Friday, October 23, 2009

Three stowaways trapped in the bathroom on the U.S.S. Nightmare. That is how Sheila, Jordan and I felt for a good while this evening. We were hoping for an early bedtime on our last evening in China. But Eden decided not to cooperate with our plans. She has normally been quite the easy baby, falling asleep each evening without much coddling. We were hoping for the same tonight, but to no avail. Our plans to finish up some last minute packing while Eden slept were thwarted by our now, spunky little girl.

Usually, all we need to do to help Eden fall asleep is to turn out all the nights. In a few minutes she’s out cold. Not tonight. Every time we thought she was asleep and turn the computer on to finish blogging or the closet light on to finish our packing she’d stand up in the crib ready to play or just laugh. Finally, all three of us hid in the bathroom and attempted to read while Eden fell asleep. It was so funny. After several minutes we would gently sneak out of the bathroom to check on Eden who seemed to be waiting on us so that we could play some more. Then it was off to the bathroom again for the three of us, trapped like stowaways, waiting for our little one to drift off to sleep. You had to be there. We could not help roar with laughter.

It’s amazing. We’ve had Eden for less than two weeks and she’s already the puppet master, pulling strings and making two adults and an older sister run and hide in a bathroom until she falls asleep.

Well, we are finally finishing up our adoption journey in China. Today was a pleasant day; not much going on. We tried to keep things low key. Breakfast. Shopping. Lunch. Packing. Shopping. Dinner. And yes, more shopping. I love my wife very much but how she discovers reason and reason for gathering more stuff is beyond me. I guess she’s right. Buying a pair of shoes at $3 a pair versus $15 a pair at Target when we get home does make sense. But I’ve had enough. The people are generally sweet, but oh so very shrewd. They’re out to make a living. It’s all part of how things are done in China.

We’ll leave for the airport around 6:45 am and then begin about 26 hours of traveling. Please continue to pray that all goes well and keep praying for the baby crib on the plane.

Often I’ve heard the question, “How does it feel?” referring to Eden’s adoption. Sheila and I have asked that question to one another many times. Sheila continues to use the word surreal to describe her take on things at present. The journey was difficult in getting to this point. Adoption is never easy. It’s just never wrong. There is so much up and down in the process of adoption that when you finally do get your child you almost don’t know how to let your emotions be truly free, especially when you’re thrust into chasing down a 2-year old.

We love our newest daughter very much; no less or more than our other three children. We’ve missed out on so much with Eden; her first tooth, her first steps, her first words and her first smile. But God knew exactly what He was doing in matching us with this precious gift.

I find myself doing the same things with and for Eden that I still do for my other children. I think of Eden non-stop, just like my other children. I look at her while she sleeps and bask in the wonder and glory of Almighty God, just as I do with my other children. I pray for and dream of her future in Christ, believing that God will bring her to faith in Christ at a young age and use her for His glory in serving the needs of the world, perhaps even return to her home country, China. I’m totally overprotective and am ready to pounce the moment I think she is threatened in any way.

I marvel at our new daughter and the personality she has already developed. Eden is loving. She is warm and affectionate. She is a determined little girl, not wanting to give up the smallest of tasks until she succeeds. She is spunky and independent; she knows what she wants and wants it right now. She is so beautiful. She’s like a beautiful little doll you would see in the old Marshall Field’s on State Street in Chicago, delicate and spectacular in every way. She is sweet and kind, already wanting to do things to please us. She has the best stare; sometimes serious, sometimes quizzical, and at other times very deep. She is playful and fun to be with. She is easy. I’ll probably want to take that last statement back in a few years. She has a funny strut about her, especially when wearing her squeaky shoes. I love the way she holds my pinky finger when we walk together. Each of my other three kids did the same. That’s a great dad feeling. I love the way Eden has bonded so well with Sheila, Jordan and me, and look forward to the love that will develop between her and her older brothers. Christopher and Micah will be amazing big brothers.

