The Bill

So this morning we took care of our bill from the ER visit. We were both stunned at what the price was. We've all see ER bills, and they are not pretty.

Ours was. Shocking really.

When our guide said 150, we thought that was great. However, he meant, 150 yuan. WOW!! Do you know how much that is? It's 22 bucks.

What's shocking even more, is that we sent out our laundry to be washed. Let's use the term 'washed' lightly. It was at least rinsed and hung to dry. I wouldn't go as far as calling it "washed." Our laundry cost us 180 yuan. I didn't have all that much.

So in China, it's cheaper to get 3 stitches, 2 taxi rides, a shot, and a course of antibiotics than it is to send out clothes to be 'laundered.'

Interesting.

Vax Update:

We had our appointment at the clinic today for Evan's TB test check. It was negative! Yay! He received two immunizations, the pneumoccal and the influenza. NO Varicella. However, it is still a huge uphill battle and completely out of our hands. The doctors here are very understanding, and want to do the right thing, but are following the 'rules' by the book. We, as usual, don't seem to fit into any textbook case. Evan can have the vax, just not NOW. Not while it is at it's highest potency, and he is in the closest contact with Craig. With this type of situation, it is likely Craig would contract the pox or shingles, which of course, could have devastating consequences. There is still a risk if Evan had the shot at home too, and there is still a risk when the kids DO get the chicken pox. There will always be a risk, it's just the amount of risk that is the problem here.

So, what is going on is that one family member of mine that works with some people in the government is contacting some people for us that should be able to help. We have also contacted Craig's transplant physician, in hopes that he will be able to write something up in regards to this and fax it to the consulate. Ya, know...had we known...I would have covered my bases. We are praying this will get sorted out by Monday at 9am...our consulate appointment.

But, again, it's China, the country where doing laundry costs more than a hospital visit.

On a uplifting note...we have met a number of shop keepers here who are Christian!! It's so neat! Our favorite is Jenny's (not Jennifer's) I have so much to share...but it's really hard with a very, VERY busy and energetic boy.. I think he will be running circles around his siblings.