Another Low-Key Day in China

Today was an easy and laid back day. I started the day with a powerwalk around the park near the hotel. As I was walking past a small Catholic Church that faces the park, I noticed some little old ladies inside saying their rosary (in Chinese). I checked the schedule inside and was pleasantly surprised to find Holy Mass would start in 20 minutes. I thought how often I can't get to daily Mass at home so I guess I had to come to China to be able to attend. Mass was in Chinese of course but it really didn't matter. I could follow along just fine with my English missal (aside from the homily, of course).

It was so cool to be in faraway China in a Catholic Church and see all the familiar things: statue of the Sacred Heart, crucifix on the altar, holy water and of course, little old ladies reciting the rosary. It brings to mind what Jesus said, "Upon this Rock I will build my Church." And it is just that-rock solid. The Catholic Faith is truly the same all over the world, just in different languages.

-Liz

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Mom wrote that yesterday but now we have more news... We got our consulate appointment changed! That means we'll leave China early!!

Personally, I love being in China. Some people just look at it and say "evil Communist country," but we always complain about our government. Mom said in her last post, "well at least in America he won't get thrown in jail when he speaks his mind," but we've all heard of (or been, haha) abortion protesters getting arrested. We passed a billboard that said something like, "Have a happy family, be a good citizen;" Mom leans over and mouths, "Brainwashing!" when it's just a simple public service announcement. My point is, I wish people would stop thinking of our adoption as "saving Daniel from the evil China" and more like "thank you China for letting us adopt this kid." 'Kay, I got that out of my system, rant over.'

But anyway, as for being in China, the lifestyle itself is definitely tiring: living in a hotel, eating out every night, not having much to do... Every time I smell fried food my stomach gives a little turn, even if I usually love Chinese food! So I'll be really happy to come home.

So in an hour we're going to go to the little Chinese church for Mass, and then I guess Mom will be busy getting flights moved around and stuff.

See you all soon!!

-Sarah