An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break. - Ancient Chinese Proverb
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Lucy's Hometown of Nanchang
Tomorrow is our last day in Nanchang. It is a little sad for me because I know that Lucy only has a few hours left in her homeland and it will be quite a longtime before she will be back to visit this familiar place.
We spent the day going through Nanchang and visiting some of the local venue. Nanchang is the porcelain capital of China so we found a few mementos for Lucy in years to come.
We also were given the opportunity to see Lucy's "finding place." This is where she was found prior to being put into the orphanage(in the video, it is at the end and it is a teal/blue building). This was an emotional moment because I believe her biological mother had so much love for Lucy, that she placed her in front of a 24hr clinic to be found. She believed by doing so that she would be providing her(our) daughter with a greater opportunity in life. This will forever move me and inspire me.
Tomorrow we will stop by Lucy's orphanage in order to have a better understanding where she spent a small amount of time. Unfortunately, we are unable to visit the foster family but will be able to maintain contact with them through the orphanage directly. Tomorrow night we are off to Guangzhou to finalize our paperwork!! This will be her first flight and a good introduction prior to our 14 hour flight in a week.
We spent the day going through Nanchang and visiting some of the local venue. Nanchang is the porcelain capital of China so we found a few mementos for Lucy in years to come.
We also were given the opportunity to see Lucy's "finding place." This is where she was found prior to being put into the orphanage(in the video, it is at the end and it is a teal/blue building). This was an emotional moment because I believe her biological mother had so much love for Lucy, that she placed her in front of a 24hr clinic to be found. She believed by doing so that she would be providing her(our) daughter with a greater opportunity in life. This will forever move me and inspire me.
Tomorrow we will stop by Lucy's orphanage in order to have a better understanding where she spent a small amount of time. Unfortunately, we are unable to visit the foster family but will be able to maintain contact with them through the orphanage directly. Tomorrow night we are off to Guangzhou to finalize our paperwork!! This will be her first flight and a good introduction prior to our 14 hour flight in a week.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 3 with Lucy!
Today we walked around the streets of Nanchang just taking in the day to day activities. We stopped at a store and purchased Lucy some sunglasses because she kept grabbing for mine. What a little ham! From this point forward, we had everyone stopping and talking to her and wanting to know all about her. It is unfortunate that I didn't know enough/any Mandarin so I could carry on a conversation with them. Some of the people were reprimanding me for not having what they considered to be enough clothing on her, and other's I think were just curious about her and the westerners that were with her.
Later in the afternoon we enjoyed some hot tea ( I think I have found my tea drinking buddy). Lucy, apparently had been taught to make a noise after she drinks or slurps soup because after every drink she says AHHHHH! It is hilarious! I will try to capture it on tape for you.
During dinner, Poppy taught her how to give high fives and how to disregard anything Mom says! She is a quick learner! She and I went outside and hailed a cab together. Her arms were flailing around until a cab stopped!
Needless to say, we are all getting along well! We are still sizing each other up, but have not had any major difficulties as of yet. I am sure I am not out of the woods but so far so good! Last night she woke up for 5 minutes and then spent the rest of the evening sleeping next to me. I clearly cannot take credit for how great she is and would be remiss if I did not point out how great her foster family had been!
On Friday we will be visiting her orphanage and the place where she was abandon. This is important for the years down the road when she starts to ask questions. I am trying to arm myself with everything about her life that I can since there is so much we probably will never know.
Later in the afternoon we enjoyed some hot tea ( I think I have found my tea drinking buddy). Lucy, apparently had been taught to make a noise after she drinks or slurps soup because after every drink she says AHHHHH! It is hilarious! I will try to capture it on tape for you.
During dinner, Poppy taught her how to give high fives and how to disregard anything Mom says! She is a quick learner! She and I went outside and hailed a cab together. Her arms were flailing around until a cab stopped!
Needless to say, we are all getting along well! We are still sizing each other up, but have not had any major difficulties as of yet. I am sure I am not out of the woods but so far so good! Last night she woke up for 5 minutes and then spent the rest of the evening sleeping next to me. I clearly cannot take credit for how great she is and would be remiss if I did not point out how great her foster family had been!
