Water, Water, Everywhere Water!

Okay, a quick geography lesson for you. We are in Guangzhou, a south-eastern city north and slightly west of Hong Kong. Formerly called Canton, Guangzhou is famous for its Cantonese foods. It's what most of us Americans think of when we order Chinese take-out. Within Guangzhou's city limits, there is a small island, surrounded by the Pearl River called Shamian Island. This is where we are. The White Swan hotel is a huge complex full of elegant gift stores, fountains, the famous play room, and fancy restaurants. And because of its reputation for catering to U.S. families adopting Chinese children, it's also regularly full of all sizes and shapes of gorgeous families glowing with happiness. The atmosphere of the hotel is usually quite festive, and we find ourselves greeting total strangers and striking up conversation about hometowns, loved ones left behind, and what we all miss about "home." It's exhilarating for all of us - from those who've come and gone to those that are here with us now, that seems to be the common feeling.

However, this morning, we all woke to a slightly different atmosphere. Dark cloudy skies, blowing winds. Employees bustling about quickly, carting hand trucks full of sandbags, pushing mop carts and toting pylons. We were blissfully unaware of the reason behind the hub-bub, until we finished stuffing Li'l Empress with french toast, soft boiled eggs, peaches, oatmeal and watermelon. On the way out, we chatted with a lovely family from NJ and she warned us that our plans for the doctor's appointment were likely in jeopardy. Seems the coming typhoon has already flooded down-town Shamian - in the direction we were supposed to walk to the clinic. Yes, I said supposed to.

With this change of plans, our guide Judy, came to the room to do all of our visa and exit paperwork instead. We are now waiting to hear from her about whether the waters have receded enough to allow us to walk and do the medical exam and visa photos today. In addition to that, we are also waiting on information about how to re-stock our supplies of formula, diapers and wipes. We may have to get a little aggressive over that particular issue, as Judy seemed to adopt a "well, I'll see what I can come up with" attitude. A little too laid-back for Mama Bear's tastes.

So, please pray for us. These delays brought on by the weather can cause complications with our Consulate Appointment. Pray for our friends, Brittany, Bayley, and Addie. They're scheduled to fly out tomorrow, but the weather is not looking too cooperative. And please pray for south eastern China. The coming typhoon (yes, I said typhoon!) is bringing heavy winds and heavier downpours. It could mean some serious destruction for outlying areas. The worst of it is expected to be over by tomorrow morning. In the meantime, we're sticking close to the hotel as much as possible!

These two shots are of the Pearl River, from our 12th story room. Yesterday, it was full of all kinds of boats and freighters. This morning, it's empty and the waters are very rough and choppy.

These two shots below are both from the front door of the hotel. Water is up to the steps and the employees were providing towels for the floor while businessmen and women bustled in and out with their pants rolled up to their knees, carrying their socks and shoes. It seems to be business as usual for most of them, but our guide is strongly opposed to us walking in those dirty waters. She said she's known too many families who have gotten sick or infections from the water. We wholeheartedly agreed!

UPDATE! Our guide just called and we will have to brave the waters no matter the depth. We will put all our other appointments in jeopardy if we don't do this one now. So pray for us and for divine protection over our feet. We have to walk, as they are no longer allowing taxis or vans onto the island. We'll update you later!