Sunday, April 6, 2008

A Very Happy Boy

Our last leg of this journey has been a great way to wrap up our journey in China. Since I didn’t post yesterday, let me bring you up to speed a bit.

Our plane ride to Guangzhou was a breeze. Below you can see a pic of Caleb and Mer on his first ride in a plane. He is looking good and quite happy.

Overall, he is really doing well. When I last posted about him, I mentioned that he was playing on the bed and exploring the one room where we were staying. He is continuing to make what we both consider to be important developmental markers in his attachment to us. In our new place he continues to explore and play on his own. He will leave one room for another without crying, enjoys playing both by himself and with others, and is quite proud of himself when he finds something new. You have got to see that smile. Another really great thing that happened today was that while we were picking up a few warm weather clothes for him, something startled him. Rather than crying, he repositioned himself and clung to Mer. Do you remember how I was asking you to pray several days ago for Caleb’s attachment to Mer? All is going really well. Thank you.

We also see that Caleb might have a future as an Elvis impersonator. I’m trying to get him a silk and bedazzled Elvis outfit while we are here, but the folks here don’t seem to know what I’m talking about. Maybe back in Vero? You should see the boy dance. Well, it's not really a "dance." It's more like smiling really big and moving his body side to side - kind of like a middle aged hippie holding up a lighter and swaying back and forth during the long the version of "Hotel California" at an Eagle's reunion concert. I think the hippie is smiling for another reason. But, I'm starting to digress.


We also found a great little public park here in Guangzhou that is combination playground, exercise equipment, teenage hotspot, and senior center. To top it all off, it is right down the street from Starbucks. It’s quite a cool spot. The people here love to be outside and active. It is never empty, and never overcrowded. Everyone just gets along, smiles, laughs, and drinks their Starbucks coffee.

I'm not sure what the above pic is from, but everyone looked happy, so I thought it worth posting.

If you are getting ready to travel to Guangzhou, here are a couple of observations worth noting.

1) Bring bug spray. If you’re lightly sensitive you will need it now. In a couple of weeks I can imagine everyone needing it.

2) If you have the opportunity, go to the Shamian Christian Church. It is a three minute walk from the White Swan. They have an English/Chinese service at 11:00, and it was amazing to be in such a mixed worship. Even though separated by language, it is an incredible experience to see how much we have in common with Christians around the globe. They do a tremendous job of making you feel welcome.

3) When at the Thai restaurant and you see a large piece of what looks like a red bell pepper in your dish, know that it is probably not a bell pepper. Rather, it is a piece of the mother of all hot red peppers. If you like hot peppers it is phenomenal, if you expect bell pepper, be ready for a ride.

4) While Shamian Island is a beautiful place, there are basically four things to do here. First, you can go to your scheduled visa, medical and consulate appointments. I highly recommend you keep these. Second, you can shop. Third, you can eat. Fourth, you can enjoy the beauty of this place and spend time with your family. This is not a major tourist center with Great Walls, teracota soldiers, etc. It is a major government and trade center and operates that way. There are armed guards at many entrances and gates because there are many consulates here. On the plus side, it is also a very safe place.

5) In terms of shopping, take your time. You will have plenty of time to visit, and visit, and visit.

6) In terms of eating, I suggest eating ice cream at least twice a day – especially if you are with children. Even better, get the kids ice cream and yourself a frosty cold one. You can get both at the Deli Shop just outside of the hotel.

Though I've said it many times before, I want to thank you for your comments and emails. Being connected with family and friends as we begin this new family adventure has meant a great deal to us. Even though we are literally half a world away, your words have been timely and very helpful. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Abbie's Take On Caleb... And China



Today we went to the best massage ever! It was sooo cool. They massaged our head, shoulders, neck, back, arms, legs and feet for 90 minutes. It was so cheap (only $9)!


This was also my first experience with a squatty potty. It was so weird, but I managed to stay dry.

At breakfast, we met up with my friend Morgan, who we met in Beijing. Her little sister Claire is so cute. We had a lot of fun playing at the park, having ice cream and eating dinner together.

Caleb is getting used to us more and more every day. He is having fun now in the tub and he is not crying anymore when we change him.


Abbie