July 1999

Summer Newsletter 1999

Magic in the Universe

Kris Wallace and Andy Ali travelled to China with 8 other families in July 1999 to bring their daughter Piper home to downtown Toronto. Kris offered this trip report.

When we travelled to China in July, we thought we were well prepared. We had met most of our travel companions, we were armed with Yulin's packing lists, and we had the advice of many other families who had "been there, done that." But there were still a lot of things that caught us off guard.

Like how warm and welcoming the Chinese people are - and how much they love children. We were overwhelmed by how much positive, enthusiastic attention we attracted when out and about with our daughters. This was especially true in Hefei, where Westerners are still few and far between. Have you ever seen a group of old Canadian men, or teenaged boys, circle around a stroller to "oh and ah" over the baby? Some of the locals even took photos of us! We felt like Madonna or Ricky Martin.

We were also impressed by how good the food was (well, most of the time). And by how quickly the families grew to rely on each other for support and friendship - not to mention extra cough syrup and correctly-sized diapers! And how extremely smooth and well-organized everything was, whether we were with Yulin or her assistants Kailee, Daisy, and Li.

We were surprised, too, by just how much fun we had. Strolling around Hefei in the warm evenings. Visiting the police substation where our daughter was found, and, after reassuring the officer that we weren't there to return her, being invited inside to take photos. Seeing virtually all of the famous sites in Beijing. Buying beer for about 30 cents a litre and three cans of coke for about $20!! Bargaining for beautiful, inexpensive pearls, squeaky shoes, and the now-legendary Mao lighters.

It was also an unexpected pleasure to witness two-and-a-half year old Vera bonding with her forever Mom and Dad. And watching 7-year-old Mitch take to the role of Casey's big brother like a fish to water.

It is truly amazing how each of us receives just the right child: Proof positive that there is magic in the universe. Mind you, that doesn't surprise us at all.

...and Mitchell's Top Ten!

7-year old Mitch Pfenning travelled on the July trip with his parents, Kelly and Norm, to adopt his little sister Casey. He was asked what he liked best about the trip.