Red Couch & Group Pics

Today we also took the traditional pictures of all of the adopted children on one of the 2nd floor couches of the White Swan.  As predicted, it was somewhat of a cryfest, but surprisingly, our little Ginny held it together very well for most of the photoshoot, until the very end when the peer pressure of all of the other crying peers got the best of her.  Hey, everybody's doing it!

Follow the Frenchman

Yesterday I mentioned about meeting a French Photographer from Geo magazine.  Today, because of him, we were able to "cut line" so to speak in order to get our consulate work done.  The consulate official mentioned the story he was doing and if anyone wanted to have their child photographed they could go first.  In theory, he had already photographed us, but since we had a relationship with him already, we stepped forward and it probably ended up saving us a bit of time.  All of this, plus our "oath taking" we did today basically confirmed that once we set foot on U.S. soil, Ginny will be a U.S. Citizen.

Tonight, we had the experience of eating at a relatively popular Thai restaurant here on the island called "Cow and Bridge"  It was my first ever Thai food experience.  I ordered a calamari dish with Thai style stir fry veggies, and it was rather tasty.  

Ginny has had a pretty good day.  She continues to get to know all of us and is obviously more comfortable. 

Tomorrow is a free day, with a few sightseeing options in the morning we'll probably do.  With all of the touring and legal stuff, we've barely had time just to walk around and shop.  Hopefully we'll have some time for that tomorrow, which will be the last full day in Guangzhou. 

Guangzhou Touring, Part Deux

Today we had another round of tourism in the Guangzhou area.  We went to two different places.  First of all, we were able to go to the Temple of the 6 Banyan Trees, an actice Buddhist Temple.  Very odd feeling for a Protestant Minister like me to be on the grounds of a place with active Buddhist worshippers.  Some of the families opted in to have their children be blessed by one of the monks there, but we and a few other families just watched from the outside. In fact, I didn't even cross the threshold of the main part of the temple.   There were three 20 foot tall golden idols in the main temple, and various shrines, Buddhas, and other relics around the courtyard.   It was a very beautiful place, with a huge tower in the middle of it.  In addition to the blessing ceremony, we were able to witness a "call to chant" take place, where a monk wondered around the courtyard banging a drum and all of the other monks one by one came into the courtyard and then the temple.  They then went through a ceremony of chanting and playing percussion instruments.

Secondly, we went to a very modern park.  It was huge, and had at its centerpiece a Roman-style colonade and rose garden.  There were cartoonish statues everywhere of popular children's characters (even ones from the West like Finding Nemo, Spiderman, etc.  They had a whole area with nothing but Mario characters as well.  Fountains, waterfalls, etc.  To be honest, I could have spent the whole day there just letting Nathan and Ginny run around and let off steam.  However, Ginny showed us exactly how tired she was towards the end of the time there at the park. Still, the tantrums are getting shorter and more predictable.  We had another traditional Chinese lunch, with Curry Chicken and Shrimp, Broccoli, Sweet Beans, and finely sliced potatoes and fried rice.  Very good. 








We were disappointed that Nathan didn't grow after touching the mushroom.  It always worked for Mario,. 


Shortly after getting back on the bus, Ginny conked out and stayed out for a good hour.  This included the bus ride back to the hotel and the walk back to the Medical Examination place to check the TB results (no problems, by the way). She didn't wake up until back at the hotel, where she initiated her own version of hide and seek with me.  I'm amazed at how rough she likes to play.  She wants us to help her do flips on the bed, and enjoys being lifted high in the air.  Now as far as my (Chris, Dad, Baba's) role is pretty much defined in her eyes right now as recreation.  She initiates little games with me about once or twice a day.  It's also very obvious of how much the orphanage taught her to do herself.  When there is a spill on the floor of something liquid, she will take the towel from you and clean it up herself.  When you change her diaper, she will take the dirty one and throw it away herself.  We didn't teach her these things, so we feel these are little chores they probably trained them to do. 

There is a French reporter from a French version of National Geographic (Geo Magazine) here on the island this week doing a story on adoptive families.  He followed the families to get their TB results today, and took pictures of Ginny and other little ones today for the magazine.  It's supposed to be in the March Issue, but I don't think we can purchase it in the States. 

