We arrived in Xining (pronounced: "Shee-Ning') yesterday morning. It is a beautiful city high up in the mountains of Qinghai ("Ching-Hi') Province. On the way to the hotel, our coordinator told us some history of the area and we saw a lot of the city. We were told that in the winter there is about 20% less O2 than what we are use to. We can tell. They also burn a lot coal for heat and you can smell it. We are doing okay. I think we will be glad when we can get closer to sea level. I find that I get tired doing simple things and have to take deep breathes. I am also having very bad headaches. This is all normal for altitude sickness. We are 7400 ft above sea level plus the 8th floor of the hotel. Steve and Elias are doing pretty good. I think they can feel a difference, but they are not having the problems I am having.
We have also learned the true meaning of culture shock. It is very hard to communicate with people here. At dinner last night we met a college student who was just starting to learn English. She talked to us a lot, but it was very hard for both of us. She was very sweet. She is leaving tomorrow to go home so we may not see her again. We also noticed that there are not many westerners that travel to this province. We are in the nicest hotels in the city and no one speaks good English. In Beijing and Taipei there were many people we could talk to.
We are loving the experience though. Sometimes going outside your comfort zone is a good thing. We are so glad that Elias has been able to be with us for this. This is going to be something that he is going to be able to share with Jade and Abram. A kind of bonding for them.
In a few hours we get to go and pick up Jade. Our 13 month paperwork journey is almost done and our life time family journey with her will begin. Tomorrow we get to tour the orphanage and meet her foster family. We are so excited for that. We will try and post pictures and let you know how the family day went tonight if we have time.
Thanks for all the prayer.
Best wishes for a wonderful trip!! We'll see you all soon. :) We're doing well and meet our daughter in a few hours!!
ReplyDeleteHave fun. Do you have a blog? I would like to book mark it. We have hubbies computer and I am at a lost. I did not transfer any of my book marks.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you...prayers for a easy transition for all of you. I know the feeling about feeling out of place we were the only Americans in Mia's orphange in Fuzhou and there were a lot of people staring too...Made me nervous at first but we ended up loving it there...can't wait to see pictures!
ReplyDeletePrayers
Cheryl F