Today in Rainy Town

Hi again, I am glad to say today is over. We had a free day, which I had said and it rained hard 90% of the day. So we did go to a museum within walking distance, but we did need to get david and B umbrellas too. Even with them we got soaked! The museum is the site of a Han dynasty tomb. THe picture is of D & me in the actual tomb it was found in 1983. I couldn't help thinking of Bob, who travelled with us on my first trip here, and how he would have loved this museum. In the building they had all the items he was buried with and even remains of sacrificed people and animals. It was crazy. So that was good to pass some time.

We went back to that same restaurant she liked yesterday. This is wierd, but she can't really use chopsticks. Its all about hands. In fact, we actually help her with our chopsticks to get her the food on her plate. I guess there isn't time to teach each child proper eating skills - just get the food in. We also have a feeling she can not read or write. At her eye exam yesterday, she took the depth perception test. It was the same as we have here with the dots, and then you see the # you see. She didn't know the #'s and had to use the shapes. Today at the museum she sat down at a computer after B had tried to figure it out. It was in Chinese, and she had obviously never used a computer before, but couldn't figure it out - even with directions on the screen. She does have really good fine motor skills and will remember any direction you give her.

After lunch we came back to the room just to relax and watch TV, as there was nothing to do, and it just felt like you should nap with his weather. She did fall asleep for a while and then woke up crying. Nothing would coax her to be busy - even B. She cried for a very long time and we just let her cry. At 5:30 we met for a group dinner and she pulled it together, but was distant and mopey the whole night.

Before bed I took off my sock and threw it at David and she laughed, so that broke out a big sock fight. So she did go to bed on a happy note. A big step took place during sock fight therapy. My back was to them, and D hit me with a sock. When I turned around and looked, he pointed to Mei, and she pointed back laughing and saying" ba ba , baba," (daddy). David was staying calm outside, but inside he was jumping up and down. He has a lot to make up with her since he physically had to remove her from her nannies the other day. So this was a big step.

Our group dinner was yummy and really fun. We get along with everyone, but some better than others. Sadly the ones we get along with most live in Arizona and Virginia. Well, the others are from Wisconsin, so they aren't too far. You quickly create a bond here with all these people going through the same emotions. Everyday we are encouraging each other on each little break through or setback. In fact Rose told me at breakfast today, "Tell your sister thanks for praying xiao yun ate last night." She still needs prayer. She will not accept her as mama, and when they talked about it today, she ran out of the room crying and screaming. Her TB test also looks to be positive - where Mei's you can't even see anymore. We check that again on saturday, your Friday. About the other little guy, Jim, I saw his dad last night and told him I had people praying and at breakfast they told me they had a huge breakthrough during the night, and I didn't hear him cry once today. They were even able to go to the group dinner without a peep. Little by little we see progress.

This was our only totally free day, for which I am so thankful. Tomorrow we tour some temple. I don't even care what it is; I'll just be glad to be out and be busy.

Thanks for reading, praying and loving,

T.