We're Comming Home

What a great journey it has been. And just think, we have just started. Our bags are to be outside of our door in 45 minutes. Don’t know why, other than that the Chinese love to have a plan. It seems that 10:30 PM luggage pickup is part of the master plan. In the morning we will meet some of our tour group at 6:00 AM to get on the bus to go to the airport. Guangzhou to Beijing to Newark to Orlando. If I’ve done my math right that is about 30 hours of travel.

We spent our last day in Guangzhou doing a lot of kid stuff: both for fun and for official stuff. We went to the zoo which is way better than the Beijing zoo. It is a combination zoo/safari. The kids loved it. Right when you walk in you are met by four people in animal costumes, each holding a
different baby animal. So, in the span of 5 minutes we each got to pet a baby kangaroo, brown bear, tiger, and orangutan. The rest of it was pretty good, but that was the highlight for all of us.

You have got to love this very subtle reminder to keep out of the tiger area. Check out those bones!!! No signs or language translation needed here.

On the way back Collin finally lost his first tooth. What a stud!! He worked it for weeks. And today he just yanked it right out. He was quite proud of himself.

The afternoon consisted of our paperwork and oath taking at the US Consulate. We received Caleb’s visa to enter the country. Upon arrival he will be a US citizen. There are no pictures of this. They don’t allow any cameras inside the building, and with security being the way it is, I didn’t take my chances outside either. First, I wanted to actually be able to return home with my family. Second, I didn’t want to be that guy you hear about on the news who spent three weeks in a Mongolian jail cell for taking suspicious photos outside the US Consulate. If you want to see it that badly, you’ll have to come see it for yourself. However, there are far more impressive sights to see in China.

The wrapped up with a great dinner at the local Thai restraint with some good friends the Saubers. Walking home from dinner Caleb wanted to do some walking on his own, and was actually quite successful. You should have seen him squeal with delight and pride. He was quite the ham. We finished our celebration with some ice cream and a playtime at the local park… a fitting beginning to the next leg of our journey.

China Pics From Abbie

Abbie wanted me to be sure to post this one picture she took of her brother. This is tonight at dinner. He plays this little tongue game, and she caught it on film. In posting this, I found several others that shed some light on China from her perspective. It is neat to see what she found important, interesting, or just worth photographing.





This is Caleb shoe shopping with his mom. He came with one pair of shoes that were already too small. Abbie accompanied him on his first shopping trip with Mom for some new shoes.












This is some sort of fruit that she thought pretty cool. The fruit selection and variety in China is incredible, esp. in Guangzhou. The climate is similar to Florida. Why don't we grow this kind of stuff there?










Here is Collin and his friend Cormack at church on Sunday morning. I love having children in church, but now i know why we have children's sermons in which the kids are sent to children's church, and why we try to limit the service to an hour. The lady next to them was very patient. I have no idea how the people behind us were, as I was afraid to look back.






Here is a picture Abbie took of the church on Sunday, after service. Not bad for a 9 year old with a 5 mexapixel point and shoot.

Two Days and Counting

As we near the end of our time in Guangzhou – and China – we do so with mixed emotions. On the one hand, we are so ready to get home; we miss our friends and family. On the other hand, we love it here and will miss the friends and relationships we have made here. Our Holt guide, Kathryn, has been tremendous. You can tell that she loves what she does, and she is great at it. She and her son have been a Godsend for our family. Our entire family just love to be around them both.

Today we had a tour arranged of a local school. We spent about an hour sharing songs, teaching them tongue twisters, and getting a tour of the school by the children. We were assigned a group of six fourth graders who spoke near perfect English, and were so excited to show us their school. If I could speak half as much Chinese as they spoke English I would be thrilled. I can’t even manage the correct pronunciation for “thank you.” I’ve been told that if I miss pronounce it I am saying “toilet,” which is the last thing I want to do. Since I can’t remember what the correct way is, I say them both. No wonder people look at me a little oddly. Anyhow, I am digressing.

Abbie and Collin were enthralled with the school. I think the highlight for them was getting to the roof garden and combination aviary/monkey-house. I am now convinced
that every school needs a pet monkey. In the states we have school mascots. I even remember in 5^th grade when Brian M. managed to get the 5^th grade class to have a pet mouse. But a monkey!!! How cool is that. Grant, I think that PTF will be working on that for Masters. No, this picture is not of the monkey.

After the school tour, Joe (one of the adopting dads) and I went to the Qingping Market. Picture old China – alleys as narrow as a cart, winding as a snake, and smelly as you-know-what. This is a huge open air market that covers entire city blocks. It’s not that we wanted to buy anything; we just had to experience it. I’m glad we did.

