From Guangzhou to Chengdu

A great breakfast, a not-so-great visit to the doctor (Who really likes to go to the doctor anyway? It must be something we're born with because mankind's avoidance of physicians seems to start at a very early age, as evidenced by Willow's reaction this morning - see picture to the left.), some wonderful playtime in the hotel, a nice walk/nap around the bank of the Pearl River, our first swim with our new family member (and boy does Willow like the water), some shopping with Momma and Willow in the baby-carrier, and a another not-so-great experience at dinner (because Willow had a melt-down and Baba had to take her back to the hotel room to settle her down), pretty much sums up our day. Time flies when you're having fun, and when you're stressed out.

Of course the big news in China right now is not the Kruggel's way to Willow Rae, but rather the devastating earthquake that has hit central China. We're hearing and reading stories already that thousands are believed dead. We've heard from some of our friends back home already, inquiring of our whereabouts and safety. Since we're in southeastern China, we're far from the epicenter and, in fact, never felt the shake. Nevertheless, we're saddened about this disaster and feel for these precious people who are suffering over the loss of so many of their loved ones. If you think to pray for us today, please turn your prayers toward those from the provincial capital of Chengdu.

Tomorrow we'll do a little more shopping, sightseeing and perhaps a visit to the local zoo. We'll take it a little easy since we tentatively plan to go to the abandonment site of our Poppy Mae Zu Qiao located several hundred kilometers from where we are right now. Some of you may know that Poppy is of a minority heritage here in China, known as the Yao people group. They're known for their love of dancing and music, which partially explains Poppy's affinity for the same. Very few foreigners travel to these parts of China where the Yao reside, so we feel especially privileged to take this trek to task. It will be a long day of travel, but hopefully very fulfilling.

We'll keep this blog entry simple and to the point, signing off with a few more lovely pictures from our adventures today (below). We are forever grateful for your love and affection, prayers, e-mails and even a few encouraging phone conversations with family back home.

Until we blog again...

Warmly in Christ,

Tom

P. S. - I particularly enjoyed the sign along the park this morning (see below) that read, "Please do not spit everywhere and litter up. Violators will be amerced with a range of 20 to 50 Yuan."