The best day yet!!
April 28th, 2008
Today (Sunday) was the best day we have had since we arrived- by far!!! We arranged to rent a car for the day and go to the Underwater Aquarium and Museum, the Zhanshan Buddhist Temple, and the trestle that goes out into the Yellow Sea. We went with Aphea and Kayla, islanders from Tobago. We knew from the beginning that we would be getting a lot of stares just because of our races, not to mention the fact that we had handicapped children! At 9:30 sharp, two young men met us outside of our room and showed us down to the cars. They pulled right up on the front landing and opened the doors for us. What service! We knew it was going to be a great day!
After a very “interesting” venture through the heavy traffic, we arrived at Underwater World. As we bumped Brayden and Kayla down about 100 steps, we started drawing a crowd. Between the 3 kids, we were quite a site I guess. Some would just stare rudely, but some would come and rub Brayden and Kayla on the arm and face and give them a really gentle smile. Lots and lots pointed at Brylie. American baby girls are a big thing here. We finally got our tickets, and made our way to the entrance. I had to laugh bc there were like 2 very big tour bus loads of people waiting in line, but we got to bust right through and go through the wheelchair gate! However, once we got in, we had NO CLUE where the heck to go! Apparently is was very obvious bc a group of about 100 kids all started laughing hystarically at us as we tried to make sense of the signs. We finally just decided to follow them in. The place was awesome!!! Lots of crazy fish, turtles, and sea creatures. We were having such a great time, we even let it slide when the locals nearly knocked us over about a million times trying to get to the optimal picture taking place before we did. We learned that if you just wait it out, the crowd will clear for about 2 minutes. The best thing in the world happened as we entered the aquarium. It is like a big dome tunnel. The fish, sting rays, turtles, etc. are swimming above you and to both sides. As soon as we walked in, Brayden bent his neck backward to look up at the top of the aquarium! Never before has he done that! He usually keeps his head down or straight ahead. We were soooo excited!!! The rest of the Underwater World was not handicapped accessible at all. However, the security guards were very quick to help us to the nearest hidden elevator so we could make our way around. There really aren’t any handicapped signs to show us where to go, but what they lack in accessibility they most certainly make up for in kindness. As we were leaving, a Chinese man stopped Jason and asked him where he was from. When Jason said we were from America, he shook Jason’s hand and kept telling him thank you for coming to China. That was something we will never forget! We had a great time and loved to see all of the creatures from the Yellow Sea.
Next we were off to the temple. Outside of the Temple, they were selling huge sticks that looked like really big sparklers, but Aphea told me that it smelled like incense. We, well me, being from SEK was wondering what the heck kind of hippie party was gonna go on at this joint!! Not long after we entered, a group of young Chinese kids stopped me and asked if they could take their picture with me and with Brylie. We got to play movie star for the moment!! What a rush! The temple was, of course, at the very top of a big hill, so we had to carry wheelchairs and strollers up lots and lots of steps!!! We most definately could not have done it without all of the nice people who helped us out. At the first place, there were 3 small buildings. In front of each there was a big grill looking thing where people were burning incense and praying. Inside each of the buildings was a huge golden statue of Buddha. Lots of people were in there praying. Very colorful and pretty inside. I was a bit disappointed however to not see any tye dye shirts and peace signs, or hear Janis Joplin blaring on the speakers. Guess they don’t do that sort of thing over here! Up about 100 more stairs to a huge, very pretty building. It had big doors all around it with a very decorative roof line. I walked up the steps to see what it was, and a very sweet Chinese lady opened the door. I don’t think this place was really open to the public, but she invited us to come in. There was a huge, gold picture of a lion above an altar with a really big golden Buddha off to the side. They told us that pictures were forbidden in here, and that the book of Buddha resides upstairs in that building. They said they were cleaning that temple in preparation of Buddha’s birthday at the end of the month. After chatting with them for a bit, they told us that we could take pictures and they would prepare the place for us to do so because they welcome American’s to learn about their culture. They were very kind. On the way back down the “mountain,” a group of 3 Chinese girls wanted to take their picture with Brayden and Brylie. They were very sweet. All 3 of them helped me carry Brayden down the stairs! I’m sure Brayden was loving that!!!
