First thing on Saturday morning, Ruth took us to the outdoor market where they sell knockoffs, and ends of runs of clothing, shoes, purses, fabric. Wow....that was fun. I think we could've spent the whole day there. I mean, where else can you get Prada for $25? :o) I do think Guangzhou is cheaper, but our visit doesn't include that, so....maybe next time.
At lunch, we met the older school children at KFC. That was WONDERFUL. I've been so anxious to see them, as we've watched them grow up over the last several years, and they remember us from our last visits. I got to see, talk to, and take photos of three very special little girls who are getting adopted. I had the opportunity to break the news to a little one I've loved since 2008 when I first met her, that she FINALLY has a family. The team all got to watch our interpreter relay the information, and we were all soggy messes. She is THRILLED, btw. I also got to tell the other two little girls that their families are on their way very soon! My heart is full to know that there are still wonderful families out there willing to take a leap of faith and adopt older children. To see their delight in being wanted just makes this the best job in the world...
After lunch, Elsa (the wonderful woman who will likely be there in Guangzhou when you adopt your children) took us to the pearl market. Since the pearls are grown and harvested (is that the proper term?) here, the prices are fantastic. It is right around the corner from our hotel, so Brooke and Ellen were able to join us for a few minutes before they had to return to the hotel to get their things. They are now in the air, going back home. It felt strange to have them missing from our group in the afternoon and evening. We really got attached to them. :o) For a bunch of strangers from all over the place, we really connected well and feel like the women have each become dear friends. And we have them on retainer for the next time...they're not going to be rid of us that easily. :o)
Photos from our Saturday, full of fun, emotion and food are here.
In the evening, Ruth, our interpreter, invited us to her home to visit her students. We got caught in a brief downpour, and we ducked under a couple of shop umbrellas until Ruth met us to guide us to her place. She tutors them in English, and she wanted them to have the opportunity to talk to native English speakers. She has three different age groups, and we each had a great time, asking questions and being asked questions in return. Bethany and Suzanne spent time with the younger children playing Pictionary and I Spy to help them learn. Vickie, Patti, and I spoke to the older ones about culture, local sightseeing, food, and family--from both sides of the ocean. It was wonderful! Ruth took us on a walk of the campus of Normal University, where all the teachers are trained. It really is lovely, full of banyan trees, flowers, and green grass. It has an impressive history of almost 300 years.
We ate a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, and witnessed a graduation party. It looked like they're pretty universal. :o) It was a fantastic day, and we feel like we're seeing a new, fuller view of Zhanjiang, and China in general...it's wonderful to see the un-commercialized side. And it's all thanks to new friends who are willing to show us hospitality. Case in point: we had a difficult time getting a taxi to get to the hotel yesterday. Ruth flagged down a random guy in a car and asked him if we could hire him to take us to the hotel. He agreed, and when we got there, he absolutely refused to take any money, despite about five attempts. We couldn't believe the kindness of a complete stranger for a bunch of foreigners...it was just another reason on a long list, to love this beautiful place.
Val, for ZKO
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