After Rebecca got the Hammond crew checked into the Victory Hotel yesterday afternoon, she had to go to the airport to meet another couple—Kim, Tommy and their middle son Caleb. They have adopted a 5 year old girl, Rachel Suhui, and are from Mississippi. Caleb is their middle son. This morning Rebecca took the two couples and the girls for their medical exams. While they were gone David, Dixie and I took Carter, Jackson and Caleb (he is 8 years old) to a park that David and Dixie found when they went out for an early morning stroll.
It is interesting how much the Chinese people are willing to interact with us. They watch the children a lot--actually stare at them. Many of the adults greet us with "Hello" and one young mother brought her son up to me and encouraged him to speak to me. He told me his name was Antonio and asked my name, then responded, "I am pleased to meet you." When they started to leave the park they came back to where I was and the mother said they had to go home but wanted to say goodbye. They keep their children very bundled up and one lady said to me, "Aren't they cool, only little shirt?" (I hope David and Dixie get a chance to share about their conversations with 3 university students who talked to them in the park.)
About the weather...We are having no rain, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures around 70. I did hear that Alabama is having MUCH cooler temperatures...I guess this is a good time to be in China.
After the medical exam Erica went with Rebecca to complete paperwork and Aaron stayed with YouYou in the park. Almost immediately she and Jackson wandered off holding hands...a very precious sight! At first she was a little afraid of the seesaw and Jackson sat behind her with his arms around her. BUT, it wasn't long before she decided she could do it herself...I didn't understand the words, but her tone made it pretty clear!
After Erica and Kim finished paperwork with Rebecca we had lunch at a Thai restaurant then back to the hotel for some much needed rest for YouYou and Erica. YouYou had a rough night last night and of course, that means Erica did too.
Thank you all for your prayers for this trip and our family. Until next time...
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Thank you Mom for keeping us updated! It is so great to find out what is going on in China and to hear news about you guys. We all miss you. I guess those Chinese moms wouldn't like the fact that my son has been wearing shorts in 30 degree weather...
ReplyDeleteEveryone - You can read about Kim, Tommy and Caleb's journey to get Suhui at http://innocentlamb.wordpress.com/.
Neesie, thanks for the update. We love you all and we are lifting you up in prayer.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is MUCH colder here. I think the high for us here in Georgia today is 36!
Give each other hugs from us!
Kristy
Yes, you must make sure every little area of skin is covered when you go outside....even in warm weather! We got to where we'd always use tights even under pants because pants ride up the legs above the socks...they don't like skin showing!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Clara will adjust. It's going to get better. I hope everyone stays well!
sherri
We love you and praying for you. Gail said she tried to call John but couldn't reach him. Your mother (Denise) did talk with him and he was fine. Gail said she would try calling him again this evening.
ReplyDeleteWe do appreciate everyone's attempts at keeping all of us news hungry people satisfied. This includes the picture senders, the reporters, and those who do the posting. Thanks everyone!
It's so great to hear more! I love that she was playing with Jackson! They sound so sweet together! And by the way, the other night when the low was 7 degrees we lost power! So it's very cold!! Missa, did y'all lose power too? They said it was a huge power outage. Love y'all! Praying for rest and safety!
ReplyDeleteElise
I am picturing that park like I am there! I guess because having been there just a few months ago, my memory of it is so fresh. And I can picture the Chinese people coming up and talking...and yes, the staring...and the gentle "mothering"....all of it such a part of that rich culture that is now such a part of US!
ReplyDeleteYall are on the home stretch now! Not too much longer and you'll be donning your coats to come home to single digits! Yikes!
Give Erica and family our hugs and love!
I'm assuming Aaron is better? Yay! And tell Erica we'll pray rest for her and You You!
Thank you Neesie for taking the time to keep us updated. We all appreciate it and I know it gives Erica time to do other things. Please let her and Aaron know that we think about them all the time and can't wait til they get home and share YouYou with us when YouYou is ready. We love you all and will continue to pray for your trip and safe return. Tatum
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping us updated and giving some children a chance to practice their English. I'm so glad that Carter and Jackson were able to go along. I think that having other children makes the transition easier. And I'm so glad that you, David and Dixie were able to go along also to help out with other things and generally be a great support system. We will continue to support you from this side of the world with prayers.
ReplyDeleteWe love you and miss you.
Michelle
Thanks Neesie. We were glad John came to watch Evanne and Erin play Upward Basketball this morning. He ended up staying all morning. He is already planning a homecoming dinner for you all.
ReplyDeleteWe love you all and hope you have a wonderful day.
Hey, Neesie. Thanks so much for the update. My thoughts have been with y'all constantly over these days, and we are praying for YouYou's adjustment and for rest for everyone. We love y'all very much! Have a great rest of your trip!
ReplyDeleteJoie