Monday, October 13, 2008

Day nine with Ella. She had her medical examination today and had her visa picture taken. The exam was a joke. Not even sure why they do it, but it had to be done. She was seen by several doctors. The seemed perplexed about her arm. They discussed a lot and tried to get her to use it but she wasn't in the mood. I think she was sort of scared. They weighed her and she weighs 24.7 pounds. I didn't hear what her height was. Most people say she looks tall for her age. I don't think so. Maybe because her legs are long. I'm glad she has long legs.

After the doctors visit we went to the zoo here in Guangzhou. It was a really pretty one. There was only one panda and he was sleeping so we didn't get a good look at him. Mainly tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes and monkeys. A few hippos and some really pretty white Swans. Usual zoo animals. It rained most of the day so we have stayed inside.

Today is Logan's birthday. He turned 15. Where have all the years gone. Just yesterday he was Ella's age. I don't think this is how he would have liked to spend his birthday, but he was a trooper and went along for the ride. We ate at Lucy's again. Closest thing to American food here. We found an Italian restaurant we want to try. Maybe tomorrow. It is beginning to feel like we will never come home. We are so homesick for everyone and everything we can't hardly stand it. Only five more days until we leave.

Had some laundry done yesterday. Every shop down the island does laundry. kind of weird. Much cheaper here than in Beijing. We made the mistake of getting the hotel to do it and it was $100 for two loads of clothes. HUGE mistake. We didn't get the bill until we checked out and it was a shocker. Won't make that mistake again. It was only $8.00 for a small load. Much better. I need to send some more tomorrow now that I know it's that cheap.

We are going to an outside market tomorrow. Our Consulate appointment isn't until the 16th and it takes a day to get her visa. Then we will be free and clear. Whoohoo! Can't wait. Everyone is getting still and trying to go to sleep so I will sign off and join them. Not too many pictures take today so I will add some tomorrow.

Love to all,
Priscella

3 comments:

Marlene/Nani said...

Wow, what a whirlwind day you've had! I'm sure you guys ARE homesick, I can't imagine being away for so long...I know we are all missing you terribly - but it won't be long now. Just think....after these next few days, you might never get an opportunity like this one again, so try to take in as much of Guangzhou as you can, and hold it in your heart,to share with Ella one day. You have forever to be home and with all of us, so make the most/best of it!!! Glad you are getting to do fun things there, and that Ella is getting to have these experiences with the boys. She may NOT remember these things (though you never KNOW when and what a child will remember..) but the impressions that she is getting are still very important, and are a part of forming her! Maybe you could make a game of the next few days...like a visual scavenger hunt. Make up a list, and a copy for each one of you, except Ella, of things that you might see only rarely there. Like a bird flying, or a kite, or whatever. Let each keep their copy and a pencil, and check off when and where they see it. Then, maybe have a prize for the one that finishes first....like getting to chose where you all eat, or a special desert or souvenier. Maybe that will help some. Love to you all, M

Marlene/Nani said...

OMG!!!!!!! I love the newest pictures. She looks like she's having fun at the zoo, such a little dollbaby! :0) Didn't get the ring around the rosie, thing. What's Logan doing there??? Almost didn't recognize Dale, with the stubble, holding Ella for the doctor. LOL I like the shrunken Noah, under the mushrooms, too cute. It looked like a really nice zoo, so glad ya'll got to do that. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Logan. Fifteen, you were just Noah's size last month, it seems like. Hope your day was a good one, at least it's ONE birthday you'll never forget...and you're probably the ONLY fifteen year old in all of Orange that got to celebrate their fifteenth birthday somewhere as exotic as China!!! Love and miss you all, Nani, Marlene

Kevin, Jake and Violet said...

Great pictures Priscella, especially the one of Ella and the fish! It looks like Kevin and Logan are doing some folk dance. LOL.
Hang in there. We're homesick, too, but it seems time is slipping away, as well. Violet

UNTIL FOREVER

This morning in China a mother cries
She'll never forget her daughter's eyes
Her heart is broken and filled with pain
Her tears run down like the falling rain.
She has no choice but to leave her there
The cost of keeping is too much to bear.
She hopes her daughter will one day know
True love can be found in letting her go.

This morning in China a baby cries
Hungry and scared as tears fill her eyes
Her mother has left her in this public place
Another lost daughter of the Chinese race.
Someone passing has heard her soft moan
She is soon taken to a foster home.
It's here she'll reside in the care of another
Until she's adopted by a brand new mother.

That very same day in the U.S.A.
A woman cries as she starts to pray
Her heart is heavy but filled with much love
She prays for a daughter she thinks the world of
"Dear Jesus, I ask that your arms would be
Wrapped tightly around the one picked for me
Guard her in China until I make my way
and then in my arms she'll forever stay."

-Tom Fisher

Romans 8:15

Ye have received the Sprit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.


Slideshow from October 3, 2008