Eden's first Merry Go Round Ride

I’m just so glad Eden is our little girl. In a word, I’m blessed. God has done more for our family than I could ever ask or imagine. Our lives are forever blessed because of this precious little one. I hope to be a good dad and even calm down a bit. Intensity runs in the Peters genes. Sorry.

I must also say a word about my dearest wife, Sheila. What an amazing person. And although she is many things; wife, daughter, sister and friend; she is above all a godly woman who loves Jesus and one terrific mom. You should see the way she is with her newest daughter. She’s amazing. Eden will grow up knowing that even for that very brief time she was apart from her mother, she was always in her heart, and there she will remain forever.

See you in 36 hours. Can’t wait.

Blessings,
JP

Safari tour

Thursday, October 22, 2009


We’re all a bit overtired so bear with me as I attempt to crank out some thoughts.

Today was actually a super fun day. Since our appointment with the Consulate was moved up a day we were able to have a free day filled with fun. After an enjoyable breakfast we loaded up in a taxi to a Safari Park in Guangzhou.

Again, I must comment on the driving. It’s insane. There are no rules. There are no driving lanes. There is absolutely no respect for other drivers. It’s insane. What probably was technically four lanes of highway turning into two lanes moving onto a bridge turned into another stampede of at least 8-12 cars and trucks side by side trying to enter a two-lane bridge. It’s unbelievable here. There is no way to accurately describe the chaos on the roads. Plus, we were crammed into another small taxi with no air-conditioning on what turned out to be the hottest day we’ve had since arriving in China. Alas, after a major, major bout of traffic jams and some challenges with the heat we finally made it to the Safari Park.

Our experience today was well worth the headache in getting there. It was simply a gorgeous zoo/safari park with beautifully decorated green space with a full array of natural flowers. The animals were also fantastic. We took it all in; lions, tigers, bears – oh my. It was wonderful watching Eden come alive at seeing the animals. It is probable that she has never seen more than a stray dog or cat near the orphanage in her entire life. It was just a great, great day enjoying the beauty and wonder of God’s creation.

In addition to the zoo there was also a complete safari like experience while riding a train. Everyone loved it. Instead of just seeing one lion or tiger asleep at the zoo you would often see dozens of different kinds of animals all throughout the safari experience. They basically took us through the many different animal kingdoms found in both Asia and Africa and aside from some obvious space protections from the more aggressive animals we were able to have zebra, giraffe, camel walk very, very close to our train. It was so neat to watch Eden wave to all the animals.

We’ve found most people here to be incredibly friendly. However, they are the shrewdest people I have ever come in contact with. It takes one to know one. We met two lovely families who originated from China but have lived in Australia for over 20 years. You talk about something interesting; listening to Chinese people speak Chinese one minute and then hear them speak English with an Australian accent. Very neat. They were wonderful to visit with.

One interesting thing happened at Safari Park. Sheila was quite the celebrity. Blond-haired women are a rare commodity here so some folks asked Sheila if they could take her picture. Don’t let her fool you – she loved it. I mentioned before about the lack of personal space in China. Well, in some ways it can be exhilarating to talk about life with them. Through our new Chinese/Australian friends many folks asked us how it is that we were walking around with a Chinese baby. They were shocked to learn that this little Chinese girl was indeed ours now through adoption. They were even more shocked to hear of Eden’s abandonment and eventual placement in an orphanage. They, like us, believe very strongly that Eden’s biological parents made the only decision possible to save her life.

It was a bit surprising to learn that many Chinese people have no idea that there are thousands upon thousands of Chinese children adopted by foreigners each year with multiple thousands of children who remain in orphanages. They thought us to be so kind in choosing to bring a little girl into our home from another country that has had medical challenges. We’re learning day by day that it is us who are the ones so richly blessed by God for having Eden in our lives.

