Friday, June 4, in Beijing
Well, today was filled with activity. Started out with a great breakfast at the hotel then off to the Jade markets. We then ventured into the country (which we prefer over the city) and started our trek up the "Great Wall" which is very appropriately named. This climb is not for the faint at heart (literally, they warn you before the climb). Very steep at times and strenuous if you were ill prepared. This is not only a beautiful place, but also an engineering marvel when you think about how they could have possibily built it.
We were then off to another market where we had lunch and purchased some are art work. The picture shows a piece we purchased from the artist that shows some flowers that match the mural on Emmaxia's wall.
We then ended our day at Olympic Stadium. Weather was great although a bit hot at times. Food was great always and the company I kept doesn't get any better.
See ya tomorrow.
Greetings, Guests!
We will use this blog to share news as we move one step closer to Baby Rock each day.
For those who need a bit of background...
We decided to adopt a baby from China in September/October of 2005. After completing mountains of paperwork, background checks, fingerprinting, etc. (collectively called the dossier), we were officially on China's waiting list on April 14th, 2006. This moment of acceptance is called the log-in date (LID). This date is quite significant because families are matched with children according to LID. If you follow referral dates (the date a waiting child is matched with a waiting family), you will be able to see how close we are to being matched--at least in theory. When we started the process three and a half years ago, China was matching month for month, meaning one month of LIDs were taking one month to match. Now, unfortunately, one month of LIDs is taking about four months or more. So...we wait...we vent...we cry...we breathe...we hope...we believe.
*To our family and friends-
A huge hug and thank you for sharing our frustration and our joy as we practice patience and faith, knowing Baby Rock is just over the horizon.
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Pictures look great! We will give gruzin lots of lovin. We love you. Don Colleen & the kids
ReplyDeleteCan't believe you are there and so close to Emmaxia...glad you are enjoying things.....sounds like great experience all around.....keep the news and pictures coming....Amy D.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates! It is so great to see and read about your adventures as you get closer to Emmaxia!! Nicole
ReplyDeleteHey Tara and Todd,
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome experience you are having, INSIDE another awesome experience! I'm so happy for you both.. I mean ALL.
Can't wait to see you and Emmaxia when you return.
Enjoy your entire experience and safe travels.
John
Auntie Tara and Uncle Todd-
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! I love the picture of the Great Wall. Have fun getting Emmaxia tomorrow!
Love, Rylee
Tara and Todd-
ReplyDeleteWow! What an incredible journey you are having on your way to your daughter! Thanks for sharing some of your pictures and experiences with us. We can't wait to see three of you in the pictures! Love you, RJ and Kevin