Ni hao! (That is hello in Chinese). What day is it? I always seem to be wondering as the days go by one by one. Today we visited the physical examination and immunization clinic. It was totally chaotic. A building full of adoptive parents with their children all waiting to be checked over as required. Everytime we touched something we had to wipe our hands or Sasha’s hands with antibacterial wipes. So many of the babies are sick and we just want to keep her healthy. It was wall to wall people and we had to visit three separate physicians and nurses – one for the ear nose and throat, one to measure her head and check her out and the other for weight and height. I don’t know why they could not have all been done by the same person – I wonder who figures these things out!

The clinic was on Shamian Island so when we were finished we had a couple of hours to try to do some shopping. I actually saw two photo shoots going on and had to try to snap a couple of shots: one of a wedding and the other of a girl wearing the traditional Chinese dress. That was really fun to watch. After a little shopping we decided to check out the famous “Lucy’s” café for lunch. A lot of western type food on the menu. Then we were off to shop some more but it started raining and Sasha was fussy so we decided to catch a cab and come back to the hotel.

It amazes me the stark contrasts here. Across from our hotel is a Ferrari and a mazaradi (I’m sure I’m spelling that incorrectly) dealer and yet right behind us are buildings that are so run down that I can’t imagine what the inside looks like. That is what the majority of the apartments look like. There is such poverty and yet someone must buy these expensive cars too. I have always loved the USA and am now even more grateful for the blessing of living in such a wonderful country.

We have had Sasha in our arms for a week now and I can’t imagine life without her. Today she said Mama several times which was so precious to us. She is such a joy. Her head is getting better every day. The doctor said she weighs 20 pounds. Dave and I both thought we could see the difference in her face. She ate and ate and ate today! They tell us that at the orphanages they feed the boys first because they feel they are more important. Also if the babies cry when they are waiting on their food, they just put them back in their cribs so they learn not to cry when they are hungry. Can you even imagine?!?

We do have a prayer request. Our Chinese guide is concerned about our fingerprint renewal because they have not received anything on it yet. We have contacted our agency and they are working on it, but we need the updated fingerprints information to be in the hands of the consulate here before we can leave. Please pray that everything comes together for that.
Once again thank you all for your loving support and prayers.