China Day 14 -- Consulate Appointment and Shopping

     Today was another early morning.  We needed to be up, dressed, backpack packed for the morning, Skype with the kids, breakfast AND to the bus before 9:00 am.  At home that doesn't seem all that bad but here since we have to wait on other people it just seems to take a bit longer!  Again, we made it early :)  Hmmmmm.... will we start a new trend????

She goes through the album saying the names.  She is getting excited!
 

The balloon from last night starting popping.  She thought it was great!
 

     There were 8 of our families that had US Consulate appointments today.  The Consulate has two available times on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. each week.  Each appointment time is for 10 families.  We cannot bring in our facilitator -- yes, this is new in the last year!  When we got there we had to show our passports and go through security -- kinda like at the airport.  Next, we went into a small room -- well, a room smaller than my classroom.  They have a TINY play area in the back.  Once everyone has arrived, all 10 families, the director of the Consulate explains the procedure and we all stand and take an Oath promising everything we have done and filled out is truthful.  Finally, each family is called up one by one to show all the paperwork and get it approved.  Well, we were LAST -- BUT all of our paperwork was fine.  When we were finished we all filed back down five flights of escalators and went to the bus.  All of this took about two hours.  Now we just wait until tomorrow and they will have her VISA ready so we can leave China!

NO PICTURES because the Consulate does NOT allow camera's or phones of any kind!

     When we got back we relaxed for a bit.  Elizabeth loves to tease MD.  She also LOVES to take pictures.  She spent some time doing that while we caught up on a few things around the room.  AND Elizabeth is actually a big helper.  She helped get some things packed up for home.  We went for a walk to TrustMart to pick up some items to take back to the US.  I found MANGO Mentos.  They are delicious -- AND only 2 yuan (about .30 a pack.)  We stopped and got lunch on the way back to the room.  We thought we should chill just a tad as we would be shopping on the island late.

Helping get the puzzles packed up for home.

Ms. Attitude chillin on the couch.
 

Sweet smile.
 

Teasing MD while he is playing a game.
 

AND laughing about it :)
 

     At 3:30 we met the group in the lobby and headed to the buses.  The drive to the island was about 30 minutes in all the traffic.  It was amazing when we got off of the bus that island is SO quiet.  It is so nice.  There are not any crazy people around like in the city.  Matt and I headed to some of the stores we have shopped at before.  I had a list of things I still needed and by the end of the 3 ish hours I think I found most everything :)  NOW to just get it all packed.  MD was able to find a few nice things for himself and his brother. 

On the bus and waiting to leave.
 

Her new doll.
 

Helping mama pick out some gifts.
 

MD making a few purchases -- I don't want to give it away ;)
 

Taking a photo with one of the statues -- My Darling we thought you would like this statue.
 We did have an issue here though -- an elder woman (certainly not the 1st) thought she could stare AND stare AND stare at Elizabeth.  Yes, this happens often and well, I said something AND whisked the lady along.  I certainly wasn't mean but stated, "It's not nice to stare."  It's funny that her granddaughter numerous times tried to get her to move along BUT she just kept staring.  Yes, it bothered Elizabeth -- she wouldn't let Matt take any more pictures!
 

Getting my fabric cut.  Real precise here :)  Blanche the red stuff I got is BEAUTIFUL!!!

     We finished the island time by eating at Lucy's.  Many families eat at this restaurant because the carry a decent AMERICAN cuisine.  We still decided on Chinese as it was our last night. 

    When we got back to the hotel I was able to Skype the kids before they left for school.  I got started on the packing process!  YUCK!  But it has to be done.  When we got Elizabeth to bed Matt and I decided to go out for a little walk alone.  We went to the bakery for a snack and picked up some coffee.  We ran into someone from our group and sat and talked a bit.  When we returned everything was STILL great --- she was sound asleep and MD was playing his Ipod.

 This is a Elizabeth picture -- she took a picture while we were Skyping.

 And she took another of MD and I saying bye to the kids.

 Nighty, night -- my sweetie!

     Tomorrow we have a lazy morning.  We just need to finish packing and eat breakfast, of course :)  We have to meet in the lobby at 4:00 pm to get Elizabeth's VISA.  The 'limo' (van) arrives at 4:30 to take us to Hong Kong.  I can't believe it is our final night at The Garden Hotel.  Oh, I'm so excited to go home.  I so miss the kids -- I also miss some crazy things like VEGETABLES!!! SALAD!!! HAMBURGER -- that I KNOW is HAMBURGER!!  A good cup of coffee that doesn't cost $5 or $6.  My own bed -- yep, I could go on BUT I won't :)

     This may very well be my last post before we are home.  I'm not sure of my service in Hong Kong.  BUT don't worry I will update as soon as I can.  

