Day 11

Today was another eventful day, filled with lots of outings and adventures.  Lucy was again such a joy through it all.  I was able to go to Starbucks and walk around a beautiful, quaint park to enjoy the locals dong tai chi… before our girl even woke up!  She slept 11 hours last night!  She is eating like a champ and hardly ever whispers a peep, other than when she needs something or wants to talk and play.  We are so blessed.

Our first outing of the day was to the tomb of Emperor Zhao Mo.  This tomb is over 2100 years old.  It was interesting to learn about the history of the tomb (the king had 14 concubines, all of whom were buried alive with him when he died) and to see it right in the middle of downtown Guangzhou!  They discovered the tomb in 1983 when they were building a Marriott hotel in the city.  Although I am not sure Lucy took too much interest in the outing (there were not a lot of shiny things), she was a gem. 

Our next adventure was to the Chinese equivalent of a Wal-Mart for more diapers, water etc…Again, not a very pleasant or comfortable experience.   It was so crowded, so noisy and sooo hot!  (They don't have heat in the cold places and they don't have air conditioning in the hot places!) All of the girls did better than the parents did.  We couldn't move (crowds), it was so stuffy and we were so uncomfortable!   We asked our guide where we could buy some short sleeve t-shirts, as many of us are ill-prepared for this 80 degree weather.  She explained that since it is "winter" they are not selling these now.  So we will stick it out in our long sleevers.

We were happy to not have anything scheduled for later afternoon and evening. Brian, Lucy and I took full advantage.  After some naps and gym-time, we went to "Lucy's" again for dinner.  It was a very pleasant, cool, evening with a nice breeze so we ate outside.  (The one photo is of me giving Lucy congee-notice the sign behind us.) After dinner, we walked around the city, enjoying the outside air, river and beautiful parks.  We ran into a family we have gotten to know, along with their little girl Chloe, and got some great tips for shopping and bargaining at the Pearl Market (where we are going tomorrow).   When we got back to the hotel we enjoyed a light show on the river from our room window.  Lucy loves to look outside and watch all the boats and lights. 

Although there are many moments throughout the day where we are with Lucy and new things happen that bring smiles to our hearts, it would be hard to describe it or do it justice here.  Suffice it to say that she continues to be more happy and pleasant every day, in spite of all the change and adverse conditions that she has gone through, and continues to go through, in her short little life. She is God's greatest gift to us yet.