September 11, 2008

Today we visited a minority village which was "touristy," but very pretty and a beautiful walk. This afternoon we took a walk through Green Lake Park. It is near our hotel. We saw many Chinese playing games, dancing and performing.

Megan's note isn't working. We think something is wrong in translation, and the note must say "Take a picture of me, I won't be here long!" We had our guide check it just to be sure that what it said is correct.

My "no onions" note is working perfectly, and we had an edible pizza today without onions. Not a Sals pizza, but it will have to do.

Jade sat up today for the first time by herself! She was very proud. Once she sat up she didn't know what to do and didn't dare lay back down.

We brought a pair of Robeez slippers, and these are wonderful. They keep her socks on. She loves to take them off. She finally let us put her in the stroller today, and she loves the front carrier.

We are getting more smiles from Jade today. She is starting to laugh out loud. I know she is beginning to trust us and know that we are her family.

We learned today that the adoption is final! It was final on September 8th - but we don't receive the rest of the documents for her until Friday. That is the reason why we must wait in Kunming so long.

Here is a little advice/information for waiting families:

A note on sending laundry out: we sent our landry out "cheaper," and it came back cleaner than it has ever been. They even managed to get the tar out of Megans gym shorts. The price was $60.00 for 5 plastic Wal-mart size bags. The clothing in the bags wasn't worth $60.00 - but ,oh well - what can you do? I sure wouldn't bring only a few outfits though and count on laundry service unless you brought your savings account along.

Anyone wishing to do a blog in China - be sure to check out Adoption Voyages! We are very happy with their service. It is always quick and professional. You simply email them your writings and your photos, and they do the rest!

Another piece of advice - your agency DOES matter. I can't say enough about the reputation of our agency, Dillon International. So here I must put in a good word for them. If you are in the process of choosing an agency, please check them out. The entire process right straight through your trip to China is 1st class.

Don't change your money to yuan at the airport - they charge you a "service fee". Changing money at the hotel is free.

There are plenty of movies to watch in English in China - but the language is not monitored. We find quite a bit of uncensored material and swearing. If you have small children you may want to bring along some videos for them to watch from a lap top or small video machine.

And a funny note - We are finding time and mileage is a bit off here. If it should take 20 minutes - that could mean 2 hours - or 2 minutes. If it is 60 miles it could be about 6 or maybe 160. Go with the flow. :-)

Our congee we ordered 2 hours ago for the baby just arrived. Jade is fast asleep. Its 7:45PM. She sleeps all night now. Congee is a type of porridge. Seafood congee anyone?

Good night from Kunming China

Note to Emily:

Hi. Megan rode on an elephants trunk today! Grandma rode on the elephant's back. We saw a poor man on the street asking for money. He was missing part of his arms, and he held a very tiny girl in front of him. We put some money in this bowl. I know you would have liked to have done that. I feel very sad for him. Jade has decided she likes a stroller, so maybe you can give her a ride in it when we get home.

I love you and miss you! Thank you for taking care of Grandpa.

Love,
Mom

 

Megan with Kara and Corell (part of our Dillon group)

Megan with our guides, William and Susan

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