"Two days to go! We're worried about things - about how you'll react to us. Have you been around guys before - or only girls? How will you react to me? We hope you don't cry so much, but we understand if you do. You've been taken away from anything and everything you've ever known. We'll try so hard because we already love you so much. It's like I have a crush - I keep going back to that picture of you in my wallet and looking at you with amazement. In just a short time, I'll be a daddy! We're scared because of so much - but there is joy and hope. Just two days to go after waiting and struggling for so long. It is hard to put into words the emotions we feel. Zena has occasional tears in her eyes as she walks around here in China. My mother does too - there's so much nervous energy here, but the adoption agency is keeping us very busy. We woke up very early this morning - the jet lag has us up or sleeping at all sorts of odd hours. Breakfast at our hotel is delicious - we're staying in room 1007 at the Poly Plaza, and we've enjoyed going down for the interesting mix of food. We left as a larger group today - more families arrived last night. We ourselves simply couldn't miss an opportunity for the extra time in Beijing. But there was still so much to do today, as you'll read on the next page. Go ahead, turn it!
Our first destination was Tienemen Square, where we all looked at each other, stunned, and said, "Can you believe we're here?" It is a very large place, and we walked the length of it, marveling at the buildings and large numbers of people moving about. Of course, I took many photos - but the best was yet to come. We traveled under the Chairman's portrait and began our trek into the Forbidden City.
It was an amazing journey into the past, where we saw history meet with architectural beauty through small winding passages and vast stone courtyards. We saw where the Empress ruled for a time, and where the Emperors prepared for ceremonies. A particular favorite was the garden we walked in. The stones were wonderful, and the design of the gardens was so pleasant to walk through. Be sure to look at some of the photos we've taken. Or , look at your grandparents' (my mom and dad's) back yard - they were inspired about all the trees and fountains and ponds. Dad loves gardening, and this has been a great trip for him. We spent quite some time at the Forbidden City, but had to leave to eat at another nice Chinese restaurant a little further away. More good food - though we all agree yesterday's selection was much better. We shopped a bit after that, but everyone was anxious to see our next stop: the Great Wall of China.
We spotted the Wall amongst the misty mountains. It was majestic, but suddenly scary! The section of the wall we were visiting was very, very steep! Nonetheless, we were determined to climb it to a point. We had a group photo before the ascent, and a few with Zena and I. But then it was time for business. Hart pounding, legs like jello, we climbed to our destination at the top. I even got a card to prove it. I savored the view from the top, but knew I had to scurry down and see the other side of the Wall as well. It was an incredible occasion, one we won't forget. Here we were, all the way on the other side of the world on the Great Wall of China."
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