she discovers them. We are so happy in her pleasant demeanor today that we are apt to say yes to any mess or treat just to let it continue a while longer. Her breakfast was mnms, Pringles, and banana….yum! Breakfast of champions!

Before the tough night last night, we had a good day of visiting a local park, which was so beautiful, a Buddhist temple, and a park with a pagoda which we climbed, sweatin' it up the whole way. The view was worth the climb though and Gracie was a trooper for the entire activity. She munched on yummy garlic broccoli for lunch with rice, and was determined to feed herself with her chopsticks. After a broken bowl and lots of rice droppings, she finally gave up and let me feed her.

In the afternoon, we had the privilege of joining one of the other families we are traveling with that we enjoy so much. They brought along their brother and sister-in-law who live in China, and their younger sister also. This family is so full of Jesus’ light and love and are always full of laughter. It is good just to be in their presence, and they have been praying for Grace daily in their rooms as she screams. It has been a huge encouragement to us. Anyhow, they invited us to shop a bit with them and then go to a Zhuang restaurant for a dinner show. Grace was happy until the show ended and then her screaming began, but before the screaming, we had a lot of fun and had a great laugh when the dinner show actresses picked John out to join them on stage for a special “loving ball” ceremony and dance. He even had to demonstrate how they finish the ceremony with three cups of whiskey as they wrap their arms around their beloved, like a wedding toast…..oooh! You should have heard us all hootin' and hollerin' as he got to dance and goof off onstage with the dancers. It was a memory I will never forget! :) The other highlight was that when Jonathon ordered for us, he specifically requested they bring us all their specialties….and you should have seen what came out to our table. The first dish had about 10 deep fried chicken heads sitting right on top! We could not stop laughing! And actually, that turned out to be the yummiest dish of the evening. It was a great night to get to know a wonderful family. We are so happy they included us in their fun.

Well…we are off to Guangzhou today. Thanks for all your prayers. We are all feeling much more hopeful after our good night’s rest. Thanks also for all of you that are visiting our guestbook and leaving us such incredible encouraging words. It has helped so much!!! And thanks to all of you awesome women back in Oakwood that have taken care of our three sweet babies back home!!!!!! They are always happy when we talk with them, full of information about all the playdates they have been having. We are so blessed by your friendship! Thank you!!!!! Talk to you all from Guangzhou!!! :)