The entire day was so very enjoyable. Eden and her big sister and mommy even got to go on a Merry-go-Round ride together. Eden’s smile was as wide as it could be.

Our drive back to the hotel was smooth sailing. There are many people, in addition to taxi drivers, who hire their private vehicle. We negotiated a price to take us back to the hotel. Sheila laughed at me when I told her that I picked the smallest and most timid driver in a line of many who were vying for our business. Just in case.

After a needed rest in our room we enjoyed a nice dinner at Lucy’s Café. The girls, not Jaws, but the other two are desperately craving American food. We’ve spent much time talking about what restaurants we most want to eat at when we return home and what favorite home-cooked meals we can’t wait to enjoy together. So far the winners are Red Robin burgers, Cheesecake Factory chicken and biscuits, anything at Pappy’s Bar-B-Queue, Sheila’s famous pork steaks, tacos and twice-baked potatoes. We are craving some home cookin’.

Eden was a bit fussy tonight. It’s really the first time she fussed much since we got her. I’m pretty sure Sheila was cussed out again in Chinese.

Eden’s passport and visa arrived tonight. Tomorrow we will spend time doing some last-minute shopping. Apparently, there is still more stuff out there to buy. We promised Jordan some pool time. After that, we’ll pack and head for our favorite Italian restaurant for dinner. Don’t worry; we’ll bring the sippy cup. And then it’s off to an early bed time. Our transport to the airport is at 6:45 am on Saturday morning. We then begin 25 hours of traveling. Please pray that all goes well with our connections and flights. Also pray that we’re able to get a bassinet on the plane for Eden. We’re hoping she is able to sleep on the plane.

We can’t wait to see all of you. Thanks for your investment of prayer, love and friendship to our family. This journey has been all the more enjoyable with you along sharing the ride.

JP
Blessings,

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 (Late in the evening)
Nicknames. My mother is the esteemed giver of nicknames for our children. She usually comes up with a combination of something very cute with something very Yiddish. I, on the other hand, have decided upon a most deserved nickname for our daughter, Eden – Jaws. Here is the funny and nearly tragic story.

I mentioned before the ferocity of Eden’s eating. She tears into food like it is no one’s business. She’ll eat non-stop if we let her, inhaling her food. She also doesn’t like to be messed with while eating. Yesterday, while eating at an Italian restaurant, Sheila went to tie a cloth napkin around her neck because we forgot Eden’s bib. Eden had already started to eat some pizza, her second dinner by the way, and when Sheila seemingly got between Eden and her food she was on the receiving end of a verbal tirade with some serious finger pointing. Sheila said, “I’m not sure, but I think she just cussed me out in Chinese.” It was hysterical.

The next thing that happened was the funny and tragic part. We also forgot Eden’s sippy cup. I suggested that Eden drink from the bottle of water I had. I was out voted and told to put the water in the cup. I did. I then watched my daughter take a drink and then heard a terrifying sound. Now remember, she’s drinking water so the only sound should be the sound of swallowing. What I heard was the sound of glass shattering. Sure enough, as I gently pulled the glass from Eden’s mouth an entire section had been chewed off. The Jewish in me quickly panicked as a held Eden’s head forward and stuck my finger in the side of her mouth and guided out the broken pieces of glass. There were several. I hollered for Sheila who also quickly jumped into action and pulled more glass out of Eden’s mouth. Eden never cried. She never seemed upset that broken glass was in her mouth or that I was jamming my finger in for an immediate search and rescue. Eden was just fine. All the glass was removed. She never had a single cut in her mouth. And at the end of the panicked experience she went right back to eating pizza. God is good. Eden is tough as nails and is able to chew glass. JAWS!

Warming up Eden's dinner!

The end of our evening was most enjoyable. Eden’s personality turns very playful when it is just our family. We hugged and wrestled, laughed and played. Eventually, Eden fell asleep in my arms. Very, very sweet.