As I write this, Sharon has taken Ginny down to a special playroom in the hotel just for adoptive families with preschoolers and below, sponsered by Mattel.  In fact, Mattel gives every adoptive family a special "Going Home" Barbie, which is a Blond Barbie holding a Chinese baby. 

Still loving it here in Shamian Island.  Very relaxed and low key.  We appreciate all of the continued prayers, and will need them especially on Thursday and Friday, as those will be crazy long travel days. 

Bluegrass Fiddle Players Statue here in Shamian Island.  Statues like this are all over the island,. 

Guangzhou Touring

It's been a lot more relaxed day today.  We began with another great breakfast at the White Swan.  More American food here than the one in Shanghai.  Bacon.  Need I say more.  After breakfast we headed off to the Chen Family Temple for sightseeing.  Really interesting place.  It's now just a tourist atttraction, but was originally a school, then a shrine for "ancestor worship" for the Chen clan, now a cultural center.  Very colorful architecture.  It was really crowded, though, and a bit on the warm side.  Ginny had one little tantrum, but we've got to the point now that we are learning how those work for her, and can weather them a little better.  She continues to warm up to Nathan and me, and now has even allowed my mom and dad to watch her without Sharon around. 

After, we had a traditional Cantonese (Southern China) family style lunch.  Tried some interesting things, but since our guide ordered, everything was safe.  Sharon got to use a squatty potty at the restaurant for the first time on the trip.  We've seen them here and there,  but haven't had the need to take advantage of them to this point much.  For those who don't know what we're talking about, a squatty potty is a Turkish style toilet, basically a hole in the ground, where you have to well, squat, thus the nick-name. 

We were then taken to a shopping area that our guide said had more authenitc and higher quality clothes, souvenirs, etc.  We bought a finger painting, another traditional Chinese outfit for Ginny, a traditional outfit for Nathan, a silk pajama top for Sharon, and a few what-nots.  I'm still not used to the currency differences, so you freak out a little when they tell you a total in Chinese money that's 6x what the American $ would be.  For example, If you bought $100 worth of stuff, it is about 600 Chinese dollars. 

For those that needed it, we were then offered a trip to Carrefor's store, which is basically like a Wal-Mart.  This one was about four levels, all underground, with moving sidewalks connecting each level.  This may sound weird, but one of my favorite things about the whole trip is just going to regular stores like grocery and department stores and seeing the differences between how our stores work in the U.S.  It was very crowded, but fascinating. 

As I was typing this, Ginny created a new game where she walks by my chair and pokes my, uh, rear end, and runs off laughing.   

First Day in Guangzhou

We have arrived on Shamian Isaland in Guangzhou China and are staying at the White Swan Hotel.  It's a pretty ritzy place, but as many have noted before, it's packed with adoptive families just like us.  Today wnet by really fast, but was filled with a lot of highs and lows.  The days started off early (after only 4 hours sleep because of a late plane arrival from Shanghai) which resulted in an exhausted Bridges family and a very grumpy Ginny at breakfast.  First on the agenda was the passport photos and medical tests, a few blocks away from the hotel.  The medical examination place was packed with people.  However, despite a very early morning and very grumpy Ginny, she actually did well during the tests themselves, until the end, when she was just ready to be outside and "lost it" a bit.  She did get good reports on all of her tests, though.  Not long after this when we went out for a bit again, she zonked out and got a 2 hour nap in, the first real nap she's had all trip.  SO, therefore, the rest of the day was pleasant with a cheery Ginny, and therefore happier Mommy, Daddy, and brother as well.  We had a long paperwork filling-out session this afternoon as well to go through, but I believe that may be one of the last big rounds of paperwork we'll need to contend with on the trip.  We had dinner at the famous "Lucy's" which is an American style restaurant a block away from the hotel.  We went with all of the Great Wall China Adoption Families, and had a great time of food & fellowship. 

A happy jaunt

After the tantrums of the last few days, we were glad to have a few moments of laughter and joy on a trip to the park this afternoon.  We have several hours to kill before our evening flight (which was changed again, or rather back to the original 7:30 p.m. time) so we went to the park next door for a bit and on a snack run.  On the way back Sharon would spin in circles with Ginny and she would just giggle.

