As before, we are well taken care of and have enjoyed meeting other adoptive families. Here, there are many more people to get to know. Everywhere we look there is a family coming or going, soothing crying babies and toddlers, feeding sleepy faces, or bundled up for the day of sightseeing or appointments. After breakfast we met Wenxi (Wen-she) in the lobby with the four other Bethany families and squeezed into a small van ready to transport us to "the island" for our children's medical exams and a day of exploring.
Upon crossing the bridge, it felt as if we immediately traveled from big city China to a coastal colonial town much like Charleston, SC. Huge live oaks and palm trees line the streets of buildings built with columns and large verandas. English settlers created such a place years ago and it has stayed the same ever since. Of course, the locals have given it an Asian flare with statues and art in the courtyards. Asian brides lined the streets for portraits, a common sight here on the island. School children rushed from the buildings to meet their waiting families as the day let out. Local shops welcomed foreigners and street meat vendors attracted curiosity from westerners. Businessmen in suits rode by on the humblest of bicycles on their way home from a hard days work.
Occasionally we run into the families we shared meals with in Nanchang, but they are usually just waves and "how are yous?" with not much time for catch up. We did chat at the medical exams in between waiting and walking in and out of the exams rooms then they were swept away to their next adventure amongst their own adoption group. The examination waiting room was a hustle and bustle of families juggling crying children, medical paperwork and brief introductions then quick goodbyes. Salem did great, with an occasional cry from the probes stuck in her ears and mouth. We did have a little hiccup in the process. In Nanchang, we were supposed to be given a medical card (and small booklet that looks like a green passport). We did not have this document as they forgot to give it to us. Drew fingered through the paperwork folder that was now the thickness of a three ring binder, looking for the immunization records he knew they gave to us in her paperwork. After 10 minutes of searching, he found what we needed and gave it to Wenxi to have everything processed. We were cleared for our third and final test. Downside, Salem fell asleep in the intermission and had to be woken again to be examined. Thankfully she took it like a champ and fell asleep later in the carrier.
After the medical evaluations, our three families opted to forgo the ride back on the bus and stay on the island for lunch at Lucy's and shopping. The White Swan Hotel, the famous stay for adoption pioneers is soon to be under renovation. Also, the U.S. Consulate has moved off of the island, deterring new families from staying there. Still, we had to go inside and see the famous red couches and waterfall. We plan to return later this week for our red couch pictures after we acquire traditional Chinese wardrobes for our children. We strolled the island all afternoon and found great deals on shoes, a doll, jammies, Chinese dresses, New Year decorations for at home celebrations and a few special items for big brother back home. Catching a cab back to the hotel was tricky. No one seemed to want to stop. Finally we did, gave the hotel card to the driver and made it back within the estimated price. A few back roads and a driver who spoke no English made the trip a little sketchy, but before we knew it, the hotel emerged and we were back.
Salem is doing exceptionally well. Even among the healthy children, she seems to be adjusting better than some. For that we are grateful. It is difficult to watch other families struggling so much to bond with and to comfort their children who seem to be having a harder transition from the care they received before. Every day we think about Salem's foster mother and thank God for her. She must have been amazing! It is evident to us that even in such a poor community, Salem has been loved and nurtured so well and is able to receive and give love to us so easily. Her transition has been smoother than we expected. She is happily verbal, singing and cooing all the time, able to look us in the eyes, and receptive to our encouragement to try new things, whether eating or playing. She is a social child, both with children and adults, and often solicits smiles and interaction from passersby on the streets. While shopping, we met Audrey, a shop owner on the island. She invited us into her store like all the others have and welcomed us kindly. She clearly adored children as she was speaking and laughing with Salem. Salem was turned looking outward in her Bjorn (a much preferred position when not tired or sleeping) and immediately responded with laughs. I wondered in those moments how much she remembers or even misses her foster mother. She is constantly drawn to Asian faces and the sound of Asian voices in the air. I love that we have so much time here so that she can adjust to us while still around her culture. As we meandered through her store, Audrey said, "She has been in a foster home, hasn't she?" We responded, "Yes" wondering how she could tell. Was it the same things we recognized or something different? Then she said, "She has darker skin. Her foster mother probably took her to work in the fields and spent much time with her outside." She was right. Though we had not thought of this before, the tan she is wearing, the dirt found in her belly button and the notes given to us all indicate that she has loved being outside. It wasn't until at that moment that I realized the blessing this was. She had not been institutionalized. She has seen the sunshine and experienced real life with real people caring for her around the clock. Audrey could tell all of this just in the few minutes of observation and play. I'm sure she has seen many children come through her shop and is able to identify the conditions they came from simply by observing them. As I spend more time around other children here, I can understand how she does this.
As I watch other parents caring or their children who are struggling, I make a point to pray over them and intercede on their behalf. I know the Father is watching and caring for each of these children and has intimately chosen their families and has given the strength needed to these parents, whether they feel it or not. There have been three families in particularly who are in need of much prayer. The Mueller's, another Bethany family in our group, is experiencing sleepless nights and much crying. Chloe is also 11 months old and having a very difficult transition. The Hui family, as Drew shared last night, is facing unexpected challenges with their daughter, Bethany, who is blind and emotionally struggling. And the most grievous of all is a family we met on the elevator yesterday. The mother was carrying a tiny 6 month old with a cleft lip. The baby seemed to be very happy and doing well. It wasn't until right before the doors opened when she shared with us that the baby they had received a referral for and come to bring home, died before they arrived. This child was another child referred to them after their in country arrival. What a blessing it seemed to have the opportunity to bring a child home, yet I know even in the midst of that blessing they are grieving deeply for the death of their other child whom they never had the opportunity to meet or hold. We are lifting them up at each thought. Please join us as we pray for them.
We are enjoying our time here, soaking up all that we can to bring home for Salem. We think of home and look forward to seeing your faces and for you to see our little girl. We love you and miss you. More pictures and posts to come.
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