Day 6 - I think

Today we toured other parts of Nanchang.  We first went to a traditional Buddhist Temple.  I was reluctant but to be respectful to the guide and the other families we went.  This temple housed the largest man-made bronze statue of Buddha in China and there were people praying fervently to the statue. I  couldn't help myself but to pray silently for all those people who seeking.  It was eye-opening to say the least... Next we went to a place called "The People's Park" which was beautiful.  It reminded me of Central Park in New York.  Lots of green grassy spaces and ponds with huge koi popping up their heads in hopes for a treat.  There were playgrounds and kids learning how to ride their bikes (one little boy ran over Alex's foot and then mine - and he was one of the better ones) and kids even driving kiddie golf carts - in the middle of the walkway causing all of us pedestrians to dodge out of their way!  We concluded that this is where the future taxi drivers of China are made! ;)  At the end of the park were amusement park rides!!!  Tons of them!  A carousel, tea cup rides, a kiddie roller coaster - you get the idea.  It was just like Disneyworld, except for the reassurance of safety!  The rides were old and rickety but too tempting for Madelyn and Luke.  So Alex and I conceded (and whispered a prayer) and agreed to go on 1 ride for each child.  Emma would stay in the safety of her stroller.  First, Luke and I rode a little roller coaster ride - the kind that you saw at Dinorex (before it went out of business).  We squeezed into one car and I struggled to get the seatbelt around us but it was broken.  No worries, motioned the attendant.  No seatbelts needed.  Yikes!!!  Before I could protest, the ride started and I grabbed on to Luke.  The ride started out slowly - ah that's why no need for seatbelts.  Then it went faster and faster and faster and it creaked louder and louder!  Help! :) Thankfully we survived and now it was Alex and Madelyn's turn.  Maddy chose an upside down ride and squealed the entire time.  Alex looked green the entire time! :) But they survived as well.  Our reward was a meal at McDonalds. Luke ate like there was no tomorrow.  He has survived on goldfish and butter pancakes for 5 days.  Now with a cheeseburger, chicken nuggets and 2 orders of fries, my boy was happy.  Emma, bless her heart, is a fan of Big Macs.  Ahh, she IS a Kim! :)  To keep things real, I must say that there was one moment last night that was our first struggle with the will of a two year old.  Emma has a definite mischevious side to her.  When we correct her and tell her "no", she just grins this sly, sneeky grin and shows no remorse.  Uh, oh.  I don't know why but it troubled me so much that she reacted that way.  So I thought I should teach her some boundaries (instead of showing her grace, I admit that the human part of me prevailed) and we started trying to make her say or sign "please" (by putting her hands together) when she wanted something.  It didn't work.  She grew more obstinate and (and distant) I grew more frustrated.  So we called it a night and we put her to bed.  That night I had to take a moment to think and remember that "rules without relationship lead to rebellion." I decided that I would make sure she trusted and loved us first before I started being too strict.  I went to bed praying for wisdom and grace in how to best raise Emma.  It was a restless night - even for Emma.  She cried in her sleep several times but quieted quickly as soon as I spoke to her or held her.  Oh Lord, please let her know we love her no matter what.  And even now, when I have a better idea of what the "no matter what" would be, we still love her no matter what... May tomorrow be a new day and a fresh start. 

Olivia