Up and Running Again

Ok! Ok! I know that we have been silent for a few days but there is a good reason.  I have had bad luck blowing adaptors over here.  Our first night in China, we blew one that powers the DVD player, and then I blew the adaptor for my laptop on Friday right before we left Nanchang. I haven't found an Apple store anywhere, so I have had to borrow someone else's laptop to catch up.  So here we are again, up and running.  Well, maybe limping because I won't be able to include any pictures yet.

So, as of Saturday, we are now at the Dong Fang Hotel in Guangzhou.  The city is quite a bit larger than Nanchang (4 million) with a population of 10 million.  And quite a bit more modern.....a welcome change to us westerners.  Outside the hotel is a Starbucks and McDonalds, so we hit both in the first few hours that we were here. Big Mac, french fries, and a venti iced soy decaf latte. Very nice and sorely missed. 

The hotel is worth visiting online.  It is quite a place.  The tradtional gardens in the middle courtyard are spectacular.  They have rock paths that weave to and fro and connect many ponds and streams that are filled with fish.  There are bridges, a gazebo, a traditional pavilion, and of course the pool.  Canaan had her first swim last night and she loved it.  Well, she learned to love it.  She was a little freaked out at first.  But she came around.  She has had a lot a firsts just in this one week that she has been an Avery.  Solid food, a stroller, bus, and plane ride, pair of squeaky shoes, and a Disney princess movie.  I'm sure there are more but I can't think of any right now.  Just about everything she experiences is brand new to her, so she is soaking it all up. 

Canaan is opening up to us more and more each day, but it is obvious that she doesn't trust us yet.  Part of it might be that we don't look or sound like anyone that she has been around yet in her life.  She continues to compare us to the locals.  When they speak to her, she tends to respond more to them than us.  Regardless of whomever is speaking to her though, she does seem more unresponsive and unconnected than normal.  She often stares as if she is looking right through the object or person.  I  wonder what is going through her brain, or if she is even connecting at all.  Every once in a while, we get a glimpse of her beautiful little heart.  She loves to be tickled, and when she smiles and laughs, it is uninhibited and contagious.  I know that each day in our loving arms, will be a day that God uses to heal her and let her know that she is adored and cherished by her Creator. 

Today, Canaan had her check-up at the doctor and she weighed in at 17 lbs.  Her head was 17 " in circumference, temperature was normal, and it was so chaotic that we couldn't hear how many inches tall. She got a clean bill of health though which was reassuring. 

Then, we got a little shopping in and were able to get our girls some traditonal chinese dresses, as well as umbrellas to shield them from the sun and heat.  Unfortunately, it won't help with the humidity which is unlike any that we have ever experienced.  My highlight of the day was when I discovered a local artist and was able to purchase a few of his tapestries.  I also got my picture taken with him because I was so taken by his art. I think that his work will accent our dining room well and be a daily reminder of our trip here. But, we really don't need any local artist to remind us of our time here.  We have a priceless masterpiece handcrafted by The Artist.  Her name is Canaan and very soon she will have the opportunity to experience life in America with family and friends who love and care for her with a love straight from the Father above. 

Comments

[nigeljames]

Brad- it's been great to read all about your amazing trip and I've often been praying for you, MIndee and the girls. I can't think of a better father for Canaan to have. On behalf of everyone involved in the worldwide Third Day family- we are proud of you!
Blessings my friend, see you in the Fall,

Nigel

[Valerie Avery]

Hi family,

It's good to get an update and hear of the progress - a journey God planned before your hearts and ours even knew of a little China girl who would become our prescious little Canaan. She's no longer a little China girl, but the twelfth grandchild in a family full of hope and passion to love, and the next chapter in the Avery family legacy being written by God.

What joy to hear of your travels. We'll cherish the stories and look forward to watching the girls all play together back home.

I have thought often of what must be in Canaan's little mind. What is she thinking about the dramatic changes that have come in her life? She is a survivor, even at this early age, learning to live within the confines of life as it was. Though that was really difficult for her in our eyes, she feels safer in the midst of what she has known. It will take time for her to come to understand that this change is safer and better.

And time is what we now have - time and patience. She will come to learn about the love we all have for her and the safety of her new life as she can process it, all in God's timing. We'll just supply the love, support, understanding, patience and compassion and God will do the redemptive work.

Grandpa and I are so excited to see you all again soon and see our four girls all together.

Love. Mom Avery

[marg]

So wonderful to hear of the progress. Still praying for all of you.

[Ray]

As the father to a beautiful girl from Jiangxi, I can tell you that you are in for the adventure of your life. Congratulations.

[Dianna & Mike DeShazo]

Thank you both for posting. I look forward to reading the posts about your expanding family. They bless me so much. Surely you are doing the Lord's work and you will be blessed. It seems we can never out give our Father. I am sure your family will go through some changes that will be difficult but so worth while.................You all are very inspiring...

[Terra]

It is such a wonderful thing that you are doing. It really warms my heart to read all your updates. I will continue to pray for you all. GOD bless you.