|
|
December 17
|
| I will start today by telling of our afternoon of the 16th
then I will start on today's adventures. Yesterday afternoon, Joe,
Gabriel and I had the honor of going to lunch with our Guide Judy, her
husband and their 4 year old son. They took us to an authentic
Shunde Restaurant, (Gabriel is from Shunde), and we were able to experience
a piece of his culture. The dining experience was lovely, so much
tradition, even with dining. It was amazing and we felt very honored
to spend this time with her family. The food was excellent, and I
was able to take some photos of the restaurant. After dining, we
walked back to the hotel and stopped for a photo op with the Santa display
in the Victory Lobby. This morning we got an early start. We
took a stroll to the Catholic Church for Mass here on Shamian
Island. It was the first time for our son to attend Mass and the
feelings were almost overwhelming. After Mass we stopped and
purchased a rosary and crucifix for Gabriel. We then had the priest
visit with us for a few minutes and he blessed our son and his new
rosary. The congregation was very welcoming to us and we were able
to follow most of the Mass. Afterwards, it was so beautiful outside
that we walked and walked and walked. We ended up having lunch at
Lucy's and met a charming little girl named Zoe whose father works for the
American Consulate. We had a great conversation with them and then
left for the pastry shop at the White Swan. Since we could not
decide on just one pastry we picked 6 and came back to the room for taste
testing. YUM!!!! Gabriel loved it all. While I am
keeping him on baby food I could not resist his attempts at sneaking a
bite here and there. He offers me a big kiss and smile for a tiny
bite, so I am unable to tell him no. I cannot wait for all of you to
meet him at home. He is a bright and shining light in this
world. I am so thankful he found us before that light dimmed.
Before leaving home to come to China I was saying that I could not
remember my life without our daughter Sophia (who is also from China),
well I have to admit now that my life prior to Gabriel is a blur. It
has all run together in the most beautiful way and he has always been a
part of my life. I know he was born to be our son, he is such a
blessing. I am astonished at what a sense of humor he has. He
is a very funny little guy and so far, he forgets nothing. Any thing
we teach him he or show him he absorbs full force. And if he has
said Mommy one time he has said it a thousand. I love it! He
will wander through the room yelling ma-ma, ma-ma, ma-ma! Then when
I look he just giggles and giggles. He is now down for the night, he
sleeps all night with no problem. Joe and I are very thankful for
that. He does still have a nasty cough, but I keep pushing the
antibiotics. Today he started tugging and pulling on his ears, and
whining, so I started him on antibiotic eardrops also. I am hoping
he will be feeling better for the flight home. We have our Consulate
Appointment at the end of the week then we are headed home. I cannot
wait. Jared, Parker and Sophia, rest up because he is coming home at
full speed. Parker he loves throwing the ball so I will need you to
help me out with that. Jared, he wants on the computer and likes to
try to type, so I will leave it up to you to help him in that area.
Sophia, my sweet Sophia, he is all boy and will love playing chase with
you. He also loves the outdoors and will be happy to run and jump
and skip and hop with you. GAGA, tell my little girl she is still my
baby and that I will be right back, I promise. I love you all so
much and miss you terribly. When we come home you will see it was
worth us being gone this long to have this precious child as our
own. We love you, We love you, We love you. Sophia, say
goodnight moon, goodnight sweet Gabriel, Mommy will hear you and you won't
have to say it for much longer. Love, Mommy and Daddy
|
Traditional Shunde Table setting for meal
Judy, her son and husband
Gabriel after his first Mass in China with the Priest