Blogger woes

Just now am able to access Blogger again, but it's slow as Moses.

I was able to publish to the ZKO site: http://zjkids.blogspot.com before it clunked out. I have a ton of awesome pics, but it doesn't look promising. Hold onto your hats, guys....we visited the CCAA and WATCHED them matching files. Surreal. We were invited to take pics and look at the piles of files waiting to be matched (to find our agency/ies stacks).

We're famous. CCTV followed us around, and there was a front-page spread in the China Daily yesterday. Wow, that's weird. :D Some parents who had given interviews were recognized in the airport in Guangzhou yesterday!

Here's a link (in Chinese, though). I haven't watched it but hope to get a chance soon:

http://www.megavideo.com/?v=0RL2WCG3

China: Day 2

Another fun day! We woke up at 2am and started the waiting until the breakfast buffet opened. :o) We were beat to the front of the line by Anagrace (Vickie's daughter).

Waiting to join some members of the rest of our group who decided to try to find the Beijing Int'l Christian Fellowship church. We did, and it was wonderful. The worship leader chose Sophie's favorite praise song, "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord" and it was very sobering to realize that she was only allowed in the doors of this building because she has a US passport. Funny note: the pastor's name was John Yoder. Didn't catch his freindschaft. But I'm sure we're related somehow. (Sorry....Mennonite/Amish joke)

In the afternoon, who should we run into but Teri's and my mutual friend, Beth. She's been here in China for two weeks looking into opportunities to help her daughter's SWI-mates in another province. BTW, Teri's been my right arm. It's so great to have her help.

Here we are. (AKA: "Beth & the Hobbits") Sooooo very fun that we could all meet, even if we had to fly to the other side of the world to do so.

In the evening we went to watch the acrobat show. Very fun. And cringe-inducing. Wow, the bendy-ness. The girls were hungry so they snacked on an apple/pear as they watched.

I don't know how it works.

The girls with a performer as well as a new friend, and SWI-mate, Sarah.

Beth's daughter, Zoe, and Sophie.

In the evening we had orientation with the tour group and guides. We were given "Happy Bags" full of goodies, which the girls loved exploring.

Tomorrow we're headed for the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. The temps are supposed to be good, even though it's been cold here recently, as evidenced by the heavy clouds of coal smoke. I think it's much worse than 2004. It's done a number on me, and I have nearly lost my voice. I'm very anxious for the clear, blue skies (and warm temps) of Zhanjiang!

Still can't get FB. blaghhhh. My friends live in there.

China: Day 1

Well, we're here. In body. None of us slept much on the plane, but that made us able to clunk out for a good six hours once we finally got to the hotel. Six hours' sleep put us right at 2am, when the girls decided to call it a night. :D

I'm able to get Blogger with my VPN download, but not Facebook. boooo.

Anyway, here are a couple of the shots I took in my stupor. The first one is my favorite. <3

I had told Sophie & Ava "no stuffed animals" but....we opened the pocket in one of the bags in Chicago, and there were two beanie babies with a note from Katie saying it was ok if they got lost. :D The girls were thrilled!

The girls changed into PJs and got comfy.

Well, whaddya know. Did not see reindeer or a fat, jolly man out the window.

Making new friends!

Wordless Sunday

Blessed Easter, my friends!

Lift your glad voices in triumph on high,
For Jesus hath risen, and man cannot die;
Vain were the terrors that gathered around Him,
And short the dominion of death and the grave;

He burst from the fetters of darkness that bound Him,
Resplendent in glory to live and to save!
Loud was the chorus of angels on high,
The Savior hath risen, and man shall not die.

Glory to God, in full anthems of joy;
The being He gave us death cannot destroy:
Sad were the life we must part with tomorrow,
If tears were our birthright, and death were our end;

But Jesus hath cheered the dark valley of sorrow,
And bade us, immortal, to Heaven ascend:
Lift then your voices in triumph on high,
For Jesus hath risen, and man shall not die.

Staying Classy

Unbelievable. As you may know, President Obama, his entourage of 500 (and 12 teleprompters) are in London.

1750 The BBC's Peter Hunt says: President Obama has given the Queen an Ipod during their private meeting at Buckingham Palace. It contains footage of her state visit to the US in May 2007. The Queen has given the president a silver framed photograph of herself and her husband. The official picture is what she gives all visiting dignitaries.

An ipod. An IPOD. For the Queen. Word is, he'd gone to Circuit City's liquidation sale looking for Guitar Hero for her, but they were all out.

Last month he gave PM Brown a set of DVDs. Never mind that they are the wrong region. Or that PM Brown is almost blind.

And SNL and the other late night comedians say there is just nothing spoof-worthy of this administration...can you just imagine if Pres. Bush had given DVDs--region-locked, or otherwise--or ipods to dignitaries. I'd have been equally embarassed.

A Cause to support

If you'd like to help an adoptive family, please visit this site: Custom Flag Raffle! The winner gets to choose a hand-made flag quilt from the country of their choice! Today is the last day, so HURRY!