Monday, May 7 The Pearl Market

Today Sunny and I went to the Pearl Market. It took longer than I remembered to get there. It cost us 57 RMB. On the way home the trip was quicker and only 45 RMB.... imagine that! The Pearl Market is where most Westerners are ripped off the most. They have everything imaginable, clothes, shoes, purses, coats, electronics, you name it. Speaking of names, they are all brand names, by label only. Everything is fake! The also have pearls, real ones and fake ones. You have to know pearls, I don't. However, Sunny does. After many "hello, hello, you need pearls lady? Best price for you," Sunny decides she can find a better quality and price for me in her hometown. We didn't buy much, but had a good time.


Tuesday, May 8 Jonathan's First Pet
Sunny left today. We enjoyed her stay. She and Anna Brooke went on one final outing. They went to the grocery store to buy Anna Brooke's favorite snacks. We all took naps and then got ready to go to...The Kung Fu show! Yeah! We first met two friends for dinner. We thought they had planned where to eat, wrong! We ended up eating at a VERY "local" restaurant. Well, as soon as we got there Anna Brooke had to go to the potty. As many of you know, China is famous for their "squatty potty." Well, when we entered, I honestly didn't know where the actual potty was. Was it the hole in the floor or was it the hole with a small wall around it (that held 2 mops!) Anyway, we chose the lesser of the 2 evils...won't tell you where and got out of there! One of the friends we met had to go. I sweetly smiled at her and pointed to the door. She quickly returns with a puzzled look on her face. I smile and tell her that her guess is as good as mine! I wish I had the camera with me!
Our food was actually good. After our meal Jonathan and I were watching the fish in the tank beside our table. They believe in really fresh food here! Well, a frog swims by and Jonathan starts squealing really loud. We watch it awhile and then a man comes and catches the frog. He puts it in Jonathan's face and tries to get him to touch it. Jonathan is shaking his head and yelling, "Frog back in water!" The man finally disappears. After awhile he returns with 3 more frogs from another tank. Once again he tries to get Jonathan to touch them. Again he shakes his head and yells for the man to put "Frog in the water!" When it's time to go, the dear man comes out with a jar filled with water. He catches the largest frog, puts it in the jar, and presents Jonathan with his first pet! Only in China can you get a pet at a restaurant! Not only did he get a pet, he received a soon to be Mommy frog! Honestly, this man touched my heart. He was so kind and excited to give Jonathan something. Jonathan gave him a hug and a hearty thank you. We then headed to The Kung Fu show. It was truly incredible. The girls loved the show. Jonathan was scared at times, the music was loud and the lights flashed alot. Drew, you would have loved this show. We then headed home. After telling the frog good-night we headed to bed.

Wednesday, May 9 A Day of Rest
We didn't do much today. I took the kids out to play. We also walked in the park. Dwain is feeling pretty rough. He continues to have a sore throat, cough, and doesn't have much of a voice. Our next few days are busy so he rested alot today.

Thursday, May 10 Visit To A Project
We left about 8 am. We were able to visit a project we had visited a few years back. They are doing an amazing work with these precious children! I was able to play with and hold some sweeties. Sarah, I found your little girl. She has an arm injured from birth. She is precious, so happy, and full of life. They all are, she just got to me. Anna Brooke enjoyed "hanging out" with a 16 year old. She is in a wheelchair. This child plays the piano beautiful. Anna Brooke was quite taken with her. We had lunch with the director and 2 of his sons. We then headed back. All 3 of the kids slept. It was a good day for all. Just to let you know, Jonathan's frog continues to do fine in her jar. Jonathan LOVES his frog.

