Thursday, April 15, 2010











Our day started out at the Tianjin Zoo. It started out a little chilly and warmed up fast, but it was still coat weather. We saw a lot of the bigger animals; our favorite being the white tiger. A lot of the animal’s homes were pretty smelly, so you’ll see ZhenZhen holding her nose pretty frequently.
Grace then took us to an Asian BBQ buffet. We experienced lamb, beer pickled ox tongue, barbeque squid, beer pickled chicken heart, and fresh prawn. It was really good. The food here has been excellent!!!
Once we got back to our room, I thought I would bring out the picture flash cards. What started out as an English lesson quickly turned into being a Chinese lesson, too. She took over with authority. Once I said the word in English, she would quickly reply in Chinese. I would phonetically write it on the card, then she would take the card I’d written on and examine it thoroughly. If it was a two word phrase and I only wrote one, she would hold up 2 fingers and tell me about it, and then she would take the card over and show BaBa and laugh. We just can’t get over her ability. She signed 1-10 last night and then today wrote her name in Chinese and wrote out 1-10 in English. She is definitely very proud of her knowledge and gets a big kick out of correcting our Chinese. She is a natural teacher. She really is a joy :). We are going to look into enrolling her into a Chinese speaking class somewhere in the Dallas area when we return home. Anyone interested in joining her? We’ve heard that they are on Saturday mornings.
It will be sad to leave ZhenZhen’s city tomorrow. I really dread leaving! We have loved living in this city for the week having walked almost everywhere, which helps after we have eaten so much. We do hope to come back here someday. After reviewing the records, Grace shared with us that she was actually abandoned in a small village about 2 hours from here. She was kept for one month by the people that found her who then realized that she was ill and brought her in for help. She then went into foster care.
We are packing tonight and we went through the sacks that her foster mom sent. You wouldn’t believe all the snacks that she sent ZhenZhen. Zhen Zhen is so proud that her mama sent her all her favorite food and drink. It brought tears to both Rob and me, for having spent the last few days with her, we can only imagine the grief she’s experiencing right now. After we left the orphanage, we asked if there were any baby pictures we could have. The foster mom already brought them to the orphanage, and we’ve received them on our email.
We were given a wonderful gift from this city, one that we will always be thankful for.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…James 1:17
Love,
Detra

4 comments:

Unknown said...

She is adorable!!!! :D We look forward to looking at all of the new pictures and reading about your adventures in China every day. Sounds like you guys are having fun. We continue pray for you daily, especially on your trip home. We can't wait to meet her and hope her transition goes well. We all miss you!
Regan B, Reagan E, and Shari :D

Unknown said...

I have enjoyed reading your blogs so much. All the sweet details ( small kisses and fixing her ponytails) really have been so telling. She is so lucky to have you guys. We can't wait to meet her.
We'll be praying for your safe travel.
Kelly and Caroline

Suzy said...

Thank yo so much for your daily journal and sharing your blessing! What love that little girl is going to receive and give. Bobbie and I look forward to your updates. Love to all and we are praying for you,
Suzy and Bobbie

Stacy Reel said...

Rob & Detra,
I've cried, smiled, and prayed as I've read your blog this week. Thanks for sharing such precious details of your journey. What a beautiful family you have. I can't wait to get our little one home and bring her to meet ZhenZhen and your family.
Safe travels!