We Made it to Monday!

     Friends, if I'm being honest... Guangzhou has been harder. Not in regards to how Josiah is doing, but in regards to how I'm doing. My heart aches so much for the comfort of home. Guangzhou is so much busier than Kunming. The schedule is busier and it's so uncomfortable outside. We could opt out of some of the activities (which we've already prepaid for) but there's this catch-22 of trying to stay busy to keep your mind off of home. But doing said activities in said heat is enough to make you act a little crazy!
     It's also stressful leaving your hotel room and trying to find reputable food in the intense humidity. We've actually hit some American fast food places in an attempt to taste normal cuisine. Usually, I stay back with Josiah and Eric goes out to get our grub. I always send him out with what I call my "hopes and dreams" order and pray that China comes at least close. Yesterday, Subway did have mayo and mustard so that pretty much felt like winning the lottery to me. We also ate at a really good pizza place with some other families who happened to be there. God knew we needed community! One of the sweet Mamas even snapped some pictures of us with Josiah. It was such a sweet surprise to be sent these candid shots!

     Then there's going to a grocery store. It's like a giant, timed maze with a million people and no rhyme or reason to how things are organized. You're trying to move fast because it's packed but you don't quite know where you're going. No one speaks English so they can't help you find the one item you're looking for...which you end up just leaving without because A. You can't find it or B. They don't have it. Ugh! It can be super frustrating that the foods and drinks are so different. There are people that would slap me silly for saying such things about food in China...but they're not me. And everyone gets an opinion! *We have had some super yummy food while we've been here thanks to great recommendations, but meal time can still be quite a stressor.*
     Josiah largely eats congee (perhaps I've mentioned that before, ha!)...which we were able to feed him in Kunming very easily. It's been a little trickier here...but we're managing. He opens his mouth much wider for us now! More progress! He also sat in a high chair twice yesterday without crying...but he is still sooooo reserved in public that he looked like he was being punished by sitting in the high chair. My Mama heart could not take it and I picked him up at the pizza restaurant. No more high chairs for us.
     Today, we went to the Guangzhou Zoo. There were four families that went from our travel group. Our guide told the van to pick us up in two hours. At first, another mom and I made the mistake of saying the heat wasn't too bad. Shortly after that, we began our countdown to leaving. The heat was unbearable. Several exhibits were empty or under construction...like the pandas! We came to China and we couldn't even see ONE panda! Such a bummer. Apparently, there were some cute baby lions but we chose to linger in shady spots as a way to survive and missed several animals. I was worried about Josiah becoming dehydrated. It was so hot he barely drank...and ended up falling asleep just before we left. The A/C in the van was GLORIOUS! Here are some pictures Eric captured of our time at the zoo. The American Raccoon was a personal favorite. Hahaha only in China!

     After we returned to the hotel, we walked to a noodle restaurant and attempted to eat lunch. It was a frustrating experience and Josiah did NOT want to be there. Eric walked around with him to pass the time and we managed to eat without too many meltdowns. We usually order in for lunch so that probably wasn't my best idea. 

     Josiah laid down with me again for a nap. He seems to like falling asleep on top of me which I'll take for great progress with bonding. He is definitely a fan of Daddy (Baba) so we've tried to really encourage his relationship with me. Please continue to pray for that if you could! 

     We ordered dinner in tonight and are taking it easy. We haven't attempted the pool yet due to such long naps. Hopefully we can try that before we leave. Tomorrow is our Consulate Appointment! This is the whole reason we're in Guangzhou! We'll leave at 7:40AM which is the earliest departure time yet. At this CA, we'll get his Visa to come home! This process takes at least 48 hours which is why we can't leave until after 5PM on Thursday. We're so glad it's almost Tuesday! Now it's off to eat a cheeseburger from McDonald's. Yum! Here are some cute shots of our little guy in his bro tank today... perfect for the hot weather!