After breakfast we met our group around 10-ish, since we're always fashionably on time, and we headed back to Shamian Island for our official shopping day. We went to a couple of new shops and actually kept our word and went back to shops that we had promised "we'll be back tomorrow." One shop in particular had a lot of items for sale that had Bible verses on them. The shop owner, Jenny, noticed us taking particular interest in those and said that she was a believer. She said that her husband has known Jesus for 12 years and she has for 8 years. It was amazing to have someone speak so freely about their faith in this culture. We really liked Jenny and her husband and found ourselves not wanting to bargain with them! After shopping at Jenny's we stopped for a quick cracker break (not Cracker Barrel, unfortunately) for Mei Lin.
Time flew by and before we knew it it was back on the bus at 1:30 pm to head back to the hotel. As we were waiting on the bus for the rest of the group to arrive, we were reflecting on how they tend to rush you while eating at a restaurant but won't let you leave their store. Restaurant - You been here 3 hour...you go now. Store - You only been here 3 hour - you no go now. We compared notes on the bus with the rest of the group...what'd you get? Then it was back to the hotel for lunch and the rest of the afternoon to ourselves. We took Mei Lin to the onsite park at the hotel - on the 4th floor - of all places. She especially enjoyed the swingset. Note to self: Find park close to home! When playtime was over it was time for another quick nap for all before dinner.
As we checked out the different styles of the restaurants at the hotel we decided to go for something a little more adventurous and authentic. Chinese food. Once again as the "westerners" entered the restaurant the staff switched out the Chinese menus for the English versions; however, they failed to switch out the chopsticks for forks and knives. Ginger would be very proud of us for eating an entire meal with chopsticks. Now we know why they have sticky rice - so it sticks to your chopsticks and helps bind the other foods together! After managing our way through the meal, it was back to the room for a bottle before bedtime (milk for Mei Lin and something a little stronger for Daddy!) Mommy is very glad that Mei Lin likes to be rocked and sung to sleep. Good night to all and to all a good night.
She is so beautiful, guys! I'm so happy for you. So thankful to be able to check in daily to "participate" in your journey! God is so Good! Praying for your trip home. And though I can't meet you at the airport (due to being sick and missing some work), I hope to meet your new little one very soon!
ReplyDeleteIt sure looks like you are bonding well! Another kindness from God!