She likes... She does not like...

We are biting the bullet and paid for internet in our room for 7 days. David went last night to the Starbucks and spent 2 hours fighting their internet and ending up rewriting his post 2x and sending none. I wonder what was in his post that they didn't want him to write. Well at least up here we can do it any time and not have to go anywhere. The internet is sketchy at best here. I hope David will take the time to send his post again.

Yesterday was a good day Mei-wise, bad day weather wise. Evidently there is a typhoon hitting Honk Kong right now and we are getting the effects from it. Mei and I bought umbrellas. She evidently has never been out in the rain and hates the drops on her head. The boys just tough it out since it is WAY to hot to wear your raincoat. We began the day at a park, but this park was like a super park to us; there were carnival type rides, a workout section with the machines just there for anyone and there were tons of people exercising there. We wondered why all these people were not at work, but never had the chance to ask Elsie. Good news SHE loved the rides! Bumper cars 2x, tilt-a-whirl and this weird one-I don't know how to explain it. Good news since amusement parks seem to pop in to our vacations now and then.

At 3 we went to apply for a her Chinese passport and it was a simple process. Waiting in line was the worst thing. Then on to the medical exam. What a treat that was. Praise God for our health care system - you do not want to be sick here. The 2 older kids needed a more extensive exam including a TB test, and David made sure they DID use a new needle. Then we were able to walk around and shop at our leisure for an hour and a half. I can't believe I have to admit this, but it was so overwhelming for me - the amount of merchandise everywhere. I suppose that after the long day we had, that 1 1/2 hrs was enough. I was ready to get back on that bus to go back, BUT will prepare myself again to go back another day. A big sad note Mei doesn't like shopping. She is instantly bored. I hope we can exercise that skill as time goes on.

Coming back we were starving and went straight to a Chinese restaurant where she slurped up the food as quick as she could -way different then how she eats the western breakfast. We are so lucky she is eating because some kids are not. Bedtime continues to be easy so far and there where no tears yesterday, even at bedtime, which is really great. She seems to be warming up to me and Dave. Yesterday B got her to say (she doesn't speak, it's all head shakes and pointing) "Ni hao mama," which is big the first time she recognized me as mama. She will not get to close to Dave, but will play and laughs when they do. Yesterday we planned a pool time with a family from Elkhorn, and B was playing with their kids, so Mei was sitting on the ladder. She would play with David, but not let him take her off the ladder. I know it is hard for him. He is used to his girl being all over him. She seems fine with me, but I think it is because I am the one to help her with daily needs, like showers, dressing, and taking her to the washrooms, so I think she just has to rely on me.

Today is a free day and some families are going to visit their orphanages, but the weather is worse than yesterday, so I don't know what we will do.

As you pray, of course for Mei, for us as we process all of this. It is very emotionally taxing. There are 2 kids here that need prayer, too. Ella, who we mentioned before. A big step for them happened yesterday. She let rose be in a picture with her. And this little guy jim (zhi) hasn't stopped crying yet. I can see it is taxing the parents. This is their 2nd adoption, so they are not new to the process, but they are having a hard time especially since all the other kids are doing fine. Enough for now we are going to eat breakfast,which, by the way, has become or favorite meal of they day here. more later, T

ps. Tammy is sore today, so if you could pray for her that would be great. I am praying that the rest of this trip will not be as taxing and emotional. I am not complaining, but the process here is rough. Thanks for all your prayers. We love and miss you all! David

p.s. I for got to tell you that the ice cream (hagen daas) cost us $30. Yeah, but you can't put a price on a comfort from home! It was, as Caleb would say, "SO GOOOD!!!!!"
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Wendy's note: They are playing a game like hacky sack.

Wendy's Note: This is a piece of exercise equipment they wrote about in the park.