"...For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NASB

(Click photos to enlarge) 

The Jones Blog 

On our last morning in Nanchang, we went to a beautiful park.  There were people playing traditional Chinese music for which we found that we do not have an ear for.  We had to ask our trip coordinator if the singers were good - we couldn't tell.  The music was really pretty, but all of the singing sounded a little off key.  There was a big exercise area with all sorts of playground/exercise machines.  We all got a kick out of trying them out. It was comical to watch these older women put our guys to shame on a ski/running machine. All the local folks got an even bigger kick out of it.  We were taking pictures of them, and they were laughing and taking pictures of us.  The gardens were beautiful, many of the flowers are ones that we use in the U.S.  This morning at the park, AA may have turned the corner with her daddy.  I got to hold her without her fussing (much) and she really seemed to enjoy my company.  Boy, I sure enjoyed hers.  Even if we haven't turned the corner, the Lord is giving me a glimpse of what will come soon.  This has been my best day yet with Alice Ann, and I'm so thankful.

We also spent some time shopping for porcelain.  The Jiangxi Province (where AA was born) is known for porcelain, so it was fun to look around and purchase some things.  Everyone wants to give you a "special price"  - John loves to bargain. I just pick things out and leave the rest to John.  We make a pretty good team.

We flew to Guangzhou Friday evening (quick 1 hr flight).  We are really glad to be here.  They definitely save the best for last.  We are on Shamian Island, staying in a beautiful hotel called the White Swan.  Most adopting families stay here as well as businessmen.  The hotel is full of little Chinese baby girls and their American families.  It was really been a treat to meet families from all over the US (a few from Spain).  Every family has a different and beautiful story.  We met the other four little girls that were just adopted from Alice Ann's orphanage and exchanged emails.  The girls might want to keep up when they are older.  Who knows? There are nine gourmet restaurants inside the hotel which are quite pricey.  The food is MUCH better here than in Nanchang.  And the air conditioning works in our room - BIG plus!!!  As I am typing, John and AA are watching Sumo wrestling.  John is becoming quite a fan.  There is actully a Caucasian guy wrestling at the moment. Quite the physique!

Alice Ann is shy and reserved no more!!!!  She is hilarious and LOVES to initiate games with her Daddy.  She smiles at everybody and eats nearly everything she can get her hands on.  She is a completely different child than she was just 4 days ago.  God has been very gracious - it is just amazing. She is actually quite precocious. It is really something to realize how shocked she must have been in those first few days that would have suppressed a personality like this. She is already stronger - she scooted/crawled across our hotel room floor this morning. She can stand up now with help. We don't think it will take too long for her to learn to keep up with her brothers.  Speaking of her brothers. . .they are doing very well.  They are having a blast playing with their cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. We can see God's providence in such a long stay in China - we can't imagine not having this time to allow AA to learn to trust and love us. However, it is a mighty long time to be away from Sam and Ford.  We read Psalm 139 with them before we left (more of a comfort for Mom and Dad), reminding us that though we are far away from each other, we can never be far away from our Father in heaven. Thank you all for your prayers.  We are anxious to get home to you all!!!