Today was a another sightseeing day. Today we went to a marketplace where they sold pearl, and jade and other things. The prices for the pearl and jade were outrageous though. $300-400.00 in US, and they wouldn't move much on the price at all. We had heard from people that in Guangzhou they don't haggle as much on Jade and Pearl. Other places like Beijing, you can get a really good price, but not here. So we opted out on the pearl and the jade, plus Avery was fussing, and it was extremely hot , and she was tired and hungry. We did get some paintings for the house done by a local artist. He was right there in the marketplace, and he put Avery's name on one of them in Chinese for us-we are really happy with those. We are going to Shaiman Island today for shopping-should be fun and we should be able to haggle a lot more!!
We did decide that we weren't really bringing home souvenirs though for everyone. Too many people, and not a lot of space in the suitcases. Plus, we have to get through the airport with a baby and all the luggage, so our hands are already full. We're bringing Avery home to meet her family and friends, and that's our precious gift. We are more looking for things for our home, and her room that are from China that she can have with her for the rest of her life, pieces of her culture.
The other activity we did today was go to a Buddhist Temple. This temple was over 1,000 years old, and was the coolest thing we've seen so far in regards to "Old" China.
Now we know the significance of the 3's...
In Buddhism, the number 3 is very significant, it represents the past, the present, and the future. This temple housed the 3 Buddhas that represent the past, the present, and the future. Frank our guide is great and gives us a lot of history when we are out and about. As soon as we heard the number 3, Gary and I looked at eachother and smiled, and now we know why that number has come up so frequently. This temple is one of the oldest temples n Guangzhou. The Buddhas in the actual temple are huge, and very ornamental, and we were stunned when we got inside. The way each Buddhas hands are placed represent something different (either past, present, or future). We were given incense to burn (3 sticks a piece), and would say at prayer in front of all the different Buddhas, and then bow 3 times.
When we were in the temple of the big Buddhas, we had a special ceremony just for us. We took our shoes off, and kneeled in front of the center Buddha, in front of the table, held our incense, and the Monk did a special prayer for Avery and Sage. We had to bow 3 times, and we listened to him chant, and then he anointed us all with special water, and continued to chant. We bowed again 3 times, and it was absolutely magical. To come to this land and become a family, and then have a blessing from this land on our child's past, present and future. I was overjoyed with this ceremony, and it's significance of our journey, and why the 3's have consistently shown up throughout. This journey, this path, has meant a lot to us, and now to have a sense of why, and a sense of it's purpose-ubelieveable!!
When you pray in front of the different Buddhas you pray for your child, your family etc. This is what I prayed for:
I prayed that Avery will know a sense of her birthplace, and will always remain connected in some way here. That she know she was brought to us for a reason, our bond will always be strong, and unwavering, and full of love.
That she feel comfortable as she adjusts, and continue to open up to us, and let us lead her through her fears, and rejoice in her more and more everyday!
That we will nurture her, and love her forever, as we guide her through life, and that we will always, always, be here for her, and know that her birthplace and her culture are important to us, and we will cherish them.
It was magical, it was like nothing I have ever experienced. It is something I will remember forever.
They say that when you adopt from China, you are now also considered to be a Chinese person. Our guide in Changsha was telling us that that's how most people see it. We become part of their culture as Avery becomes part of ours-beautiful!!
A very significant day here in Guangzhou. A lot has come to fruition today. The 3's now have even more meaning to us. I can't wait to tell Avery all of this when she is older!!
Well, I will try to get a least another 2 hours of sleep before Avery wakes up.
Enjoy your day, I hope you too can find the signs in your life that are signifcant!!
Love, Alli, Gary, & Avery
2 comments:
I've read this post and medical exam at the same time, I will probably make you cry a little not bad though. Ever since 2000 when had my miscarriage, and you said you had been trying to have a child I have prayed for you to feel the joys of being a Mom. Even at those times when she cries out for you and are overcome to tears, it is joy when get her back in your arms. Your long journey makes you more aware of what a miracle a child is for a parent. The story also brought back the memory of when Jenna was three months old and ran a high fever and they had poked her about eight times, with no luck, she was screaming, and I said either get it right or we call the doctor & leave. When I got her back, she looked at me, sighed, and nodded off. Avery is a lucky little girl and you are a great Mom.
WOW! This is going to be amazing to tell Avery when she gets older. It truly gives a lot of meaning to her life and your journey and your new lives together. I'm glad to hear things continue to get better and that the food is better. The sightseeing must be amazing but also a lot to take in at such a time when you are so focused on your new little one. Home soon! Continue to enjoy! -Erin Mayne
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