I still can't get our VPNs to work but my dear friend Debbie is plugging away for us posting all this!!! <3 you Debbie!!! :) Instead of lots of words - here is what you get - pics of New Hope - Meisi's crib from when she was a teeny baby at Heartbridge then her crib more recently while at New Hope. We were so excited to see that she had gotten our pictures we had sent and that they hung it on her crib!!! :) I wish I could verbalize how incredible our visit to New Hope was.
When we went back to the hotel we went on a walking adventure. First pic is a picture of the 5 of us the security guard outside generously took of us (without being asked). :) Then McDs... Melissa...I agree - the hamburger was a bit strange...smelled kinda funny too I think we will stick to true Chinese when we can! :) My tummy has been a bit off kilter today -prayers appreciated!!
 |
Today was a crazy busy day! We hired our own guide who was fantastic if anyone needs his info let me know!! Michelle - thanks for the recommendation! Jack was great today! We went to the Summer Palace. I could imagine how nice it is in the summer... When 22 degrees out, it was a nice quick visit. :) The kids were frozen! They did great for a good hour though! We nearly lost Ian once which scared us all, but thankfully some older Chinese folks stood near him and he stood still until we got to him! He kept walking when we stopped to talk to Jack. Scary times...
We went by a silk market which was really educational for the kids learning about the silk worm and silk making process (remember this is a homeschool field trip too ;)). Next stop was the Temple of Heaven. Kids did great here too! All these structures are amazing! Brian and I had seen them nearly 14 years ago but they have been restored since then and the colors are so vibrant and pretty. Although, you can't see as much as we could when we came. They have blocked off many areas due to the large crowds.
While there, this Chinese lady just grabbed Ian up into her arms to take pictures with him. lol He and Aili were such troopers with this. They were photographed often. Hugged some and patted on heads frequently.
As we were walking out there were these funny shaped rocks (and yes they are real rocks although they look plastic). The kids wanted to play on them but the guide said it really wasn't allowed. However, there were many kids on them. He said, "Go on and play...no one is enforcing today. " lol...so kids jumped up on one quickly for a photo shoot but just as quickly crossed back over the barrier - mother of the year award for allowing kids to break rules in China, right?
We ended our long day with a stop at a pearl market, a tea room and an acrobatics show. One very busy day!
Tomorrow will be much the same! We hopefully will meet some more Great Wall families as we tour the Great Wall, Forbidden City and T Square. Monday can't get here quick enough though.
We are so thankful for your prayers and encouragement! Sorry I can't respond to your comments! Hopefully in our next hotel we will have better luck with Internet. We do want you to know we can feel the prayers! Thank you!!!
Please continue to pray for Meisi's transitions....that she is being well cared for at the orphanage...and gotcha day be a happy day for her. Also please pray for our upcoming flight on Sunday morning - for it to be on time, for us to be on it and for a smooth ride. :)
Hopefully more fun travel pics tomorrow! Aili is super excited about the Great Wall...Ian is a little worried about being cold again. :)
Very fun and busy day! Monday will be here before you know it.
ReplyDelete