The Zoo

Today was Zoo day.  It felt somewhat like old stomping grounds to us as we visited this same zoo 2 years ago.  

Last time, since there was no one but us in our Travel Group, we went solo.  This time almost the whole group went along, including our guide. (He's not in the picture.)

Eventhough it was the same zoo, some things had changed.  It was much more crowded than last time and the animals looked healthier.  I remember thinking the lions looked like skin and bones last time.  This time they had some meat on their bones.

 We opted for strollers today and were glad to have them. 

Initially, we thought the day was going to be a cooler less hot day than the one 2 years ago.  About half way through our zoo trip, we decided we were wrong.  The men figured out that with the heat index it felt like 107! 



Yes!  That is sweat rolling down Lily's cheek.  We were all soaked through by the time we got back on the bus.

Still can't get in the cages with the animals.  And, yes, if you wanted to, you easily could. 

The signs didn't stop people from feeding them, however.

Yes, it's eating out of a wrapper!  People kept throwing the bears food, which they promptly gobbled!

We think we've discovered a way to slow this boy down...heat.  Our little Chinese Tiger (that's what his name means), was quite mellow the whole time...until his diaper had a blow out.  Won't go into detail about that, but please pray for his tummy again...his earlier problems seemed to have returned when he awoke this morning.  Everyone on our plane home will thank you if you pray to that end!

Emma posing at some of the places she had posed at before...

Baths and naps for the little ones when we returned.  Wal-mart for Kevin.  The pool for Emma and I when Kevin returned.

Tomorrow, Joshua has his TB test read, which looks okay at the moment.  After that, I think we only have to wait for our Consulate Appointment at the end of the week. 

In Him,

Medical Exam

This morning was the obligatory Medical Examination for Joshua.  They relocated the Medical Exam office 4 months ago and it...along with just about everything else...is no longer on Shaiman Island where we stayed last time.

True, the new facility is...new...bigger, cooler, cleaner appearing.  But it does not hold my second most precious memory of my last trip...a very clear word from the Lord.  I had looked forward to standing in that place, thanking the Lord for His fulfilled promises even though it was a very hard promise He gave.  He is faithful.

The new facility has a mass area (above) and an area our guide moved us to for...

Each family was cycled through 3 or 4 stations depending on the age of your child.  Joshua is over 2, so he had to go to the fourth station...the TB test!

First we went to...

This gal must have been testing his hearing...she was squeaking a toy on each side of his head.  Joshua kind of had this expression like, "What on earth are you doing, lady?"

Apparently, no ear infections.  Praise the Lord!

She looked in his mouth next and made no comment about the surely hundreds if not a couple of thousand dollars worth of dental bills that are coming our way.  Poor guy has a minimum of eight teeth that are rotted...including front teeth and molars.  He's loved brushing his teeth with us, but the damage has already been done.

After that, we went to the weight and height station.  Their scale seems to indicate he weighs about 30lbs.  He feels like he weighs double what Lily does eventhough the scale doesn't bear that out. 

He feels SOOO heavy!  Glad I've been working on strengthening my back!

No fever...this sweet nurse showed me his temp so I'd know!

Next, we were on to the...

After reading over his last medical exam, (I'm not convinced by some of the things he did that he understood the meaning of Arthrogryposis...but then I know I don't fully understand it yet either) the man measured his head...

...listened to his chest, and then tried to get him to do some hand motions and squeeze his hand...Joshua was not uncooperative, but I don't think he totally got what he was supposed to do.  I am pretty sure he was speaking Cantonese instead of the Mandarin Joshua understands.  Joshua did really well with it all...definitely seems used to the doctor routine.

Last, but the most crucial over the next several days, was the TB test.

I wasn't sure how he would react...

....but he didn't even cry! After we were back in the hallway, he kept making faces like he was thinking he would cry but never did. Instead, he just ate his cracker and laid his head on my shoulder.

That didn't hold, however.  When we got in the bus to return to the hotel, he had a full meltdown...we are pretty sure it was because he wanted to sit next to Baba instead of Mama.  He really likes Baba!  In the early days of adoption, it is very normal (and actually good) for the child to prefer one parent over the other.  They pick one and latch on...which is good in an attachment sense.  Makes it a little trying for the parents, but good in the long run.  He'll have plenty of time while Kevin's at work to figure out that if he needs something...Mama's it.  Now, I just need to keep working on my upper body strength to be able to contain wiggling arms and legs during a fit!

On an unrelated note...pray for the Lord to bind the enemy and for strength and wisdom for our son at home and our friends who are helping him.  The ceiling of our garage gave way and a portion of what was in the attic landed on our van.  Apparently the damage is not serious, but it will be one more thing to deal with for all involved.  Aaron seemed to be taking it in stride when we Skyped with him earlier.

In Him,

Guangzhou Day 1

We spent today enjoying the offerings of our new hotel which seems to be full of adoptive families.  Please pray for them even though we don't know their names.  Adoption is a blessing beyond words, but the first days, weeks, and months and especially the travel portion can be exceedingly difficult.  We have seen many weary faces and my heart goes out to them. 

After the breakfast buffet (no pictures of that...yet), we headed to the hotel's Kiddyland.  The little ones had it to themselves, since it was so hot.  The heat didn't prevent these two from having a blast, though!





Lily giving Joshua a push

The boy loves to go high and fast!

After Kiddyland, we headed back to the room for naptime during which Kevin decided he could not go another week without a haircut.  So he hit the streets with Emma in search of a barber shop. After walking 3 or 4 blocks they spotted it.....Celebrity Hair Design. A quick check of the prices and Kevin decided to give it a shot. They escorted him to the shampoo area for a quick wash. He was then escorted to his chair and his "designer" was summoned. After about five minutes of not much "Hair" and not much "Design" he was done. He was sent back to the shampoo area where his head was rinsed again. Back to the barber's chair for a quick blow dry....not sure what they were drying, but Kevin was satisified with the results.

After a much too brief nap, we decided to visit the hotel's pool.  Although the pictures don't show it...I did get in, too.  The camera had to stay dry, though.  So alas, no pictures of Mama in the pool.  Bummer.

He loves to put his face in the water!

After pool, pre-dinner snack.  Some brotherly and sisterly love...with shades on, of course!

Our agency arranged a dinner for our travel group at a local Chinese restaurant.  Our guide ordered for us and it was delicious and free of shells, scales, bones, heads, and feet.  That's saying something around here!   Our guide told us yesterday that the people of the Guangdong province are known for eating 'everything that flies in the sky, except the planes; everything that is in the sea except the boats; and everything that has 4 legs except the table.'  

Lily said told me that she wanted to be a big girl and use chopsticks (all the adults were using them).  She actually got some on there and then in her mouth!

The Bottomless Pit

Tomorrow we head to Joshua's required medical appointment.

In Him,