Hello again! We woke up to a picture perfect day weather wise. The sky was blue and the smog had lifted. There were the most beautiful mountains in the background. Our guide took us to the Inner Mongolia museum. It housed a series of very comprehensive exhibits on the history and culture of Inner Mongolia. Mark and I would have stayed all day, but when you have a five and an eight year old, there's no way. Lydia enjoyed the real dinosaur bones and Julia liked the prehistoric elephant bones. There were articles of clothing dating back to 300 A.D. I highly recommend visiting this museum if you're ever in Hohhot.
We had a different guide today; her name was Sandra. She was very knowledgeable and dressed so well. I've figured out how they (women) can look nice and stay warm without looking like the Michelin man. They were two layers of black tights, beautiful tall leather boots, and a long cashmere top. The coats are all down, but they don't look bulky. I've felt so dowdy while I've been here, but I've been warm.
We spent the rest of the day taking it easy. Lydia's throat was still hurting and Mark and I were calling our doctor at 3:00am our time. We have some anti-biotic samples and he graciously told us the correct dosage. Please pray that she feels better soon; we have nine more days to go and some long traveling time. Julia is such a joy and continues to amaze us with her English. We've started to notice a pattern of jubilance, then feeling down. The down moments do not last long, but when she is down, she goes to the phone to try to call her Chinese mom. Mark and I unplug phone and pretend we are talking with her Chinese mom to let her know Julia misses her. We hand the phone to Julia and she speaks in Chinese, then hangs up. She usually goes back to her jubilant self. Please keep praying for her and her foster family.
Tomorrow we are going shopping for souvenirs and I'm looking forward to it. Thank you again for all your comments, prayers, and support. It helps us to not feel so isolated. Until tomorrow......................
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteReading your blog, I had to reach for a kleenex a couple of times! But,they were definitely tears of joy! I'm so happy that things are going smoothly for you all. That's another sign that this is MEANT TO BE! Can't wait to read more tomorrow!
Hugs ~
Mary and Ali Otterbine
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteJeff and I have been reading your blog everyday. We look forward to reading everyday as soon as Jeff gets home. We can't wait to read more tomorrow.
Many blessings love,
Callie and Jeff
Oh this must be so hard on all of you. My main prayer for your family is for bonding and attachment. This is such a difficult time but the most wonderful thing is that she has felt love and KNOWS what it feels like.....she will certainly recognize it with your family. Much love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing so well as can be expected. It takes alot of time to the grief and healing. Our little AA, took a year and we expect another year for true love and security to be naturally in her heart. Have fun shopping and buy twice as much stuff as you think you want. We regret not buying more things for each birthday. (internet buying will have to do!).
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Alyzabeth's Mommy for 14 Months
I am so touched my how tender you are in meeting Julia where she is with her grief. I know you are blessed to have her as your daughter, but she is equally as blessed to have all of you! Hang in there and know you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeletelove and hugs,
~ Tanya