Saturday, August 8, 2009

The Great Wall of China

What a day! We started early and headed out by bus to the Cloisonne Factory and got to see some beautiful pieces being made.

On the way there we got to see more of Beijing. This is the biggest city I have ever been in. I know we drove at least an hour before we came to the end of skyscrapers and tall apartment buildings. Once we did leave Beijing we were in the mountains and got our first glance of the Great Wall of China.




Absolutely amazing! The Great Wall was breathtaking. It is the rainy season here and we have not seen the sun, so it made it difficult to see how far the Great Wall expands over the mountains. We took a lift up to the Great Wall and then hiked the rest of the way to the top. There were so many people that we learned the Chinese way of getting around. Just push! No manners, just keep pushing your way through or you will never get anywhere.
We have really become close with some of the couples in our travel group and it has just been so awesome to be here with all of them.
The children that have already joined their families have been such a joy to be around. They have bonded and adapted so well. We got into major traffic issues and got back to the hotel 3 hours later than anticipated. The kids all did awesome. The adults on the other hand, were ready for rest!
On the way back to the hotel, we drove through the Olympic village. It was so neat to see. There was a soccer game going on at the Bird’s Nest tonight so the area was very busy. We did not stop, but did take some pictures from the bus. (The Bird's Nest and The Aquatic Cube ...)
We finally were able to connect and talk to the boys on Skype tonight. They are having a ball and even though they say they miss us, we really don’t believe them.
Well, we are heading to bed soon. We have another day here of sightseeing before we fly to Isabella’s province. We have to keep pinching ourselves … can’t believe we are only a day and a half away from meeting our daughter. Thank you all for your prayers and support. God has blessed us with such supportive family and friends.

5 comments:

  1. So glad you are doing well and to think that you get to hold that sweet girl so soon! Prayers going out to you!!! Can't wait to see pictures of her!!

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  2. Even though I see pictures of you in China, I still can't believe you are there! We are so excited for you! Love ya! -Tiffany, Jeremy, and Addy (Who is trying to figure out this crawling thing:)

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  3. omg..those pictures r amazing to see i can't believe u guys r really there...hurry home with Bella....hope guys r having fun..love ya, miss ya guys..jess nate and hunter

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  4. Hey guys. Glad to hear that things are going so well. I am so excited for you to be able to meet your daughter tomorrow. YEAH!!! We saw your boys at Soccer sign-ups this morning and they were doing well. We missed you at Jesus Fest today and will miss you tomorrow at Life Group. Can't wait to meet your new girl. The kids have been looking at her pictures on her. May God be with you in your awesome day tomorrow. Kenny Boatright

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  5. Thanks for the updates and the pictures. It all sounds fantastic. We are continuing to pray for you guys. We love you and miss you.
    Nancy and Bill

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