Isabella Danielle: One week ago

Today we started out as usual with Isabella waking everyone up and getting things moving. She even claps her hands. We tried breakfast separate but while Keira was fine, Isabella would not eat. Eventually, after Stacy and Keira were done eating they moved over to sit with us and things went better. We did a tour today to White Cloud Mountain Park. BEAUTIFUL park. Dan, you would LOVE it. So many things in bloom and such unique plants. The girls fed the fish and well, were ready to get back on the bus. They LOVE to ride the big bus. The garden, well not so much but the bus ride is their treat. Also what makes EVERY tour for them wonderful is they get to talk with Kelly our guide along with the other families. Isabella is such a charmer.
One the way back we stopped at a McDonalds and the girls tried their very first “American” meal. Up to this point they will would not eat ANYTHING but Chinese food even with all the things on the breakfast buffet so this was a step to even try something different for them. Isabella loved it “better than noodle soup” she said but Keira, well she only ate the bun. Ice-cream cones were for desert. When we went to the counter Isabella ordered and the bill was just way too high. I checked and she had ordered 2 ice-cream cones, 2 sundaes and 2 shakes!! Tooo funny. We had our guide explain.
Stacy & Keira went to the eye hospital today. During the 3 ½hrs Keira spoke much more (Isabella not talking all the time) to Stacy and Kelly about life in the orphanage and school. They sure loved the Director at the orphanage but school was tough in many ways.
While Stacy and Keira were gone Isabella, Coty and I went to the park. Afterwards Isabella I played on the computer (PBSkids) back to the hotel. She loves it and will sit on my lap for such a long time. We also went for a walk and I showed her the pools. They are so beautiful but cold so no one was swimming. She seemed a little scared around the pools and told the staff she never swam in one. She would not hardly even touch the water. I was just very thankful that she would do things with me without her sidekick Keira.
We had a group dinner at our favorite restaurant where everyone knows the girls by name. They also know what they like to eat there - noodle soup. We thought it was ok when they ordered, usually it is just their soup and maybe a drink. Well little did we know they ordered much more than just soup this time!!! Here comes the food - noodles - steamed buns - dumpling like bun and expensive tea!! Too funny.
Another funny thing today was Keira wanted Hong Boa (red envelopes) from the store that are given with money in them for Chinese New year or special occasions. After Stacy paid, she let Keira have them because she was so excited. She was not sure what she was going to do with them because Keira LOVES money and she could not imagine her putting money in them to give them away. Well, Stacy watched at Keira ripped each one open LOOKING for the money!! Keira thought she was getting a windfall when she saw the envelopes in the store!!! Tooo funny!!
Today marks one week that we have had the girls. When I stand back I can see the progress. These two girls just wanted to go back to their hometown, to the only momma (the director) they knew. Now, while they still (mainly Isabella) miss the director they are starting to have fun with us. Isabella is learning so much english and is so full of love. She has such a huge personality. Keira is less talkative (only because Isabella says it all for her) but such a sweet, caring personality. Amazing when I think about how these girls lives have been turned upside down, and yet they stay strong and meet each day ready to go. I can’t imagine walking in their shoes and being so brave.
Thanking God daily for placing these girls in our lives. Sunny days are ahead!!
Tammy
Ps. Lisa, I have to say your email was just want I needed to hear. Thank you so much for understanding and also taking me back to our incredible start!!
pss. Chloe please give mom a break about my spellin and grammar. I have lost a little brain power these last few days!!