I must say a word about Jordan. She continues to be amazing. I wasn’t certain that taking Jordan with us and her being so far from home and her routine was the right thing to do. It was absolutely the right thing. This experience has helped all of us really grow in our understanding of people and culture. Jordan has learned so much. She and her little sister are best friends. They have bonded so well with one another. And I do believe having another child with Sheila and I has helped Eden connect well with our family. Jordan has also been such a help to Sheila and me. I am so proud of Eden’s sister and our vey special daughter, Jordan.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009


Today was actually a really fun day. Sheila took Eden for a quick TB check-up. Praise God – all was clear. We then had a very enjoyable breakfast with some new friends. The last couple of days have been quite wonderful, meeting new adopting families and hearing their miracle stories. They are countless and each one is so precious.
We met a mother today from Long Island, New York. She had previously adopted a little girl from China several years ago and has now returned to adopt a beautiful almost teenage girl. I kept thinking just how brave this young lady is to enter into a new home with a brand new family, a new country, a new culture and language after living 11 years in China. She seemed quite happy and well adjusted with her adoptive mother and sister but I’m certain there is so much fear to overcome. She is perhaps one of the most brave persons I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The miracles of adoptions continue to amaze me.

After breakfast, I, (Jonathan) actually did some shopping with some other guys at the electronic market. It was fine but I’m a little tired from the games that are played. The copyright laws are very different in China and everything you can think of has been copied and cloned to sell at lower prices. You’ve never seen so much stuff. It’s actually pretty sick.

Sheila and the girls enjoyed some time at the pool. Mom and Jordan also decided to paint Eden’s fingers and toes. She loved it and did not want them to stop. Mom and big sister are thrilled to have another girly-girl.

The plans for the afternoon changed on us, but for the good. We were told that our Consulate appointment was moved up a day. Eden was dressed so beautifully in her Red, White and Blue dress embroidered with her name and given to us by our dear friend, Shannon. She was adorable and received many compliments.

The experience at the Consulate was very moving. The ceremony itself was more of a formality but seeing hundreds of families adopting these beautiful, beautiful children and so many of them with special needs; it was a special and very emotional experience.

Here is my quick soapbox on adoption. It is so right in every way possible. If I were not a pastor and I decided to dedicate my life to serve one cause this would be it – hands down. We’ve met family after family whose lives have been forever enriched, both the newly adopted child and the existing family, because of the choice to adopt. I met a man today who was adopted when he was 4 years old. He has no memory of his biological family. Together, he and his wife have 9 children. He always knew that he would adopt children as an adult. He knew how much the choice someone made to love him and bring him into their family forever changed his life and knew he was called to do the same. I make no apology as one who hopes to help people consider eternity right now. Adoption is at the very heart of God. I hope many of you choose this path for your own families. You’ll be forever blessed.

The remainder of our evening was spent enjoying a lovely dinner with new friends at our favorite Italian restaurant. This time we brought Eden’s sippy cup. But she did scarf down the Gnocchi and Jordan’s chocolate cake. Jaws can throw it down. I think she can give the guy from Man vs. Food a run for his money.

Well, it’s off to bed now. We have a free day tomorrow and then wait to receive Eden’s passport and visa on Friday. Saturday morning can’t come soon enough. We miss home and the boys so much and look forward to beginning our new life with Eden with our church family and friends.

Blessings to you all. Please continue to pray for us on our last days in China and as we travel back to the states.

Blessings,
Jonathan

Yesterday we started out kind of early. We met our guide and another family at 8:00. We walked a few blocks to a medical facility here on the island. It was a Chinese medical clinic. It was very crowded. We waited in a separate room just for adoptive families. The mosquitoes were horrible! They just swarm you! Eden had to get a TB test, and a medical check up. She cried more when the doctor and nurses touched her than when they stuck her with a needle for the TB test. She likes to be out among the people, but she doesn't like to be messed with. The exam was quite interesting. To test her hearing they shook a tambourine on either side of her head to see if she would look. Jonathan thought they were trying to distract her and tried to get her to look at it. I had to tell him not to talk to her they were testing her hearing! She pretty much screamed through the whole thing. Luckily it was over pretty quickly. We go back in the morning to have her TB test read. Hopefully it will be o.k. because otherwise we will have to have a chest x-ray. The whole experience definitely made me appreciate our medical care back home!

