Past the Half-Way Mark...

Today is our last full day in Nanchang. We have received all of the notarized documents that we needed from China as well as Eliana's passport. Poor baby is screaming in her passport photo- it was taken about 20 minutes after we first met. Tomorrow afternoon, we will fly to Guangzhou for the final stages of the trip... our appointment with the US consulate on the 28th, our US consulate oath ceremony on the 29th and home on the 30th.

This morning we went to the "porcelin street" here in Nanchang to find a small tea set for Eliana. Nanchang and this area is known for its porcelin, so we thought it an appropriate gift from Eliana's native province. After checking several shops, we decided on one- of course I had way to much of an idea as to what I was looking for and the shopkeepers probably thought I was nuts. We also toured the Buddhist temple and visited a Christian church being constructed in Nanchang. It was so interesting to see the contrast. The temple was brightly paintted and incredibly ornate with several massive copper Buddhas inside. You entered one temple followed by a courtyard, followed by a temple, by another courtyard and so on and so on. It just kept going and going and was heavy with the smell of incense. The Christian church was not yet finished and was in need of a cleaning due to the construction, but it was simple and modest. Milan and I were struck by the fact that all of the glory and splendor of the Buddhist temple ended with the building and the statues. For all their "beauty," they were empty of power and truth. The Christian church in its humility reminded us that the earthly building is somewhat insignificant because it is in God Himself, His Word and the praise in the hearts of His people that there is true glory. We are so often reminded of God's goodness and his boundless grace for calling us to Himself. We pray that more of the Chinese people will have their eyes opened to the truth of the gospel and the emptiness of Buddhism.

After several days of experimenting with new Chinese dishes, Milan and I (along with another family, the Feehs) opted out of the group lunch today and headed for Pizza Hut. Sweet mothers milk. I realize it was just an average generic old pepperoni pizza- "The American Special" but it tasted like the best pizza I have ever had. It has been over a week now since we had "home" tasting food, and it was both needed and appreciated. I am craving salad like you can't believe as well... another week before I can satisfy that one. If you can't peel it here, you don't eat it- too risky as far as the stomach goes... if you know what I am saying.

This afternoon, we took Eliana to the pool for the first time. It was a little cold, but she dangled her toes for a while and seemed to acclimate. She actually loved being in the water and was full of giggles and smiles. We took some video and pictures with a friends camera, but I haven't loaded them onto our computer yet. I will post when I do. It was fun to see Eliana having such a good time in the water. That will be very important to her big brothers!

This pictures I am loading today are from this morning and the outings today. Eliana seems to be cuter each day. We certainly are falling more in love with her sweet little heart each day. She is such a gift. As much as we want to be back home now, we can't imagine not making this trip to bring her home. She is already so much a part of our family and she has yet to meet our entire family. With her quiet and timid nature, she is going to appreciate having two big brothers who will be ready to love on her, help her and protect her. She is a blessed little girl to have them, just as we are very blessed parents to have our three dear ones.

Eliana Day 6