Day 4 and 5

On our 4th day here we climbed the Great Wall. It was an amazing experience. We actually took a ski lift up the wall (oh my goodness, one of the scariest things I have done!) and then climbed the wall for 2 hours. When we got to the top of the tower, there was a sign that said "no admittance" but clearly no one had obeyed because there was a well worn path making a trail through the trees. We followed it and it led to an unrestored tower. It was SO COOL! The view was amazing, it felt like we were on top of the world. We hiked back down to the ski lift and then we took a tobaggon ride down the wall. It was AWESOME! We got to shop with vendors and had our first experience bartering with the locals. We had lunch at Subway and then headed into town to shop at the Pearl Market.

We had a blast shopping! Whatever price they tell you, you go for 1/4 of that. It was so fun trying to get things as cheap as possible. The other girls bought jewelry but I stuck to junk for my kids. We had dinner at McDonalds and then came back to SFCV. It was a fun, fun day. Althought we felt guilty for not seeing the kids, we had many meaningful conversations about adoption with the group we were touring with. I think a lot of hearts have been stirred on this trip!

Yesterday (day 5) we stayed in the morning to play with the kids. We went straight to the clinic. Today Vincent was not settled and wanted me to hold him. As long as I was holding him and rocking or swaying, he was happy. I put him down to take a picture and he cried. So, the ayi picked him up and put him in his bed. It was so sad. Isabella was feeling much better today. I even got her to LAUGH. I heard a giggle and I saw her teeth. As soon as I reacted to her laugh, she was back to the poker face. She still had her baby (although it took us several minutes to find it). After she ate, she let Jamie hold he. This is a huge step!!!! I tried and tried to steal her from Jamie, but she would not let me. Today was definitely the happiest I have seen Isabella. Our biggest concern at this point is Leah. She looks like she is starving to death. The ayis keep her in the bed because she is so tiny and fragile. Even when she gets a bottle, she is left in the bed and they lean over to feed it to her. Kyle and I held her for 2 hours. She has no known medical condition, but clearly needs food and love. It is heartbreaking.

We were kicked out of the houses early since it is the weekend. Sara called us a taxi and we went to the Forbidden City to meet up with the group. We did finally find them (thanks to a cell phone- don't know if I want to see that bill!) It was pouring rain so our moods were a little sour. It did clear up as we made the 2 hour walk through the City. We were all exhausted by the end. We had the Moody sons with us, Matthew and Josh and they both speak fluent Chinese. They bartered with some street men to get us Rickshaw rides through old Beijing (Hutong Tour). It was one of the most fun things I have ever done! The men were hilarious, they tried to explain things to us in broken English and complained about how heavy we were. At the end, I let my driver sit down and I pedaled the bike. Hilarious. We had an expensive (but yummy) dinner in ho-hi (spelled wrong, but this is how you say it) and then headed back home. It was a long yet fun day. We said good-bye to the Indy group, I will miss them!

A little steep, don't you think?

On top of the world! A very memorable experience at an unrestored watch tower on the Great Wall.

On the Great Wall (we had a blast!)

Rickshaw ride through old Beijing (Hutong Tour)

The Forbidden City

Our group trying to cross the road...YIKES!

Mitzi and our rickshaw driver

We were sure to hold sweet Leah as much as possible

Today begins our last day and I am so sad. A part of my heart will always be here. I had a friend remind me that Emma Grace was one of those tiny little babies and now she is a strong and healthy little girl. There is hope, but it comes through US. Please watch the Eric Ludy video on my sidebar.