After lunch we went with another family to a market in Guang Zhou. It was extremely crowded. They sold Jade and pearls there. There are so many shops we wonder who shops there; because most people don't seem like they would have enough money for this type of thing. We also saw a Buddhist temple. There were people burning incense and kneeling to worship the statues of Buddha. It is really sad to see people praying to a man made statue who cannot hear or help them. I am happy when I think that we are offering Eden a chance to know the truth.

Eden's personality is really starting to come out. She seems very happy and content to be with us. She is such a happy girl, constantly smiling and laughing. She is so affectionate and loving. Eden loves to play and always wants a hug. God has been so good to us. He has answered our prayers in so many ways. The transition to our family has gone better than we could have dreamed. We prayed for God to prepare her heart for us and He has more than answered that prayer. My other prayer has been that He would prepare her heart to someday know and accept Him. We are so happy and grateful. We can't wait to come home and for everyone to meet her.

Much love to all, Sheila

Sunday, October 18, 2009 @ 10:00 pm

All the girls are asleep so I thought I would catch up with some writing. Let me first catch you up on the events that took place on Saturday.

Saturday morning was spent with last minute packing, eating breakfast in shifts to get everything done, saying good-bye to Anna (our adoption coordinator and guide in Hangzhou), and making our way to the airport. We are glad to be done with taxis in Hangzhou.

Jordan, by the way, is feeling so much better. Thank God. Thanks also to all who faithfully prayed for our family. Please keep it up.

Another praise is just how smooth things have gone with every appointment, security check in airports, connections with planes and transportation waiting for us each time we exit an airport waiting to take us to our next destination. God has been most favorable to us in this way.

A word about the Chinese people – complex. They are wonderfully kind but have no regard for personal space or what we would consider normal manners. Take for example waiting in line. There is none of that in China. We waited in line yesterday to board a plane and were probably toward the back of what I thought was a line, maybe a hundred people deep. But when the gate opened to begin boarding what I thought was a line turned out to be a stampede with people shoving their way through and literally knocking people out of the way. This is normal. The odd thing is that no one seems upset by it. It’s just the Chinese way. I must admit that I’ve had just about all I can take in this department. I must also admit that I was a bit gleeful when I learned that a British man staying at the same hotel as us also had enough of the stampeding and grabbed a Chinese line cutter and forced him to get behind him.

Another example of the different cultures took place on the plane from Hangzhou to Guangzhou. Since Eden is over 2 we were required to purchase a seat for her. Our seats on the plane happened to be next to a woman who also had a small child with her, only her child was less than 2 years old and did not have his own seat. But mom decided that he would have his own seat no matter what. When the flight attendant asked us about putting Eden in a seat we told her that we would but the woman was not about to move and we didn’t want to cause a problem. When the flight attendant asked her to remove herself from the seat that she did not pay for she stared her down and refused. Needless to say, we held Eden the entire plane ride, but she did well. Another example of a very different culture.

We arrived in Guangzhou late in the afternoon. Sheila and the girls walked the grounds of the hotel and I did paperwork with our local adoption coordinator, Grace.

In the evening we enjoyed supper at Lucy’s Café. We were thrilled to have a hamburger and fries. It wasn’t quite American but it was close. We spent the remainder of the evening walking the area and obtaining a few needed supplies from a local 7-11.

Sunday morning began early but with a slow push to finally get out the door. That’s par for the course for the lovely Mrs. Peters.