Praises: 

1.  Elizabeth is continuing to make progress bonding with Matt and I.

2.  A good day -- the Consulate went well AND so did shopping ;)

3.  We will be home soon!

4.  Our kids at home really have done well!  I am so thankful for this!!!

Prayer Requests:

1.  Elizabeth to continue to bond with both of us AND to understand family!

2.  Our LONG flight on Mar. 15 (which is MD's 15th birthday)  Elizabeth does know and she seems ok with it -- at least right now :)

3.  Safety and Health -- I'm getting a cold.  Also, for my blood sugars.

4.  Our children at home -- they are so excited for us coming home :)  BUT that they are understanding and flexible with Elizabeth (language and her disability) AND with us since we will experience some jet lag.  My mom is coming to help me on Friday -- YEAH!  

China Day 13 -- TB check, Zoo, Pearl River Dinner Cruise

    YES, today was a busy day.  We needed to be up early so we could shower, Skype with the kids, eat breakfast and arrive on the bus by 9:00 am.  WE DID IT!!!  We were a tad rushed at breakfast but we did it!!!

     We needed to go back to the clinic to have the TB test read.  This is actually very quick BUT it was crazy inside the clinic.  There were TONS of Chinese people!!!  We waited in line for just a few minutes.  Thankfully, we were at the beginning of our group this time and we were in and out -- too fast for Matt to even get a good picture :)  The TB test was NEGATIVE for us and EVERYONE in our group.  YEAH!!!

She's waiting AND ready for them to check her arm.
 

The craziness in the clinic.
 

    Once everyone was loaded back on the buses we headed directly to the zoo.  When we stepped off the bus Elizabeth got so excited.  She said that she had never been to a zoo before.  First, we took extended golf cart tours around the zoo.  Oh my, she LOVED this.  She was so excited.  It is really one of the first times we saw her come out of her shell with the full group.  

The zoo!
 

She's so excited about going in!
 

Still excited!  We got the back seat :)
 

Sweetness!
 

     The zoo was very clean and nice.  The little tour was nice to see where everything was.  After the tour we were given about and 1 1/2 hours to walk around.  This certainly was not enough time but we made the best of it.  We headed back by the cats -- the lions, tigers and leopards were great!! They even had a roaring match while we stood there.  AWESOME and LOUD!!!

Fun 'cat' pictures
 

Playin.
 

In front of the elephants.

     We also saw the elephants, zebras, monkeys and pandas.  BUT the best by far for us with the giraffes.  We even got to feed them.  It cost 10 yuan ($1.50)  BUT it was so worth it.  Elizabeth didn't want to get too close but she still did it!  MD and I even got to pet them as we fed them.  

Me feeding the giraffes.  LOVED this!
 

MD petting and feeding!
 

Elizabeth getting closer -- she did eventually do it.
 

     We went back to the hotel.  Matt and MD went and found some great take-out!  NOT fast food!!!  Elizabeth has started to do a bit better at meals AND today she even tested how much she could do.  She started walking around a messing around with her food in the room.  Daddy put his foot down that she had to sit and eat at the table -- wow -- her feelings were hurt and big crocodile tears fell!  Thankfully, it didn't last for long!!   After our lunch I took a nap.  I'm pretty sure I have a cold coming on OR it could just be that I'm really tired.  I just feel a bit icky.  I can still do stuff but I feel a bit like I'm dragging.  Elizabeth talks in her sleep and sits straight up in the middle of the night.  So, I have been up 3 to 5 times a night.  SO, a nice nap ALONE in bed was great!!!   They woke me up in time to get ready for the dinner cruise.

     We all loaded the buses around 5:30 to head to the Pearl River.  I was really a tad unsure of this BUT still looking forward to it.  When we walked into the office area the smell of caramel corn was amazing.  It smelled like something in the USA!  Yep, the guys got some.  Next, we went out on the deck which was very wavy.  I was a tad nervous.  Although, Elizabeth got so excited.  Again, she said she had never been on a boat.  When we got on we had a reserved table and Elizabeth went right to a window seat.  Oh, she was beside herself excited!!!  One of the girls in our group had a birthday so, they served birthday cake to everyone in our group as soon as we sat down. 

