Pics Guilin & Overnight train to Guangzhou

We stayed at Starway Grand 0773 - had "fantastic" reviews when I booked... but the price should've given me warning bells!! It was definitely clean, and had a good shower - but was definitely a budget a hotel! It was in a great location, 5 min walk to everything! (Elephant Trunk Park, shopping and KFC!) I booked our Li River Tour through Lychee Tours - they were excellent, ended up booking all our train tickets through them as well, and our car and driver for our Pingyuan SWI visit - best prices, Nancy hand delivered our train tickets in Guilin! We booked "soft sleepers" - which is a private cabin, with four beds in it. As there was four of us - we had the whole cabin to ourselves, but be aware that if there are only 2 of you, or 3 of you, you may get a stranger in with you!

Pics Guangzhou & Meizhou

Train to Meizhou

We stayed at Pengman Apartments in Guangzhou (2 bedroom with 2 double beds, kitchen with washing machine/dryer), just for one night, before we took the train to Meizhou. The Apartment building is in a very new area of TianHe, so the apartment was quite new, and well furbished - unfortunately there's not much around the area, other than buildings still being constructed! The people we booked with, have a little office / reception on 23rd floor! The security man didn't speak english so it was very tricky trying to find them!!! We did find a really cool park, UU Park - which had an underground shopping complex with a games arcade that kept the boys very happy! Tiny's orphanage is one hour from Meizhou, in a small, rural City in the mountain of Pingyuan. Meizhou is quite a big city, 7 hour drive or 5 hour train ride from Guangzhou. We stayed at the Ramada Meizhou, which was a fabulous hotel. We opted for the Deluxe Double Room, that was really a Suite! It had 2 queen size beds, separate bathroom with a massive oval tub, separate vanity area, office desk, lounge suite and tea and coffee facilities. The bedroom itself was massive! It was very reasonable priced (book through ctrip) and good breakfast for only RMB30.

Pics Pingyuan

I'm not going to show all my pics of Pingyuan, particularly the SWI etc, as the Director was so gracious to allow us to take pics etc, for Tiny's record. I don't want to exploit his grace. If your child is from the SWI, please email me, I'm happy to chat and send you the pics I have, for your child's information.

Main Road, driving into Pingyuan City.

Pingyuan SWI building. Only 3 of the rooms in this building are for the children.

Small garden at the rear of the buildling. We have a couple of pics of Tiny, sitting on a blanket on the lawn, when she lived here.

Tiny next to her bed. A tiny baby boy, now occupies this bed. He came to the SWI in January this year.

This is Mr T with a 5 year old girl, whose paperwork is with the Govt. now, she is waiting for a family. She was facinated with Mr T! She is very little like Tiny, but is pretty clever, she was mimicking lots of things we were saying! If you'd like more info - please email me!

Local area of Pingyuan:

Pics of silliness on the train & Guangzhou

We stayed at the Guangdong Victory Hotel, for 2 nights when we returned to Guangzhou. It was the hotel we stayed in when we adopted Tiny in 2009! We stayed in the West Wing this time, it definitely had the softest beds in China! The rooms were small, but well equiped and the bathroom was recently renovated. Breakfast was great (more western than chinese) and the staff spoke good english! Oh! It was my birthday when we were there, so the staff brought me a little cake to my room (with candles! but we didn't have a lighter to light them!). Did lots of shopping for shoes and dresses on Shamian Island and went to Lucy's for dinner!

I took H-Man to Beijing Road to go shopping (poor Mr T had a pukefest the night before my birthday, so he chilled at the hotel with Tiny, who was very tired), I tried on a pair of converse high tops, that I was about to pay RMB59 for, but my gorgeous son, whipped out his money and bought them for my birthday! We went to Pizza Hut for lunch, and he whipped out his money, and paid for lunch as well!!! Its nice to know our training is paying off!!! He is such a sweet heart!

Next and final stop (in China): Beijing

Beijing & Singapore

Snow in Beijing!

Because the "cheap flights" we booked were with a budget airline... we got budget service - the stupid airline's systems were down when we checked in, so they couldn't book our luggage all the way through - we had to clear customs in Singapore - and were stuck there for 12 hours! So we got a hotel room - this is the view of "Little India" in Singapore!

32 hours after we left Beijing (at 3am in the morning, mind you!) we finally arrived home, at lunchtime on 20 March 2012. Exhausted, but so so glad we went.

Take off tomorrow!!

