December 7, 2010

Hello Again from Guangzhou,

Mary and I are on our count down.Today and Thursday are really filler days with nothing official to do and sight seeing the only things on the itinerary. Tomorrow morning our guide goes to the consulate for our official appointment and then we go in the afternoon for our "oath taking ceremony". I have one skirt with me for Marie Ling, so she will look especially spiffy for our big day.

Last evening we received a miracle direct from heaven via the intercession of Our Lady and Marie Agnes my mom. Every night since we have met her, bedtime with Marie Ling has included crying, screaming and kicking like a two year old. I decided to try another approach. I explained our situation to Elsie our guide and she said to call her at bedtime. When she came to our room I asked her to tell Marie Ling that I want to treat her like the big girl that she is, but each bedtime she has been acting like a baby or a two year old. Elsie shared my message and I told her I would lie in my bed next to her.  Elise's words worked like a charm. She went in and got into bed, I gave her a kiss and I got in mine next to her. Once she "asked" me to get in bed with her which I declined though I held her hand. She went to sleep without one kick or one scream! Pray hard that this continues. I am happy to comfort and reassure her, but the screaming and kicking for 40 minutes each night I can do without!

Today we visited two points of interest, Memorial Hall and the Five Goats Statue. Memorial Hall is actually named after the man our guide likened to our George Washington. He led the revolt against the last dynasty in 1911. The hall seats thousands and is used for governmental meetings and concerts. It was built in 1929 four years after their founding father died. A big statue of him adorns the large garden outside.

Our second stop was at a big park that includes the Five Goats Statue. The local legend says that during a famine in the region five fairies came on the backs of five goats to bring rice seeds to the people. I guess it is a symbol of prosperity and assurance that the people will never again be hungry. We took a group picture in front of the statue and eight or ten Chinese folks took a picture of us, too. I guess we are quite a spectacle since we are five family groups each with a Chinese child!

This afternoon Rachel, another adoptive mom, her seven year old and her new 2 1/2 year old, Marie Ling and I found a playroom here in the hotel complex. A galloping pony like one would see at the front of Meijer's or Walmart, some rocking toys and bowling pins entertained three kids for over an hour! Rachel and I were delighted to have them in a confined safe space and have an opportunity to have casual mom talk. I just know Mary hated having an hour and a half to herself in our room!

I am not feeling up to par today; I will gladly go kerplunk with my new daughter should she allow it! Oh yea, every store, hotel and restaurant has Christmas music playing. It is rather strange to hear so out of context; I am trying to let it help me get into the Christmas spirit! More soon.

Michelle