Sorry, but it has been very difficult for us to update our blog while here. I am not sure if it is our slow internet connection or if Blogger is down, but it just hasn't been working.

On Wednesday, we took a 2 and a half our train ride to Qingdao, to the orphanage where Tong spent the first year of his life. We met the associate director and some of the caregivers, who gave us a tour of the orphanage. It is really nice and colorful, with many photos on the walls. They showed us a photo, as some of the children take Tae Kwan Do at the orphanage. Tong has been coming back to the orphanage for Tae Kwan Do class, so they showed us his picture in the collage. The associate director gave us some gifts: a plaque, some blue angel stuffed dolls as the angel is a symbol of this orphanage. They also gave some stuffed animals to each of our children, and then treated us to lunch at a local restaurant. It was honestly among the best meals I have EVER eaten. My favorite was the dumplings filled with egg, fresh chopped scallion and I am not sure what else- but it was GOOD!!! The bean curd was also quite tasty. Apparently, Dylan is a huge fan of Chinese food too! And yes, we did even get to each enjoy a glass of Tsingtao beer. :)

As for Tong, Wednesday was a day of grieving. He was ok when we were visiting the orphanage and having lunch, but he sobbed on the way to Qingdao, asking our guide how we can be his parents if we do not look like him and if we speak a foreign language. He also said that he was afraid that if we saw any of the other kids in Qingdao, we wouldn't love him anymore and Emily would want to play with those kids instead. :( Most of all, he misses his foster family. He cried and he cried hard. It was heartbreaking, but I am glad that he is able to express what he is feeling.

Yesterday (Thursday), we went to Daming Lake, a beautiful park with a lake here in Jinan. It was beautiful but HOT!!!!!! Missy said that it has been relatively cool (compared to the usual summer weather here), but it was easily 95-100 degrees. I think we are in for some serious heat in Guangzhou!
We enjoyed walking around the park and we took a boat ride across the lake. It was really nice.

After the park, we came back to the hotel and had a low key afternoon. By about 5 pm, everyone was hungry, so we decided to take a walk to find something to eat. We took a walk down a beautiful traditional Chinese street across from the hotel and checked out all of the food stands and open air shops. Eventually, we found a chicken fast food place called Dico's. We really want to try some more local food, but are nervous with Mike's allergies as we can't always tell what is in each dish. Anyway, Dico's was fine, except for that they apparently have a Dico's song sung by children that plays in an endless loop while you are dining- I think we heard it about 75 times in a row, LOL!

Anyway- on our way back to the hotel, Tong had a bit of a meltdown (more like a rage), which lasted the whole way back to the hotel, and then some. For all of you who know Dylan, Tong gives Dylan's lungs (and vocal chords) a run for his money. Of course, given the situation and all of the major changes in his life, this is to be expected. He is leaving his country, his language, and all of the people who he has known for 7 years. He is having a very difficult transition, going through the textbook stages of grief, but we are encouraged that in between these moments, he is a happy and fun little boy who loves to receive and give affection. We know that over time, when we are home and things are more structured and more predictable, it will get better.