By the way, we’re staying at the White Swan Hotel on Shamian Island in Guangzhou. It’s a magnificent hotel with beautiful waterfalls, exquisite shops throughout, and wonderfully accommodating to adopting families. The White Swan is well known for its international flavor. In fact, there is a Trade Fair in Guangzhou this week so in addition to foreigners adopting, there are literally people from all over the world attending the Trade Fair. It’s nice to see so many nations represented but it comes at a cost, jacked up prices and very, very crowded. It has also been nice to meet with many other adopting families who have shared the stories of their own adoption journeys.

Our breakfast was delightful. Jordan was especially glad to have delicacies such as French toast and scrambled eggs. The food choices are in line with the overall theme of the hotel, international with many western options.

After breakfast we walked to the Christ Church. To my knowledge, Christ Church is the only Protestant church on the small island. Its beginnings date back to the mid 1800’s, during the British Colonial period in China. The people were very warm and friendly. However, we soon learned that a later, 11:30 am service was in both Chinese and English. We decided to quietly slip out and return for the later service.

The worship service was very meaningful for us. It was Eden’s first worship service. She, like some who are forced to listen to my preaching, slept for much of it. Listening to the local people sing in Chinese was heaven-sent. We also sang very familiar choruses including “Isn’t He” and “Here I am to Worship”. I was glad to worship Jesus with my Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ.

It was especially meaningful to hear the pastor preach. His text was James 2, the very passage I am currently studying in preparation for my messages when I return home. God continues to confirm His hand in so many ways.

After worship we walked around the island window shopping, and shopping and shopping. Sheila and Jordan are in their element and Eden seems to be of the same mold. Eden also loves to be in the stroller and just be outside moving about. I love to watch her look at the people. We tend to forget that she has spent the vast majority of these past 28 months holed up in a two-room orphanage and has had very little contact with the outside world. It continues to be enjoyable to see the world through our daughter’s eyes.

A pleasant interlude …

His name is 115. I should say that is the number on the identification button he pointed to when I asked him his name. 115 is a massage specialist at the Shamian Traditional Chinese Medical Center. So far, besides the miraculous adoption of our daughter, this was indeed my personal highlight of the trip. I happened by the establishment after Sheila and the girls decided to once again “just look into” yet another shop. This time it was a Disney store. I assumed they would be there awhile so I decided to venture ahead and explore Shamian Island in Guangzhou. My exploration took me only another 25 feet, for the very next building was home to the Shamian Traditional Chinese Medical Center.

Upon entering, I was greeted by a lovely staff who handed me a price sheet. Was it really possible? Could it be that a 60 minute body massage was only 68 RMB? For you newcomers, that’s 10 bucks. Apparently the Disney store had little to offer my girls because Sheila was right behind me. When I told her about the massage she told me to jump at it. I was glad to oblige. Before leaving, she requested yet more money just in case one of those “just looking shops” had something impossible to pass up.

All I can say is that 115 and I became fast friends. We said to little to each other. He asked me only a few times if I was okay, and because I was in pure paradise, all I could do was nod and grunt in a most affirming way. 115 knew I was happy. And I was. Hands down the best massage ever. The Chinese know what they’re doing in this department. They also must indeed have the cure for baldness. We bald beauties are a rare bird. Right now I think I’m a flock of one. But the massage was wonderful.

Sheila, Jordan and Eden spent time at the pool this afternoon. Apparently, Eden took right to it and tried to jump in without mom. She loves the water. Bath times are also special for her. It looks like we’ll have another beach lover in the family. Sheila had a wonderful time enjoying the water with her two best girls.

After a brief nap for Eden we ventured back out for dinner at an Italian restaurant. Again, not home but good. I’ve never seen a child eat so much. In many ways it is so very sad. Eden probably had little to eat with even less variety. She eats all that we put before her and never quits. We have to physically remove the food from her sight to convince her it is time to stop eating. She also wastes nothing. Even the little that falls off her spoon she delicately goes back after it and consumes every last bite. She’s an independent eater. She does not want any help from mom or dad. Just put the food in front of her and she’ll take care of the rest. And that she does, with great zeal. Our meal times have been very enjoyable.

