December 7, 2008

Patience and the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown.--Chinese Proverb

After breakfast this morning, Fion picked us up and we went to church at St. Christopher’s.  Before mass even started Amelia was “shushed” by a nun, and she and Tom left to go to a park.  Ah, mom and I had an hour of peace and quiet. The mass was nice with the church decorated for Christmas and a very jubilant choir. Many prayers were said for Alayna! It did, however, bring back the sad memory of worshipping in mainland China.  We had our passports looked at just to go into the service and citizens of PRC were not allowed to participate. I do hope that changes for them in the near future. 

After a quick lunch, Fion took us to a couple of larger temples.  One was a Tao temple and the other a Confucius.  I am still not sure what the one was from yesterday. It may have been a Buddhist Temple, since I believe that is the religion of the majority of Taiwanese. Each of the three temples had gorgeous detail work.  The grounds of the Confucius Temple were very beautiful.  Amelia did well since it was a warm, sunny day, and she was outside running--her favorite!

We came back and decided to walk and explore a bit.  Found a large bookstore and bought a few books that were written in English and Chinese for the girls. They had a Chinese Santa’s Helper in the lobby with Christmas music blaring. Amelia was into singing the songs (loudly and repetitively), but a little uneasy with “Santa’s Helper.” Chinese Santa didn’t look quite the same as our mall Santa.  He was young, short, and skinny!  Just another cultural difference, I suppose.

We went out for dinner to a Thai restaurant.  It was pretty good.  I ordered Amelia a plate of fried noodles--her idea of heaven--and wouldn’t you know it, she was out cold before they were even served.  Oh well, we boxed it up, and we’ll try it for lunch.

The rest of the evening will be spent putting together the finishing touches on our gift bags for Alayna’s birthmother, her foster mother, and agency workers.  I then need to put together the diaper bag to include baby items, in addition to toddler “stuff”.  Amelia never woke up after dinner, so she is snuggling with Grandma while Tom and I get organized.  This is it, we leave at 8:40am to go pick up our sweet baby girl.  Excitement is an understatement tonight!

Nick: We are so sad that you will be missing the big day tomorrow. We love you and miss you!  (Be good, and we’ll see you Friday!)

 

Amelia playing dress up with the bed linens.

It is a tradition in Taiwan to decorate your wedding car with bamboo and red ribbon. (Hey, Chrissy-you should have hung onto your bamboo. I think the girls would have loved incorporating it into their wedding decorations!)

The Confucian Temple

We had grandma take several family pics today. Most had our heads taken off, but she wasn't even close on this one! It amuses me...

Grandma and Amelia with incense burner in background.

I'm not sure what the sign says, but it struck me as odd to see Santa at a temple. Commercialism reigns!

Mom and Grandma

Amelia is still for the first time today!

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