A day of relaxation

Today was a day of relaxation.  It was very nice to have a day to ourselves without anything scheduled until our departure to the airport at 2:00.   We enjoyed Aron, our guide, to Dabu but we loved not having someone tagging along with us today.  Pictures have been uploaded to Picasa so check out this link to see them http://picasaweb.google.com/troyernet/ChinaTrip3

Last night we met up with Patrick and Tamara Miller and their family from Detroit.  Patrick is a grandson of Mary Miller who attended Locust Grove with us.   We had hoped we would travel together in the same group but they are at the end of their trip instead of the beginning.  We had dinner at an Italian restaurant and had some great pizza.   I think we will visit this place again when we are back the last week because they had not only great pizza but diet coke.   The first diet coke since I have left and anyone that knows me well will realize that is a long time without one.    I am already dreaming of a diet coke from McDonalds with lots of ice.

When we traveled to adopt Mandy we stayed here in Guangzhou the whole three weeks and we really enjoyed our stay here.   The area was very clean and there were lots of shops just outside of the hotel.  However, they are having major construction for the Asian Games that will be held here in the fall so it is very dusty and most of the shops are closed during this time.   I would appreciate your prayers on my behalf  because the dust from construction is starting to bother my asthma and allergies and we have been here less than 24 hours.  My cough has started and I am so hoping that it doesn't get out of control.    Luckily we are leaving for Changsha today but I am not sure what will happen when we are here for a whole week.

In this immediate area of Guangzhou there are lots of different types of restaurants - Italian, Thai, Japanese, American, Brazilian and, of course, Chinese.   We are looking forward to trying them all out when we come back.

We slept in, had breakfast and then Mandy said she just wanted to watch a movie in the hotel and hang out so that is what we do.   After a while we went to a park close by that has lots of exercise type play equipment.   Mandy had a great time but soon the heat and humidity led us to 7/11 to get ice cream and head back to pack for the airport. 

We had thought of attending a church here but Mandy said it would be really fun to have our own church service in the hotel room so we did that.   Can you tell that we are enjoying our time with just Mandy this week, trying to accommodate her requests since we know Monday when Michael joins us will change all of that tremendously.   We sang, each shared a Bible story and prayed.   It was a meaningful family experience with God.

Last night I had trouble sleeping and I am sure tonight will not be any better.   The time is so close to meeting Michael!  Anticipation is building and we are so very ready for this union.  

Time to check out and head to the airport.   Love you all.    Sheila