On Friday we will be visiting her orphanage and the place where she was abandon. This is important for the years down the road when she starts to ask questions. I am trying to arm myself with everything about her life that I can since there is so much we probably will never know.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Still waters run deep!
I know it has only been a day and a half but Lucy is perfect! She is a thinker and an observer. She takes everything in and assesses the situation. She is independent and tries to take care of herself and knows exactly what she wants. It is amazing how much communication can be done without words and through looks and touch.
She slept 12 hours last night and then this morning she sat in bed and fed me Cherrios while I got ready. I am not sure who is taking care of whom but I can tell we will be two peas in a pod!
We spent the day walking around Nanchang and just getting to know her and bonding. She has taken a quick liking to Poppy just like her cousins have. I think he is giving her that sense of security she needs right now.
The reaction we have gotten from the Chinese people when they see her with us is positive. We were told that 90% of the Chinese people are supportive of the international adoption of Chinese children. There are just the select few who frown upon this situation. So overall it has been a positive experience.
We will be in Nanchang until Friday and then we are off to Guangzhou to finish up the paperwork.
She slept 12 hours last night and then this morning she sat in bed and fed me Cherrios while I got ready. I am not sure who is taking care of whom but I can tell we will be two peas in a pod!
We spent the day walking around Nanchang and just getting to know her and bonding. She has taken a quick liking to Poppy just like her cousins have. I think he is giving her that sense of security she needs right now.
The reaction we have gotten from the Chinese people when they see her with us is positive. We were told that 90% of the Chinese people are supportive of the international adoption of Chinese children. There are just the select few who frown upon this situation. So overall it has been a positive experience.
We will be in Nanchang until Friday and then we are off to Guangzhou to finish up the paperwork.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Stephanie and Lucy Sharp
The moment that we have all been waiting for. How exciting for Stephanie!!!
Can't wait to meet this beautiful little girl!! Yeah!!!! A new member of the Thompson(sharp) family!!
Can't wait to meet this beautiful little girl!! Yeah!!!! A new member of the Thompson(sharp) family!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
And Here's Lucy!
After 5 years, 3 airplanes, 2 trains and numerous taxi's, we have Lucy. She is precious! We met her in our hotel where they have a kids meeting room. The director of the orphanage brought her to us at 11:00am. I can't begin to tell you the last time I had such trepidation.
When Lucy showed up, she was wearing a fleece orange winter suit from head to toe (split pants, haha) so she looked like a little marshmallow and was gripping a piece of candy her foster family had given her. She had been with her foster family for over a year and just left them this morning. Needless to say, she is very withdrawn and sad, but who can blame her. I am going to try my hardest to make sure this transition will be a smooth and calm one for her.
Right now she is sleeping in a crib next to me while I am typing this still gripping her candy. I am pretty sure this candy will be following us the rest of the trip. I think the sleeping is her escape to the traumatic situation.
We were able to ask the director a few questions about her habits. She understand Mandarin but does not speak Mandarin. She is eating most foods and still takes 3 bottles a day. She sleeps from 8pm until 7am with a nap at noon.
We are meeting the director at the Civil office at 2:00pm to finish all the paperwork. I will keep you posted but wanted to get this out to you all as soon as possible.
Video will follow shortly.
When Lucy showed up, she was wearing a fleece orange winter suit from head to toe (split pants, haha) so she looked like a little marshmallow and was gripping a piece of candy her foster family had given her. She had been with her foster family for over a year and just left them this morning. Needless to say, she is very withdrawn and sad, but who can blame her. I am going to try my hardest to make sure this transition will be a smooth and calm one for her.
Right now she is sleeping in a crib next to me while I am typing this still gripping her candy. I am pretty sure this candy will be following us the rest of the trip. I think the sleeping is her escape to the traumatic situation.
We were able to ask the director a few questions about her habits. She understand Mandarin but does not speak Mandarin. She is eating most foods and still takes 3 bottles a day. She sleeps from 8pm until 7am with a nap at noon.
We are meeting the director at the Civil office at 2:00pm to finish all the paperwork. I will keep you posted but wanted to get this out to you all as soon as possible.
Video will follow shortly.
