Better Day for Last Day in GZ (10/19/2010)

My early morning run on the island was not enough to take away my jitters from how today would be after yesterday’s episode.  (We had one small issue with the word ‘no’ (or bu yao in Mandarin) as WeiWei went to bed last night too.)  But as she woke up, Mary Beth seemed to be fine, and we rocked along to breakfast.  But it was obvious that we would have to continue to stand firm in how she handled her actions and attitudes with us.

We were due to leave the island to go shopping with the Freeland’s after breakfast, but a migraine headache got the best of Jenn, and it put her back in bed for an hour.  So we did not leave the island, which was great with me personally.  But after an Excedrin Migraine and a short nap, Jenn was good to go, and we took off for some island shopping at these little local stores, which are great for souvenirs and good deals (if you like that sort of thing). 

One thing that Jenn reminded me was to get a few pictures of the island, so we could remember what this was like (in case we do not come back).  The island was a place for the Europeans to come a few decades back when the Chinese government wanted to separate them from the Chinese government.  So many of the buildings have a European flare to them, which adds a lot of the character to the island and makes it a resort spot.  Very few people live on this island, so many of the people travel onto the island from GZ or on ferry boats throughout the day.  There is a pretty good size private school here, which has drawn me each of the past couple of days as the children have arrived for the start of school.  I was itching to get into the school to work with and teach, as it was very infectious to hear the sounds of the children talking and excited for the day.  All in all, this part of the trip was definitely the highlight, with all of the families here of like-heart and the beautiful amenities offered to all on the island.  And who could leave off Lucy’s, as we spent all but one night dining there for the prices and the variety for the kids.

Street Park on Shamian Island

Shamian Island at Night

Taking a nap in G-Daddy's bed

After the afternoon of wandering the island shops, we came back to the hotel to read and relax before dinner.  Mary Beth took a nap in her favorite spot – GDaddy’s bed.  We love the fact that she knows when she is tired and takes care of putting herself to bed every time.  So we hope that this continues  during the day and at night once we get back home.

Waking up from my nap

I will say that I had round 2 with Mary Beth tonight.  I will not go into the details (as I try to forget these things).  But it was much shorter, and she was able to verbalize what was needed to resolve the situation much quicker this time.  PTL!!!  We hope that these battles will get shorter and shorter as we progress as Mary Beth’s parents.

I told GDaddy earlier today, as we watched her work and sleep that I would love to just have a look into one day in her past to see if that would tell me something of what makes her who she is – or who she has been.  WeiWei has defiant moments at times that we are not accustomed to having with our children.  It seems so easy for her to tell me or Jenn “bu” or “bu yao” (English NO) in times where we need her to respond to us differently.  To be honest, our children have never responded to us in this way.  I know we are blessed to have children like this.  But we hope that this was established early in their childhood……and we really pray that it will continue on into their “challenging years”.  It just seems too easy for Mary Beth to respond this way, and that will make it harder to break this action from almost five years of reacting this way.  But we know that with our Father’s guidance, it can be done.  As I was reminded last night in Paul’s letter to the people of Corinth, love will conquer anything.

To be honest, I could not help but get frustrated with what she has faced in the past 4+ years here.  Actually, I got downright mad tonight and was ready to chunk all of the Chinese words from her past and move on towards her future in our home and in the USA.  But I know that is not the best way to handle the situation, as we do want her to be able to still remember her country and where she came from.  So we would love to hear from others that have this same experience on how they conquered this battle, as we are not too proud to ask for help.

Playing Chinese hacky sack with my sister

To end the day, Jenn gave her a shower (which she now enjoys easily), and then she ran to the boys’ room to find me to brush her teeth.  I find it odd that brushing teeth was our first battle of the day, and we had a few “discussions” through the day, but she made sure that I brushed her teeth tonight.  Whew…..I can sleep more soundly knowing that.  Tomorrow is a new day, and we will see what blessings we can uncover as we head out of Guangzhou.

We did have a chance to meet another two “B’s” today and tonight on the island.  Luke and Devin find it very neat that we have met so many of these who follow the Word and are proud to tell others of their faith.  It is encouraging to hear of their faith.  I got my picture with one of these ladies tonight, but will refrain from placing it on the post for her security.  It’s a shame that we have to do this.

Paints with fingers, hands, and arms....12 hours a day

Jenn, the rock of the family, is of course rocking along and doing fabulous, keeping everyone in our family sane and moving forward.  She is awake tonight as I type, packing all of our stuff for the train ride to Hong Kong tomorrow, as well as for the flight home on Thursday.  Home!!!!!  Wo men Chom-gua (doubt I spelled that correct) means “We love China”.  But right now, we love getting back home and in our own beds……that actually move as you lie down in them.

Home in 2 days!!!!!