This afternoon, we traveled to Shamian Island. The island is where the old US Consulate was located on and is home to many shops 
that cater to western tourists. Needless to say, we all bought items to bring home. Luckily, we packed an extra duffle bag. Other families decided to buy an extra piece of luggage to fit everything in for the trip home.
After 2 hours of shopping, we were tired and decided to eat an early dinner (since we skipped lunch). We ate at Lucy’s, which was recommended by our guide. It has very western food, including burgers and steak. After enjoying the meal, we decided that we should return to Lucy’s for lunch tomorrow. That would also allow us to buy a few small items we had forgotten about.
Tomorrow, we gather for a group photo in the morning. At 3pm, we leave for the US Consulate to get Sarah’s visa and take an oath. Unfortunately, no cameras, bags, or liquids are allowed into the consulate, so we won’t be able to take any photos or bring a bottle. We will basically only be able to take our passports and a diaper inside.
After we return, we will need to eat, pack our checked luggage, and get to sleep as soon as possible. We will probably need to be up before 5am to get ready and leave for the airport. That will start our 20 hour process to get home and the beginning of a day that will seem to last forever. Even though the flights aren’t any longer on the way home, it will seem longer with a baby in hand and knowing we get to see Elizabeth and Rachel when we get through immigration & customs.
Sarah has been increasingly happy. She has actually begun
to enjoy diaper changes. We start each morning a little behind where we were for trust, but by the afternoon she starts to perk up and by the evening she is bubbly. You can tell her trust in John is growing, and this afternoon she actually put her head on his shoulder when we rode the bus back from Shamian Island. I also noticed today that she is opening up to discovering the world beyond us, and was playing with someone behind us on the bus.
It hit me this afternoon that I have only known this little person for only a week. I have earned her trust and developed a routine with her that she now recognizes and is comfortable with. Coming home will be another change that will take time, but I’m hopeful not too long. I think she may also be recognizing that she is Sarah as she is reacting to the name as we call it more.
that cater to western tourists. Needless to say, we all bought items to bring home. Luckily, we packed an extra duffle bag. Other families decided to buy an extra piece of luggage to fit everything in for the trip home.After 2 hours of shopping, we were tired and decided to eat an early dinner (since we skipped lunch). We ate at Lucy’s, which was recommended by our guide. It has very western food, including burgers and steak. After enjoying the meal, we decided that we should return to Lucy’s for lunch tomorrow. That would also allow us to buy a few small items we had forgotten about.
Tomorrow, we gather for a group photo in the morning. At 3pm, we leave for the US Consulate to get Sarah’s visa and take an oath. Unfortunately, no cameras, bags, or liquids are allowed into the consulate, so we won’t be able to take any photos or bring a bottle. We will basically only be able to take our passports and a diaper inside.
After we return, we will need to eat, pack our checked luggage, and get to sleep as soon as possible. We will probably need to be up before 5am to get ready and leave for the airport. That will start our 20 hour process to get home and the beginning of a day that will seem to last forever. Even though the flights aren’t any longer on the way home, it will seem longer with a baby in hand and knowing we get to see Elizabeth and Rachel when we get through immigration & customs.
Sarah has been increasingly happy. She has actually begun
to enjoy diaper changes. We start each morning a little behind where we were for trust, but by the afternoon she starts to perk up and by the evening she is bubbly. You can tell her trust in John is growing, and this afternoon she actually put her head on his shoulder when we rode the bus back from Shamian Island. I also noticed today that she is opening up to discovering the world beyond us, and was playing with someone behind us on the bus.It hit me this afternoon that I have only known this little person for only a week. I have earned her trust and developed a routine with her that she now recognizes and is comfortable with. Coming home will be another change that will take time, but I’m hopeful not too long. I think she may also be recognizing that she is Sarah as she is reacting to the name as we call it more.
1 comment:
What a change in Sarah's pictures in a week. She's a beautiful little girl. Won't be long now and you'll have your whole family together. Have a safe, uneventful trip home. May the hours "fly" by knowing Elizabeth and Rachel will be waiting once you finally land in Minneapolis. Love Nina & Doug
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