What a day. We headed out to Badaling to climb the Great Wall. Okay, we cheated. We took a cable car up the wall and climbed down. But, don’t let that deceive you. It’s still very much a work out as some parts are so steep that you have to turn your feet sideways and slowly inch yourself down.
I confess to reaching a new low there as the “ladys” room (as the sign said) was so crowded and so not where I wanted to be that one of the moms with us and I ended up going behind some buses. After we went, we realized that not only could the people in the cable cars have a nice view of us but there was a driver in the car we were hiding behind. When in Rome….right? The view from the top was amazing even through the haze, and we were so glad we got that experience.
After lunch at a very authentic “hole in the wall” dumpling restaurant (with a “ladys” room no better. Yikes.), we drove to Fang Shan to a school/orphanage Living Hope International runs for orphans who are not eligible for adoption because they have some living relative. They performed their dancing and songs for us, and two girls shared testimonies tearfully. It was quite an experience, a real privilege. Samuel, the director of our agency, happened to be in China this week for some meetings. So, he was there at the school and made sure we got a full tour of the 6 acre property before we left for a fancy dinner which he hosted for our group (more amazing food including Peking duck and fried root ice cream among lots of other dishes). We were thankful to get the time to speak with him and hear more about what Living Hope does besides adoptions.
My eyes are dark–my family knows the look well when I need to go to sleep. I’m hoping that tomorrow I will be able to sleep past 3am. It’s our last night in Beijing. We will leave at 8:30 AM (8:30PM Saturday night in Phili) to catch our flight to Xi’an where we will receive Lydia. As we are packing up our bags tonight and trying to make sure we are within the weight requirements for each bag and organizing things as best we can, my thoughts are with Lydia. It is her last night in the crib she has slept in since she was 2 weeks old. It is her last night in the orphanage, her last night as an orphan. Tomorrow morning, she will be dressed nicely and escorted by the orphanage director and perhaps a nanny to meet us in the capital of her province. We don’t know quite what to expect. Neither does she. All we know is that by late afternoon tomorrow, she will be in our arms.
Dear Evan, Ashlyn, and Drew – the cable cars today we took up the wall were so high in the sky. I got a little scared! There were lots of people climbing the wall like us. A bunch of them wanted to get pictures with us because they thought it was so neat that we were American. Tomorrow we’ll have Lydia! I can’t wait to meet her and introduce her to you on the computer! We love you so much!
I am so excited for you. Jordan and I prayed for you tonight before he went to bed.
No fair that you got to ride the cable car up the wall. We had to walk up with almost the whole step covered with ice. It was so treacherous. I was afraid at any moment that Jordan (who was in front of me) was going to lose his footing and we would both tumble down the steps. I hated that the steps are so uneven.
You do eventually get adjusted to the time change and start sleeping through the night (well unless your daughter wakes you up) and then you head home and it is much worse.
We loved visiting the training center. It was one of our favorite experiences from China. Those children are so talented. I would have loved to smuggle them all home in my suitcase.
Joy for the rest of the Weavers
We are looking forward to seeing your forever family day pictures and your sweet Lydia.
Ok, that fist picture, in the other room, the tanks with holes in the floor?? Tell me that is not a bathroom. If that is what they are like, I don’t blame you for going behind a bus! It is 10:20 pm here, that means, not too long before Lydia is in your arms. Can’t wait to see the pictures! Praying for you!
Praying for you!
Kelly, I’m so excited for you today! You’re already on your way or already there! I know you’ll probably have such a busy day with Lydia and skyping with your family back home, but if you get a chance, please post some photos for us! You know we’re all eagerly waiting to see Lydia in your arms. Hugs, Petrie
CANNOT wait for your NEXT POST! I mean this one was nice…but the next one…:) Its 11:30pm (our time) and I keep thinking to myself, where are they now? where is she now? Not too much longer..I’m thinking 3pm my time and she’s yours! Love you and love Lydia!
So exciting…safe flight!
This is so wonderful to follow! We are right behind you!!! YAY! I simply can’t wait to click on your update this time tomorrow!!!! Love from HOME!! Happy Gotcha day eve!!
Waiting for your post today and to see pictures of you with your beautiful Lydia. It should be 8pm there now so I’m pretty sure you have her now. Congratulations! We’ll say an extra Palm Sunday prayer for you all in church today – what a fitting day for your Gotcha Day, your own triumphant meeting (entrance).
Your itinerary dates must be in American time–I thought you already had your Lydia last night while we were sleeping.
So…my sentiments don’t change. I’m thrilled for you–and anxiously awaiting those first pictures that we’ve been visualizing for over 3 years and seriously she could be no more precious.
God be with you as you sleep tonight that you get enough sleep to be alert and rested for this very big day for you all!
Love and God Bless
Glad to hear your adventures have been FUN! Really looking forward to the NEXT post! :)
We have been praying for your family!!!
The pictures are great, and the best is yet to come. Can’t wait to see your new little girl.
Praying for sweet Lydia’s heart today, and for you guys for wisdom.
It’s hard to believe we’ll be in Beijing at this time next week taking in the sites of the Great Wall for ourselves.
I am following your journey and can’t wait to see pictures of Ms. Lydia! I hope you get some rest and I’m praying for all the excitement and changes to come…
ohmygosh, Kelly, I don’t know what was crazier….you getting in one of those cable cars or you “doing in Rome”. I laughed out loud!!! I don’t think I’d be brave enough to do either!!!
I’ve been praying for you guys. In fact, I was pryaing for you at exactly 7:15 this morning (Sunday) as I was heading to church asking God to give you whatever you needed for those moments and to be very present with you all!!!
Okay, I totally had to laugh about the little ‘pit stop’ part of the post behind the buses…too funny. Though I shouldn’t laugh too loud, as that could easily be me pretty soon! ;)
SOOOOOOO fun seeing YOU in China! :) Oh what an amazing life-changes time for your family. God is good! <>< Hugs,
Tanya