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!

Best Tickle Fight ever

Well, the walk in Beihai Park was a bit wet - ok really wet.  Even in the rain, the park was beautiful.  The guide seemed unfazed by the rain, as were we (no we are not sweet enough to melt).  Of course, Anna didn't get the umbrella she wanted and the guide was shocked that we didn't just make Guohua change with her (he later congratulated me when Anna started using her umbrella and gave it up - tho he had to listen to the very long complaints first :-)  Not like China at all he said.  

But back at the hotel, the girls all changed and got warm by jumping in the bed.  Guohua snuggled right in with me and for a moment, peace reigned.  But then, she just couldn't help it.  She started to tickle me.  And then Anna, and soon all three of us were giggling and tickling in a heap on this huge bed.  Honestly, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.   

First day in Beijing

We spent our first day in Beijing seeing Tianemen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshen Park and then Beihai Park.  We have a very animated guy as our guide this time.  The girls had been worried about not having a girl guide, but I think he has won them over.  He and Guohua have talked quite a bit.  She told him she knew a girl that had turned 18 and left the orphanage and ended up in Beijing - but as a prostitute.  Sad but clearly she understands what can happen.  But their other conversations seem to be pretty upbeat.  He says she is very clever - knows the Qing Dynasty history quite well and was pretty knowledgeable as we went thru the Forbidden City.  Both he and the driver are pretty taken and impressed with her.  She is really figuring out ways to communicate with us with some English and lots of acting and playing.  And though she and I walk arm in arm everywhere,  she is getting much more comfortable with Bob now too.  The guide did explain she could say Mom and Dad instead of Mother and Father, so she is experimenting with that now.  And whenever we ride somewhere, she just lays her head on my shoulder and catnaps.  A small taste of heaven for me.

Eric is on his way home

The sad part of that statement is that he left at 5 am this morning and it is almost 9 pm here and he is still flying.  He will be enroute for almost 24 hours which is about as bad as it can get.  We flew in to Beijing last night and then he and I hopped on the subway to go over to Chen Qiang's house (and since I am in the hotel lobby and have no memory, I may have just butchered her name).  She is a friend of Yingzhe's that let Eric stay with her off and on for 2 weeks.  He had left some of his luggage with her and we went to pick it up.  What a delightful woman!  We sat and she and Eric just chatted away.  I was so happy to have a chance to meet her and thank her for her great kindness and hospitality.  I hope she comes to visit us soon so we can return the favor.

So we'll miss our Beijing expert and resident translator for a while - he was an incredible blessing!

Truce

So there is supposed to be this picture of Guohua and Anna sleeping together under a table in Guilin - but since I can't upload, you'll have to use your imagination.  Anna is starting to really feel the pain of a bit of competition as well as the a big sister who likes to tease.  She's not entirely sure this 4 children thing was quite a good idea.  She's trying hard, but sometimes, it's all just a bit overwhelming.  But late the other night, the two of them found extra pillows and a blanket and mad a tent out of the table and 'camped out' all snuggled together. 

Eating may not be a problem

Well, for the first week, she ate almost exclusively sweet stuff at breakfast.  But she has started to eat a few more healthy things so I'm thinking maybe she thought she might not have the opportunity again.  But Guohua seems pretty willing to try anything.  One day, she walked into my room holding a peanutbutter and jelly sandwich - with some cheese potato sticks thrown in for good measure.  She's ordered a steak (had to show her how to use a knife) and qesadillas at a restaurant.  Likes pizza too and yoghurt is a staple.  When I asked her to get something at the grocery store for dinner, she made a beeline for French Bread.  Though she eats more fried rice than anyone I know and she like dark vinegar on everything, I think she'll find plenty she likes at home!  She did buy a cook book in Harbin - though it's in Chinese so she'll be on her own there.

Impressions of Liu...hmm I don't remember

We went to an evening outdoor show staged partially by the same guy who directed the Olympic opening ceremony.  The guide said this was the "grandfather" of that show.  There are 5 major minority groups in the Yangshou area and their different traditions were woven together in a show that was staged literally on the river.  There were over 600 performers - many on boats showing different aspects of life along the Li River and the surrounding mountains.  The costumes were beautiful but much of the effect was created by the number of people standing in lines and moving around in synchronized routines.  It was a beautiful production that the girls really enjoyed - and I think gave them a good view into the diversity and beauty of some Chinese traditions.