Here is the post I sent home from China on Saturday Feb 7th. I couldn't send pictures home when I was in China but I can add them here.
Okay, we started out day bright and early at 6:30am. Well, sort of. Our wake up call was supposed to be at 6:30, I set my alarm for 6:00am. The wake up call did not come until 7:00am. So, when it came I was ready to go down for breakfast.
We left the hotel at 8:00 and went to the Great Wall first. It turned out to be a beautiful day. I don't know what the temperature actually was but the only thing I needed my gloves for at the Great Wall was for grabbing the handrail coming down. Yes, I climbed the Great Wall of China and am now a hero. The views were breathtaking, skies were blue, and very clear according to our guide Cindy who I must say is wonderful.
After the Great Wall, we went to eat at the Friendship store and did a little shopping. It was there that I had my first run in with the infamous"squat Potty". It wasn't so bad as you didn't have to touch anything. Monica, a travel partner used the stall next to mine and she had a western toilet in her stall, so I guess she just had better luck than I did. I didn't pee on my pants either...YEAH!!
Later that afternoon we went to Tienamin Square, where we were hounded but people wanting to sell us stuff. It was a beautiful day, so much nicer than expected that none of us wore our gloves and Cindy our guide confessed she was too hot because of the layers she dressed in. There were a lot of people flying kites in the square which was pretty cool because the skies were so blue. After the Square and getting the famous group photo taken we headed over to the Forbidden City and went through it. I was both shocked and amazed at the vastness of that complex. We spent a couple of hours rushing and still only saw 1/3 of it.
Our guide was able to find out exactly what formula the babies get at the orphanage. She then went across the street to the department store and confirmed they carried it there. After we returned to the hotel, she escorted us over there and showed us the brand that they are used to getting and the rice cereal. All of the babies but one (22 months) are still on the formula. So we all bought a starter stash. It is a lactose variety so she may not like what I have at home. There is no indication that they are lactose intolerant, they give it to all of the babies regardless. Tonight we ended up eating at the Swiss Chalet just because everyone is so tired. One couple and his mother have been especially helpful but they are not going to Kunming so I had dinner with them since I won't see them again until Guangzhou. Our guide Cindy did tell us today that she is going to be with us through the entire journey which I am thankful for as she is so very pleasant. She is arranging for us to visit the Stone Forest which is one of the sites I had requested we visit. Additionally, she is arranging a visit to the orphanage for us on Thursday or Friday.
I need to go pack my bags. We have to have them sitting outside the door at 8:00am sharp. We depart for the airport at 10:00am for our 3 hour and 15minute flight to Kunming. She said we will go to the hotel , check in, drop off our bags, put our gifts and diaper bags in order and then go get our babies! I cannot believe this is actually happening. It still seems surreal,like I am watching yet another person get their child and it isn't happening to me. Several people in my group have said the same thing. The next message you get from me will be as a mommy.
Thanks for the thoughts and notes everyone.
Mom, I forgot, I tried to set aunt Bert up in the group but Dave has her blocked out of it! She can't join a Yahoo group. Please forward them on to her. I still haven't figured out how to send pictures, but neither has anyone else.
Kim
Comments from Family and friends:
from my cousin Vicki: Mommy Kim...I just wanted to say thank you again for letting me share this journey with you. The comment you shared below made me sob as I read it, as I remember soooo many days of feeling that way. No one can ever completely understand the magnitude of those words, unless they've actually lived it! And after Sunday, my friend, you will never have to have those feelings again! But, you will in a way...every time you hear of another woman waiting to be a mommy. And you will also relive your joy over and over again, just as I am with you! God bless you & your daughter! Vickie
"I cannot believe this is actually happening. It still seems surreal, like I am watching yet another person get there child and it isn't happening to me."
From Christina: Kim,
Glad your in Bejing. So tomorrow is the big day? Wish I was there to see them hand EmmaLi in your arms.
Love,
Christina
From Lisa H: Kimmie,I must say that I woke up this Sunday morning with a grin on my face, tears inmy eyes, and a song in my heart because I knew that Emmie was in your arms atthat moment. I woke up guessing that you were eating supper with some of theother families or your had just finished eating supper. This feeling for you inmy heart is so overwhelming. I am reliving getting Callie while I am enjoyingyou getting Emmie. That moment I got her was breath taking. I was happy,scared, confused, and sad. The feelings were so powerful. Now, I feel onefeeling - LOVE! I am so happy for you and Emmie! You are both blesses to haveeach other:)Love Ya!Lisa
Okay, we started out day bright and early at 6:30am. Well, sort of. Our wake up call was supposed to be at 6:30, I set my alarm for 6:00am. The wake up call did not come until 7:00am. So, when it came I was ready to go down for breakfast.
