Bringing You Home: Sunday on Shamian Island

We attended church today on Shamian Island with three other families. The service included both English and Chinese songs and the pastor's sermon was translated into English. It was awesome to be in China at a Christian church. It's always moving hearing God being worshiped in another language. I remember feeling the same way while in Spain. Our God is a God without boundaries that transcends all languages. It was great to be recentered and refocused simply by being in God's house around other believers.

After the service we did a little souvenir shopping on the island. The island consists mostly of western architecture because there used to be 19 western consulates there at one time. The island reminds me of the southern U.S. with its palm tree lined streets and wrought iron gated buildings. It is hot and humid here. The heat isn't so bad, but the humidity is awful. My hair is crazy! We've tried to eat western food twice now since we've been in Guangzhou (since we really miss it) and both times it's been bad. They put ketchup on my club sandwich for heaven's sake. We're going back to Chinese food, though we've heard there is a good Mexican restaurant. :)

Huihui is doing great today! He looked me in the eyes and said "mama" to me for the first time, is blowing us kisses, and just a minute ago turned to his English name for the first time. He also figured out the sign for "more" today. He needs to be reminded to do the sign, but we'll take it. He's been very active, but happy.

We went to the pool and out to dinner with our new friends this evening, and tomorrow CJ and C are supposed to go on a safari. Hopefully, it doesn't rain! I'd love to go, but we've been warned it's too hot for the little ones to be outside all day.