From GZ With Love

Ok, we've got Sam - can we come home now?

 

Today we went shopping, and did we ever shop. We had several friends who asked us to pick up a few things, and I think we accomplished that. Then we had a few things we wanted ourselves, esp. since Sam is our caboose. Shamain Island is under massive construction, because GZ is hosting the Asian Games next summer, so everything was torn up, but that didn't stop the shop owners from dragging you in. We liked the last shop we went in the best, and wished we'd started there... but we did pretty good with what we did.  Young Miss Abby started the day out saying she didn't want anything... like when Theresa was picking a tshirt, she said no thanks. We thought it was sweet, but by the time the day was done, she had at least 2-3 items, so maybe she was just smart-shopping.

 

We didn't make group dinner plans but ran into 3 families enroute and wished we had made plans... they'd ordered pizza (Papa John's is actually in China... and delivers!... and no more Danny's) - can't wait to hear if it was really Papa John's. We ended up going to a restaurant highly recommended by our guide Amy. It's name is 1001 Nights, and I just assumed it was Chinese, but it was Arabian. The food was interesting - mine was good... but even more interesting was the actual belly dancer that came out just before we got done eating. Yes, a belly dancer. The kids were quite amused, but I was glad we were almost done.

 

Tomorrow we're free until 3pm when we go to the US Consulate for the oath taking, promising to love and care for Sam, never abusing nor abandoning him... which is a pretty easy promise, as we're madly in love. So before 3, we'll likely go to either of the really nice parks across the street (thankfully there's an underground way across the street), and then tomorrow night, we might take a dinner "cruise" as a group down the Pearl River. It's come highly recommended by several friends, but it's kinda pricey, so we'll see how many chose to go (we skipped the Acrobat show in BJ for the same reason...).

 

Something interesting about this trip, and I'm not sure if it's Faith maturing, or the difference in Alex and Sam's personality, but she's really been mothering Sam. With Alex, she wanted him to like her... but mostly just to show me up. With Sam, she seems to genuinely want to help and I'm liking it.

 

Sam's been blossoming a little more each day, as are all the other 6 kiddos. He's being silly when we walk, he's playing with his sibs, he's voicing more and more, some of it words, etc. It's always wonderful to watch them bloom... watching God at work is always amazing.

 

We're all ready for home. Even the breakfast we couldn't wait for here in GZ is getting old... as are noodles for lunch in our room, and even any restaurants too. Can't wait to get home to real food and our own beds. Alex says he wants to go home to get Nikki (the dog) and bring her back here with us. Definitely not looking forward to the lonnnnng flight, but absolutely looking forward to the result (being home). Please don't forget to be praying for us as we travel - from Wednesday evening your time, until Thursday evening when we land at Dulles.

 

Don't know if I'll be able to post again until after we're home, but we'll see how it goes with the internet. Either way, please know that we are so very thankful for you and ever so grateful for your prayers. We can't wait to introduce you to our sweet Sam-I-Am in person... I know you'll love him too.

 

God bless and keep you every day - He loves you very much, He promised.

 

Love,

Toni for the crew

 

Let's Roll!