finally catching up

I am finally beginning to feel a bit better and be able to keep food down. I still don't feel "normal" but I'm pretty sure getting sick doesn't help jet lag. ;)

We are here in Changchun, the capital of Eli's province. We spent the day today with Hannah, the woman who runs the center where Eli has lived for the majority of his life. It was great getting to meet her in person, and we really enjoyed the day. She took us to lunch at a place that specializes in hot pots, and I was so thankful to be able to eat. It was delicious! A hot pot reminds me of a fondue that we might make at home, with raw meat and vegetables that you cook and then dip into sauces.

She also told us more about Eli and his personality, which was fun to hear. We've been told that he is persistent, a hard worker, and a joy. He also likes to be first to do things and that he is a good eater. She said he is also very happy all of the time and that when he is sad, it is short lived.

We are both feeling very excited, but very nervous at the same time. We meet him early tomorrow morning, and we know this is going to be a huge transition for him. I can't wait until we finally just have him and can begin the transition instead of just thinking about it.

Next time we post, he'll be ours! :) :)

Below are some pictures from the day we spent with Christina in Beijing. (It was really cold, but Changchun is colder!! Snow on the ground in both places.)

Jim at the Temple of Heaven. This is a place where they used to hold sacrifices and pray for the harvest long ago. They still hold a ceremony once a year.

We also visited a tea house where we learned to make and drink tea the way that they do here.

Last (after the whole lunch event), we did some shopping. This picture is from one of the calmer floors, of jewelry. There are booths just stacked on top of booths, and on the floors where they sell handbags and shoes and toys, things are kind of crazy with people grabbing you and asking if you want to buy. I thought it was fun. Jim looked like he wanted to jump off of a cliff. ;) (Of course, that was nothing compared to the Walmart we visited today. Yes, there are Walmarts in China. Crazy stuff.)