The park

This morning we walked to a park that is nearby our hotel. We went with our new friends and chose to go in the morning so it wouldn't be so hot. Let me tell you, it didn't make a difference. It is crazy, unbelievable sweaty hot here!! As soon as you walk out of the hotel, you are drenched in sweat. But, we walked the 15-20 minutes it took us to get there anyway! It was pretty cool! There were people everywhere doing all sorts of things. From singing, to dancing, to hacky sack, to juggling, to tai chi, to badminton, to ping pong, and lots of other exercise! They also had an area for kids to play and kind of an amusement park area. We played at the kid area for a little bit, but it was so hot, we didn't last long! We got these Popsicle things on the way there and the way back to cool us down and we headed straight to the pool afterward!

This afternoon we took naps. Emma was about half way through her nap and cried out a little bit, so I held her for about an hour while she slept some more. So special to be able to do that! We had some Chinese for dinner with our friends and then went back to the pool with them. Sydney just loves playing with their girls, Elsa and Ava.

Poor Emma had a rough couple of hours today because she was constipated. It's hard because I have no idea what she was getting before. At least she takes the bottle really good now though! She really doesn't eat any solids at all. She has only taken a couple bites of cereal since we've had her. It's hard to convince her that food is ok!

So, to totally change the subject, I was reading some things about adoption today and ran across this thing about the results of being adopted by God. I thought it was good, so I adapted it to Emma also.

Results of being adopted by God

1. We have the privilege of calling God “Father” and of being called his children.
2. We have the security that God deliberately chose us and included us, not based upon anything we bring to the deal, but by his unsearchable love!
3. We have become members of a family with all the joys and blessings of being included. Scripture consistently uses familial terms to describe our relationships in this new Kingdom. We are brothers and sisters, God is our Father, Jesus our older brother.
4. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit who bears witness that we are, indeed, children of God and leads us in life.
5. As his children we are given many, many good gifts.
6. We receive discipline from God, as any beloved child does.

Similar results for dear, precious Emma:

1. She gets to call us mommy and daddy and we get to call her daughter.
2. She has the security of knowing we chose her and we will love her as one of our own!
3. She gets to be part of a family. I was just thinking of this as I hold her in my arms as she sleeps. She normally is a very hard sleeper, but today for her nap she woke up early. I picked her up and she just snuggled into me and fell back to sleep. I wondered if she ever got that kind of love before. Just to be held right away when she needs it. Plus, she now has two older sisters that absolutely adore her and love her to pieces.
4. I can't exactly give her the holy spirit, but I can pray for her and teach her the way to truth so she can spend eternity in heaven with me. :)
5. She will receive many good gifts, too. The gift of love and a family and acceptance, etc, etc. She is a priceless gift to us too!
6. She will receive discipline as well, as soon as she stops being so perfect! :)