Update from phone call

This AM CDT we received a call from China. It wasn't easy. It took three attempts to get the call to us. While phone cards and phones are available in China, it doesn't necessarily mean that the parts of the system work together as well as they could. Similarly, computers and their connection to the Internet may be ubiquitous but functionality is less so. Thus this update on the Chinese adventure is from phone and posted by the guest host.

They are in Nanchang and will be there until Friday when they depart for Guangzhou by plane. Though they didn't say so, it is likely that getting the entire group through the legal steps takes time but individuals will have some time for R&R and touring. Thus they went to the most Chinese of American enterprises, WalMart. K noted that everything there has a security tag on it, even the $1.00 pair of shoes they bought for Sophie. It isn't clear whether they have a high retail theft rate and need security tags or a low retail theft rate because they have security tags. When asked K said it really wasn't much like the WalMart in the US.

To avoid the hassle of the market place they shopped another way too. A seamstress came to the hotel and measured "the girls" for dresses. In attending to the time limits on the phone call we neglected to ask if 1) "girls" included Lisa and 2) if the dresses are matching. More on that matter when we hear from them next. That may not be until Friday when they get to Guangshou.

Sophie is unfazed by all of this activity. She cries little or not at all. Eats well and has shown a fondness for a new addition to her formula. Evidence? She slept 11 continuou hours. L & K haven't said so but we imagine that they hope Sophie will do the same on the return flight.

EJ has been getting her quota of swimming. She has made good use of the hotel pool which is located on the 4th floor. It has large glass windows overlooking the Gan River. Like just a few other in the world, it flows south to north. K and L both grew up in the vicinity of one of those few. K and L made the point with EJ as part of the educational component of this very joyful (though sometimes tiring) trip. The agenda changes for tomorrow though. The older girls are off to a "play day" while the adults tour. Evidently there is a building of interest just across the street from the hotel and that will be on the adult agenda.

They have taken many, many pictures but so far haven't been able to post them. If they can get them to us via email, we'll post them.