Incidentally, in regards to snacks, what appears to be a predictable color packaging for something like Lay's potato chips may not always be what you expect.  They have flavors such as "Hot Pot", "Cucumber, "Tea" and "Fish" flavors.  I stuck with BBQ.

I'm the computer guy

So far, most mornings Ginny wakes up about 4:30 am (I think the orphanage got them up at 5).  This morning, when I got out of bed, she came over to me and pointed at the chair next to the computer as if to say, "This is your spot.  You need to sit here."  She acutually had me lift her up to sit in the chair a bit as well too, which is a big step not because she let me do it, but because she so far has had no interest in chairs, beds, etc.  She pretty much just sticks to things within her reach, but I think she's starting to have an interest in that.  Maybe this is a step in getting her away from sleeping on the floor.  We're due to have a crib in Guangzhou, so we may have to go backwards a bit since she's enjoying this freedom of no bars and boundaries in the room.

She's also been making the pucker face this morning (like the one we posted from the orphanage a while back).  She knows its funny too, because she smiles when she does it.

Bearable Burdens

Today we went to the Shanghai Zoo.  Reviews we had read and others' experience had warned us not to expect much here.  Still, overall it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  The grounds and landscaping were really nice.  The animal's areas, as others had told us were in major need of renovation and repair.  There was a section called "Pets" which highlighted domesticated animals like dogs, farm animals, and giant rats (yes, I said giant rats, 2 feet long or more).  This section was not in good shape at all.  In fact, it felt more like an animal shelter than a zoo.  We had a good time, though, and Ginny fell asleep in the stroller we rented during our last few minutes there. (And a side note for those of you who've followed this blog for a while, they actually had a Rottweiler in this zoo.  If you recall this post, I thought it was a weird coincidence based on the dream I had before this trip.  See this post:  http://bridgesfamilynet.blogspot.com/2010/10/one-crazy-dream.html )

For lunch, our guide dropped us off at a restaurant our Shanghai friends had told us about - Mallone's American Cafe.  Supposedly they were serving a traditional American Thanksgiving Dinner, but when our guide called, they only did that at supper, and you had to have had a reservation at least a month in advance, apparantly it's pretty popular.  Still, lunch was first come first served, and we had delicious burgers and sandwiches with soup and salad, for relatively reasonable prices.  It was a hefty walk back to the hotel from that spot, but worth it. 

The rest of the afternoon we just chilled, well, for the most part.  Ginny had a couple of very intense tantrums today.  One on the way back from the restaurant, and the other when we got back to the hotel.  And I tell you one thing, that girl can throw a Acadamy award winning tantrum complete with flailing arms and kicking legs.  This tantrum was set off because we wouldn't let her go run down the hall in just her diaper.  She's learning, though, that certain priviledges require certain things, and eventually the enticement for play overrode the stubborn streak (no pun intended). 

On the plus side today, Ginny let me (Chris) do a few things that she's been hesitant to do in the past few days, such as help her change clothes, and even feed her a meal.  Still, she's still premdominately mommy or nothing.  The other interesting thing is that she actually went to the bag of diapers and pointed when she had a dirty diaper today.  We didn't understand why she was doing that at first, but were amazed she knew what was going on and what to do about it.  Even we forget that she's a toddler sometimes despite her appearance!

Tomorrow is our last day in Shanghai.  Our original flight to Guangzhou tomorrow was cancelled, but our guide told us we were now on an earlier flight out, which we're glad for.  I'll miss Shanghai, but am honestly glad for a change of scenery. 

Another bizarre safety sign at the zoo that says "Freight Check".  I'm thinking they just don't want you to climp the fence, but it got lost in translation.  :)

This is how a good night begins...

We hope anyway.   Night three with the new little one began with a pleasant surprise.  We were chatting with Nathan about something when Sharon asked me what Ginny was doing.  We looked down and she had conked out on the floor.  This is the first night that she hasn't made a fuss about bedtime, other than a few wimpers.  Today was a rough day in some ways, but ended up with a good evening out with seminary friends who now live in Shanghai. 

