All done and on our way

We spent yesterday seeing the Ming Tombs (the girls had to climb on every stone statue there and insisted I take pictures of each one - thank goodness for digital cameras!) and then to the Great Wall (we made it!).  Last night were major meltdowns for both girls.  Broke my heart not to be able to really talk with Guohua - all I could do was rub her back and tell her it would be ok and that we love her.  I know she misses her teachers and friends.  And now it is really final for her - we are leaving for America.  It must be so frightening.  Eventually, the tears ended, we had thumb wars, tickled and laughed.  I got a big hug good night so I think she is ok with everything.  And the girls reconciled and were laughing together too.  This morning, Guohua called the orphanage and seemed really happy afterwards.

For the morning we were on our own but managed to find the subway and see the Temple of Heaven and the Olympic Park.  Of course we  walked the wrong way to and from the subway stop at the Temple of Heaven so probably walked 45 minutes around the outside of the Temple that we didn't have to but we did get there.   You can't get in the Olympic stadiums yet, but we could walk along the outer edge and had a great view.  It was pretty cool to see.

Now we are grabbing some lunch and then to the airport.   This has been a good time to share as a family - seeing some things on fairly neutral territory.  I think both girls will have a lot of good memories.  We'll be home soon to start the real adventure of everyday life.

Thanks so much to everyone for their prayers and support!  God has really watched over us.  We have seen other families struggling with their new older daughters, so we are so thankful that we have enjoyed being together so much and Guohua is doing so well.

We'll arrive at Dulles on United around 8 PM.  See you soon!