Safari Park - December 26

One thing about the adoption process that so thoroughly captures our hearts is that feeling of being totally out of control.  We can do none of this in our own strength or power.  It is only by God’s grace and power that this miracle has happened to our family....twice!  Paul puts it perfectly in I Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for 

my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will bast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

We are winding down our adoption appointments here and are getting really ready to head home!  Today we made a quick visit back to the medical clinic to have Elsa’s TB test read.  Connie just walked right in that crowded place pulling us behind her, headed straight to someone in a lab coat, rolled up Elsa’s right sleeve and shoved her little arm at the lab tech.  We were back on the street with our paperwork in 3 minutes flat!  Todd loves her “get ‘er done” attitude!  It is definitely convenient at times.  Now all we have left to do is the consulate appointment tomorrow.  Soon we will have Elsa’s visa and be able to head home.

After that quick appointment, Connie and our driver took us to the Safari Park for the day.  It is a great zoo complete with lions, tigers, giraffes and pandas.  Connie told us that they have the most pandas here than anywhere else in the world.  The twelve pandas were not close enough to touch, but let’s just say that the enclosures here may not meet US standards.  The kids were able to feed leaves to the giraffes and bananas to the elephants. Then, we happened upon an opportunity to feed a white bengal tiger cub his bottle.  We’re pretty sure that wouldn’t happen back home!  Elsa loved every bit of it.  She kept poking each of us and pointing in the direction of whatever animal was in our view to make sure we weren’t missing any of it.  Too cute. We were able to go on a dinner cruise on the Pearl River later in the day.  It was beautiful to see all the buildings lit up in the night sky.  We ended the day with a foot massage for our aching feet.  Quite a day!

Elsa continues to amaze us in her transition.  She talks to us and most of the time it is just babbling.  When she needs something she lets us know with pointing and other gestures. Occasionally she gets frustrated, as I would too, that we don’t understand what she wants. And sometimes she gets frustrated because we DO understand what she wants and we’re just not doing it.  Welcome back to the two’s!  Honestly though, God is answering our prayers for bonding and a good transition into our family.  She really does love her brothers and sisters.  She goes easily to Baba and Mama alike.  Her brothers can even get her out of a funk if she gets a bit pouty.  It truly is a miracle and only possible through the Spirit’s help.

 The Safari Park.

 Began with a train ride around the park.

 Saw many animals really close up!

 Feeding the giraffes. 

 And the elephants!

 New exhibit?

 These three got a chance to feed a White Bengal Tiger cub.

 Elephant show.

 Pearl River cruise was beautiful.

Foot massage to end the day!