Many people come to this temple to worship and pray to the magnificent Buddhas. The air there was filled with the scent of incense...it is believed that the incense helps deliver your request/prayer to the Buddha. People use 3 sticks of incense at a time...one for the past, one for the present and one for the future. We were able to have the girls blessed by a Buddhist monk...a very special moment! Then we purchased some incense to take home and a female Buddha figure, which is said to protect women and children.
This is a spectacular, whimsical garden with brightly colored flowers and statues. It felt as though we were walking through a living cartoon...or game Candyland. It was very relaxing and enjoyable for us and the girls.
After today's tours our guide took us out to lunch to the same Chinese restaurant that she took us to the day we met Audra...9 days ago. The restaurant staff remembered us and commented that Audra has gotten "fat" since the last time we were there. I've never been so happy to hear someone call one of my children "fat"!!!
Shamian Island
We took a cab (without our guide) to this quaint, tranquil island that is well known to the adoption community. This island used to be the location of the most commonly used hotel by adoptive families, but it is currently closed for renovation. Many beautiful buildings surround a park with lots of greenery, statues and fountains.
After wandering around the island and all the shops we had dinner at Lucy's...an adoptive family tradition. We ate cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and french fries...just like home! And we were surrounded by other American adoptive families. The adoptive "community" here in Guangzhou and Shamian Island is truly a blessing. Many of the families we recognized from one of our appointments, or the hotel lobby and restaurants. And even if we have never met before, everyone is so friendly, with a story similar to ours. It is a real comfort while we are so far away from home.
Another busy, wonderful day in China!
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