It's about 4:45 am and we are all wide awake. Grace is taking a bath and singing the Star Spangled Banner rather loudly...we expect the police at our door any minute. Today, Sunday, we go to the Forbidden City then on to the airport to fly to Nanning. Our flight leaves around 2 or so. Nanning weather is very warm, in the 80's, which will be nice. And, there's a nice outdoor pool at the hotel.
We had fun exploring Beijing yesterday. As we walked down the street, we got lots of stairs since we were caucasions with a little Chinese girls. More than a few people asked us if Grace was Chinese. Then they would say, does she speak English. They were surprised that she could not speak Chinese. I'm not sure that many folks know about Americans adopting kids from here but when we tell them, the responses were very positive.
Plus, lot's of college students stand near the markets and want to practice their english. We were easy targets but enjoyed talking with them. A couple of them took us to a nearby building to show us their art work, which was very beautiful. We didn't buy any of it though that didn't seem to matter.
Mel is learning lots of Chinese words and now considers herself part Asian. Of course, the waitresses and waiters that have to translate everything for her and help her pronunciate want big tips since they spent so much time at our table. Many of them speak English fairly well. When I ask them, do you speak English, they always respond, "of course." When they ask if we speak Chinese, we change the subject.
Supposedly, we got a break from the pollution yesterday as it was very windy. It was sunny and you could see the sky, which was different from the last time when we were here when we only saw a huge gray wall of smog. It will be interesting to see how the air quality is when the Olympics are here next summer.
One of the most memorable things from yesterday was meeting a young couple from upstate New York who just received thier adopted son who they named Simon. Simon is 3 and has Down Syndrome. The mother is a physical therapist who has spent lots of time in Chinese orphanages. Simon is a cute little guy and has very loving parents.
3 comments:
So wish I could be there with you. My excitement is growing in anticipation of you meeting your daughter. My heart overflows for you all. Love, your Sis
I am so happy for Mel, Little Gracie and you Brandy for the new addition to your family. How wonderful it must be. I hope to see you all when you come back to East Liverpool. Have a safe trip and give Gracie and Mary a kiss for me. They are two lucky little girls to have you and Mel for parents. Hope to see you all soon.
LaVerne
Hi Brandon, Melanie, Grace and Mary -
We are enjoying reading your blog and seeing the photos. We can't begin to express our happiness and gratefulness to God for Mary and your family. These babies (as all babies) are such miracles! Our hearts are full of wonderful emotions (and our eyes with tears of joy) as we read of your travels and experiences. How we wish we could do it again - but we are so very, very appreciative and thankful to God for our Emma Fa Fang and Nikalee. How incredibly blessed we have been too! Be safe, get some rest (ha!) and give yourselves big hugs from the Leb-Fosters. Bob remembers Nanning well and all the ducks and wonderful local fare. He says that Brandon should get a ten gallon hat - and folks will call him "John Wayne" too. Lots of love - Mary, Bob, Nikalee and Emma
You are all in our daily prayers. We look forward to meeting Mary and seeing you all again.
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