Travel Journal - Day 7

Pavilion Trip and Time to Relax

Today we traveled to a garden which was rebuilt in the mid 80’s and took 4 years. It was finished in 1985. This garden has been rebuilt 29 times. Whenever there is war or unrest, this pavillion seems to be one of the landmarks that got destroyed, thus the reason to rebuild it over and over again. Last night Taya again slept straight through the night for 10 hours. Mom didn’t scare her this morning and she came right to us. We still are trying to get open smiles from her, and not ones that take 10 minutes of our time jumping around making funny faces and gestures to get!! She is somewhat of a momma’s girl, and really prefers to just be held. She can sit when she isn’t wanting to be in our arms, and can stand and hold on to our hands or by our side, but not yet able to try steps on her own without us initiating them. We are hoping that as the days go on she will willingly sit on the bed and play with toys with us. Each day we are seeing more and more of who she really is, and I would say we have only seen about 5%. She is absolutely adorable and to have a child that wants to be held and cuddled at this age is something we aren’t really used to! Dustin and Jonah would of much rather pushed themselves off our laps and get away to explore as much as they could, with feet moving even before their feet hit the ground. That must just be boys, right Jaycox’s??!! ( : After we were through with the pavillion, our guide Mary took orders from everyone for Pizza Hut pizza. Let me tell you, just the name Pizza Hut and everyone had smiles!! Chinese food is very good if you eat the right stuff, but we are getting a little tired of guessing what we are eating!! The pepperoni pizza actually tasted just like home!! We then went to the Children’s Play Room at the hotel to celebrate one of Taya’s friends birthday. Her name is Lucy, and her parents are Teresa and Christopher. It was fun to sit back and watch the girls and their personalities come out. Lucy was really hamming it up, just like she actually knew it was her birthday!! Taya stayed her serious littlle self, velcroed to mommy, soaking in all of her surroundings. She is VERY observant. Lucy got a cake given to her from the hotel, and it was fun to see her dig into a slice of cake. Hands squishing into it, and frosting all over the place. Let me tell you, Taya really checked out that and was trying to figure out what that stuff was her friend had!! First experiences with these girls are so special. A few of us decided that we would venture out of the hotel and take a little walk. Our hotel is located on a large lake, and it is quite pretty. As we were walking by the lake, there were many men fishing with very long fishing poles catching fish out of water that were quite interesting looking. It is so polluted in the area, and I wonder what kids of pollutants they are consuming when they eat the fish!! I think I am going to stay away from fish on our menu!! Tomorrow we will be heading out into the countryside to see what life is like for the poverty stricken and farming families. I have heard that it is very eye opening, and that our daughters could very well of come from areas such as this. Our hotel is loaded with people that are adopting. We have seen French, German, English, and other American groups all with babies. I just am so happy to see that there is people out there that are adopting these beautiful girls and giving them loving homes. I just think about Taya’s mom and the sacrifice she had to make, and wish so much that she would know that we love her so much and will give her the best life we possibly can. I can’t imagine going through something like that. I still can’t believe that the Lord has brought us on this journey, and we are so thankful. I just can’t wait to get home to our boys and have them see their little sister! God is so good!

Amy and Dana

Dustin and Jonah: We have tried to call you several times but know that you are out and about and staying busy. We are already half way through our trip and on the last legs. Can’t wait to get home and give you hugs. I hope that doesn’t embarrass you having me say that, but guess what?? You’re going to get a ton of them from me!! : ) Can’t wait to see you! 7 days and counting.