Today was a relaxing Sunday in China's second largest city. When I looked up the forecast for this subtropical location before we left NC, it was supposed to be in the high 60s. Apparently we brought the snow from Beijing to Zhengzhou to Guangzhou because it snowed here today for the first time since 1929! It was fun watching the local children dance around and the adults filming it. Our CCAI rep said that people here believe snow is good luck. It was definitely cold but we bundled up and headed out anyway. We toured a bit of Guangzhou relatively close to our hotel. We visited an active Buddhist Temple (where an older woman pulled on Elijah's pants and spoke harshly in Chinese, I'm assuming saying he wasn't wearing enough). We also visited an Old Chen House, which used to be a school and meeting place for the Chen family. Both places had incredibly ornate carvings and decorations. Randomly while walking around today, I had one of those new baby moments. I remember holding Ethan upstairs in our bonus room, with tears running down my cheeks, and thinking what an amazing blessing from God. At the time I figured it was post-partum hormones. But today Elijah fell asleep in my arms and my eyes welled up with tears as I looked at his beautiful face and realized what an amazing blessing his is. We are blessed beyond measure with our two wonderful sons. After returning to the hotel, we spent the afternoon in the kiddy play area and then pre-filling out forms for tomorrow's medical exam.
Thankfully we were blessed with good rest last night. Tonight Elijah has cried twice in the last hour since we put him down for the night. I think it's bad dreams, as he screams and flails with no way to console him. I don't know if it's due to the orphanage or the hospital, and I don't know how long this will go on. Please pray for comfort and peace for him, and the other new sons and daughters. Every child and every family has their struggles here. Some children are loud and strong willed, some children are quiet and anxious, but all of the children are still in a transition of shock and grief. Some of the parents are experienced and some are brand new to this wild ride. Please pray for strength for the parents as we have medical and visa appointments coming up, as well as travel back home.
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