Monday

Today was our Consulate Appointment.  Daniel took care of business for us and all the paperwork was in order.  Once that was taken care of, Ivy and I headed to White Cloud Mountain.  In the taxi, I told Ivy we would be going home in 3 more days.  She then became very melancholy and somber.  The tears came again.  Maybe I should not have said anything, but she needs to know.  She was sad for about 30 minutes.  Even riding the tram up the mountain did not occupy her mind.  Some time passed before I got a smile out of her.

Sad Ivy.

We had a nice time at the mountain.  We went inside a bird sanctuary.  The large area was tented with a net so the birds had their freedom, yet they were confined for their protection.  I enjoyed it.  Ivy seemed content.  I think it takes a lot to amuse her.  After hanging out with the birds, Ivy ate a disgusting looking lunch of chicken, rice, hard boiled brown egg (with and without the shell it was brown), and greens.  I had to turn my head when she was devouring the chicken.  It had bones and pieces I would not touch.  She did not seem to mind, but looked quite experienced at it all.  After that, she seemed to liven up a bit, and we walked around, ate ice cream together.

A little happier

We have a picture of Mike with Eva and Joy in front of this in 2007.

I need one of these.

We took the tram back down.  This time Ivy enjoyed waving at the people in the tram who were going the opposite direction.  She learned to say, "nobody" when a tram was empty.  And, I forgot to mention, after breakfast, she said to me, "I'm done."  I'm thrilled!  She's willingly speaking some English.  She also told me "Thank you" after I gave her something.

We ended the day with a little bit of shopping.  I bought Eva and Joy each one of those tu-tu Chinese dresses.  Ivy is not interested in the Chinese dresses.  I did get her a chop, though.  I figured out that Ivy's Chinese name, Ma, means horse.  I knew Ma meant horse, but thought it was odd.  Now, I realize that she was born in the year of the horse.  The Chinese seem to have a reason for everything.  Xue means "learned" or "schooled".  I have no idea why she was named that.  Maybe that is what they hoped for her.

Our $5.00 meal from the Deli.

Ivy's collection...what a contrast.

Tomorrow we go to our oath ceremony at the U.S. Consulate.  I then get Ivy's passport/visa on Wednesday evening, and head home on Thursday.  I'm sort of sad that my time in China is coming to an end.  I'm sad for Ivy...leaving all she has ever known.  I've enjoyed being alone with her and getting to know her.  But, I'm so thrilled beyond words to be back with my family.  I miss my boys so much.  I miss my goofy girls, including Jordan!  And, I miss my dear husband.  He's been working overtime with his family and work.  I appreciate him more than he knows.