Our late evening was spent doing more window shopping. I’m not sure why it is called window shopping. Sheila buys something at nearly every store. It’s been fun.

Well, it’s off to bed for me. The morning will be here soon and we have much to do. Lots of paperwork, an early morning medical check-up for Eden with TB test. After that, probably more shopping. I may wander back over to find my new friend, 115.

Peace,
JP

Post submitted by Jonathan:

Friday, October 16, 2009
12:00 pm

Eden is napping and Jordan seems to be doing better. Praise God. She is fussing a good bit about having to stay in bed. She has been able to keep down a couple of crackers and drink some Sprite. Please keep praying for us all.

A funny story follows. My industrious wife did well planning for this trip. Most things one would need traveling across the globe were nicely packed in our bags, prepared to face the toughest of challenges. One of those challenges nearly got the best of us.

While checking our bags in St. Louis we were forced to do some quick adjusting of items from bag to bag to keep things within the required weight limits. Our final bag was only a single pound overweight. Sheila recalled that her trusty jar of peanut butter, weighing exactly one pound, was toward the top end of that final bag. She quickly retrieved the peanut butter and placed it in her carry-on luggage. We made the weight requirement but at a great personal cost. Sadly, the authorities confiscated the peanut butter from us, claiming that it was a liquid and not allowed to pass through security.

Quick Reminder: Sheila was counting on the peanut butter to get her through nearly 3 weeks in China in the event she would struggle eating the local foods. Now, many days into our journey, she has hit a brick wall in the food department and was badly craving peanut butter. So off I went to the local grocery store.

There has been one major bright spot at the local grocery store. There is but one woman who speaks very, very broken English that has been there every time I’ve gone to the store. Together, we’ve been able to find most things that we’ve needed. I prayed before I left for the store that my friend would be there to help me. She wasn’t.

It took me about 45 minutes to locate the small number of items we needed; but still no peanut butter. I began to pray that God would help me find some peanut butter for Sheila somewhere in the store. After nearly giving up a small woman passed me and said hello. I asked if she spoke English. She said yes. However, her English was about 20 levels below the ability of my other friend at the grocery store.

I did everything I could to make signs of spreading something out and then eating it. No luck. My new friend sought the help of others and we all traveled the whole store together looking for what I hoped was peanut butter.

We passed the dried fish aisle. No peanut butter. We passed area where oats and rice is kept. No peanut butter. We made our way to the frozen food section and they handed me a small tube of mayonnaise. Still no peanut butter but we were at least making progress with something that could be spread. I still can’t figure out why single tubes of mayonnaise are in the freezer. I finally found some peanuts and pointed to them and then proceeded again to make my sign for “spread and eat”. Some smiling and nodding ensued. Then, after many more aisles, atop a shelf was a jar of Skippy peanut butter. I was so happy to have found it, and so grateful God helped me. I know it seems like a small matter, but I’m learning to take joy in the minute by minute helps God gives us.

More challenges ensued later while at a local eatery trying to order something for Eden to eat. People are people no matter where you go. While folks have been patient with me as I’ve struggled through communicating with them, it has had its funny moments. I’ve noticed that Chinese people do the same thing Americans do when trying to communicate with someone who does not speak English. They speak much slower and much louder, thinking that somehow I’ll be able to miraculously understand Mandarin if only I could overcome by perceived deafness. It’s been hysterical at many, many points.

I was able to grab a couple of packets of honey from breakfast to have with my tea so Sheila enjoyed a delicious lunch of saltine crackers with peanut butter and honey.

All the girls are napping now. We hope Jordan continues to improve so that we can at least get out a bit tonight and walk around before our early morning trip to the airport as we depart for Guangzhou.

