Today has been a great day with Ava. She slept all night and woke up a different baby. This is not to say that she is still not grieving, but she is definitely allowing us into her world more than she has. She started the day off by taking a 4 oz bottle which is something that has been inconsistent. Then she let daddy change her diaper with mommy sitting nearby. When mommy went to get a shower, she sat on daddy’s lap and did not cry. This was a first. Then she let daddy change another diaper and her clothes without mommy being in the room. Throughout the day, she has displayed more smiling and interaction than she has the entire trip. We were waiting for the evening to come and thought maybe we would see a little more grieving. She cried for maybe 30 minutes this evening. I love seeing how she is snuggling with Tammy and creating the bond.
After breakfast we walked to a nearby city square and just sat and watched the local residents. It is amazing to observe the Chinese people and their customs and traditions. This morning we saw another group of people exercising in the square. The Chinese people definitely focus on their health and wellbeing. This evening we were taken to a sports park where there were basketball courts, badminton courts, exercise equipment, and ping pong tables. Our coordinator told us that people will come here every evening until dark. While at this park we also walked along the Yellow River and watched many men flying kites. It is great to observe a people who focus not only on their physical health but also their mental health by just spending the evening relaxing in a park.
This we also went to a local department store. I know this surprises many of our friends and family that Tammy and I would go shopping. We were able to interact with many people in the store. One young man seemed to enjoy trying his English with us. He had a huge smile when Tammy told him how good his English was. Naturally we couldn’t leave the store without buying Ava an outfit. Later in the day we went back to the bakery Feel Good Bread. I told Tammy we have definitely supported this bakery’s economy this week. Ava can eat one whole piece of cheesecake on her own. So we had to buy two pieces, one for her and one for Morgan.
Tomorrow we will be flying out of Lanzhou for Guangzhou. We do not leave until 7:50pm (6:50am Sesser time) and land around 10:30pm. So we will be getting to the hotel late. We are excited about flying out for the last leg of our trip but we are also a little heartbroken. Tomorrow may be the last day Ava spends in her home province. Our plan is to one day bring her back so that she can experience China but we never know what God has in store for the future. Please pray for safety with our travel tomorrow and for Ava as she experiences her first plane ride. Please pray for peace for her.
We just want to thank all our prayer supporters once again. God has truly answered your many prayers for Ava and us. We COULD NOT have made this journey without you.
Ava loves her photo album with her brothers' pictures.
Tammy and Morgan working off the cheesecake.
Morning in the city square.
Watching the many kits.
Some boys taking a swim in the Yellow River.
Ava in her favorite seat: the stroller.
2 comments:
We're thankful to hear that Ava is doing better with the grieving process. Don't be too stressed about the plane ride (Abby never had a clue what was going on!). We continue to pray over you guys and wish every blessing on you. Have lots of fun your last day in Lanzhou!
She is absolutely precious !
Happy shopping in GZ !
Charlotte, mom to 3 China babes !
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