Today we went to the pearl market. We still have lots of shopping to do tonight as we've only found two gifts for the relatives ( : But the pearl market had a Pizza Hut so Mommy was happy. And good news: Josie likes it! Again, a sure sign she is a Riddle!
The pictures today are the last ones we will be able to post here. Our friends from Nebraska who've graciously let us use their lap top get to head home tomorrow morning. One picture is an example of the "Chinglish" I referred to in an earlier post. I hope you will be able to click on it to enlarge it and read it. There are a couple of pictures of Josie (of course) and a picture of her at the medical exam we needed for the US consulate. The doctor there was most concerned with a scar on Josie's right hand. She even measured it. We think it was a mosquito bite which Josie scratched and then it became infected. Anyway, it was funny that the doctor spent more time on that than on Josie's arm. Also, the doctor had not heard of brachial plexus injuries (or of scoliosis, as another of our group has that diagnosis). Josie's temp was also of concern. But she refuses to take off her sweater (because everyone points to the scars on her arms) and she'd been in our carrier (little oven) and had been crying. We promised she was not running a fever! The other picture is at the pearl market.
Other highlights: nearly everyone in China knows how to say "hello." They greet us often and also yell it to get our attention or use it to point to items on a menu we may like. Still, it makes us feel more comfortable. I brought along my favorite book and found someone who wanted to read it. This person even wanted two copies, one for a friend. Chris and I ventured to an area with no foreigners to see what it would be like. People did stare at us but they tried to not create a stir. I was glad Chris was there with me. A couple of people did point to Josie and asked, "Chinese?" Some were obviously confused. One was able to say, "daughter?" Friends from Ohio have been yelled at for having a Chinese daughter but for the most part people are not angry, just curious. I know there are rumors here that Americans come and buy these girls and there is distrust as to why. They like seeing Josie respond well to us and smile or reach for us. Some ask her questions, but she isn't able to answer. Again, the friend from Ohio had someone ask in English about his daughter and when he responded yes, that she was his, they didn't believe him and insisted he was holding her while he waited for his friend to come out of the shop.
Josie is also doing better with attachment. At a store yesterday I was concerned when a saleslady talked to her and tried to get her to come (which they all do) and Josie actually lifted her arms to be taken. I said no and made sure she stayed in her stroller. But then while talking again, Josie lost sight of me and turned in a panic to make sure I was there. That is actually a really good sign in the adoption/attachment world. She is also loving to come running pell-mell into my arms shrieking the whole way and then collapsing into me. And she and her other two pals from Nanjing (all 2 years) love to point to each other's noses and talk and boss each other around. It is quite a sight with the three of them in a circle in their strollers yacking away. None of us Americans know if they are really saying anything!
I may be able to post once more before we leave Guangzhou (without pictures), but don't worry if we don't. We should arrive back home this weekend. We do not look forward to the flight home or the jet lag, so you can pray for us there. Also, we'd love prayer for two gals in our group who are flying home with 5 year olds who've never been told no. Neither mom has her husband here or a travel companion! One leaves tomorrow (Wed) and the other Friday (remember we are 13 hours ahead of you).
We can't wait to introduce you to the newest Riddle!
