Our Garden of Eden

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!