After
breakfast we went to the Buddhist Temple.
I wasn’t kicking and screaming not to go but honestly had no real interest in
being there. I know it is their culture, but I do have a problem with the
praying to a god/statue that is not THE GOD!! I really can’t apologize for it
either…I tried to look at it as an architectural view. Mason was very uncomfortable
and he was concerned that it would confuse Michael since he was first exposed
to Jesus just 2 days ago. He wants to
make sure that he accepts Jesus into his heart. You got to love that!!
Once
we left the temple we went to a park. I don’t even know the official name of
it, but the sign said
We
walked around a bit and watched people playing games and exercising. Elsie said
that most families have both parents working so you will usually see children
with their grandparents at parks during the day…I suppose it is to wear them
out so they will take a good nap!! There
was another playground where Michael and Mason played on various structures.
Off in another area there were rides, for 5 or 6 yuan a piece... They rode a
little caterpillar roller coaster, bumper cars and also a flying swing. Michael
had no interest in going on the bigger one; I asked and got a wave of the hand
and a “no!”
We
met the others in our group and headed back to the hotel. We decided to take a taxi to Shamian Island
and have lunch and do a little shopping. Lunch was less than desirable, but we
were hungry so we ate what we ordered.
It was the worse meal so far. We took pictures with the bronze statues
although I missed the one in particular that I really wanted. I’m sure we were probably right by it at some
point, but must have gone in a different direction. It’s okay, I got some cute shots anyway.
We
found out that Michael is afraid of dogs! That is going to be a problem since
we have 2 and they are going to be all over him!! Really?? That was one of the
first questions he had for us in Wuhan…He didn’t mention he was afraid, he
seemed excited. These were little fluffy puppies…he didn’t scream or anything,
he just backed his little cute self into a corner! It was actually rather
funny, but he didn’t think so!
This
afternoon we had a casualty…Michael’s sunglasses. He didn’t realize it
until we were in the taxi on our way back to the hotel. He said, “Mommy!” and
pointed to my glasses and then put his hands up. I looked in my bag and they
weren’t there. I remembered he must have put them down on a counter in a store
when he was playing with a toy…oh my heart broke…I told him we would get
another pair (via the electronic translator) and asked him if he was okay. He
shook his head, no. His foster mother
gave him those glasses…another pair won’t do…I typed in that I was so sorry,
and a tear fell from my eye. He leaned over Mason to reach me and give me a
hug. This child who just lost something irreplaceable is consoling me because I
feel bad for him!! What a heart!! Oh my goodness, he has Jesus in there, he
just doesn’t know it yet!! But he will!!
Can’t wait for all of that to unfold!!
Back
at the hotel now, they are watching a little TV before turning in for the night. Tomorrow we are going to folk art place, and
the jade market with our group, something to do and pass the time…I have to
admit, I am trying very hard to be “into” this trip, but I am growing very
tired of being here…I am trying unbelievably hard to be a good sport. I am
HONESTLY OVER IT!!! There I said it, I may regret it, but I have to get it out,
and then I can move on…I love the fact and am so grateful that Mason and
Michael are so easy, BUT I MISS MATT AND MORGAN AND MADDOX TO PIECES!! I am
thankful for Skype but the hugs through the internet are not cutting it at this
point!! I am sitting here at the same desk I have sat at for the past 5 days
and have tears streaming down my face because I just want to be home!! There is
no place in the world like it!!! I am not being a baby!! I want my husband’s
touch and arms around me and my babies to give me a smooch! I need it!! One of
the videos I had ordered from Show Hope for this adoption was about “Healthy
Touch.” It discusses how much we as humans NEED touch. It is vital for our
development and well-being! I already knew this, but now am living it!! I’m sorry if I sound like I am whining…maybe
I am, okay I am. It is okay, I am just being real. I know I am close to leaving, 3 more sleeps
after tonight!! I WILL enjoy the rest of
my trip with Mason and Michael. I am
really just having a moment…I could hit the backspace button and delete this,
but I’m not. Sorry, this is me, and I
cannot pretend these are not real feelings. (thankful that I have God on my side!!) Matt and I don’t spend this kind of
time apart from one another, EVER! He doesn’t travel for work, THANK YOU GOD,
and neither one of us sleeps well without the other. He is doing a great job of keeping it
together at home AND WORK, but I know this has been as hard for him as it has for me,
maybe even harder, in a different way. I
am so thankful that we have had people step up to help “be our village” in my
absence. I know I have had peace knowing that my babies are being cared for and
fed by our friends. I know the boys have
thoroughly enjoyed being at different houses and getting to play with their
friends more than usual. I am thankful
for Madison donating babysitting time!! I am feeling better now after writing
some of the many blessings along the way!!! There really are too many to count!!!
On
that note, I am going to go pray with my two oldest sons, and get them to turn
the lights out! (They are doing shadow puppets and laughing VERY HARD!!)
Blessings
to all! (sorry I was a whiney baby!! I’m over it now!!)