Peace,
JP

Post submitted by Jonathan:
Friday, October 16, 2009
7:30 am
My thoughts are a bit boggled at this time. Jordan has been ill most of the evening. Very messy and stinky night in Hangzhou City. I’ll do my best to update you all on the latest.

First of all, please pray for us. Jordan is still feeling ill and a bit frightened. We think that Eden gave her the bug that was plaguing her for a few days. The two of them have been inseparable so along with lots of love, they’ve passed a bug back and forth. Also, pray for Sheila and me. We’re both a bit queasy; but hopeful we can get passed this bump in the road without succumbing to sickness. God has been faithful to us throughout our entire journey and we trust that His hand will carry us through our remaining days in China.

Wednesday was an off-day in terms of adoption assignments. We spent most of the day walking to the grocery store and dad being sent out to Pizza Hut for lunch and dinner take-out. The girls have had their fill of Chinese food.

We also had a lovely time exploring the parks and walking trails around beautiful West Lake. West Lake is a lovely lake with mountains surrounding it. The problem is that there is so much pollution and smog that it is nearly impossible to take in all the natural beauty. Honestly, unless the rain knocks the pollution down it is hard to see the marvelous landscape clearly.

We spent a good number of hours walking around and taking pictures. Eden and me are now good buddies. She lets me hold her and carry her around, although Sheila and Jordan still rank as her first choice for personal chariot rides.

Overall, Wednesday was a fairly low key day. We enjoyed our family time together.

Thursday was a bit more adventurous. Again, it was an off-day as far as most adoption assignments. I did have to proof documents that will be sent with us on to our next city, Guangzhou, where we will have several steps at the Consulate.

After breakfast, we took a taxi ride to the Silk Market. There is no way to accurately describe the horror of life in a taxi amidst China traffic. I grew up my whole life hearing how horrible Chicago drivers were. There is no comparison. I’m usually not at all fearful in the worst of driving conditions but have found myself closing my eyes and holding my breath numerous times.

The Silk Market was lots of fun; a bargaining paradise. I spent most of the day standing outside shops with Sheila and Jordan picking out what they wanted, and then being sent in like an attack dog to negotiate good prices. I was in my element. But after several hours we all had enough.

Our evening was quite enjoyable. We walked to West Lake again and found a little playground. Eden personality is really starting to come out; serious at times, but also wonderfully playful and affectionate. You could also tell just how inexperienced she is at things that most of us take for granted with our children. When Christopher was 2-years old he was jumping off diving boards with floaties by himself. Eden has approached new things like playgrounds with a level of caution. Overall, though, she is doing so well. It is wondrous to see life through her eyes at each new experience, causing us to be joyful and thankful. We enjoyed each time down the slide with her beautiful smile and laughter.

We decided to take in some of the local culture last night, attempting to traverse our way through shops and local eateries without a clue how to communicate. One big lesson – learn more of the language. When in China do as the Chinese do, and speak Chinese. We’ve been surprised at how few “foreigners” there are, and how little English is spoken. I’ve done well to get by, but I sorely regret not learning more of the language before we traveled.

We found a local candy store and enjoyed some jellybeans. Eden liked them very much. Jordan enjoyed her fair share but was cut off all food when the spewing began in the middle of the night.

Thus far this morning we have taken shifts caring for Jordan, cleaning up major messes, feeding Eden and trying to keep her entertained. Jordan and Eden are indeed sisters. Although they speak different languages they are constantly complaining about being stuck in the room. Attitude crosses all language barriers and right now we’re getting a lot of attitude from both our daughters.

All is well. God is faithful. We’ll be fine.

Our love to all our dear family and friends, we’re grateful to share our journey with you. Right now, home sounds so good.

Blessings,
JP

Getting ready to go for our first swim!  Ended up being to cold

She's ready for the beach Memaw!