Good night (or rather morning to most of you)

Sights and emotions

From what we've percieved, Ginny is experiencing many or the stereotypical behaviors institutionalized children often experience.  The first day she was very friendly and open to everyone, the second not so much, and now the third, she's now focusing all of her attention on Sharon.  The rest of us today she just tolerates unless we are doing something entertaining or interesting.  But we expected some of this, and are treasuring every smile or giggle that comes alternating with the occassional tantrum or whine.  After all, bonding involves expressing the full range or emotion and need, and we've definitely had a sense of her "feeling" us out in the last day or so.  She has realized that she now can enjoy the freedom of walking around in just a diaper while we're in the room.  Now on the flipside, she now HATES wearing clothes when we prepare to go out, and lets us know this very clearly.  She also protests loudly when you take anything from her, not matter what it is.  Toys hold little or no value to her, but her "currency" is snacks.  Her stacking an organizing activities have continued, and she has a weird fascination with shoes.  Even walking around with a diaper, she insists on putting her shoes on, and she likes to take everyone's shoes in the room, puts them in a pile, and even sorts by who they belong to.

Now that you've heard some of the more "bonding" news, here's some of the other activities today.  We started the day seeing YuYuan Gardens and the shops and stores that surrounded it.  Very nice architecture and really neat people watching.  One very odd thing was that we heard a man on a traditional Chinese instrument playing "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder."  Our guide reccommended that we not buy anything in the shops there since Guangzhous will be cheaper, but she did say that the silk in Shanghai would be very good quality compared to anywhere else, so we picked up a scarf and a tie, and I actually haggled.  Not intentionally, mind you, as that's not my style, but I ended up saying no enough that it eventually dropped to half-price. 

We then drove to the riverfront to a beautiful view of the Shanghai skyline.  We took some pictures and enjoyed seeing the Pearl Tower and Bund on a beautiful sunny day.  I felt for Sharon, as since today Ginny wouldn't let anyone else hold her, so she's quite spent from carrying her around.  After that stop, we stopped in a "Belks" style department store to get a few outfits for Ginny (since she's definitely still in 12 mos. outfits still).  However, imagine a Belks with 12 stories.  Yes, I said 12 stories.  They actually had a pretty good toy section there, including Transformers, however, they were much higher than even US prices.  (But yes, we still bought one....or two).  They had a six-foot tall Optimus Prime which was cool.  Sharon didn't have too much luck with outfits, because the clerk wasn't too helpful. 

After this, we drove past the hospital where Wu Jin Jun had been adandoned.  We just stopped to take a few pics.  It's actually not far from our hotel. 

Tonight we're having dinner with a seminary friend of mine, Tammy, who lives in here in Shanghai now. Keep praying for us, as these days of transition have had their share of tough emotinal moments, but some really cool rewards too.

Legally Ours

We just got back from the Civil Affairs Office and Notarization offices.  Although I was unclear of the purposes at the time, after everything was all over there, we found out that now Ginny is ours in the eyes of China.  We are now the official legal guardians of Wu Jin Jun. 

One noise that Ginny seems to make is "Yah" over and over again.  Our guide told us in Chinese this is sort of an abbreviated way of saying "I want..", so that is helpful information.   She also indicates the same thing by a certain hand gesture. Our guide and the orphanage official that was with us were very helpful in communicating to Ginny throughout the morning.  Apparantly she understands Chinese very well.  On the way to an appointment, Ginny started saying things in Chinese and looking out the window.  Our guide told us she was saying "Cars! Cars! Cars!"  At the appointments, Ginny was not a happy camper.  Thankfully, most of the officials were very patient, and some even gave her cookies and treats to appease her, albeit it unsuccesfully.

So, other than waiting on some documents, our main tasks here in Shanghai are over.  Two more days here, mainly sightseeing, bonding, and resting. 

I do have to add this, Ginny's first night in the hotel with us was interesting,  She vehemently refused to sleeping in the bed (the hotel's cribs were all broken), so she, after a great deal of verbal opposition (aka  crying) sat cross-legged on the floor and fell asleep sitting up.  Gradually she would tilt over and catch herself until finally she plopped down on the floor.  We bundled sheets and pillows around her, and she slept all of the way through the night, except for a bit where we tried to get her in the bed once more.

Jet lag is still getting us up about an hour or so earlier than our alarms are set, but fortunately we're still resting well most nights. 