Split pants and Loogies
There are a lot of things that I have really come to appreciate about the Chinese people. They have an uncanny way in which they are able to smile and "not sweat the small stuff" even when they've almost been run over by a car. But the two things that I do not think I will ever get use to are the split pants and the loogies!
I am not sure how many times in the past week that I have heard a person (not limited to just men) clear their throats and hawk a big one. It is the most disgusting but fascinating occurrence. I guess it is my own stereotype that had me believe that these demure people would ever commit such a vile and offensive sound. My mistake!
Split pants, they don't sound terrible so why the uproar? Well, for starters split pants are pants that are worn by toddlers that are not quite potty trained. They have a split and goes right through the center of the pants and when a child needs to relieve themself, they walk to the nearest tree, gutter or curb and urinate right through the pants hole. Then the child runs around on their merry way. Today was a bit shocking when we turned the corner and there was a mother holding her child while she urinated onto the sidewalk. Forget diapers, I am bringing split pants to the US and encouraging everyone to go GREEN.
Tomorrow morning we meet Lucy. She will be joining us at the hotel at 10:30am and we will spend the entire day with her just getting acclimated. I am excited and nervous but more than anything I hope that the day is not too traumatic for her.
Stay tuned as I will be video taping our union.
I am not sure how many times in the past week that I have heard a person (not limited to just men) clear their throats and hawk a big one. It is the most disgusting but fascinating occurrence. I guess it is my own stereotype that had me believe that these demure people would ever commit such a vile and offensive sound. My mistake!
Split pants, they don't sound terrible so why the uproar? Well, for starters split pants are pants that are worn by toddlers that are not quite potty trained. They have a split and goes right through the center of the pants and when a child needs to relieve themself, they walk to the nearest tree, gutter or curb and urinate right through the pants hole. Then the child runs around on their merry way. Today was a bit shocking when we turned the corner and there was a mother holding her child while she urinated onto the sidewalk. Forget diapers, I am bringing split pants to the US and encouraging everyone to go GREEN.
Tomorrow morning we meet Lucy. She will be joining us at the hotel at 10:30am and we will spend the entire day with her just getting acclimated. I am excited and nervous but more than anything I hope that the day is not too traumatic for her.
Stay tuned as I will be video taping our union.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Hong Kong 2011
Another wonderful video from Stephanie! Hong Kong has a lot of energy!
(Just a little bit of trivia)
Hong Kong, China
- City Population: 7,055,071
- Country Population: 1,336,020,000
- Country World Rank: 1
- Hong Kong, [1](香港 Heūng góng )in Cantonese, meaning fragrant harbour, is a place with multiple personalities, as a result of being both Cantonese Chinese and under a long-time British influence. Today, the former British colony is a major tourism destination for China's increasingly affluent population. It is also an important hub in East Asia with global connections to many of the world's cities. It is a unique destination that has absorbed people and cultural influences from places as diverse as Vietnam and Vancouver and proudly proclaims itself to be Asia's World City.
- Only 56 hours until Lucy and Stephanie finally meet. We are all excited!
- Becky
- Ps I have been working on a count down clock and the URL is not accepting the address that I am inputting.
Hong Kong, I stand corrected!
I stand corrected, Hong Kong is the New York of China! This is the place where the East meets West. The place where you can experience the Chinese culture and history but with the convenience of western bathrooms. I know you probably think I am crazy and over exaggerating the situation, but you have to remember we are in a country where paper is a commodity. I have used the most primitive bathrooms in the countryside of Guilin where you have to learn how to use the restroom standing (think gutter), all the way to very chic bathrooms of Hong Kong. I will never take the bathrooms in the United States for granted, even if it is in a 7/11.
Today we spent the day walking up and down the streets of Hong Kong. We were able to experience the markets where they were selling fish, meat and vegetables along the street. I also went into an eastern pharmacy and watched the pharmacist fill a script using various herbs. That was quite interesting until they kicked me out for taking pictures. It’s probably a good thing I am not in each city for very long or I may very well find out what the inside of a Chinese jail cell looks like.
We later went up to Victoria’s Peek and had a 360 view of Hong Kong. This was breathtaking.