Tomorrow is the beginning of our anticipated "homeland" visit, where we'll return to China with our precious daughter. We are all busting to get there - but I must admit, my tummy is a bit in knots - I hope Tiny copes with the whole experience / journey.

We're doing lots of touring, before we get to her Province, and then we'll hop on a train to head up to Tiny's County of her birth. Wow. Just thinking about makes my head spin! As the trip draws closer, I find my thoughts are full of Tiny's birth mother / family. My heart breaks for her birth family, I have no doubt, that no matter what their circumstance, they do think of their tiny precious little girl. Who wouldn't? Because of my strong belief in God, and His "greater plan", I know that God created this beautiful little girl, just for our family. My prayer is, that her birth family have peace. Their incredible gift to us, has totally and completely enriched our lives.

I've listed the Cities we're visiting and drawn a pink line on the map, to show you where we're going!

We're so excited! Its going to be fabulous!

Sunday Snapshot 26 Feb 2012

Taken today...

Oh how I love her!

Sunday Snapshot - 19 Feb

This photo is actually a few months old - but I just found it! I really like it! Hope you had a great weekend!

In Church on Sunday, the guy bringing the Word around Communion, spoke about the Starfish Story. I love this story. I think its so poignant, to so many situations in life.

The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley


One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die."

"Son, the man said, don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can't make a difference!

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said,
"I made a difference for that one."

I often struggle with my own insignificance in this world, how can little old me, make a difference anywhere?

...One by One.

Two Precious Little Men

I still can't shake the longing to adopt again (specifically China Special Needs). Urgh. Its killin' me. (not literally... I'm very healthy... maybe a few kilos too healthy?!) I can honestly say that adopting Tiny has been one of the absolute greatest joys of my life.

Anyhoo, I was over at one of my favourite sites, the other day, and saw that two little fella's that have been on the Shared list for ages, are still there. The both have SNs that I think are well within my "coping" capacity, maybe yours too?. I think pigs will fly before things will work out for us to adopt again, so thought I'd get the link out there - so these two precious little men, can find forever families, who will kiss them, love them, play with them, laugh with them and give them a home of belonging.

(was going to post pics... but decided against it)

Advocacy Waiting Children Yahoo Group

Beautiful people, with a common goal - connecting displaced children with longing families. Join today - its a wealth of information and encouragement!

My little men:

Feb 2010 - Limb Differences (hand/wrist)

April 2009 - Post op cleft lip & palate; external hydrocephalus (I've read this heals itself by the time a child is 2); poor frontal lobe development (his last report states he is doing very well); phimosis (strangulation of foreskin - may've been solved already?)

3 years ago...

I still stare at her in wonder. I am still utterly overwhelmed by God's goodness, and His blessing to our family.

3 years. WOW! Its gone so fast. So much has happened. So many new experiences and milestones met.

We truly are blessed.

Sunday Snapshot - 5 Feb 2012

Its been a busy couple of weeks, with school holidays coming to a close - and the kiddies... including my Tiny going off to School!!! *yikes*!!!

Here's the last 2 weeks in pictures! (coz I know you'd rather see it than read my babble about it!)

Chinese New Year

Australia Day (26th January)... this is what happens when you have a big sister, that's a bit "out there"!!

Not exactly the "blonde blue eyed" stereo type... but an Aussie, none the less!

H-Man getting into the Aussie Day spirit (mandatory tattoos and face paint!)

Diesel Dog... a fine specimen of a great Aussie sheep dog

Last but not least... first day of School. Little Miss Tiny, embarks on her first year of "Early Learning Centre" - 2 full days per week, 3 full days every second week... my tiny baby is growing up *tear*.

Gong Hey Fat Choy!

恭禧發財 Gong Hey Fat Choy which means Wishing You Prosperous Year (my girl's southern Chinese so we say it in Cantonese!)

新年快樂 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon!

PersonalityOccupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled. While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren’t applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast!
HealthConsidering their hard-working nature, Dragons are healthy overall. They do get stressed and suffer from periodic tension/headaches, likely because they take so many risks. Dragons could benefit from incorporating mild activity into their lives. Yoga or walking would be good as these activities can work both their minds and their bodies.
CareerDragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Some good careers include: inventor, manager, computer analyst, lawyer, engineer, architect, broker, and sales person.
RelationshipsDragons will give into love, but won’t give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they’ll usually commit to that person for life.
Dragons and the 5 elementsMetal Dragons – Years 1940 and 2000Metal strengthens this already strong sign. Metal Dragons are more determined and they’ll fight for what they believe in. They enjoy the company of those who feel mighty enough to challenge their beliefs. They’re true leaders and usually find plenty of others willing to follow.Water Dragons – Years 1952 and 2012Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved. Wood Dragons – 1904 and 1964Wood Dragons also are willing to entertain the opinions of others. Their artistic side is strong, and Wood Dragons enjoy being creative and innovative. They get along with others, but will always be the dominating force.Fire Dragons – 1916 and 1976A Fire Dragon’s emotions can flare instantly. Fire Dragons put themselves on pedestals, and because they react quickly and recklessly, they sometimes make wrong decisions. Fire Dragons need to slow down and keep their tempers in check as that’s when they’re best.Earth Dragons – Years 1928 and 1988More rooted in the ground, Earth Dragons make better decisions because they act more rationally. Earth Dragons are level-headed and able to control their behaviors. They’re more supportive of others, but they prefer being admired by others.
CompatibilityDragons are compatible with the Monkey or Rat and incompatible with the Ox and Goat.




5 weeks and 3 days til we leave for China!

Sunday Snapshot - 22 Jan 2012

It was a gorgeous warm day, here in South Oz! Mr T wanted to take the jetski for a trip up the River, Miss M & Tiny got to travel first, from Murray Bridge to Wellington. I met them at Wellington, to pick up the girls, and drop off H-Man, then the boys were off to Goolwa. It was a 100kms from Murray Bridge to Goolwa - they did it with one fuel stop, and got a little lost on massive Lake Alexandrina - arriving at Goolwa in just under 3 hours. The boys had lunch in Goolwa then turned around and rode back to Murray Bridge! They loved it.

Tiny and I hopped in the spa just after lunch, then had another spa with the boys when they got home.... all in all, a great, busy day for one little munchkin!! This was Tiny at 7pm tonight...

Counting Down!

I'm so excited! Only 47 more days til we begin our holiday to China! Don't think I mentioned it here, but last year, one of our local airlines released a new route to Beijing, so they had super cheap deals! We'd just returned home from our USA trip... had no money, coz that cost a fortune! And then they emailed me bout the new route! DOH!! We tossed the idea around for a couple of days, and decided to whack it on credit - because we would never again see prices as ridiculously cheap as these!!!

We had talked about heading back to Tiny's province when Tiny was 5 or 6, so it WAS in the plan... just not quite this soon!!!

I booked the trip as far away as the sale would allow - which gave us bout 9 months to save and get organised! I've booked everything online, myself... we're going CARRY-ON ONLY!! Its going to be awesome!

First stop - Beijing for 3-4 days, see different part of the Great Wall, (I linked to a snowy pic... as this will probably be how it'll be for us!! brrrr) and do a "local" tour, where we'll have lunch with a local family. We will fly to Chengdu - and I've actually booked a tour company for this bit - coz it was going to get messy! We'll visit the Panda Sanctuary & trip out to LeShan to see the giant Buddha in the side of the mountain, (not that I'm a huge Buddha fan... but it looks like one of those amazing things you just have to see?!!). Next day we'll fly to Jiuzhaigou (I think its gonna be FREEEEZING here!)- absolutely beautiful scenery - can't wait to see it in the flesh! The kids are really looking forward to seeing SNOW! It doesn't snow where we're from - so it'll be a real treat! (REALLY CHILLY... but treat, none the less!!) Stay in the Jiuzhaigou area for a couple of days then fly back to Chengdu. We'll head straight out to Guilin, and do a River Cruise & local area tour. We'll then grab an overnight train to Guangzhou. Meet a friend who lives there, who will also accompany us to Tiny's county, of Ping Yuan. I haven't booked our travel there yet - so we'll either go by train or fly, to Meizhou which is the nearest large town. We'll stay a few nights in Meizhou, and I've organised a car and driver to drive us to Ping Yuan. We'll go back to Guangzhou for a few days (SHOPPING!! we don't have to carry-on only home!! I've organised 25kgs of luggage allowance for at least two of us!), fly back to Beijing... then go home.

It'll be busy... but boy it's gonna be fun! (I'm so excited that we're going to Tiny's County. Can't wait to see it!)

Sunday Snapshot - New Life

I love it when the sheep have babies! Poor little thing was born on a 41C degree day (bout 107F?)! Its Mama kept leaving him behind, while he was trying to find shade. So we had to go find him, and reunite him a few times!! Poor little baby got sunburnt too, he skin under his white fluff was really pink. Its the middle of summer here - our paddocks are so dry... hanging out for some rain!