I also forgot to mention that we got all of our care package gifts returned to us yesterday from the orphanage (except the ones from Great Wall I think), and they also gave us a hardback photo memory book of Ginny's time at the orphanage, which has all of her pictures, incuding some never seen by us, plus pictures of the campus.  Our guide says that Shanghai is known for giving some special things like this.  They also gave her a Barbie-style doll, and  a stamp with the chinese characters of her name. 

So, we have a free afternoon now, and we may go out and about in a bit.  Tomorrow is a trip to YuYuan park and shopping,  Our driver is also going to try to pass by the abandonment site (a hospital) and the riverfront for some picture taking.

Shanghai Surprises





Us with our guide Michelle in the lobby of our hotel minutes before we left to go get Ginny



Today was the big day, and we had our first surprise. No orphage visit.  Boo.  :(  We were literally in the car on the way there, and the orphanage called and said they had an event scheduled there and it was too crowded for us to visit.  So, we met reps from the orhanage at a hotel and conference center where they have some auxillary offices set up.  On the way there, we stopped and changed out our money, which after some of the horror stories on how long it took and how picky some tellers are about the money, we were pleasantly surprised that the exhchange was very pleasant and quick.

 

After arriving, we actually caught a glimpse of Ginny by accident. Our guide took us into the wrong room where she was and not the conference room we were supposed to be in.  When we made it to the correct room, we filled out some paperwork, and witnessed another couple seeing their child for the first time.  Neat moment.  Then it was our turn.  I was actually buried in paperwork, and I looked up and they had brought her in.  We happened to have a cookie from the airplane, and offered it to her.  She devoured it quickly,  and wanted more.  She liked the toys we had that made sounds, but the stuffed things didn't mpress her too much.

 

We got back to the hotel after a quick trip to a Wal-Martish type store, and have been here most of the afternoon.  We have discovered lots of things in just a few hours.

 

• She has a smile that sceams mischief.  Its not a cutesy smile, but a "I'm up to something" type smile.
• She looks like a baby, but is 100% toddler in her behavior.  She has facial expression.
• She likes to eat.  Anything you give her.
• She has a good throwing arm.  I mean fastball-level.  Seriously.
• She is extremely tickleish. 
• She has this sort of horading/organizational thing going on: Not long after arriving, she took all of the things that belonged to her (and some that didn't) and neatly put them in a pile.  Perhaps they had some sort of cleaning up ritual in her class.
• She has more hair now.
• She is fascinated with Nathan. 
• She doesn't talk, but she has a happy squeal and one for "I'm not giving that to you"

Thanks for all of the prayers from back home.  They have been felt, and these first few hours have went very well. 

With Daddy and Peek-a-blocks.

Mommy shares a cookie

Have a coke and a smile..... (or just an empty bottle)

 





Welcome to Shanghai

The day began early, I mean REALLY early.  We had to get up around 3am in order to have our luggage ready to be loaded bu 4:30am and leave at 5.  The experience at the Beijing airport was crazy.  Still, I was actually surprised that security there was very tame and the agents friendlier than in the US.  I actually got wanded because of my belt and some change in my pocket I forgot about.  By the time we got to the gate, it was almost time to board, so it had been cut very close for us. 

The flight was also very interesting.  I expected a small plane for the intracountry flight, but it was actually huge, bigger than our trans-Pacific one.  We were nearly the only "paler skinned passengers" on board.  The flight was relatively full, but we were in the very back of the plane, and there was actually a little room to spread out. 

Our guide Michelle met us at the airport, and helped us get settled into the YanAn Hotel here.  It's a bit more posh that the one in Beijing.  The room is definitely nicer.  High ceilings in the room.  Michelle showed us the lcoal market, walked us through a nearby park, and pointed out some other things in walking distance. 

So after very good naps for everyone, Sharon, Nathan & myself headed out on our own.  First we headed towards an area that is known for a lot of French influence and culture, passing by several small storefronts and a few very trendy restaurants.  Seeing none that looked very Westerner-friendly, we headed back to the area near the hotel, then to a very poulated area near a Buddhist Temple, where we found a safe bet - McDonalds.  This is already our second McDonald's trip already.  The manager helped us place our orders, and I enjoyed something a bit different - fried chicken wings, which you don't find back in the states at Mickey D's. 