Friday, May 11 A Full Day
We left at 9 am today. After driving for what seemed like forever, we arrived at our destination. Our driver speaks about as much English as we do Chinese. I wish you could see he and Dwain communicating. It is more like charades and is hilarious! After getting lost and taking us to the airport (for who knows what reason, a sightseeing tour maybe?) we finally arrived. Today's project was so organized and absolutely incredible. These special needs children are so blessed to be in their care. I know the caretakers are equally blessed by the little ones. It was an incredible day, also hard on the heart when you hear where they came from. Today reminded me of the poem about the old man throwing the starfish back. No, you can't help them all, however you can make a difference for some. I am so thankful for our 2 girls and the journey they have made (of course for Jonathan too!)
Tonight we had dinner at a friend's home. It was a wonderful time of food and fellowship. The salad was sooo good! The first I have had since we left. I'm not sure how much time and bleach went into the cleaning of it. I just know it was wonderful. The kids also enjoyed playing with their kids. Oh, before I forget, Mommy Frog had her eggs during the night! We're trying to find a home for her.

Saturday, May 12 IKEA!
This morning I went with 2 ladies to IKEA! I love IKEA. I first visited the store in PA. of course I couldn't buy, but had a blast looking. Ashley Langley, I thought of you. You all wouldn't beleive the prices, so much cheaper in Beijing. We also went to a smaller place like the Pearl Market. My friends saved me much $ on "chinese junk." Meanwhile, Dwain and the kids enjoyed the park. They also found a home for Mommy Frog and her eggs...the canal. They all said their good-byes and dumped her into the canal. The frog is gone, but not forgotten! Jonathan says it best, "Frog back in water!"
Tonight Dwain took the girls back to the Kung Fu show. They had a blast. Jonathan and I stayed here. We played outside and enjoyed our time with the locals and their children. Jonathan had a great time with the little ones. Kids speak a common language, love and smiles. What a lesson for all!
Dwain and the girls returned with a DVD from the show. We all watched it. We now have 3 Kung Fu experts and the apartment is filled with "YAH!YAH!"

Sunday, May 13 Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all! Mama, I am so thankful you are my Mama, thanks for all you do! Dwain and Anna Brooke left this morning and joined 9 adoptive families to visit the Great Wall and training center for the 2nd time. They had a good time. Anna Brooke enjoyed the children again. She especially loves Annie. She met Annie when we came for Sarah Hope in 04. Anna Brooke brought me a flower home. We also had Papa John's Pizza for supper. Now that is a great mother's day meal for us! Sarah Hope, Jonathan, and I stayed home today. We played outside, washed clothes, packed for tomorrow's trip, and best of all...took a nap! We leave tomorrow at 8:30 for the airport. We fly south to see a project. This is the part of the trip we have all been looking forward to. Watch out babies, we are coming to hold you and love on you! We return on Wednesday. I am also going to be able to visit a sp. needs floor of a government orphanage. I am sure it will be a challenging few days.

Monday, May 14 Change of Plans
Well, today has had quite a change of events. This morning Dwain and I got up early. Dwain was feeling kind of uneasy about today's trip. We weren't sure what was up, but we were both trying to be sensitive. We decided to move forward. I had a talk with Him and put out a fleece, if we aren't to go, please clearly show us. Our driver arrives 15 minutes late, he is worried about traffic. You know it's really bad when a Chinese driver is worried about the traffic! We were beginning to wonder if we might miss our plane. Well, in the middle of all this Jonathan throws up twice. We are thinking, ok, maybe we aren't to go. We decide if he throws up one more time it will be our answer. Well, you guessed it, very projectile throw up all over Mama. We decided we are definitely not to go. Who knows why, but we know there is some reason. Please remember Jonathan. He has thrown up 4 more times today and had a VERY NASTY diaper. He is taking his second nap right now. Hopefully he is improving. He has kept down some juice and a couple of crackers. Anyway with this and some more unsaid things happening we have decided it is time for us to come home. We will leave Friday to travel back home. Anna Brooke is complaining of a sore throat. We are also hoping we all don't get what Jonathan has. Anyway, hopefully all will improve and we will be home soon! As much as we wanted to see today's project we know all has happened for a reason. Jonathan, sorry you had to be Mama's fleece! Well, I had better go. More yucky clothes to wash. Jonathan has been through 3 sets today. Not too bad considering he threw up 7 times!