outside the gate

Friday March 22^nd (written by Carin)

Well, today I am not really sure what to write about. We are still in Wuhan, China till tomorrow morning. Today we have to do some adoption work-like go to the notary and passport office. We found another couple in our hotel that are from the pan handle and also adopted a little girl. Last night we all ventured out for a dinner together. Anthony was ready for a sandwich so he ordered a club sandwich. Let’s just say it was the strangest club sandwich we have ever seen. Luckily, I ordered some fried rice. Mine came with a steamed egg and soup-which Mia loved. The funny part was that in my soup was what appeared to be a mushroom. So she put it on her spoon and bit into it and kept eating it. But eventually she pulled out some bones….so it was not a mushroom. It was making my stomach turn but we decided it was so important that we should record her because we know she would love to see this when she is 18…ha. Another funny thing we have realized is that Americans don’t dress their children warm enough. Who would have guessed? I thought my kids were comfortably dressed but according to many of the older Chinese people I have not put enough layers on Mia. All I can do is laugh and walk on. I know she is fine because she is SWEATING. But Anthony was talking to me yesterday about how they must have some big fears of getting sick. They dress their children like big old snowmen, they only give their children warm water, and they wear mask around the city.

Enough about China onto Mia. Man she is a little pistol. Her personality comes out quite clearly even without words. She figured out yesterday how to tell me she had to go to the bathroom-she pulled me to the bathroom and started to take her clothes off. I thought ok I know what you want. Then yesterday we went to a great museum but after about 2 hours of walking and looking she started to pull me. I didn’t know what she wanted at first but then I followed and realized she was headed to the door. When I picked her up and walked back in a typical 2 year old fit occurred. (But I will say her fits are not as long or as loud as most kids in America. I am sure she will meet Addie and Addie will school her on how to have an appropriate fit.) But she is stubborn and strong. Yesterday I could tell she was very sad but she was holding it in. She didn’t want to cry. I just held her and told her it was ok. I want her to feel safe that she can grieve. So she cried and I held her. I am so thankful she is a strong little girl but I know there is healing when you express your emotions. She still doesn’t want Anthony to hold her. Please pray for this because it has been really hard on Anthony. He really wants to love on her but she is just not there yet. But we found a good compromise. Food. He feeds her every meal and also carries M&Ms in his pocket for rewards. It has helped a lot. She will let him help her get dressed and that is a big step.

Please keep us in your prayers as we fly back to Guangzhou, China tomorrow morning.

~ by Anthony Orzo on March 22, 2012.

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