Our last stop was the Trestle. It is basically a long man-made pier with a temple-looking building at the end. It stretches out into the harbor. The farther we walked, the colder it got. Aphea and Kayla are used to 80 degrees year ’round. They were freezing!! All along the pier there were locals selling shells, jewlery, and other items made from coral and shells. Lots of people begging. That was sad. The view at the end was great. Lots of fishing boats and two battleships docked in the harbor. We definately got a lot of stares here! The place was packed like sardines, and Brayden was hollering, so we really didn’t fit in! HOWEVER, the second best thing of the day happened here! I got my wish! A guy was riding his bike by us, just staring like no other, and ran smack into another guy! It was the funniest thing I had ever seen! I though Aphea was going to lose it!! It’s all about Kharma!!
After 8 hours of touring, we had another interesting ride back home, but arrived in one piece! Our drivers were fantastic! Very helpful with all of the kids. They even helped find us a table at KFC! All of this for about $45 USD. You couldn’t rent a bicycle for that at home, and you dang sure wouldn’t get the service!! Therapy as usual on Monday and Tuesday and then another spinal on Wednesday. We are on the downhill slide! Thank you all for your support! We are really starting to get homesick, but your e-mails and comments help so much. Talk to you soon!
Entry Filed under: cp,Uncategorized
18 Comments Add your own
1. Brandy Russell | April 28th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
WOW! I love reading this! It really powers me for the day! I am so excited to hear about Brayden lifting his head!!! How Great is Our God!!!! I am also excited that you all had a great day!!! I am sure you needed it! I hope the rest of the trip is as good! Love you all!!
Love, Brandy
Deuteronomy 10:21
He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.
2. Aunt TT | April 28th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
WOW!!! Where do I begin. I am sitting here at my desk, it’s 7:00 am, and it’s Monday. I’m thinking man I am hating life right now, then BAMM I read all the blogs from this weekend and almost fall out of my chair! Brayden you are such a stud!!! You have proven so many people wrong! Aunt TT is so proud of you little man:)
It sounds like you all are starting to have a great time! The aquarium sounds really neat. I bet sis was loving it! I can’t wait to hear Jason’s play by play of his accupucture session. I bet that was priceless! Lorie maybe you should hop up and give it whirl for all your headaches!
I hope you guys have another successful week. Remember Aunt TT loves you all so very much. Kisses from Kansas
3. K Hess | April 28th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Sounds like you had a really nice day at the aquarium, it’s good you can get out and see the sights. I have enjoyed reading you blogs so much, not only Braydens progress and his experiences but your stories and explanations of China. You do a wonderful job explaining it all. Won’t be long and you’ll be home. I can’t even imagine tuna pizza, it’s so weird the different foods they have.
Hugs to all of you.
4. angie | April 28th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I am so glad you guys had a great day. Sounds like a great outing. From the pictures it looks like a beautiful place.I can’t wait to hear all your stories. Brayden is such a stud . . .he must get that from his mom since Jason had such a hard time with it!
Brylie looked like she is still her sassy self. Nothing is going to slow her down . . .not even being in a different country!
Miss you all, can’t wait to see you!
Ang
5. Tracy, Shawn, Hannah, and Makenna Andrews | April 28th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Lorie, I always knew you were a strong person, but you are even stronger than I imagined. God definitely knew what he was doing when he put this precious little boy in your family. I think so many people can learn so much about determination from Braden. I think you guys have the whole little town of Columbus behind you. We’ll keep praying for you. God bless!
6. Marta B | April 28th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Wow!! With no internet at home and the wedding for three days I was so far behind reading about your adventure. Awsome news. We are so glad things are going well. His improving sight is the biggest blessing of all.
