About Guiyang - 1:25PM, Tuesday March 24

I actually am losing track of what day it is. I think it is Tuesday in the afternoon. If you are looking at the weather on our blog, today it is not accurate. It did rain last night while we were all sleeping, we woke this morning to heavy fog, which burned off by around 11:30am. Today it is actually another 70 degree day, partly cloudy. The blog says its still raining and 49.

Guiyang City is about 3,300 feet above sea level. The city sits in a pocket surrounded by mountainous hills. Visibility is not the best, so it is hard to see the mountains in the distance. The population of the city is over 2 million people, making it a rather smaller China city. There are over 150,00 people belonging to over more than 30 ethnic groups. Such as the Maio, Dong, and Hui, which Megan gets her Chinese name from (Huiyi).

The Bouyei people are famous for making the Batik material. Natalee bought some of this yesterday. Yesterday we also got to see a more modern part of the city, overlooking the main river Nanming He. It is very beautiful scenery, but very dirty. Our guide said that the river use to be 'crystal'. It ain't crystal no more. The park we were in saw many locals playing games; cards, chinese dominoes, and some strategy game on a board similar to chess, all pieces were made of wood and looked hand made. The people continue to be very friendly, and light up when you say, 'hello'.

There are many schools around the area of our hotel. All children attend in uniform, according to there school. The children really enjoy speaking with Americans. They are very friendly and will wave and say hello to get you to respond. We were out today during lunch break. As best as we can tell, the children get a break at lunch and can go home, or explore, or whatever; I'm not sure.

Today, on our free day, we attempted to find the bottom of that 300 foot hill. We walked and walked. Megan and mom did really well, the walk was mostly uphill. We found that the apartments are built at the foot of the hill. So we claimed this hill to be private and unavailable to be climbed by foreigners. We did however, get a better look at the Guiyang Tower (Guiyang City's version of a space needle). (It is a TV station) We can see this Tower well from our hotel room, but cannot get a picture of it from street level, because of all the tall buildings. We had a good walk, and it got better on the way back, as we got a treat; bing qiling. better known in the states as ice cream. It was wonderful. And not too far away, so we will be back.

The city has over 20 hospitals. We saw the one yesterday from the street where Megan had her surgeries. We also saw a big screen monitor, like you would see in Time Square. It was playing an NBA game, I saw the Milwaukee Bucks, but we were in taxi so didn't see who they were playing as it was in Chinese and we were moving. That part of the city is very modern, with high rises like Beijing. We drove through what looked like the business area, very professionally dressed people. We are located in the Central Eastern part of the city. Central Southern is where the river is and more modern buildings. But the ancient parts are preserved. We saw a very old structure that looked like an old fort. We asked our guide about it, and he said, 'that is an old strucure made of ancient stone.' We could have figured that part out. Communicating english is still difficult. But we laugh and go on and fill in our own blanks.

Right now Megan is taking a nap. Today she walked a bit with her sister and gave mom a break. This is a good step. She still misses her 'grandpa' very much. (my professional opinion: he gave her a sense of entitlement - this will be a battle to break) She does let me help her, just won't let me touch her, comfort her, or carry her. She is playful today with Natalee. Day 6. I am very much reminded of how our God so freely gives His love to His people and how He must feel when they reject it. I am right there. But, this, too, is making me stronger, and I know God is preparing me for such a time as this. Megan did sit in bed last night and listen to me talk with her. I spoke of how great our God is, and His plans for her, and how much I love her. She listened, she listened. She is so precious. Only a few short days of no holding her, but a lifetime full of love. Natalee brings me great comfort. She is such a special gift from God. She has been great. I know she must feel left out sometimes, because Megan needs more attention. But she is handling herself well. I am very proud of her!!

Have a blessed night, or day, whatever time it may be in your part of the world.
Blessings,
kyle.