Saturday, July 26, 2008

Ni Hao from Guangzhou!

Well, we arrived safely in Guangzhou last night. Macy Li did great on her first flight...just a little claustrophobic! It was sad to leave Nanchang, knowing that we were taking her from her "homeland," but we were also ready to get to a more modernized city. And boy is GZ modern! So far, we've loved it. This morning, we had breakfast at the top of the hotel in the revolving restaurant. Macy Li enjoyed her eggs and congee! After that, we loaded the bus and headed to Shaimian Island, where all the babies had their photos made for their Visas to leave China. Then, we took a short walk down the street to the medical clinic where they all had their physical examinations. It was a little chaotic, but she did fine. As it turns out, she weighs 7.9 kg...which is a little over 17 pounds. I'm sure life as a Kemp will fatten her up quick! After our medical appointments, we went grocery shopping for baby food, formula, snacks, diapers, etc...We got stared at some more, but it was fun. Little old ladies come up to Macy Li and say in Chinese, "Lucky baby, lucky baby!" This afternoon, we had our "paperwork party," which was just an hour and a half meeting where we filled out more forms, and got LOTS of paperwork together for the Consulate appointments we'll have on Monday. I went to that, while Phillip and the kids napped. Shocker! Tonight, we and several other families walked a few blocks up the street to a great Italian restaurant. That's about it for today! Another great day.

Macy Li is REALLY starting to giggle and cackle out laughing! She's doing a lot of mimicking and thinks Peyton is the funniest thing! We are falling MORE in love every single minute. We just keep saying, "HOW could we love her any more?!" It feels like she's been with us since birth. WE CRAVE HER EVERY BREATH! And to think we could have missed this....To think that "fear of the unknown," or a desire for our comfort zone almost kept us from this most incredible blessing! When we look in those little slanted eyes, we are looking at the face of Jesus. Our hearts have discovered a whole new dimension, and we feel like we're a little closer to understanding the love of God towards us. How deep and how wide is the Father's love....

In the morning, we are off for our big shopping day! Woohoo!!



17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh how great the Father's love for us! Your daily posts are such a blessing and a little insight into the joy of following your calling. Thanks for sharing.

Blessings and safe travels, Connie S.
P.S. Somebody out there tell me what congee is!

Anonymous said...

Hey Rhonda,

Great pictures! I stand in awe of the Father's love for us. :) So thankful that I finally learned to "step back" and let God do what He knows is best. Our Anna girl is such a precious blessing in our lives...

Can't get over how much your Peyton and Macy Li look alike. I just think that's the BEST! :)

Linda said...

I loved your points at the end! How delightful!! We hear people say such "fearful" things about adoptions.

Thanks for the pictures! I got to see Rusty, Lesli and Joshua again!! We haven't gotten any for a couple days and the fan club members had been getting restless!!
I know they are VERY busy and I'm sure tired.

So they think you have a lucky baby??? They don't know about the fake poop and vomit and dead critters in the closets! :) We have gotten quite a chuckle getting to know your family through your delightful entries!

jennifer said...

Your posts are so sweet and so encouraging to those of us stuck at home still waiting. Gives me hope of what will come - eventually.

Have fun shopping! Sounds like ya'll are having a great trip.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh i can't wait 'til she gets home.....if u ever need a babysitter, me and Mary Caroline come in a package! haha

See Y'all Soon!
grace

Kim said...

LOVE the pictures...
Love your posts.. you are having sooo much fun..
It helps me on this LONG wait..
Can't wait to see what all you get shopping..
YEAH..
Have a Great Time..

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful blessing that you are bringing home.. I will be soooo happy Wednesday night. I have missed yawl so much. I know you have had a wonderful experience and I'm so glad that all is well and God has been so good, but I still want you home. The pictures have all been great!!!!! See ya soon, LOVE, GOGGIN:)

emily said...

So great to read about your trip! What a blessing indeed for all of you in this precious child.

Don Meyer said...

So glad we found out what your blog is. Mary had all 7 kids at your office the other day, and now we can read up on everything that is happening.

What a sweet little girl!!

Can't wait to see you guys when you get back.

Don and Mary

Anonymous said...

Hey Ya'll,
You are on the countdown to come home, YEAH! I've been thinking how neat it's going to be to get to see Tyler and Nolan meet MacyLi for the first time. What an honor to get to observe such a sweet moment. We are still praying for each moment and we know her entry into her real home will be awesome. I love ya'll and miss you so much. Can't wait to see you all! Bring some Congee home I want to try it! love... ang!

Gigi said...

Of course Miss Macy Li is perfect. I am glad the doctor was able to see that! While they are taking measurements, they should measure her smile, because it keeps getting bigger and bigger. So happy to know you arrived at your next step, putting you closer to home!

Do said...

I am repeating but Macy Li is really cute. Those round chubby cheeks (how can you keep from kissing them?) and those sweet lips.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

you know i take a deep breathe every time i come to your blog ... i can feel you one step closer to home ... i know you are memorizing all you can for Macy's future ... love you guys!!

Anonymous said...

I love reading your blog, it brings back so many memories. I remember as we left Chloe's province all of the chinese people were lined up by the runway as we boarded the plane. It was a sad and exciting time all at once as we continued our journey home.
Donna Vissman

Diane B said...

I am so loving your blog!! The joy and sweetness just flows out of the computer. You are all so blessed-I can't wait to meet her. GOD is so good! Thanks for sharing this awesome experience with us all.

Mary Beth said...

Your comments are like reading every word I felt when we adopted sweet Shaoey 8 years ago!!!! I can't believe I could have missed this awesome invitation from Jesus himself to see his face up close and personal in the little almond shaped eyes of Shaoey! You all ROCK! I am humbled by your words. Can't wait to see you on this side of the globe. Continuing to heal through stories likes yours,

Mary Beth (Tell all hello!)

missy said...

I just found your blog by way of Amy Lafayettes. Your precious Macy Li is a dream! It has been 8 years since we were in China receiving our little treasure. Your posts make me feel as if I am there again.

God bless you on this journey that will forever bless your life!!