We spent a wonderful day sightseeing in Tainan! We are so blessed to have been able to see so much of the city Zac was born in and we will be able to tell him about the beautiful places we saw and the kind people we met! We grabbed a map and headed out and thanks to Justin's navigating skills and some friendly local people, we got around the city very well!
Too chilly to swim but we still relaxed by the pool!
Breakfast was AMAZING! Grace loves chopsticks!
This is the view from our room on the 28th floor
One of the churches we saw
Our first stop, Chihkan Tower, built by the Dutch in 1653. Yes, I said the Dutch. You wouldn't believe all the Dutch history here (I am Dutch and almost found it comical at all the windmills and wooden shoes we saw!)
At one of the many shrines we saw. We walked through this one and people were burning inscense and papers to worship their gods. I quietly sang the name of Jesus as we walked through.
wooden shoes for sale!
Anping Old Fort. In 1624, the Dutch occupied Anping and took ten years to build a fort named "Fort Zeelandia".
Anping Tree House. The roots and branches of banyan trees wrapped around the building!
Grace is getting tired but she hung in there!
A little more Dutch...windmill at the Tree House
I couldn't resist posting this. It was part of the museum section of the Anping Tree House and written by a Taiwanese woman who married a Dutchman. I'm not even sure how to comment on this...would love to hear yours! Haha =)
Starbucks!! Grace got her groove back =)
It was a wonderful day! We absolutely love the people here. One woman bought us all coffees and helped us read our map. Many people just came up to us with big smiles on their faces and asked where we were from and why we were here. It is interesting to see their reactions when we say we are adopting a little boy. It is not "normal" to see an American family here to adopt a Taiwanese child (at least it didn't seem like it). We have seen very very few non-Asian people so we really stick out!
Tomorrow morning we get to meet Zachary!! It still all feels like I'm dreaming this all up. I am praying I can soak it all in and remember every detail of this gift...I consider this trip a gift. I love Taiwan and am so happy to have such wonderful stories to tell Zac. Thank you for lifting us up in prayer! I feel like I'm literally being held up by you and your intecession. God's gracious and loving Hand is so evident and we are soooo looking forward to tomorrow when we officially become a family of seven!!!
Have an amazing trip. The people are so genuinely nice! As I'm writing this you should be with your new little one. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWow! Looks like you had a fun day! I love all the pictures and details! Such great memories for all of you. 1 more day until you have Zachary! Yahoo - can't wait to read your next post. Love You so much and praying, praying, praying for you!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat to read about things so far-- brought to tears a couple times just thinking about what a wonderful thing you're doing. Looking forward to seeing the pictures of Zachary!!
ReplyDeletePS- The thing about marrying a Dutch man was funny ... I probably would've said something like, "If you want it so clean, do it yourself!" hehe...:)
That note on how the Dutch like a "clean house" is hilarious! Do you have those traits?? ha ha I just love seeing your pics and reading your post. What an amazing experience. I can't wait to see Zachary. Just a note from the home front...Joah was pretty funny this morning in the car. He told Tony he knew why Tony and Asher were friends..."because you're just as crazy as he is!" Probably a very true statement! You have a sweet boy in that Joah and I'm so happy him and Jackson are such good buddies. Sending many blessings your way. Amy
ReplyDeleteSo my favorite picture is the one of Grace and her yummy drink. ;-) So incredible! Happy for you guys and can't wait to see Zachary! You definitely have to stop by when you're in SC next! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your journey. Can't wait to hear how tomorrow goes. How funny that you're finding a little Dutch over there, too! As for the Dutch housekeeping traditions...well, that gene didn't get passed down, but the commentary reminds me of my grandma. :)
ReplyDeleteTomorrow is the big day! You get to meet Zachary for the first time and he will know the love of a mommy and daddy. Praying for you constantly and love you guys!!
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of your daughter with her Starbucks...reminds me of myself in Taiwan! I loved the Dark Mocha Frappuccinos. So excited for your family - praying for your time at SLC to be special, for Zachary to begin bonding with his new mama and daddy quickly and for the rest of your trip to continue to go smoothly!
ReplyDeleteCindy
Looks like you are all having a wonderful time! Glad to see Grace got her groove back :) Soooo super excited for the newest addition to the Vande Water family to officially be 7 tomorrow!!! PTL! He is one blessed little boy to join such a wonderful family! Prayers and love from SoDak :)
ReplyDeletePrayed for you while I was in the shower this morning. Not that you needed to know I was in the shower, but just wanted to let you know we are praying for you. Tomorrow!!!! So excited. Can't wait for Feb. 14th to meet Jan. 1st. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you guys are having an amazing time! We have been praying for you! The girls talked about and prayed for your family on the way home from dance tonight! Can't wait to see your sweet boy in your arms! He soon will know what having a family is all about! God is good!
ReplyDelete