We finally made it to Shamian Island on Monday afternoon and mommy Karis had a blast shopping while Uncle John helped Olivia learn how to get really dirty. There was this little park area that was very fun to run around in and in it there was a platform area with a couple of steps. This is where Olivia began to learn how to do stairs. It is the cutest thing to watch and she only did a face plant once.
After loading down the stroller with shopping bags we ended up at Lucy’s outdoor patio for dinner. It is a comfortable place with great American burgers and countless families who have adopted little ones. It was here that Olivia learned the art of posing for Uncle John and his camera.
We had a great afternoon and evening and it is a beautiful location. In some ways it’s too bad we didn’t stay at the White Swan (which is on the island) as it’s a great place to get out and walk around. However, the China Hotel (Marriott) where we are staying is incredibly beautiful and there is a Starbucks right inside that we have been to every day at least once a day.
This morning (Tuesday) our entire group met together for pictures. It was actually a great time. The kids got down and ran around and played with each other and the adults had time to visit. There were cameras going off all over the place. One older gentleman who’s not part of our group, but who’s been staying at the hotel, watched us for quite some time this morning. He even took some pictures and visited with us. He commented about the kind of love these kids were learning. It’s amazing how an outsider can see that something truly beautiful is happening.
We hope you enjoy the group shot. It’s quite different than the first one we took at Tiananmen Square before we got the kids. It’s been great meeting the other families and watching their children blossom in this past week. There is one family though that we really need to lift up in prayer. They did not receive their child. The baby was misrepresented in the information they received and they knew they could not care for her or give her what she needed as they have three other children at home. The heartbreak and pain they’ve felt is truly unimaginable. Karis knows how blessed and fortunate she is that Olivia is all she was represented to be and much, much more.
This afternoon (Tuesday) we are on our way to the American Consulate. This is the final stop before the airport. Here Karis takes an oath, we’re not exactly sure for what, but I think it’s to promise to love and watch over Olivia no matter what. Then she receives Olivia’s passport back with her Visa. Then we have all we need to board our airplane heading back to the States on Wednesday morning.
This will probably be my last blog. I wish I could explain to you what a privilege it’s been to be on this journey with Karis and Olivia. Their relationship has bloomed. Karis is an incredible mother and Olivia’s personality is something else. I’m sure you will all learn to enjoy her just as I have.
It’s been a great honor relaying our journey to you. I hope you have enjoyed the blog and the pictures and videos. I look forward to being back home and sharing the adventure in person.
Signing off from China,
Auntie Teen
P.S. Karis will have one final blog later today.
After loading down the stroller with shopping bags we ended up at Lucy’s outdoor patio for dinner. It is a comfortable place with great American burgers and countless families who have adopted little ones. It was here that Olivia learned the art of posing for Uncle John and his camera.
We had a great afternoon and evening and it is a beautiful location. In some ways it’s too bad we didn’t stay at the White Swan (which is on the island) as it’s a great place to get out and walk around. However, the China Hotel (Marriott) where we are staying is incredibly beautiful and there is a Starbucks right inside that we have been to every day at least once a day.
This morning (Tuesday) our entire group met together for pictures. It was actually a great time. The kids got down and ran around and played with each other and the adults had time to visit. There were cameras going off all over the place. One older gentleman who’s not part of our group, but who’s been staying at the hotel, watched us for quite some time this morning. He even took some pictures and visited with us. He commented about the kind of love these kids were learning. It’s amazing how an outsider can see that something truly beautiful is happening.
We hope you enjoy the group shot. It’s quite different than the first one we took at Tiananmen Square before we got the kids. It’s been great meeting the other families and watching their children blossom in this past week. There is one family though that we really need to lift up in prayer. They did not receive their child. The baby was misrepresented in the information they received and they knew they could not care for her or give her what she needed as they have three other children at home. The heartbreak and pain they’ve felt is truly unimaginable. Karis knows how blessed and fortunate she is that Olivia is all she was represented to be and much, much more.
This afternoon (Tuesday) we are on our way to the American Consulate. This is the final stop before the airport. Here Karis takes an oath, we’re not exactly sure for what, but I think it’s to promise to love and watch over Olivia no matter what. Then she receives Olivia’s passport back with her Visa. Then we have all we need to board our airplane heading back to the States on Wednesday morning.
This will probably be my last blog. I wish I could explain to you what a privilege it’s been to be on this journey with Karis and Olivia. Their relationship has bloomed. Karis is an incredible mother and Olivia’s personality is something else. I’m sure you will all learn to enjoy her just as I have.
It’s been a great honor relaying our journey to you. I hope you have enjoyed the blog and the pictures and videos. I look forward to being back home and sharing the adventure in person.
Signing off from China,
Auntie Teen
P.S. Karis will have one final blog later today.
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2 comments:
Olivia is as adorable as always, what a sweet personality! So sad to hear about the family in your group; I have heard similar stories where the families were offered another child (not that it diminishes the pain and loss of the first) I only hope that happened here.
Good luck on the flight home in the morning; even when it goes well it is still a really long flight!
Christine,
Thanks for sharing your experience so we could be there with you. Thanks for helping Karis, and I'm sure you'll be a big help to her at home too. Would love to see more blogs!
-Mary Kay
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