We left the hotel at 8:00 and went to the Great Wall first. It turned out to be a beautiful day. I don't know what the temperature actually was but the only thing I needed my gloves for at the Great Wall was for grabbing the handrail coming down. Yes, I climbed the Great Wall of China and am now a hero. The views were breathtaking, skies were blue, and very clear according to our guide Cindy who I must say is wonderful.
After the Great Wall, we went to eat at the Friendship store and did a little shopping. It was there that I had my first run in with the infamous"squat Potty". It wasn't so bad as you didn't have to touch anything. Monica, a travel partner used the stall next to mine and she had a western toilet in her stall, so I guess she just had better luck than I did. I didn't pee on my pants either...YEAH!!
Later that afternoon we went to Tienamin Square, where we were hounded but people wanting to sell us stuff. It was a beautiful day, so much nicer than expected that none of us wore our gloves and Cindy our guide confessed she was too hot because of the layers she dressed in. There were a lot of people flying kites in the square which was pretty cool because the skies were so blue. After the Square and getting the famous group photo taken we headed over to the Forbidden City and went through it. I was both shocked and amazed at the vastness of that complex. We spent a couple of hours rushing and still only saw 1/3 of it.
Our guide was able to find out exactly what formula the babies get at the orphanage. She then went across the street to the department store and confirmed they carried it there. After we returned to the hotel, she escorted us over there and showed us the brand that they are used to getting and the rice cereal. All of the babies but one (22 months) are still on the formula. So we all bought a starter stash. It is a lactose variety so she may not like what I have at home. There is no indication that they are lactose intolerant, they give it to all of the babies regardless. Tonight we ended up eating at the Swiss Chalet just because everyone is so tired. One couple and his mother have been especially helpful but they are not going to Kunming so I had dinner with them since I won't see them again until Guangzhou. Our guide Cindy did tell us today that she is going to be with us through the entire journey which I am thankful for as she is so very pleasant. She is arranging for us to visit the Stone Forest which is one of the sites I had requested we visit. Additionally, she is arranging a visit to the orphanage for us on Thursday or Friday.
I need to go pack my bags. We have to have them sitting outside the door at 8:00am sharp. We depart for the airport at 10:00am for our 3 hour and 15minute flight to Kunming. She said we will go to the hotel , check in, drop off our bags, put our gifts and diaper bags in order and then go get our babies! I cannot believe this is actually happening. It still seems surreal,like I am watching yet another person get their child and it isn't happening to me. Several people in my group have said the same thing. The next message you get from me will be as a mommy.
Thanks for the thoughts and notes everyone.
Mom, I forgot, I tried to set aunt Bert up in the group but Dave has her blocked out of it! She can't join a Yahoo group. Please forward them on to her. I still haven't figured out how to send pictures, but neither has anyone else.
Kim
Comments from Family and friends:
from my cousin Vicki: Mommy Kim...I just wanted to say thank you again for letting me share this journey with you. The comment you shared below made me sob as I read it, as I remember soooo many days of feeling that way. No one can ever completely understand the magnitude of those words, unless they've actually lived it! And after Sunday, my friend, you will never have to have those feelings again! But, you will in a way...every time you hear of another woman waiting to be a mommy. And you will also relive your joy over and over again, just as I am with you! God bless you & your daughter! Vickie
"I cannot believe this is actually happening. It still seems surreal, like I am watching yet another person get there child and it isn't happening to me."
From Christina: Kim,
Glad your in Bejing. So tomorrow is the big day? Wish I was there to see them hand EmmaLi in your arms.
Love,
Christina
From Lisa H: Kimmie,I must say that I woke up this Sunday morning with a grin on my face, tears inmy eyes, and a song in my heart because I knew that Emmie was in your arms atthat moment. I woke up guessing that you were eating supper with some of theother families or your had just finished eating supper. This feeling for you inmy heart is so overwhelming. I am reliving getting Callie while I am enjoyingyou getting Emmie. That moment I got her was breath taking. I was happy,scared, confused, and sad. The feelings were so powerful. Now, I feel onefeeling - LOVE! I am so happy for you and Emmie! You are both blesses to haveeach other:)Love Ya!Lisa
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