A taste of culture

We are finally able to access our blog, thanks to the helpfulness of one of the receptionists who works at the hotel (and happens to be from California-what are the chances?) Apparently blogs and facebook are blocked in China and we did not know. Thanks to her youthfulness and computer savvy, she hooked us up and we should now be able to blog without difficulty.

We took a tour of the Cloissone Factory today watching intricate vases being made by hand and went to the Great Wall. It was a looong day, but rich in education and the peeling off of our western eyes, which we need to more fully appreciate the culture from which our daughter comes.

Two of the families have already received their children, two boys and we re being delighted by them each day as they are with us. One of the little boys sang a traditional Chinese song about butterflies today...brought his mommy (and me) to tears. He is 4 and adorable! While I generally enjoy visiting places, I am ready to be done sightseeing and meet Ellie; but I know this too, is part of the process that the Lord has intended us to go through. Someday these memories will be important to Ellie. We are trying to pick up little gifts for each of 18 birthdays to give her something from her culture as she ages. It is very important to us that appreciates the beautiful culture from which she comes. In 9 days, she will celebrate her first birthday!