BTW, if anyone knows how to rotate pics in blogger, I'd love to know. I can edit and save them in Picassa, but when it comes time to post, none of my edits (like rotating) actually show. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This final photo tries to convey just how big and populated China’s cities are. This has been the first clear and sunny day since our arrival in Beijing. Guangzhou has a population of fourteen million people. It is a medium sized city by China standards. Look at the size of the buildings that stretch from horizon to horizon. If you double click on the picture you should be able to enlarge the pic in a new window. The incredible thing is that they are building even more everywhere in China. When we were driving to the airport in Nanchang I looked out the window of our bus as was able to count 23 construction cranes at one time. To say that the crane is China’s national bird is not an overstatement.

Tomorrow is our consulate appointment, and we leave the next day. I’ll post before we leave Guangzhou and will then be offline for our travels. Upon our return I’ll keep you up to speed on Caleb’s development. In addition, I’ll spend some in review of travel lessons for those who will be taking this road (both literally and figuratively) in the future.

Peace. The Harris 5

Another Day in Paradise

It’s almost like we are getting into a routine with Caleb. We are getting to know his idiosyncrasies, his preferences, and his signals. He is also starting to learn ours. We are so glad that we have photos and this blog to remind us of what he was like just a week ago. His personality is blossoming right before our eyes. I now remember our Nanchang guide, Lisa, telling us that this would happen, and I had no idea how right she was. Simply put, Caleb just fits with us. It is amazing to see. Tonight when we were out strolling and walking, Caleb was out of his carrier and we were just letting him walk and play. A really nice Chinese lady came up to say hello. She tried to pick him up and he freaked out. While most parents would be encouraging their children to be more friendly, at this stage in Caleb’s transition into our family it is a good thing. It is indicative that he feels safe and secure around us, and currently has no interest in “mommy shopping.” He knows where his bread is buttered – and he knows where he is loved. This is a good thing. Whether or not this will change when we return home and he discovers that ice cream and Cheetos are not part of the Harris family daily diet remains to be seen.

Today wasn’t the most exciting day, which was kind of nice. Mer took Caleb for his medical exam, and another dad and I took our other kids swimming. Well... we watched them swim. I think that all children under the age of ten years old are part Polar Bear. Even though it is warm here, the pool water is not heated and it is still early spring. It was way to cold for us dads. The kids didn’t seem to mind. Caleb’s medical exam went smashingly well. He has grown four centimeters (about 1 ½ inches) since his last exam prior to adoption.

In addition, we participated in some sort of adoption tradition here at the White Swan Hotel. They have these red couches that they use for the Red Couch Photos. This is where all the adopted children are dressed in their traditional Chinese outfits and placed on the couch for a photo shoot. How anyone has ever managed to get this picture to work is beyond me. To call it organized chaos is a tremendously exaggerated compliment. We ended up with the Mom and Adopted Children Red Couch Photo. It is a cool idea that looks much better on paper than in practice.

The cool thing that came out of this experience, was that I discovered another Hollywood look. From this angle, doesn’t he look like the dude from Kung Fu with that long wispy hair on the back of his head? Who would have thought we could have such a multifaceted little personality.

Two more days in Guangzhou, and we will be flying home. Can’t wait to see our friends and family.

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

In Guanzhou Now

It’s been a long day, so the post will be short today. In perusing the prior posts, I realized I may have gotten a bit long winded. I guest what they say about sermons is also true about blog entries: it takes more time to write a short one. Anyhow, let me try to keep this short.

After a brief night’s sleep, we were up at 5 AM in order to be ready to get on the bus at 7 AM. We were then off to the airport to catch our flight to Guangzhou. (I can actually spell that without looking it up. Aren't you impressed?). It was Caleb’s first time on an airplane and he did remarkably well. Not even a tear. He just kept eating the cookie/cracker things that Mer stuffed into his mouth during our approach for landing.

For the other family we were traveling with, it was the first time their newly adopted eleven year old daughter had been on an airplane. You could hear her squeals of delight when we hit an air pocket. The past few weeks have been a world of firsts for her: first meal in a restaurant, first time in McDonalds, first time to sleep in a hotel… The only difference between she and Caleb is that she can put words to what she is experiencing. She will have memories of what her life once was and what it now is.

It is hard to imagine the world that we have removed Caleb from. For Caleb the change can only be experienced in primal emotion. It has got to be so hard on him, yet I also know that it is going to be so much better for him. The reactions of the Chinese people, and my experience at home confirm this. I have yet to see a single person here look at us with bewilderment, disdain, or contempt for taking one of “their” children. Instead we are met with curiosity, appreciation, and smiles. People want to take our picture: some ask and some just do it. As much as they love their own country, and their own children, they also know the opportunities that await them on the other side of the Pacific. It is hard to imagine us in the states being so enthusiastic about a foreigner taking one of “our” children to “their” country. Part of if might be ego. However, the greater part of our inability to comprehend our children going somewhere else for a better life is because we have such a great life in the states (and the majority of the Western world). Sure, we aren’t perfect, and we have our share of problems, but my time here has heightened my appreciation for the blessings we have in the good od’ US of A. If we follow the advice of that old hymn to count your blessings one by one, we will each spend a long time counting.

All in all we are doing great, Caleb is adjusting well, and we remain thankful for the blessings we have in one another and you.