SubscribeI'm all for authentic…I like things to be real. But as we were making our way from the Guangzhou airport to our hotel, The White Swan, authenticity lost out. Getting to Guangzhou is like leaving real China and arriving in the Epcot version of China. After 6 nights of "the real deal," I was ready for fake. The lights in Guangzhou look more like Vegas than Beijing, and they don't even bring you chopsticks with your meal here. Breakfast this morning was completely recognizable…french toast, omelet, good coffee. After eating noodles for breakfast every morning, this was a welcome change. All day I've been contemplating how wonderful is the familiar. It's not even really completely familiar…I mean, we ARE still in China. But nothing brings comfort like having things around you that you recognize and love…American food, a few American faces, Coke zero.
And while I have been moving steadily toward the familiar, my daughter has been swiftly hurdling away from all she knows. Right now, Jenna sings sweet little songs under her breath in Mandarin. She (and we) will soon lose that. She can name pretty much every object in Mandarin as well…something that she will not be able to remember for long. Jenna eats congee for breakfast each morning, can down some eel for dinner, and uses chopsticks like a pro. She has sweet memories of Guilin,the city where she lived for the past three years, that will soon fade to nothing. Jenna is gaining a family, but it is not without cost.
Soon we will leave all that Jenna knows and begin our lives at home. Right now, "home" for us is a hotel…and it's a nice one! We're all really happy to be here and just enjoying days full of shopping, naps, and playgrounds with a few official apppoinments scattered in each day. When we get home we hope to remember how difficult Jenna's transition could be and remind ourselves to bring the familiar to her as much as possible. I think we'll be eating more with chopsticks and visiting Super H more frequently!
Jenna is beautiful! Thanks for the updates, it is great to get to experience this with y’all. I am sure y’all have thought of this but are you videoing her singing and naming things? I am sure that would be so fun to have.
We are so excited to meet her and see y’all soon! Give Lucy our love and a hug from Ella Kate.
Lindsay
Trying to get as much on video as possible, but as soon as she knows it’s on, she just poses and makes faces! Her little songs are so precious…but so quiet that they’re difficult to hear. Hoping to catch one at a good moment sometime soon. Y’all will love her!
Glad to hear that you have made it safely to Guangzhou. Praying that the rest of your journey goes well, that you all stay healthy, and that Jenna will allow you all into her heart. Josh want to ask Lucy “Did you like the Great Wall of China?” and he says “I hope your sister is doing great so far.”
Love and prayers,
The Hand Family
Oh the White Swan! American food at last!! Loved your post- brought back so many memories. (although I am needing my daily picture fix) I assume your medical exam was today- hope all went well.
Kate loved congee too. When we got home I tried grits and she ate them for breakfast every morning the first 6 months we were home- maybe Jenna would like them too. And my girl LOVES noodles- esp. dumplings. Trader Joes has some great ones in their frozen section- Jenna might like those as well.
Have a blast in Guangzhou! Stock up on the squeaky shoes!!!
… and by the way- I am sooo jealous of Jenna’s beautiful long hair. It has been 1 1/2 years and Kate’s hair is still not past her chin!
This is the beginning of “Welcome Home,Wells family, Welcome Home” !!!!!!! I know that you will enjoy your time left in China. I like the name of the Swan hotel. It even sounds like home. Love, Aunt Iris
Ok Anna and Leo…so the new favorite part of my day is checking your blog…I look so forward to it!
I was overwhelmed by how sad I was the day we left Ethiopia. As we were driving to the airport, the emotions were too much as I thought of all that Caleb was leaving behind. It is all they know…and then it is gone. Again, the complexities of adoption…so much loss surrounded by bits of joy. Still praying for all of you…keep the posts coming! More pictures too please!
Yay, thanks for painting the picture of your new family for us. It gives me so much hope for the next several months. We will hear from Mei on Monday about our TA. I can’t wait to get our families of “four” together soon when we are all home. You have touched and relived my heart more than you guys can every know. Blessings and love! Niki, Eric and Callie (and soon to be Shenlin)
There are three families with us who just adopted six year olds…one of the families brought their other 6-yr. old adopted daughter from China. They’ve become fast friends. I think y’all will be great. Callie will love having a friend with her. I’ll try to get you emails of these families in case you want to contact them before you travel.
Anna
Sorry one more post, yes I admire your acknowledgement of all that is changing for her as we get closer back to our surroundings. This is the part that most non adoptive families don’t think about… they consider “How lucky” the child is, when as their new adoptive moms, our hearts our breaking for our children. I remember “smelling” Americaness in Detriot when we first flew home and I remember Callie crying as we stepped off the plane. Her senses were in shock, right as I was soooooo relieved to be back on a U.S. city.
Hold her hand, and let God hold her heart, and things will be fine.
So loving every post.! Praying for you and Anna , Lucy and Jenna. Wishing we were in GA. to get to see them together. Will love your pictures..Thanks for letting us be a part of this story that God planned before the beginning of time.