Merry Christmas From China

It's Christmas Eve in Guangzhou, and it feels very strange being so far away from our family. It has been a wonderful trip, but we are getting homesick. A few more days and we'll be on our way home.

Yesterday, we visited a very interesting folk art museum and a Chinese toy market. The museum was great, but the toy market was a little disappointing. We saw some beautiful artifacts in the museum and we had a very good time.

Today we visited a buddhist temple as well as a large Chinese pearl market. The temple was not impressive, and actually depressing. However, the pearl market was lots of fun and I think the girls in our family made out very well. We were able to purchase some gifts for our daughters when they get a little older, and also something for them on their wedding day.

Below, Avery is playing with her new friend, Emily. Emily's parents are in our travel group and have become very good friends. They are wonderful and it sure has made our extended stay in China very enjoyable. Avery also had a major breakthrough with dad today. She walked over to him and reached out for him to pick her up. Dad was all over that and snatched her up in a heartbeat.

Tonight we are attending a bilingual Christmas Eve church service with our travel group. They are our extended family now and it will be great to celebrate with them.

Merry Christmas!