All is well in Guangzhou!

All is well! We continue to enjoy our journey. But, we are at the half way mark and we think we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. We're still enjoying our time and are not stir-crazy, but we can envision ourselves looking forward to the end really soon! The breakfast is amazing. But, it's the same every day. We've hit all the "normal" restaurants and we're on our second, third, and even fourth times through them. Though I love Pizza Hut, I ain't going back into one for at least 9 years. The shopping is always a crazy game of charades and that's cool but the next time I'm in Safeway I'm going to kiss the entryway tile. I can't wait to go into a store and say, "where are your swimming goggles" instead of being the only 6'2" skinny guy in the store doing dramatic swimming motions while pointing to my eyes in hopes the clerk will somehow figure out what I want. I'm not all that great at charades and the lady's bewildered look and her turning multiple shades of red did nothing for my confidence or self-esteem. And, the next time I want to see a snake is on the Discovery channel - not looking at me from an aquarium next to a menu. For the record - that's disgusting.

Little Elani is beginning to come alive a bit. She's laughing now and showing some great expressions. She's running trying to keep up with the girls. She gets teary when Abby leaves her sight. That's pretty cute. We still have a ton of adjustment to go but Elani is beginning to feel at home now. Speaking of home, I am making arrangements to go see Elani's old home next week. Her orphanage is a 7 hour drive south of us in a small fishing village on the coast just north of Vietnam. I hope to make it there and back in one day. Our translator is arranging a guide and is taking care of all the details. It may be a solo trip for me; we're still thinking through that.

We really enjoyed some time with Jeff and Robyn Halford and their family. Jeff is a fellow State Farm associate and has a fantastic family. Their journey ends tomorrow as they fly home early in the morning. Here we are at an Italian restaurant where they had one last "normal" meal before they leave! It was wonderful to meet you Jeff and Robyn! We so enjoyed hanging out - many blessings to you and your family as you return home.

A typhoon hit us today and the rain came pouring down. Here Malea decided to stand in the street and get soaked. It's still really hot so the rain is a welcome visitor (though it made us cancel our zoo plans today). You would not believe how steep the sidewalks are. Malea has really sticky shoes. Sometimes pictures just won't stay flipped.

I'm not sure what Abby is doing here. I think it's the airplane game - the universal language that gets kids to eat up! She's a great mom.

Now I'm hoping this video thing works below; first time I've tried it. It's of Malea teaching Elani how to gingerly and carefully jam a headphone deep into your ear drum.

Thank you for your prayers. We covet them as the time will begin to drag a little from this point forward. We have the doctor's physical for Elani and the shots tomorrow. Do to the new international adoption laws the kids must leave China fully immunized which means Elani could receive up to 8 shots. We have no choice in the matter. If we had it our way we'd take her home and space them and quite possibly omit some of them. But, it is what it is. Until tomorrow...