Anne LiJie Rose Wilson: Travel Journal

Travel Journal

March 26, 2013

When we sent Annie a care package a couple of months ago, Dayna made a huge sacrifice and included one of her stuffed starfish. She had 2 matching ones: Starlight and Starbright. We've always loved the story of the little boy saving starfish, one at a time, because when he couldn't save them all, he could make a difference for that one. The star has become our symbol for Annie (Dayna had ladybugs.) The Bible verse in the banner of our website is a special one, as before we even knew Annie's name, God knew. And He cares for each and every orphan.

Annie has become quite attached to her starfish, and she and Dayna play and giggle together with their animals. Today, we visited a local aquarium, and Annie was able to see a starfish for the first time. (She wasn't overly impressed, to tell the truth.) We honestly don't know that she really got into the animals, but she seemed to enjoy the outing. She's become quite a fan of the stroller.

One China observation that many families have experienced is split pants. There is basically no crotch seam in children's pants. So their little hineys (and other parts) are exposed to the elements, making potty training easier. (We find this particularly ironic, as many Chinese women have scolded Alaina for allowing Annie's pant leg to ride up and expose her skin.) In the middle of the penguin exhibit, a little boy just let loose. While we were trying to dodge the puddle, we were amazed at how many Chinese people would just walk through it. Later, we saw a little guy relieving himself right into the goldfish pond. We later noted just how many goldfish were "swimming" sunny side up.

Annie had another quiet (long) nap this afternoon. This led into about an hour of squeals, giggles and "tickle wrestling" (as Dayna calls it) in the hall outside our room. She's definitely warming up to her dad, and occasionally even asks him to hold her instead of mom. She plays really well with Dayna, but doesn't seem to want Dayna to hold her or give her a bottle yet. This has been a big disappointment to Dayna, who has waited so long to have a little sister and help. We know that it will happen...and Annie does make strides, a little every day. It's just hard to be patient when you're seven.

We had dinner at the New Island Coffee restaurant...not really a coffee shop, as they don't open until 10:00 am. It also had quite a variety on the menu. Most of our group really wanted the club sandwich, but apparently they were out. Somehow Dan ended up with a chocolate waffle covered with chocolate syrup. Alaina's dish was kind of like a cross between hot pot and jiaozi (dumplings.)

We were thinking about visiting the Shaolin Temple tomorrow (made famous in the old TV show "Kung Fu"), but it seemed like too long of a day for each of our families. It should be warming up tomorrow, and we're planning on a trip to the zoo instead. It will be interesting to see how the other little guy in our group does, as he's afraid of animals...real and stuffed.

Thanks for hanging with us on our trip. We've passed the halfway mark and are getting anxious to move on to the next location, and then come home.

Prayer Requests:

• Annie would continue to warm up to Dayna, and Dayna would be able to patiently wait on Annie's timetable.

• Wisdom and timing for Dan & Alaina as we start enforcing some basic rules.

• Sleep (we all had a pretty rough night last night...except Annie. She did great.)

Praises:

• Annie's continued comfort and connection with her Dad.

• Dayna's tummy troubles are clearing up.

• Annie's mouth is starting to heal, and doesn't appear to be infected.