HOT! On the agenda for this morning was visiting the Botanical Gardens. We stepped off the air-conditioned bus into the wall of heat and humidity. Rebecca didn't seem to notice. She introduced us to the gardens and then in a puff (probably of humidity) she was gone. Maybe she went back to the bus. We didn't stand around wondering, though. We set off in search of small air-conditioned buildings that we thought might be on the premises. Before leaving the entrance area I tried to get a sweet picture of Riley in front of a beautiful arrangement that says "Love". His expression was priceless. I don't guess he was feeling the love.
I've been a baby-wearer since Jubilee arrived. (I tried to be a baby-wearer with Wyatt but the boy weighs 33 pounds.) After 20 minutes in the gardens, we found a way to fit two babies into a single stroller. Wyatt was not all that happy to share his space with Jubilee. Jubilee was happy to be out of the Ergo.
As beautiful as the gardens were, we were praising our Heavenly Father when the time came to head back to the entrance. Just thinking about the air-conditioned bus put a little pep in our step. I snapped this precious picture of Wyatt walking with his hand on his friend Lily Hope's stroller. So sweet....
On the bus ride back to the hotel, Rebecca shared with us news that the consulate will be closed on Thursday and Friday, as well. It doesn't look like our consulate appointment scheduled for tomorrow will happen. We were a bit disappointed, but remain certain that God does not make mistakes and that this is no surprise to Him. We are praying that our attitude might be such that we will embrace every opportunity to allow God to work through us and that He might be glorified in mighty ways. Even as I say that, my heart stings with missing my babies back home. We've been able to talk to them almost everyday and see their faces on FaceTime, but I miss them so much it hurts.
We are also trying not to be alarmed by rumors and focus just on the official information being given to us about the consulate's closure and when we might possibly be able to go home. The facilities emergency was a white powder substance sent by envelope and opened by an employee at the consulate. The incident has not been on the US news but was reported in the newspaper here. Thankfully, we have not heard of any injuries. Many families here have had to change their flights home and extend their hotel reservations. Even so, the attitudes among the families here have been impressive. Our flights are scheduled for Saturday, but if the consulate is going to be closed Thursday and Friday, it seems like we'll have to begin looking at changing ours, as well. Our travel agent says that we need to wait until Friday to change our flights. We're hopeful that it won't be an expensive change because we just don't have the money.
We spent the evening in the room and had Subway for dinner. Entertainment was provided by Wyatt and Riley. Their stage was visible from the bed, which was so nice. The boys love playing in the bathtub which is separated from the bedroom by a glass wall. The whole shebang is housed in the shower, which is ingenious if you ask me. No mess to clean up, and when the window gets foggy, it's art time! We will begin looking at remodeling our master bath in order to recreate this little setup as soon as we return home!!
It seems like there is a lot of Dutch influence in the gardens. I half expected to see Heidi skipping walking along the path looking wilted.
I've been a baby-wearer since Jubilee arrived. (I tried to be a baby-wearer with Wyatt but the boy weighs 33 pounds.) After 20 minutes in the gardens, we found a way to fit two babies into a single stroller. Wyatt was not all that happy to share his space with Jubilee. Jubilee was happy to be out of the Ergo.
After an hour we found a shady sitting spot with a few friends while the kids played with cars and balls and Riley climbed around in the trees. Wyatt loves cars. He carries them in his arms with fierce possession, stopping every now and then to roll one on the ground. Why didn't I bring matchbox cars instead of a suitcase full of baby toys?
As beautiful as the gardens were, we were praising our Heavenly Father when the time came to head back to the entrance. Just thinking about the air-conditioned bus put a little pep in our step. I snapped this precious picture of Wyatt walking with his hand on his friend Lily Hope's stroller. So sweet....
And then I saw his interest....ice cream. He stared her down, poor thing, as she ate the last of it. Don't you worry, baby boy. Mama's looking for an ice cream stand just now!!
On the bus ride back to the hotel, Rebecca shared with us news that the consulate will be closed on Thursday and Friday, as well. It doesn't look like our consulate appointment scheduled for tomorrow will happen. We were a bit disappointed, but remain certain that God does not make mistakes and that this is no surprise to Him. We are praying that our attitude might be such that we will embrace every opportunity to allow God to work through us and that He might be glorified in mighty ways. Even as I say that, my heart stings with missing my babies back home. We've been able to talk to them almost everyday and see their faces on FaceTime, but I miss them so much it hurts.
We are also trying not to be alarmed by rumors and focus just on the official information being given to us about the consulate's closure and when we might possibly be able to go home. The facilities emergency was a white powder substance sent by envelope and opened by an employee at the consulate. The incident has not been on the US news but was reported in the newspaper here. Thankfully, we have not heard of any injuries. Many families here have had to change their flights home and extend their hotel reservations. Even so, the attitudes among the families here have been impressive. Our flights are scheduled for Saturday, but if the consulate is going to be closed Thursday and Friday, it seems like we'll have to begin looking at changing ours, as well. Our travel agent says that we need to wait until Friday to change our flights. We're hopeful that it won't be an expensive change because we just don't have the money.
We spent the evening in the room and had Subway for dinner. Entertainment was provided by Wyatt and Riley. Their stage was visible from the bed, which was so nice. The boys love playing in the bathtub which is separated from the bedroom by a glass wall. The whole shebang is housed in the shower, which is ingenious if you ask me. No mess to clean up, and when the window gets foggy, it's art time! We will begin looking at remodeling our master bath in order to recreate this little setup as soon as we return home!!
Goodnight from Guangzhou, friends!
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