Thursday, February 28, 2013

Silver Haze

Two and a half years ago when we were in Zhengzhou, the heat kept us inside.

This year, heat is not an issue, but the smog, or "silver haze" as we like to call it most definitely is.

It is like a never-ending fog filled with toxic air. Our guide told us it was a sunny day out... when I looked really hard I could see the sun smothered in polluted air.

Lovely.

The air quality certainly makes one look at the EPA in a whole new thankful way.

Periodically we have braved the silver haze for some "fresh" air.

Last night we headed down to the Pizza Hut with some of our new friends (thankfully we have some really great families to pass the time with here in ZZ). Although the tilapia, salmon and other seafood type toppings were tempting, we settled for American favorites like pepperoni and sausage. If you know Kory, you might be shocked by that. I think the pollution is messing with him.

On the way home, we came across some Chinese line-dancing. Music blaring on a street corner with several lines of the good citizens of ZZ dancing away in sync (except for a few men who couldn't quite get in step). A few feet away another song was blaring with different dance moves. A dance-off of sorts.

Of course Kory joined in.


Today our outing was to a park. They had a few carnival type rides going. They weren't too high off the ground so we thought we'd risk it and let the boys ride. They'd go for a while, stop and just as we were getting ready to grab the boys, the cars would take off again. 

The ride got many giggles, "mamas" and "babas" from our little man. 


Other than that, we have been laying low, hanging out with our fellow prisoners, I mean adoptive families, and dreaming of the cleaner air of Guangzhou. 

A little swimming, a little gaming, a little wrestling, a little reading. 





A lot of bonding, cuddling, giggling, and getting to know our funny little boy. 

Hopefully Zak's passport makes its way to us tomorrow and then on Saturday we are out of here!

8 comments:

Amanda Petrosky said...

By Zak's expressions, it appears that you guys are enjoying your family time and bonding. It seems he trusts you and I'm rejoicing for the small steps each day brings in the bonding of your forever family.

Mom said...

Looks like good times, despite the fog! I love it that Simon and Jonah are experiencing all of this and especially time with Zak! We miss you all and look forward to welcoming you back on the 9th!

Love,
Dad and Mom K.

Chelby said...

Yeah! Another post...I keep checking and checking. I was awake early this morning and couldn't sleep, so I prayed for all of you and got up to check and see if you had updated your blog(1:45 am). Love that Kory joined in the "dance off/line dancing", too funny! Hope you can keep busy and beat any kind of bordom!

Emily said...

poor zhengzhou-- it just can't win, can it?? it does make you appreciate guangzhou thou--- i think i cried when i saw the starbucks INSIDE the hotel-- :)

miss yo guys!

smw said...

:) glad you can find humor in this time of imprisonment. :)

Anonymous said...

Looks like you had a great day despite the smog!

Hope your last bit of time is good, that all the remaining pieces fall into place as needed, and that God's hand is evident as you begin your trip back home to begin life as a family altogether in your 'real' world!

Our Journey to Grace and Olivia said...

love his smiles and seeing how well he is doing. I remember the carnival rides!

Heidi Klopfenstein said...

Oh the memories... :).