The traffic -- all the time!

 

Our table -- Elizabeth is soooo excited!

 

Trying to open MD's Coke.  

 

Yummy birthday cake.

 

     Once the boat took off from the dock the had us start dinner immediately.  NOW, this was crazy -- the Chinese people attacked the food bar.  Yes, there was PLENTY of food.  BUT these people were crazy.  It would be like at SRBC (our church) when we are all eating together -- that everyone gets up at the same time and rushes the food and pushes and shoves.  They all forgot about getting chopsticks and kept pushing back in and they piled the food so high -- YES, you could go back more than once.  CRAZY!!

Pure craziness!

 

The food.

 

     The food was interesting but good.  There were things I would never have ordered when I was out so, it was nice to try some new things.   They even served ice cream for dessert.  ALTHOUGH, they acted like they had no idea how to scoop.  One of the guys in our group started scooping to help them out :)  Yes, our girl has been sugared up today.  She had skittles on the way, cake and ice cream.  WOW!!!

Eating time -- catch the noodles hanging from Elizabeth's mouth.  She loved this meal.  

 

Licking the ice cream.  

 

     We were very blessed to have a window seat.  It was beautiful.  All the buildings along the river are all lit up at night.  So, when we were finished we went to the top deck to really check it out.  It was pretty chilly so Elizabeth and I stayed up for just a bit.  Matt go some beautiful pictures.  Many of the buildings change colors.  All the bridges are lit up as well.  Really, it was gorgeous.  

One of the pretty buildings.

 

The four of us on the top deck.

 

Pretty lights!

 

Yes, it's freezing up there!

 

Guangzhou TV tower -- tallest TV tower in China.

This continually changes colors.  

 

MD!

 

There were some great looking bridges.

 

Another great view.

 

     As soon as the boat turned around they started a little entertainment show in the dinner area.  This goofy clown came out handing balloons to some of the kids.  Elizabeth got a real cool flower.  Again, she was SO excited.  The Chinese clown did a juggling act -- with VERY loud Mexican music.  It was pretty funny!  

Elizabeth and the balloon the clown gave her.

 

     The cruise lasted about 2 hours.  It was nice.  Both Matt and I commented how good we felt on the boat.  Actually, that was the best I felt in the last few days!  We loaded the bus and headed back to the hotel.  We have a early day again tomorrow -- so, Elizabeth got ready for bed and laid down quickly.

     Tomorrow is our Consulate Appointment.  This is a US thing!  We have to go to this so that we can get a VISA for Elizabeth to come into the USA!!!  Actually, when we land in Chicago she becomes a US citizen.  So, the Consulate Appointment is very important -- YOU CANNOT BE LATE :)  We leave at 9:00 am!!  In the afternoon we visit Shamin Island to do some shopping.  

     My take on the day :)  Elizabeth is really starting to feel more comfortable with us.  She has tested some BUT nothing abnormal.  She doesn't really like others talking to her and still avoids eye contact with them.  ALTHOUGH, we are getting good eye contact.  She will cuddle a bit with BOTH Matt and I.  She loves to mess around with MD.  All is all she is making great progress.  BUT I do have to say -- being honest -- this process of adopting and being in a foreign country is hard.  I have done it three times now AND it's still hard.  The schedule is busy -- food is crazy -- appointments and appointments with people who don't speak my language -- a new child -- TIRED!!!  BUT God has been gracious to us in many ways:  1.  So, many people are praying for us -- we couldn't do this without!  2.  Wonderful friends and family holding down our life at home --- especially, for our kids!  3.  Elizabeth -- she is doing well!  4.  MD is with us.  He is so helpful -- not just to carry stuff BUT playing with Elizabeth and comic relief :)  5.  Our health -- we have some people in our group that have been very ill -- even to the point of going to the hospital!  We are so thankful we have been protected!

     We so appreciate your continued prayer the last few days of our trip.  Please rejoice in our praises and bring the requests before God!  Thank-you!!

Praises:

1. A fun day!!
2. Elizabeth is continuing to progress -- her personality is coming out!
3. BaJabs had a great birthday EVEN with us in China -- THANK-YOU to everyone who helped make it possible!
4. Safety 
5. Just a few more days and we get to go HOME!!!

