Adventures in China

Today we walked over to the island where most Americans adopting stay while they are here and were hoping to attend an English worship service. We listened to the end of a Chinese service, but the biggest blessing was meeting several other Christian families that are adopting. We met several other Chinese boys with special needs. All were minor issues and one was another Caleb. One family we sat down and had a nice long visit with while the boys played and shared crayons. Their son was a few months older than Caleb. They were adopting their tenth child, four bio, six adopted. And, they are Grandparents, but looked young, healthy and active. We really enjoyed visiting with them and hearing about their children. In the afternoon we went with our guide to a museum of handcrafted art, such as carved ivory pieces, wooden carvings, sculptures, embroidery work, etc. We also visited a Buddhist temple and learned a little bit about Buddhism. It was interesting but also very sad to see all the things they do to try to bring better luck to their family. If only they understood the hope and assurance they could have in Christ Jesus given freely by a loving and holy God. A few more families arrived here in our hotel last night, so we have had a nice time talking with them and seeing their children also.
We went to the electronics market where you can buy cell phone, games, cameras, MP3 players, DVD’s, etc. We bought a few more DVD’s to add to our collection going home. They cost less than $2 each.
Caleb continues to charm us and amaze us. He laughs and smiles a ton and is a very active toddler. He is definitely bonding well with both Mom and Dad, and we are so thankful for this. It is hard to believe he has not always been with us. He still cries when I give him his cold medicine or brush his teeth. And, he won’t sit down for his bath, but did seem to enjoy it a bit more today. Did I tell you about his Mohawk hair? He has this cowlick on the top of his head that makes his hair stand straight up just along the middle. I have tried combing it to the side, but it refuses to lie down. Perhaps when his hair gets a bit longer, it will be more cooperative. Potty training was never my favorite time of parenting. But, having a potty training child in China who does not speak English is a bit more challenging. Twice today, I was unable to get him to a bathroom in time and we were thankful for the diaper/pullup he was wearing. Once, we were in the bathroom, but the stalls were all taken. Then there was the time we had made it back to our hotel room, rushing up the elevator and into the bathroom only to have him pee as I was getting the pants down, all over the floor, clothes, etc. We just have to laugh.
The food here has been very good. I happen to love Chinese tea and food. We have been to one certain restaurant near our hotel three times now. We finally figured out what the mystery meat that we ordered the second night was, some animal’s intestine. So, tonight, we were very careful to order specific foods, like Chicken with vegetable, rice noodles with vegetables, etc. Well, the Chicken came beautifully displayed on the plate, literally a half chicken cut straight through the chicken from the top, dividing the left from the right side of the chicken, head and all. It is always fun to see the girls’ reaction. Some of the things we pass while walking down the streets are amazing. Like, the snake wine shop, complete with large glass jars filled with wine and whole snakes in them. Or, the animal hooves being sold along the streets. The spices and dried mushrooms in huge bags are amazing. Caleb enjoys the streets that are lined with pets, including baby chickens, various rodents, turtles, tons of fish, puppies, birds, cats, bunnies, etc. The most amazing thing is the big plastic tubs of scorpions of various sizes. Sometimes you see dead, dried things like snake skins, sea horses, shrimp, but these scorpions are very much alive! It really is amazing!
We have gotten only smiles and positive comments from the Chinese people about our son. They all seem genuinely happy that we are adopting him. We are so thankful for him and pray we can teach him to appreciate the country and culture he began his life in and know and trust the Creator that made him. Thanks for all of your support.
To Peter, Yuri and Josh: We miss you and love you. Congrats Josh on your appointment to the Air Force Academy! We are so proud of all of you. We know you all are having fun with Grandma and Grandpa.