7daysweek

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wednesday in Shenyang




 Today we left to find some souvenirs for Jia Wen that are specific to the Liaoning province.  Our driver, Mr. Jaw? (can't spell it, but that's how it's pronounced) was kind enough to take us to an ancient street area built in the Qing dynasty.  We were able to get a neat "fur painting" for Jia Wen.  It is built up with feathers and such to give it a 3D look and then hand painted.  We chose a pig since she was born in 2007, which in China was the year of the golden pig.  Grace told us that she too was born in the year of the pig and that it is the luckiest animal because it just eats and lies around. Actually Grace has been a hoot.  She always ribs Steve about his big American nose and makes fun of us for eating KFC and liking sweet and sour chicken and pork.  
Later, our driver gave us some interesting Chinese candy to try.  It rocked.  Then he took us to another store where we bought Jia Wen a little Russian nesting doll.  In that area there is quite a bit of Russian influence since we are only 8 hours away from Russia.  It turns out we are also only 2 hours away from North Korea. 

"fur paintings"

ancient street area

Jia Wen and Maimie with their pink nail polish
 The bonding is pretty slow going.  Jia Wen, at times, is pretty unresponsive.  She will mimic, but doesn't respond to questions in English or Chinese.  She doesn't let us know if she needs to go potty, wants a drink, gets hungry, is sleepy.  She is grieving pretty hard at times.  She bursts into tears at certain times when I'm sure she would normally be missing her china mom such as when she wakes, gets sleepy, and various other times during the day.  At other times, she is happy, animated, and even disobedient and rough/aggressive.  She gets happy when it's time to put on shoes and clothes (totally girly!) and when it's time to eat.  She will reach for my hand to walk somewhere and has a couple of times reached up her arms to me to be held.  Maimie has been driving us all crazy trying to mother Jia Wen and run the show all the time.  I suppose it's been a difficult week for all of us.  In addition, Steve and I were both very sick again last night and still feeling queasy today.  This area is also bitter cold and we have been unable to get outside or really go anywhere to get food, etc.  We bought some soda cans and put them in the window to keep them colder than a fridge.  It is actually cheaper to buy new clothes then to have them washed here.  I am washing things in the sink, drying them in the tub rack, wearing them stiff and wrinkly. It feels a bit like we are camping at the North Pole.  I think we are all looking forward to getting to Guangzhou on Friday evening.  While this may be a great city, we haven't been able to enjoy it as much as we would have liked.  Tomorrow we are visiting the orphanage first thing in the morning.  It may be a very emotional day for poor little Jia Wen.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know we're thinking of you and praying for everyone for health and adjustment and good spirits. We love you guys - hang in there!

The Meyers

Anonymous said...

So glad for the updates you give daily! Grandpa is anxious to see the "fur painting"--sounds interesting! Glad you have been able to purchase Saidie some neat souvenirs from her province. Glad Saidie is "totally girly". She and Maimie will have so much fun together when they get home. I can just imagine the delight in Saidie's eyes when she sees the dress up clothes hanging in Maimie's toy closet! Praying the bonding will progress daily--sounds like she is accepting you as Mommy by holding hands and wanting to be held. Glad she is going through the grieving process even though it is hard so she can really embrace you as "family" soon. We are praying really hard today that the trip to the orphanage will be a positive thing for all of you (know it will be bittersweet to see where Saidie lived her first 3 years) but hopefully will give you some closure also. Camping at the North Pole doesn't sound any more fun than camping around here! You will really enjoy your washer and dryer when you get home (probably you will enjoy EVERYTHING about being home). Can't wait to see all 7 of you come through the airport terminal! Praying when you get to the White Swan Saidie will be more comfortable with all of you and at least you will be able to get out more in the warm weather! Loved the video of Saidie mimicing Maimie! Praying also you and Steve get to feeling better! Love you all and miss you so much!
In Christian Love,
Grandma & Grandpa

sunny smiles said...

Who knows but she and God what exactly she is thinking of. Most likely a combination of fear, sadness, joy, maybe confusion. Love will win her over in time..May the hand of God minister to your every need..Blessings!

Serving the King said...

Camping at the North Pole bless your heart!! Can't wait for that warm tropical air to hit ya when you get off the plane in Guangzhou! Blessings friend! Keep the updates comin!!

Unknown said...

Hey Mondays! We are love following you around! We are praying for you!! See you SOON!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the pictures! Greg and I were thinking of you guys Sunday as we got ready to teach Maime's class. Saidie is adorable. Praying for all of you!
~Jenny Bolliger

davesonya said...

we are praying for you & eagerly reading daily!
just keep enduring & loving that little cutie~

Anonymous said...

Take it from experience...if you and Steve are still not feeling well, take Cipro, if you have it. Those bugs are hard to get rid of and hide in your tummy. It has saved more than one businessman on extended trips.

We hope and pray the visit goes as well as can be expected. It will be good for you to see where Jia Wen was taken care of, but will be very difficult and confusing for her, so guard your hearts with the promise that the Lord has you all in the palm of His hand.
The Kochs