The wedding was great. They are back in Corpus Christ this morning, as Jake has to be back on base by tomorrow morning. We’ll have lots of pics to show you when you get home.
We’re still planning a big steak dinner with lots of beverages. We’ll have lots to celebrate when you get home. Love you all four – The Browns
7. dayna ray | April 28th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
hey, sounds like everything is going well. Glad that you all got to go out and enjoy the day. Hope everything goes well on your next treatments. Hugs and kisses from Kansas!
Love, Dayna,Cloyd, and Chance Ray
8. Lori Johnson | April 28th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Wow! I got on this morning to check your blogs and you’ve had some busy days! Shayla played softball all weekend on her traveling team, so we have been out of the loop for a few days. I’m glad to hear things are continuing to impove and you are all keeping your spirits high. You two are amazing parents and we will continue to pray for countinous success. Give the kids hugs and kisses from all of us. We look forward to reading the next blog!
Love, Wade, Lori and Girls
9. kandi | April 29th, 2008 at 12:14 am
AWESOME news!!!!! It is so amazing to hear that Brayden is doing so well. Hopefully he’ll have a good week. Can’t wait to see all of you when you return to Kansas.
Love ya’s
Kandi
10. Lisa | April 29th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Wow, what a great adventure. We always knew you guys were movie stars. You just had to go to China to realize it. Your blog is great. I read it first thing when I sit down to my computer. Your writing is so descriptiive that it gives us a small picture window of what it is like over there. Don’t change it at all. You are giving the people that love you an opportunity to share in your experience. Thank you so much for that. God is with you on this trip. Keep the faith. Much love to all,
Lisa and family
11. carolyn | April 29th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Hi Johnson family! It is great hearing how well Brayden is doing. It will be exciting to see him when he comes home. I bet you will be glad to get home even with the complaints of high food and gas prices. (That is what is on the news every night.) I admire your family for your willingness to leve the country and do everything possible for Brayden. Take care and don’t bring back any of the pizza!
12. Marla | April 29th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Sounds like you all had quite a few busy days! We were back in Kansas for a visit this weekend, so I was looking forward to work this morning so I could catch up on all the news I missed! It is fun to read all you little adventures in China, but it is truly wonderful to hear of the progress that Brayden is making. Continue to keep us updated as we continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayer. Take care!
13. Steven Burton | April 29th, 2008 at 9:14 am
It is so Amazing to read about Braydens Improvements I am so Happy for you guys!! Hope everything continues to improve and i hope you bring Brayden up to the Fire Department to meet us all as soon as you get back and let him sit on the big Red trucks!!
14. ashley | April 29th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Well your not the only one who gets in fast at Underwater World we did in Florda with are rides because of dad lol it was so fun I mean there were people waiting in line for hours and we got in in like 5 minuts so ya its preaty cool were so glad Brayden is doing so well i’ll keep you in my prayes and tell everyone we love them.
15. collette burgan | April 29th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Lorie, you will have to become a writer! Your blogs are so special.We are so proud of all of you! Hang in there Brayden, you are an inspiration to a lot of people ! All our love, hugs and kisses, Everywhere I go someone asks as to your progress,. It won’t be long now til coming home day! Aunt Collette
16. Lisa | April 29th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Just a quick note. I am so glad your using this blog. It is making my mom dust of the computer and actually use the thing. She is not only following the blog each day but she is typing responses. Her and dad are coming down in a couple of days, so her computer will get to rest again. We will be keeping up here. Sending much love your way.
Lisa
17. Bryan and Trish Wyckoff | April 30th, 2008 at 4:46 am
Wow! We loved all the pics. Thanks for sending them. What beautiful sights your family is getting to see while you are there. And — what wonderful miracles with Brayden’s success!
Trish
18. Trev- | April 30th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Hey all!!! Brayden sounds like your doin very well lil man, keep it up!!! Its such an awesome thing!!! Well i hope you all are doin fine. Can’t wait to see ya all.
Love- Trev
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