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,.