Day 10 in China

We, and a few other couples from our group, skipped out on the museum tour and park today to attend church. It was wonderful to worship with Asian believers in both their language and ours.

Kirsten painted her toenails this morning and Abby wanted them done too. She was frustrated later when it wouldn't just wash off.

Day 9 in China

While in Guangzhou City, we are staying on a nice little island by the US Consulate offices. It is very touristy. Since we had a free morning, we headed off the island with another family to a shopping district. The Asian Games will be held here this fall, so the whole city is under reconstruction. It was fun to immerse in the culture.

While in the shopping district, we grabbed our first dose of Western food since being here - Pizza Hut! It was good. We didn't try the salmon or oyster pizza though. Abby looked pretty cute sipping through her straw. She still needs some reconstruction for her cleft palette, so straws are not always that easy for her.

We enjoyed meeting up with all the families in our group today. So fun to see everyone with their children. Went to dinner with all 19-families at a local restaurant. There was almost 70 of us! Abby got to pick her favorite off the menu again...french fries!

Kirsten taught Abby to play Old Maid today. She is very competitive and doesn't mind looking at her opponents cards!

We also were able to get to the pool twice. Abby had a great time playing with some older boys earlier in the day and then tonight, many from our group were down at the pool, so that was really fun.

Right now, God is putting on quite the light and sound show...so glad we are about ready for bed and not having to be outside in the rain.

Day 8 in China

Today was a much slower day for us than usual. The only scheduled activity was going back to the medical clinic to have the girls' TB tests checked. All 4 girls in our group were fine! It can be up to 50 percent that come back positive which then require chest x-rays.

Since we didn't have much else going on, we spent some time at the pool this morning and again this evening. It's always fun at the pool. We also were able to do a little shopping and visit more with some shopkeepers we have gotten to know.

Abby also did some homework today. She has a book from school to learn the Chinese characters. So she spent quite a while working on tracing the characters.

Abby sweet talked her dad into buying her a little car with tracks.

Tonight we went to dinner with the 2 other couples from our agency that have been here at Guangzhou with us the whole time. We were thankful that Abby did not pick pigeon from the menu tonight and thought we were safe with getting 1/2 a chicken. I guess we got the 1/2 with the head and the bones ;o)

The rest of the 18 families from our agency fly here tonight or tomorrow from their provinces; it will be fun to all get back together and see all the children!

Day 7 in China

It was a great day in China today! We had fun at the local zoo and saw many wonderful animals.

It was a hot one! So, we ended the time with an ice cream.

We couldn’t resist getting Abby this cute visor with a solar powered fan and slide down sunglasses. It was a steal for only $2!

We also had a fun day skyping with Madison and Micah, shopping, reading, coloring and playing with stickers. Abby’s personality continues to be so fun – she is a jokester and also very affectionate. She is certainly a perfect addition to our family!

We also have met a couple of Chinese Christians…both are shop owners near our hotel. It’s great talking with them and seeing their excitement in their faith.

Day 6 in China

Today we had medical exams and an appointment at the police station to get our official adoption documentation. Poor Abby had 4 shots and a tb test today - not a happy camper, but she did well. She also got her eyes checked, ent check, and a quick physical. The doctor didn't say much but that she's intelligent. She also tried to help one of the other girls cheat on her eye test ;o).

Abby has been wanting to wear the clothes she brought with her the whole time, but today wore a new outfit we brought. She's looking good in that, some cool shades (used to be Madison's) and is proud of her new phone.

3 of Abby's favorite things: Daddy, being tickled and french fries.

Days 4 and 5 in China

Day 4


Gotcha Day! We travelled from Beijing to Guangzhou City and got Abby within a couple hours after landing. It was an emotional time for both us and Abby.

Day 5


Today we had our adoption interviews and everything became official. Then it was time for some fun.

Abby loved the pool and the swimsuit Madison picked out for her.

Tonight we had a nice dinner together at Lucy's. Abby devoured a plate of french fries. She is really a silly girl - likes to be really goofy and make us laugh. She also loved doing skype with Madison and Micah today and blew them kisses.

Day 3 in China

Today we had a Hutong Tour - a rickshaw ride through narrow alleyways of homes and a tour through the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Then we had a great dinner with many of our new friends. Everyone is very anxious as we fly out tomorrow to our provinces and receive our children. We are so excited to hold Abby in our arms as we already hold her in our hearts.