Introducing

Casi

Ruth

Ting

B.

A Mother's Ordeal, the book

An earlier post had this title. This is actually the title of a book I read while waiting during our first adoption in 1997. This book can be found in some libraries and here's the info from Amazon. Consider reading this and learning more about the People's Liberation Movement and the One Child Policy.

They Said It Couldn't Be Done!

Before we traveled, our agency asked the US Consulate Guangzhou if we could have our consulate appt and my swearing-in on the same day. NO, that is not enough time to prepare the docs. It'll have to be two consecutive days as usual.

Today my guide went to our consulate appt. She called me at noon instructing us to be ready to go to the consulate at 2:30. Yesterday she mentioned some doc that I may have to have notarized, so I thought it was about a notary. When we boarded a charter bus with 7 other families, I finally understood what her poor English couldn't convey---I was to be sworn-in today!! Apparently the consulate staff wants to be free tomorrow afternoon to begin their July4th holiday early!

But, what will it cost to change my tickets? I decided if near cost of my hotel room, Casi and I would switch our travel dates. A call to NW China office and I was pleasantly surprised to learn there is no cost to change my tickets---We can leave a day early for home!!! So, we'll fly out tomorrow at 8:20am (7:20pm Wed CST) Casi is excited and so I am!

On Thursday afternoon, Casi will be come a US citizen when we complete immigration in Detroit! Security will not allow any pictures inside the consulate and guards take your cameras, phones, ipods, etc at the security check point. You collect all electronic devices when you leave. So, all I have to memorialize the event is a quick, blurry pic of Casi in front of the consulate. Why does our country not have attractive consulates?

Thanks for traveling along with us. And a big thank you to those who prayed for us. Many times, we've seen problems solved quickly because of your prayers.

With love,
Linda and Casi

Meeting a New Old Friend

Today, I met Robyn and her new daughter, 7yo Maddy (sp?) and the other family who adopted Maddy's orphanage mate. While Robyn and I have talked and emailed, we've never actually met. Robyn has generously made knitted caps that we took in 2006 to Kate and Casi's orphanage. Today was a special treat to finally meet each other, especially so many lonely miles from home.

Maddy is a dainty, beautiful, playful, bundle of energy! Casi and Maddy were really beginning to have fun when all too soon, we had to say Good Night. We promised them that we will get together soon back in OKC.

The Calabash

There are many small shops on Shamian Island. Some have been here since our first adoption in 1998. We visited only two shops today--that must be a record. Sherry's was our first stop. Her brother, Jerry, explained that the gov forced them to move in order to lease the old place to a large business. She's still online and we found Casi's chinese dress.

The other shop is where I purchase a Calabash in 2006, because the guy played so easily. Once home, I realized that the instructions weren't clear enough for me and all I could produce were Duck calls! Today I visited that same shop and told Sarah, the main clerk with good English, my story. I think it was a first because she laughed long and hard that I came back to China for lessons. She explained my delimma to the calibash expert and he offered to give me a lesson right then! With his pointing at the music, repositioning my fingers and drilling me on breathing techniques (all without using English) I was proudly able to play a duet of "Happy Birthday" with him. Of course, we drew a crowd; I hope sales were good in spite of my beginner technique. And it will be a long time before I can play as well as little QingChe.

While I took my flute lesson, Casi enjoyed playing with the shop's little birds. Their wings are clipped so they hop in and out of their cage and hop around exploring. Casi would lure them with greens. She has decided that we need a bird. That is in addition to the dog, kitty, bunny, and hamster she desires. She does not want an iguana.

Please pray

for the families of two fellow homeschool moms--Cindy Prentice and Lynda Quinones. These long time homeschool friends have gone to Heaven in the past few days. Their personalities and talents were different and I benefited greatly from them when we began hsing in 1991. Their testimonies were intact and strong to the end; by Scripture, their families know exactly where they are now, yet it's still very sad for those left behind.

What Do You Call a ________?

Russian = Ur Guo

German = Ge Guo

French = Fa Guo

England = En Guo

American = Ma Guo (may gwuh)

You've probably figured out that Guo means Country.

Today at Casi's Medical Exam, the nurse was trying to get her to find a hidden object in a puzzle picture (yes, part of the exam). First, one was telling her what to do, then two and then they began getting louder and finally almost yelling, like that would help her to understand. By that time I'm saying MA GUO. MA GUO to them. Finally one nurse said Huh?? and looked at Casi. The lull in the verbal "instructions" allowed my guide to explain She doesn't remember Chinese! All that time, Casi sat there with a grin on her face. Now, I'm wondering...

A Dark Day in Guangzhou

Early this morning, Casi and I flew to Guangzhou. We're in the Victory Hotel, which I've always enjoyed...until tonight. The peacocks...now I understand all the online complaints. These birds are LOUD. I've heard, for years, about the flock that roost on the nextdoor school. For a long while, I thought it was young children outside (we're on the 4th floor-I should have figure out something was odd). Then the noise grew louder and louder. Do they do this all night?? Guess I'll know by tomorrow a.m.

Today was not a good day. My local guide, as sweet as she is, is having difficulty communicating with me. Not a good thing on the day of the US Medical Exam. She told me that Casi needed shots. 3 shots??? And someone failed to tell me exactly how many RMB would be required for the appt/shots/and record. I came prepared with envelopes of USD and no time to do an exchange; had to hurry from airport to exam appt.

Poor Casi. The nurse giving the shots was brutal! She literally slammed the needle in each time. Casi came close to crying as did I! A big thunderstorm was occuring all afternoon. We quickly went back to our room to hide, play cards, order room service and hope that tomorrow is a better day. The guide has a consulate appointment on our behalf, so Casi and I are free to wonder around lovely Shamian Island, home of many nations' embassies.

Maybe the sun will come out, tomorrow.

Someone asked if they were examining her teeth....
Look closer.....The nurse is using an instrument to look inside her nose!