Our Garden of Eden

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,