Tomorrow morning we will leave the hotel around 9 am (8pm Sunday East Coast time), make a stop at the bank for the "big money change", and then head to the orphanage.  Pray for the expierence at the bank for the transfer to go smoothly and for our safety in carrying that much cash around.  We'll meet Wu Jin Jun face to face for the first time tomorrow after that, and will sign some papers that will give us custody for 24 hours (we'd sign more peranent ones the next day).  If "Ginny's" temperament is good, we may go ahead and get food and supplies for her while we're out.  My mom and dad will most likely stay behind at the hotel and watch Nathan tomorrow.

Adventures in Beijing

The Bridges Family at the Great Wall

The Bridges at Tienanmen Square

Been having some trouble with the internet not being consistent here at this hotel, so I may not get to post a full report with all of the pics I'd like, but here it goes...

Today was a busy day.  All touristy stuff.  We began the day with a fantastic breakfast buffet in the restaurant.  Really interesting stuff on it, and just about everything was quite tasty.  It was weird having noodles and rice-based things for breakfast, but hey, it was good.

Our first stop was Tienanmen Sqaure and the Forbidden City.  One of the first interesting things was the massive line of hundreds of Chinese waiting to get a glimpse of Chairman Mao's dead body on display in a building there.  After we passed that area, we headed into the Forbidden City's series of courtyard after courtyard, which was filled with beautiful architecture and 600 year old stone floors.   After about the third courtyard and giant read structure, you sort of started having this "haven't I seen this before?" feeling.  But still, it was highly interesting and as they say "bigger than life."

Lunch was at a Jade Store which has a banquet area.  The meal was a "family style" authentic Chinese cuisine served on a lazy susan amongst our tablemates.  We were given a presentation on how jade was processed and carved, how to spot fakes, etc..  We then had time to browse the store, where Sharon purchased a relatively nice set of earrings and Nathan got a jade frog.

This solid jade ship can be yours for only $50,000 USD.

Then it was off to the great wall, or as I like to call it, "The Insane Staircase of China."  It was definitely a cardio workout, and I'm a128% sure I reached or exceeded my target heartrate at some point during the climb. :)  Mom and Dad didn't venture too high, but the rest of us climbed up to the second tower and got a great view.  Had we have had more time, I would have loved to have went higher.

We had dinner at the hotel tonight, and it's up insanely early tomorrow to board the plane for Shanghai.

After our Great Wall Tour, our guide handed us an official "invitation" from the Chinese government to pick up our child.

The end result of a tiring day.

We have arrived!

Well, we've arrived safe and sound in Beijing thanks to the grace of God and the prayers of many of you.  It was a very long day.  Our travel was uneventful, but a special surprise was that as we landed in Newark, we got to see the Empire State Buiding, New York Skyline, and Statue of Liberty.  I don't think I realized how close New York City was to Newark.  When we arrived in Newark, we were able to meet up with several other Great Wall China Adoption (GWCA) families and start to build some relationships with some really nice people.  I think the thing that really surprised me the most was how bad the air quality is here in Beijing.  There's a haze and fog over the area here in Beijing because of it.  Our guide was at the airport to greet us, green flag in hand, and we were quickly transported to the hotel.  It's relatively nice, but there is some Chinese uniqueness to it that's for sure.  One thing we thought was weird was that you had to use your card key to turn on the lights in the room.

After we got our luggage back in the hotel room, one of our guides led us through a local small grocery store to get supplies for those who needed them.  That was an interesting experience.  It was jam-packed with people, plus what they had for sale was a bit unconventional.  The funny part was the name:  "Wu-Mart."  Similar font as our American Walmart.  The second floor of Wu-Mart housed a McDonalds, which is where we ate supper (because we were too tired to be adventurous).  We ordered by pictures, and the clerk instinctively just handed us the picture menu when we walked to the counter.

Tomorrow is the Great Wall and Tienanmen Square.

 Our guide Michael greeted us at the airport.

 The little guy helps take luggage to the van taking us to the hotel.

In the lobby of our hotel.  The translation of the words behind us say:  "We gladly welcome with honor the Bridges Family."  Not really, but it could for all that we know......

 This caution sign was on the stairway going into McDonald's.  It made me laugh.  

The "Wu-Mart" down the street from the motel.  Good prices, but not "rollback" good.  :)

The little guy's first travel journal entry...