Sunday, May
17, 2009
Hi everyone. We had a
light day but a good one. In the morning, the kids played by the
koi pond and waterfall, and then we joined 4 other Great Wall
families to do a little shopping – first we went to a beautiful
porcelain shop where they also had what is called finger paints,
which is what they say it is – someone painting with their
fingers – but the scenes are very detailed and in many cases
very beautiful. I broke down and got a tea set as well as a few
small things. Afterwards, we went to what is really like a mall,
but instead of stores, this one had stalls selling different
things including a small jade market and what most people refer
to as the pearl market. Unfortunately, while we were there, our
driver went somewhere (with our packages in the van), and
apparently was talking on his cell and stopped short and……
yes….. broke my tea set. Thankfully, the porcelain store is
replacing everything and will have the new set from the factory
by Tuesday before we leave. It is so humid here now, so we just
couldn’t wait to get back, and then the kids and I went to the
pool.
It’s very easy here; families are friendly, and we’re meeting
lots of people and children of all ages and health conditions.
The staff is also incredibly accommodating; in fact, they
brought Emma a cake today and apologized it was a day late (this
kid has the longest running birthday ever). And then several
Great Wall families went out for dinner with our guide, Kelly.
In our group, we have one father with his 6 year old daughter,
another mom and her friend with her 5 year old daughter, parents
with another 5 year old little girl, and one more set of parents
with their 1 year old, plus the kids and I. Each of our children
has some kind of “special need” including spina bifida and cleft
lip/cleft palate. But the older children are so happy and
lovely, and Ethan’s been so good today, as has Emma.
Then we came back to the hotel just as a massive thunder and
lightening storm started. Great timing! Tomorrow we head out to
see the Chen Family compound and the Temple of the Six Banyan
trees, both of which I’m looking forward to seeing. And then
Tuesday we finalize the adoption and head back to Hong Kong for
our flight home. As we were sitting at Lucy’s for lunch (Lucy’s
is a well known restaurant among other families who have adopted
from China and came through Guangzhou), it occurred to me that I
can’t believe a) we’re here, b) we’re at the end of our time
here already. And Ethan just gets cuter and cuter and sweeter
and sweeter. We had a blast during bath time earlier, and now
he’s snuggling on the love seat with his sister.
On that sweet note, we’ll say good night, or rather good morning
to you, and wish you a great day!
Lots of love, Dawn, Emma and Ethan |
By the waterfall
Feeding the fish
Market Mall
Park by hotel |
