{China #9} Guangzhou

{Note: due to the Sauder's busy day flying to Guangzhou, they didn't have a blog post prepared until today. Don't forget to read "Update #8" first... scroll down! -Sarah}

Again, Emerson did well at breakfast.  I didn’t know what she was going to be like, being in a new area.  I can’t imagine how confused she must feel at times.  Flying, new hotel, new area, new surroundings.

Guangzhou is in Southern China and is more tropical.  Right now it’s a bit cold for them (go figure!), but it’s supposed to warm up to the 60’s and 70’s for tomorrow through Tuesday.

We had a morning Dr.’s appointment.  All the adoptive families have to have this done, so there were many American faces with their adopted child.  Most of the children cried as the nurse or dr. would check their pulse, ears, weight, height.  We didn’t stand chance that Emerson was going to get through this without crying.  It was hard to see her fight the nurses, scream and cry…but thankfully she calmed down once we were completely done and back in the van.  From there she seemed to bounce right back.  She’s continued to get into everything….the hotel phone, gum in my purse (no she didn’t eat it)…loves the TV remote.

{At the Doctor's Appointment}

{Eating lunch}

Emerson continues to warm up to me and willingly allows me to hold her (unless she wants to go a different direction!  Typical two year old!)  But at the same time, she has moments when she wants NOTHING to do with me.  Other than last night, “flirting” with Jeff, she still has yet to warm up to him.  PLEASE continue to pray that she can trust us.

All day, we’ve been trying to explore and figure out our surroundings.  We’ve been to this city before, but the hotel we stayed at last time is under renovation and completely shut down. ☹  As Jeff and Chase were out and exploring, I was back with Emerson, trying to put her down for a nap.  She fought and fought the nap…and she won.  I have to be truthful, I’ve struggled with selfishness today.  I’ve been feeling the need for a break, to be completely by myself, to recharge and rejuvenate.  When she wouldn’t nap, I wanted to cry.  I SO desperately wanted some quiet time.  Again, I find myself praying, “Lord, either help her sleep, or give me the emotional strength to carry on.” Finally, 2.5 hours later, we tried again to put her down.  She fought and fought and finally sleep won….and I was able to hit the treadmill and burn off some frustration. 

After more exploring, Jeff figured out the Guangzhou metro system!!  I’m so proud of him!!  Now that gives us more options…yes we could use a taxi, but that can get expensive after a while. 

{Buying tickets for the Metro}

{Riding the Metro}

Tonight we all ventured out on the metro and went to a shopping center to eat at Subway.  Subway has never tasted SO good!  We went to a grocery store to get some fruit and crackers. And then rode back on the metro to the hotel.  The round trip for the metro for all 4 of us was $2…I say, pretty good!

{Eating at Subway}

{Watching the fish at the Grocery Store}

Tomorrow we meet with another family (that used the same agency as us) and go to the Safari Park.  It will be good to have fellowship with another family.

-Jeff, Chelby, Chase & Emerson