Tomorrow we fly out for Nanchang, Lucy’s hometown. We will be meeting her at 10:30am on Monday morning which is 9:30pm Sunday evening central time. I feel as though I have experienced a good portion of her country to be able to share with her my experiences so she will have some connection to her homeland. Although I have enjoyed my experiences thus far, the BEST is yet to come!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Guilin 2011
I am enjoying the videos that Stephanie is sending and have been curious of the history of where they have been. So I decided to share with you some information and facts about Guilin, China, the Li River, Guangxi and other information.
Please enjoy! Becky
Guilin is a prefecture-level city in China, situated in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the west bank of the Li River. Its name means "forest of Sweet Osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. The city has long been renowned for its unique scenery.
City Population: 649,352
Osmanthus fragrans (Sweet Osmanthus; Chinese: 桂花 guìhuā; also known as Sweet Olive, Tea Olive and Fragrant Olive) is a species of Osmanthus native to Asia, from the Himalaya east through southern China (Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan) and to Taiwan and to southern Japan.[1][2] Sweet osmanthus is also the 'city flower' of Hangzhou, China.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Guilin
5 days and counting until we meet Lucy! We are so excited to meet her and are grateful to have this fantastic opportunity to learn about her culture and China.
Today we were in Guilin which is considered a small town by Chinese standards, with 700,000 people. We spent the day on the Li River. This town was gorgeous with limestone hills sprouting up all over the country side.
Many of the Chinese people are excited to practice their ability to speak English. Today I had a young guy and his girlfriend approach me and asked me to sit with them for awhile so he could practice his language skills. In China, the students are required to learn English starting in Kindergarten. I found his eagerness to be sweet and humbling.
We took a bamboo raft down the river and watched the fisherman go cormorant fishing. This type of fishing has been used amongst the Chinese fisherman for several hundred years. They tie a string around the cormorants neck so they are unable to swallow the fish and the fisherman sends the bird into the water to catch the fish. When a fish is caught, the cormorant returns to the boat and the fisherman takes the prize. I am pretty sure that PETA would have a field day with this, but the history and tradition around this community was captivating. It didn’t hurt that I was sharing the raft with a German Hottie either!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
Stephanie emailed the flip video that she took of these historical sites. I am amazed at the beauty of this country!
The Great Wall
To say that I am out of shape would be an understatement after today's attempt to climb the great wall. This was like a stair climber for an ant but really amazing. I am suprised by people's reactions to us. I am not sure what it is that fasinates some of the Chinese people about us but I had a lady walk up to me today and want to take a picture with me. She was very sweet but since we were unable to communicate I was not able to find out what she thought was so interesting/ unique about me. So we said Thank You in our own languages and walked away. I will forever be the foreigner hanging on her fridge whom she knows absolutely nothing about but found oddly interesting enough to want to take a picture of me.....Hmmmm!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Forbidden City/ Tiananmen Square
The travel begins!
Stephanie, Ray and Pam took off for Beijing on March 17th at 9PM from Chicago. I spoke to them before they boarded their flight and all were in high spirits, maybe a little tired. I assured them that being tired would be an asset, due to the 14 hour non- stop flight. (I hope American was good to them)
I have not heard from them, but know that the first 8-12 days were going to be filled with a lot of travel and an itinerary that Stephanie has been working diligently on the past 3 months.
Ray and Pam have no idea what they have gotten themselves into with Stephanie in charge. (Dad's cigar smoking will be at a fast pace instead of a leisure walk) They will have some fascinating stories to tell when they return! And an extra person that we are all excited to meet!
I know there will be down time before they return with Lucy.
We are all excited!!
I Becky (Stephanie's sister) will keep you posted! I am looking forward to hearing from China!!!
I have not heard from them, but know that the first 8-12 days were going to be filled with a lot of travel and an itinerary that Stephanie has been working diligently on the past 3 months.
Ray and Pam have no idea what they have gotten themselves into with Stephanie in charge. (Dad's cigar smoking will be at a fast pace instead of a leisure walk) They will have some fascinating stories to tell when they return! And an extra person that we are all excited to meet!
I know there will be down time before they return with Lucy.
We are all excited!!
I Becky (Stephanie's sister) will keep you posted! I am looking forward to hearing from China!!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
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