Prayer Requests:

1. Our continued bonding with Elizabeth.
2. For our family to mold together perfectly when we all get back together :)
3. The LONG flight -- It will be Elizabeth's first ever!!!
4. Safety and Health!!  Good Blood Sugars!
5. Our children at home.

Day 12 -- Shopping

     Today was a slow start.  YEAH!!!!  Our morning routine is pretty much the same:  get-up, get dressed, go to a wonderful breakfast, clean-up a bit, pack backpacks for the day and meet in the lobby for the buses.  

Checking out things from the 14th floor and writing some
 Chinese characters on the window that is fogged up!!

     Our entire group headed to the markets today.  We went to the pearl & jade market AND shoes, DVD's, clothes and Chinese goods market.  Yes, everyone that knows me knows I LOVE shopping days!  When we first got there some of the places that our guide took us to were pretty pricey.  So, Matt and I decided to go to some of the places we have gone on the past trips.  It was actually only about a block away and we aren't afraid to negotiate better prices even in Chinese. 

Walking around at the market.

Checking out some jade.

LOTS and LOTS of pearls.

     I did do well.  I was able to get the PURPLE jade bracelet I was searching for!!!  I also picked up some classic things for the girls -- jade, pearls and dresses.  Elizabeth finally found a pair of shoes she liked :)  I was able to find a few gifts for people -- and really just have fun.  The ladies where we bought our pearls were great.  Once you pick the size of pearls and what you want they make them right in front of you.  That was fun.  Of course, I didn't find everything I was looking for.  Red jade was not as popular to find BUT that gives reason to shop some more -- right???  

Negotiating best price for purple jade.

The making of Elizabeth's pearls.

Walking back to the clothing market.

     We had a little bit of time when we got back from shopping to relax.  Unfortunately, I have been plagued with a nasty headache and sore back.  So, I took the time to take a nap.  Elizabeth spent time with baba.  She did lots of writing and playing games.  

Writing away at the desk.

     We had group pictures this afternoon.  There are LOTS of us!!!  Actually, everyone -- the kids -- did well.  We went back to the room to get out of 'fancy' clothes and get ready for dinner.  We met back in the lobby at 6 to go for dinner.  Dinner was at Sabah's.  YUM!!!  We had basically the same food as last night BUT it was fun to eat with our large group.

 4 of the Woller family!

Dinner time.  She is VERY quiet at dinner.  Comes alive as soon as we leave the table.  Doesn't matter if we eat in the room or out!

MeKo -- one of our wonderful facilitators.

Joe and MD (and a little girl from another family.)  Joe is the main facilitators husband but was our guide the day of the orphanage visit.

     The night life around the hotel area is crazy.  So, after a stop at McD's for Matt and MD to have dessert we headed back to the hotel.  

     Elizabeth doesn't like to be in the big group.  Once it is just us she is crazy and fun.  So, when we got back to the hotel she was ready to let loose!!  She LOVES the elevators -- not Matt and I -- there are fast and stop quickly which tends to make us nauseous.  She loves to play crazy with MD.  She loves bath time.  She also likes to play music on the Ipad.

 Bath time.  She LOVES it!

 This is her -- "TADA"

Brushing her Barbie dolls' hair

     Today the 11th of March is our BaJabs' 6th birthday!!! We are so sad to miss it BUT I know that nanny and others are making it special for her.  I left a birthday gift with nanny and even remembered to get her class snack -- thankfully, it was easy.  All she wanted was special gummies!!!  We LOVE you BaJab's!!  Happy Birthday!!!

Our BaJabs' -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

     Tomorrow we have to go back to the medical clinic to have Elizabeth's TB test read.  It looks fine to us :)  Next, we go to the zoo and finally, tomorrow night we go on the Pearl River Cruise.  Yes, tomorrow is a very busy day. 

Praises:

1. Good shopping day.
2. Blood sugars back to normal -- figured out the problem!!  Yes, it wasn't inserted all the way.
3. Elizabeth is doing well with us.  Still a bit timid and fearful with others BUT that is ok -- she told me, 'I love you' tonight!!
4. Safety and a beautiful -- comfortable hotel.

Prayer Requests:

1. Good TB report.
2. Good day for zoo and Pearl River cruise
3. Continued bonding with Elizabeth
4. I'm thinking about the flight -- the LONG flight will be Elizabeth's first ever flight.  Please be praying for this.  We fly on the 15th.
5. Safety and GOOD health.  We still are feeling slugglish.  We all fight nauseousness on a daily basis.