Day 10 (Free Day)

Another free day for us - seems like a lot of those lately! It wasn't for everyone, though. Those adopting children 2+ years had to go back to he medical clinic to see the results of a TB test.

We had decided to head to Shamian Island today, and booked a cab with Jim & Alberta and their girl Bella. So six of us plus the driver in a car! That's how you save money! Funny, though - our 15+ minute, 5 km drive set us back about $3. Yes, $3 each way - hilarious!

The island was different than we expected. Much more beautiful architecture than what we had seen before. It actually looked a lot like Charleston, SC. Much shopping was to be had, and had it was. I am now the proud owner of a genuine, authentic, fake Omega watch! It was the exact one I wanted before I even came to China, so that was nice. Cindy got a beautiful scarf for herself, and then we picked up some gifts to take home. Lots of walking, lots of haggling, and a nice time with new friends. Lacey had the opportunity of a lifetime, too. She could have had her picture taken at a fairly famous spot there, which you'll see below. It's kind of a thing that adopting parents do. Lacey wanted nothing to do with it. As another man posted on his blog, we could have a nice high school graduation collage picture on our hands!

Lunch ended up being its own story. We figured we might as well eat there, but kind of thought going to the Subway would be a wimp out. So we asked a shop owner (same guy that did our laundry a few days ago), and he "directed" us to a place called Lucy's. It has more American fare than other places (for example the restaurants we passed with pictures of entire cooked chickens, head and all). So, following his directions, we meandered around for about 20+ minutes. We asked people where it was, and apparently they thought we had two heads. FINALLY, we found it. It was at the exact spot we started looking!! We passed right by it. Crazy! So we had a nice lunch, dropped by 7-11 for some items, and took a cab back.

During Lacey's nap, I finished a book, watched Adam Scott blow the British Open, I intentionally acted obnoxious, and then made unintentionally strong coffee. We had leftover Papa Johns and some items pilfered from breakfast buffet for Lacey.

After dinner, we hit the pool for close to an hour. It was a really nice time! Lacey still isn't quite sure, but she did better. It was raining a little towards the end, but not bad. It was noticeably cooler today - real feel temp was "only" about 99. It's probably because Typhoon #8 is headed this way. Oh, did I not mention that? Typhoon #8 is supposed to hit shore in south China tonight into tomorrow. Our only affect is supposed to be 25 mph winds and a few inches of rain. As of now, it doesn't look like it should affect our train ride to Hong Kong or the flight out.

After the pool, it was bath time, play time, Face Time, then (abruptly) bed time. While Lacey has come a long way in one week, it is still a challenge from time-to-time. As always, Cindy and I lean on each other and press on. We are certainly beginning to appreciate and understand the enormity of the challenges ahead of us on Thursday. First, the flight. Oh, the flight! Then, she is certainly going to be fairly nervous with all the new faces. We pray everyone understands that if she cries when she sees you, don't take it personally - we didn't! If she doesn't want you to hold her, please know it takes time. Sometimes, she doesn't want one of US to hold her! It will just take time. To our families and friends - you are her family and friends, too! Just give her the time to figure that out.

Tomorrow, we will see the American flag as we visit the US Consulate to do something we aren't exactly clear on! Tomorrow is our last full day in Guangzhou! Then, off to Hong Kong, and then home. I miss everything about it. It has really brought me to respect my brother even more, who has to leave his home for weeks at a time to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And all of the comforts we miss have brought us to respect our brothers and sisters that have gone into the mission field. Their sacrifice is great, as will be their reward in Glory.

We love you all do much. Thanks for joining us on this journey!

Thanks, as always, for reading,
Daniel